In Their Own Words

Over the past three decades VNA Hospice has touched the lives of more than 10,000 patients and their families. Here two of our clients share their experiences with VNA Hospice and our nurses, aides, counselors and volunteers.

Patricia A. Hetzer, Patient

VNA Hospice is the best. They have every need you could ever want covered and more. They are caring, sharing, loving, kind, knowledgeable and ready to give of themselves.

They have set up appointments for me to go places and visit with people, set up doctors appointments, arranged for people to come and see me, and provided people to be with me so my husband can go out because I can’t be left by myself.

Susan [VNA Hospice nurse] has known the answer to every question that I have ever asked her. She is always helpful, always there for us, and she’s very compassionate.

There is also a legacy program that a woman named Claire [VNA Hospice volunteer] and I are working on together. We are writing about my life so I can leave my story to my grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Carrie Lynn, Daughter-in-Law of Patient Jane Lynn

My husband and I were full-time caregivers to his mother, Jane, for the last five and a half years of her life. As Jane’s Parkinson’s and dementia progressed, her physician introduced us to VNA Hospice, where a remarkable team of nurses, spiritual counselors, social workers, bathing aides and volunteers helped Jane and our family during the final stages of her life. They also introduced us to respite care, providing us with short-term breaks that relieved stress, restored energy and helped promote balance in our lives.

During the next six months, the Hospice team listened to our concerns and provided us with valuable information. From the start, it was evident that the emphasis was on caring for Jane as a whole person – physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. There were many difficult days, but the VNA staff made both Jane and me smile. The entire VNA Hospice team became my support group and made a very difficult time much more manageable.

My husband and I are a testament to the wonderful benefits of having VNA services in our community. Also, requesting Hospice care early during the end-of-life process can ensure that both patients and their families receive the greatest emotional and physical support benefits available. We are also testimony to the fact that family and the Hospice team can successfully work together, focusing on the comfort, support and dignity of the patient in the home.

VNA will make your loved one feel special. They will enhance the quality of his or her life. As a caregiver, you will appreciate their camaraderie, honesty and ongoing support. This remarkable group of qualified professionals enriched Jane’s life and the lives of my husband and me. We will forever be grateful.