The Home Page

Announcements and News from VNA Plus Home Care & Hospice

March 2014

About Us Services Employment Contact Us Resources Donate Volunteer

Hospice Medical Director and Grief Program Recognized at Celebration of Leadership Event

Crowd of 800-plus attends annual ceremony

Dr. Patrick Flamion with Charlier Hospice Center nurse, Darcy Puckett

More than two decades ago, Patrick Flamion, MD enthusiastically agreed to become the medical director of the VNA Plus Hospice program while it was still in its development stage...and he stepped up his service to the Agency even more when he also assumed responsibility for the inpatient John and Betty Charlier Hospice Center, now in its tenth year of operation. Tuesday night, Dr. Flamion's commitment was recognized as he joined fellow nominees at the 19th annual Leadership Evansville Awards.

Dr. Flamion, who maintains an active physician practice in addition to his work with VNA Plus, was nominated by the Hospice staff for an Individual Award in the Health & Social Service category. The nomination highlighted the importance of Dr. Flamion's association in the development and expansion of services; his dedication to educating himself and the staff on how end-of-life is viewed by other ethnic groups and cultures; and his passion for sharing the hospice philosophy with colleagues, medical students and others in the community. It was also noted that Dr. Flamion and his wife, who also attended the event, have contributed significant time to ensuring the growth and success of Hospice services.

Also nominated for a Project Award in the Health & Social Service category was the VNA Plus "Life Beyond Grief " program. This multi-faceted program was recognized for the positive, professional support extended to the entire community, regardless of whether or not the patient and family utilized VNA Plus services; and also for the coping strategies and resources it provides to those dealing with loss.

Care for Yourself, Too: Journaling for Family Caregivers

HealthSouth offers free program

It's important for caregivers to take care of themselves...and one easy, effective way to do that is through journaling, which can help reduce stress and boost resilience to the challenges of caregiving. Barbara Stahura, Certified Journal Facilitator, is presenting a free program at HealthSouth Deaconess Rehabilitation Hospital from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. on six Tuesdays beginning April 8 through May 20 (no session on April 29 and May 6.) The group is open to family caregivers of anyone with a serious illness or injury, and no writing or journaling experience is needed. Participants are asked to bring a journal or notebook and a pen; journals will also be available at no charge. For more information and to register, please contact Barbara at 812-629-6029 or barbara@barbarastahura.com.

Gloria Horton, VNA Plus Executive Director
The Home Page is a brief, monthly supplement to our quarterly e-newsletter, On The Home Front. We hope you enjoy our online communications...feel free to email us with your comments, questions and article suggestions.

Serving the community since 1888, VNA Plus is this area's only locally independent, free-standing, not-for-profit home care and hospice agency. We are committed to the belief that the individuals we are able to serve deserve the highest quality of compassionate care and support to promote healing and recovery, and to preserve independence, safety, dignity and quality of life. A significant part of our mission is also to being a knowledgeable, professional resource to our communities...please call the office nearest you anytime.

Member of the Indiana Association for Home and Hospice Care

Charter Member of the Home Care Association of America