Same Locations, Same Staff, Same Award-Winning Care

Let’s face it. Health care is constantly changing. But no matter how many things change, one thing remains the same—our decade’s long commitment to the families we serve.

Whether you have come to know us as the Bennington Area VNA & Hospice, Rutland Area or Dorset Area VNA & Hospice or Manchester Health Services, we have come together, united as the VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region. We have the same locations, staff, and above all, the same excellent award-winning quality of care the community has come to know and trust—That’s one thing that will never change.

The care you need to live well at home.

When a person at any age has an injury, accident, surgery, or is suffering from a chronic illness, home care is a popuar option for long term care which allows the choice to age in place—at home—with the specified level of care they need for safety, comfort and independence. Call on our expert team of medical professionals. We will develop, with you, an individualized, comprehensive care plan to promote continuity of care for your—or a loved one’s—care and recovery at home.

Pediatric Home Health Care for Special Needs Children

Parents of special health needs and medically fragile children face a multitude of challenges. VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region offers medically fragile children with short-term or chronic medical conditions, care in the comfort of their own homes—within familiar and nurturing surroundings, and with the love and support of their families.

Each child and family is unique. VNAHSR will coordinate with your child’s medical providers to customize a plan of care matched to meet your family’s needs that will include a home health care team led by a registered nurse clinical manager, and may include nurses, home health aides, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and social workers. In addition to home nursing and therapy, VNAHSR caregivers can provide personal care services to help children who need special assistance with activities of daily living including bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, exercise, and even playing.

De-Stress for Better Health

April 1, 2021

By Sindy Hassig, MSPT

The physiological impact of stress is universally accepted as affecting physical and mental health. Dr. Hans Selye, a pioneering endocrinologist, is one of the earliest researchers in this area and reported on the positive and negative effects of stress. He used the term “eustress” for events that are positive and challenge us to adapt to stressors, thus increasing our coping mechanisms. “Distress” is a negative response to stressors increasing the body’s susceptibility to disorders. He is considered the first scientist to identify nonspecific signs and symptoms of illness as responses to stressful situations.

Chronic Stress is Detrimental

Duration of stress is a significant factor. The immune system may be strengthened by short-term stress, but chronic stress is detrimental. Many physical illnesses have a significant psychological component that is impacted by stress. Therapy aimed at minimizing stressful psychological interactions can improve asthma in children. Coronary heart disease is strongly influenced by psychological stress. The incidence of myocardial infarctions is affected by financial, workplace, and home life stresses, and major life events. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, may be negatively impacted by stress. The stress response has a more significant relationship to psychiatric illness than to physical conditions, with the greatest associations to neurosis, depression, and schizophrenia.

Stress is a Part of Everyday Life

Stress is a part of everyday life that we all must deal with personally and professionally. One of the best things we can do for ourselves is to engage in regular physical exercise. The need for this is particularly important during this time of worldwide crisis with the coronavirus pandemic easing, but still, ever-present. A daily exercise practice is a wonderful way to relieve stress and clear your mind along with all the physical benefits such as lowering your blood pressure and helping with weight control and many others.

Your Physical Therapist Can Help

Walking is so often recommended, but may not be the answer for everyone, especially if you have underlying joint and muscle issues which make it painful. There are so many ways to get regular exercise which suits your body and is enjoyable. Not sure where to begin? Your physical therapist can help you get started on your way to enjoying the benefits of regular exercise. Make an appointment to have your achy joint or sore muscle examined and if necessary treated so that together you can make a plan that works for you.

Questions?

If you have questions about how physical therapy may help you or someone you care about, please don’t hesitate to ask your health care provider or local physical therapist for information.

You can learn more about the VNA Outpatient Therapy clinic by visiting us on the web at www.vermontvisitingnurses.org or calling 802.362.6509.

Get Regular Exercise

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