On The Home Front

January 2016

National News

U.S. Spending Bill Benefits Older Americans

Legislation increases directed toward health, nutrition, caregiver services

As posted on December 18, 2015 by AARP in Around AARP, Bulletin Today,

of the government's $1.1 trillion spending bill, nearly half of the appropriations will go toward non-defense programs; and more money will be directed toward some programs that benefit the lives of Americans age 50 and older. The bill also avoids deep cuts to several programs critical to the health and wellness of U.S. seniors.

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Caregiving

Managing Food Allergies

Condition affects up to 10 percent of the elderly with more likely undiagnosed

Many people associate food allergies with infants and children; however, as noted in an article by Beth Scholer, CC, CDM, CFPP in the Indiana Association for Home and Hospice Care newsletter, the elderly population can experience food allergy problems also, likely due to slower digestion and poorer nutrient absorption. Food allergies in older adults--including celiac disease--can lead to depression, inflammation and general weakness and discomfort.

TIPS TO PREVENT REACTIONS

Development News

Agency Receives City of Evansville Endowment Fund Grants

Monies received will enhance security measures

Late in 2015, the City of Evansville Endowment Fund (CEEF) announced the winners of its annual grant funding process, which offers local not-for-profit organizations the opportunity to apply for grant funds to cover the often needed--and hard to find--funds for such things as parking lot repair, roof repair, air conditioning improvements and more. Deaconess VNA Plus was thrilled to be the recipient of a $20,000 grant for additional security cameras and monitors in the office and in the John and Betty Charlier Hospice Center; and a second $20,000 grant was awarded to VNA Plus for a parking lot light retro fit for the Evansville office. Gloria Horton, Executive Director, commented, "We have families and staff that use our facility all hours of the day and night, and this will help assure them that the surroundings are safe when they enter and exit the building."

To read more about this and other Fund Development news, check out the latest issue of Outreach, the semi-annual newsletter for donors and supporters of Deaconess VNA Plus.

Gloria Horton, Deaconess
VNA Plus
Executive Director

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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