Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/619635
AN EXPANDING NET WORK OF CARE Partnering with a variety of home care agencies and medical providers throughout central and upstate New York has allowed VNA Homecare to build an MLTC that suits the unique needs of its patients. "Our personalized care plans are based on the demographics and geography of this region," Rolf says. "We emphasize in-person care management over tel - ephonic care management. Our network of specialty-care providers is extensive and includes dentists, podiatrists, audiolo- gists and optometrists. In some upstate counties, these services aren't available, so we provide transportation to make them more accessible for our members. We may also work with providers to develop these service lines so they have other sources of revenue that support home- and community-based living." Collaborating with other organizations to serve patients through VNA Homecare Options has been a successful proposition for all. "We not only utilize existing providers; we also streamline services and connect patients to providers in ways that have never been done in this region," Rolf says. "Now, a mechanism exists that meets the state's need to pay for value-based opportunities and allows for simultaneous payment of bundled services. It's been a fulfilling challenge to serve individuals who may not have had access to services before." As health care and home care continue to evolve, VNA Homecare is investigat- ing how leveraging telemedicine ca n en ha nce service for patients in rural areas. The organization has also initi- ated a capital campaign to transform its operational headquarters in Syracuse to include a call center for referrals and a multi-use gymnasium. "Our goal is to ensure VNA Homecare stays on the cutting edge," Rolf says. "We will always be ready to adapt to the needs of those we serve." For information about VNA Homecare's services, visit 477home.org. To learn more about VNA Homecare Options, visit vnahomecareoptions.org. ■ Supporting Health Through Social Opportunities IN 2013, VNA HOMECARE ensured the survival of a vital service in the greater Syracuse area when it accepted ownership of St. Francis Social Adult Day Care, Inc., from the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. The program — now called the Eldercare Social Day Program — provides important services to patients during the workweek and much-needed respite for caregivers. "We knew this program was essential to the community and wanted to help sustain it," says Kate Rolf, MBA, FACHE, CHCE, President and CEO of VNA Homecare. "Our participants are typically seniors who live alone or with a caregiver and need socialization. Often, these individuals have cognitive impairments, and interacting with others in an environment outside of the home is quite beneficial for them." The program meets Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.–5 p.m. at VNA Homecare's operational headquarters in Syracuse. Participants must attend at least one day per week and be able to stay safe during the program. They receive breakfast, lunch and snacks each day and participate in arts and crafts, exercise, and entertainment activities. "Our Eldercare Social Day Program is another resource, in addition to home health and personal care in the home, that integrates socialization and the activities elders need," Rolf says. "As individuals age, one of the biggest challenges they face is loneliness stem- ming from fewer opportunities to leave the home. Our program helps solve this problem." " VNA Homecare is here to support physicians. By helping patients safely maintain their independence, we help clinicians meet goals of care, such as preventing re-hospitalizations, by implementing protocols in the home that span the continuum of care. We can be the physician's extension in the home." • KATE ROLF, MBA, FACHE, CHCE, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF VNA HOMECARE VNA Homecare Case Manager Michele Hettler, RN, BS, checks patient Johnnie Drake's vitals during a home visit. Home Health Aide Chivon Jackson and Eldercare Social Day Program member Carmelina Giannino celebrate Independence Day. VNA Homecare President and CEO, Kate Rolf M D N E W S . C O M /// M D N E W S C EN T R A L N E W YO R K ■ 2 016 1 1