People often need help with the simple things others take for granted.
It’s something Pam Bataillon, assistant dean for the College of Nursing, observed during several stints at the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), one of the United Way’s funded community partners.
She remembers a blind woman who could successfully navigate and maintain her two-story home. The elderly woman even cooked her own meals. All she needed was someone to fill her medicines and draw up her insulin syringes — services Medicare does not cover.
“The goal is to keep people in their homes where they have familiar surroundings, their own furnishings and routines,” Bataillon said.
At times, the organization also provides special assistance.
On a routine home visit, staff saw an elderly woman who seemed able to take care of herself. Her children brought her meals and she had good socialization skills.
But there was a problem — her bathroom was upstairs.
When asked how she made it up the stairs, the woman said, she crawled step by step.
Staff from the VNA went to work, finding money to renovate the woman’s home and move the bathroom to the main floor.
“Home health staff evaluate their homes to see how they’re living and help them get over the hump to continue independent living,” Bataillon said.
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Pam Bataillon |
United Way dollars help fund home health programs for the elderly and young families. Many of those services would not be available because they are not covered by insurance, Medicare or Medicaid.
Historically, UNMC and the VNA have had a long-standing relationship. When patients are discharged from The Nebraska Medical Center, doctors, nurses and staff often refer them to the VNA for follow-up care.
“We highly value each other’s work and we trust each other. It’s an incredibly important relationship,” said Betty Cernech, VNA vice president of community health.
Besides the care of seniors, the VNA assists young parents in the care of newborns.
Many young moms need to know the basics of infant care including proper feeding; understanding the baby’s cues and the importance reading and playing have on early brain development, Cernech said.
“We try to fill the gaps,” Cernech said. “We’re helping young families get off to the right start. The skills we teach prepare kids for school so they’re rested, well fed and ready to learn.”
Meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in our community is part of the VNA’s mission.
It also provides the “Meals on Wheels” program that delivers meals to seniors in their homes.
“The number of people who need this service is more than the budget allows,” Bataillon said.
Caring for the underserved in our community is the foundation of the great partnership between the VNA and UNMC.
“VNA can directly help UNMC patients improve health, adhere to medical regimens and maintain independence,” Bataillon said.