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IVNA Home Health Care

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“CAP”TURING THE PROFESSION OF NURSING

Is Your Home Safe?

More Fond Memories of IVNA

“CAP”TURING THE PROFESSION OF NURSING

May 6 – 12 IVNA Celebrates and Honors Their Nurses during “National Nurses’ Week.” Nurses gathered on the front steps of the office wearing their original caps. Some were dressed in period uniforms that ranged from the early 1900’s to 1950/60s. To honor the visiting nurse modes of transportation were highlighted: Nurse on horseback and an old Model T Ford.

Is Your Home Safe?

Falls are the second leading cause of injury or death for ages 55-79. IVNA If you or a loved one lives alone, has to reach for the wall or furniture to aid in walking, suffers from frequent falls, or are repeatedly calling your physicians regarding medications, blood sugar or other medical issues, perhaps a Home Safety Evaluation is the answer. Talk to your physician and ask him to refer you to IVNA for a home safety evaluation. This one time visit by an IVNA physical therapist is paid for by Medicare. Who knows, other medial issues may be uncovered.

Below is a list of questions to ask yourself to see if you or a loved one is in need of an in-home safety evaluation.

Do you or your loved one live alone?
Does the home have more than one level? Must stairs be negotiated for sleep or toileting?
Can you easily access a phone for emergency services?
Is your loved one afraid to shower or bath because of fear of falling or maybe has fallen in the past?
Are you a frustrated family member who is does not understand how to manage the patient in the home?
Are you considering a nursing home or rehab facility for your loved one because no one has educated you on how to care for the loved one in the home?
Has your loved one lost weight recently, steadily, or have had an undesired weight loss?
Is it a taxing effort or does the loved one require assistance to exit the home?
Is the loved one reaching for the wall or furniture to aid in walking?
Is the caregiver in good health?
Are there repeated phone calls to the physician’s office regarding medications, blood sugar or other medical issues?
Does the loved one seem weaker? Have more frequent loss of balance? Spend more time in bed?
If the loved one has a wheelchair, is it correct for the problem? Does the caregiver understand “safe” transfer techniques to and from the wheelchair? Is the caregiver protecting him/herself?
Does your loved one have significant visual deficits, affecting balance, spatial judgment or mobility?

Hopefully, asking yourself these questions will give you pause to consider whether you or your loved one could benefit from an in-home safety evaluation by an IVNA therapist.

Talk with you doctor and ask him to refer you to IVNA to make your home safe. Remember an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

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More Fond Memories of IVNA

Mrs. Mildred Lucille Smith, Richmond resident and youngest of nine children, recalls how IVNA also made a difference in her life many years ago. Following are excerpts from her story:

I was going through a hard time in January 1942 when IVNA came into my life. My mother had just died, and my husband and I moved in with my father. I was only 17 years old.

I was expecting my first child, a daughter, Mildred May. I was so young, and didn't know anything about taking care of a baby.

Someone recommended I contact IVNA, and said they would come and help me with the baby once she was born.

A darling girl from IVNA came to help me. She had such a caring touch. She would come every morning in her dark blue and white dress, carrying her bag.

She helped bathe the baby, and me, too. She looked after both of us.

We didn't have many baby clothes and diapers, so she taught me how to make do. She showed me you could take old newspapers and pieces of sheets to make pads.

She helped me out for just over 2 weeks after I had Mildred May. She made sure I knew how to feed Mildred May, and take care of her. And she made sure we were both out of any kind of danger, and were both healthy.

I hate to think how we would have fared without help from IVNA. It would have been a total disaster; I wouldn't have known who to ask for help.

I believe God plans our lives, the good and the bad, and an angel came to me from IVNA.

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IVNA...Opening Doors to Better Health