VNS offers a Tribute to Aging

Gerontology at VNS Home Health Services  -  In order to address the growing medical needs of the aging population, the clinical staff at VNS Home Health Services have expanded their expertise in providing care to the geriatric population.

Nurses at VNS attain a 40 CEU Certificate in Gerontology offered by Allegra Learning Solutions. The Gerontological certificate deals with physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs of the older generation and allows our nurses a holistic view of aging.

The VNS Medical Social Worker has a Certificate in Geriatric Interdisciplinary Care, acknowledgement of the completion of 7 day long courses offered by the RI Geriatric Education Center. The topics range from Ethics, Advanced Directives, Cultural Diversity, prevention of acute illnesses, and maintaining functional maintenance.

The Physical Therapy Staff at VNS has completed American Physical Therapy Association continuing education courses on the topics of:

• Balance and Fall Prevention
• Treatment of Urinary Incontinence for geriatrics
• Non Pharmacological Treatment of Pain
• Complex Issues of Aging

This advanced coursework in aging is designed to give a broad based awareness of the needs of older individuals and a foundation for clinical program development.

As part of the VNS Home Health Services Tribute to Aging, VNS celebrates individuals in our communities who are 100 or more years old.  These centurions are offered an "in home" senior health check twice a year. A nurse will visit you in your home for a health screening and vital sign monitoring as well as providing information about resources available in our communities.

VNS also provides free "senior health checks" at senior centers and elderly housing throughout Washington County, Jamestown and East Greenwich on a routine basis. These nurse and resident interactions numbered over 4,000 in 2007.

Click Here for our Community Senior Health Checks