In a joint statement, Franklin County Home Health Agency (FCHHA) and VNAHSR announced that this decision was a result of months of collaboration between the two agencies.
Like many home health agencies across the country, FCHHA has been affected by numerous challenges, including the low reimbursement rates of Medicaid and Medicare programs and ongoing funding cuts. Enduring such margin pressures is compounded by the challenges of providing home health services in a state as rural as Vermont.
FCHHA and its Board of Directors recognized the need to consolidate operations and concluded that transferring operations to another Visiting Nurse Association would allow for the continuation of quality home healthcare services for the residents of Franklin County.
“Part of our mission is to continue our founders’ vision for home health care in Franklin County by making sure our staff is prepared to meet changing health care needs,” said Corey Parent, FCHHA Board President. “VNAHSR, with its strong operational track record, high patient satisfaction and quality outcome scores, and commitment to utilizing local staff, is uniquely positioned to help Franklin County meet those needs.”
VNAHSR CEO Sara C. King stated that the two agencies have been collaborating on a solution for Franklin County for the better part of 2023. “It has been a strong partnership from the start,” said King. “As members of VNAs of Vermont, which represents Vermont’s local, independent, not-for-profit home health and hospice agencies, we consider each other sister agencies. We have worked collectively as a team on numerous initiatives. Our missions closely align, and we are committed to supporting a healthier Vermont, building stronger families, and transforming our communities.”
Workforce challenges continue to be a concern for most industries, including the home healthcare industry. FCHHA has developed a solid employee base that can be built upon, and they will be the key to a successful transition, including providing a seamless experience for patients. “FCHHA has many talented, dedicated, and skilled clinicians,” said King. “We are excited to welcome them to the VNAHSR family, and our goal is to support them operationally so they can continue to provide the same high-quality home healthcare services Franklin County residents have come to expect.”
“Sara and her leadership team have been great partners during this time of exploration. The support, guidance, and assistance they have offered to our team has been invaluable, and we are grateful for the collaboration that allowed us to come to this solution,” said Parent. “I am confident that Franklin County is in good hands with VNAHSR, as their top priority is to ensure that the residents of Franklin County have access to the very best quality home health services well into the future.”
