On The Home Front

November 2015

Health and Wellness

Navigating the Complexities of Medicare

Seniors encouraged to review plans annually; new website can help

The end of this year's open enrollment period for Medicare coverage is quickly approaching; those already enrolled in either traditional Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan have until December 7 to determine if they want to keep what they have, switch to different coverage or drop or add a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. New plans that are chosen during open enrollment go into effect January 1, 2016.

If you're undecided, the National Council on Aging has developed a comprehensive website to help beneficiaries explore coverage, make sense of costs and understand the enrollment process. To learn more, please visit My Medicare Matters.

Caregiving Strategies

Coping With Anticipatory Grief

Grief associated with impending loss not discussed as often as other forms

The holiday season poses many challenges for those who have a loved one facing a terminal illness. Knowing that this could be the person's last Christmas or thinking about the new year without him or her can bring on feelings of anticipatory grief, an emotion that is often just as powerful as the grief experienced after death.

LEARN MORE

Blessings

Honoring Our Mission Partners

"Giving Thanks" Gala an evening of recognition and raising funds

The 2015 "Giving Thanks" Gala honored the good works of Dr. Julie Gerhardt; The Ben and Ruth Buente Family; Jon and Carol Grant and Uniseal, Inc.; and Father Ted Tempel.

The 5th Annual Deaconess VNA Plus "Giving Thanks" Gala--held November 20 at Evansville Country Club--welcomed nearly 200 supporters who came to honor integral partners in the Agency's mission of providing compassionate in-home care. As in years past, it was an evening filled with great food, fellowship and heartfelt stories of how hospice has impacted so many in our communities. Many thanks to our sponsors and everyone who attended for making this event successful!

Gloria Horton, Deaconess
VNA Plus
Executive Director

We hope you enjoy our monthly e-communications...feel free to contact us with your comments, questions and article suggestions! We encourage you to use the social media links at the top or the "forward" link at the bottom to share the newsletter with others who could benefit from this information.

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 being a knowledgeable, professional resource to our communities; please call the Deaconess VNA Plus office nearest you anytime:

Evansville, IN: 812-425-3561 Princeton, IN: 812-385-8857

Tell City, IN: 812-547-7967 Eldorado, IL: 618-273-9305

Member of the Indiana Association for Home and Hospice Care

Charter Member of the Home Care Association of America