Congratulations to Cooley Dickinson Hospital and Highland Valley Elder Services on their Hospital to Home partnership grant award. Having patients go back to the comforts of their own homes with prompt and necessary services will help them immensely. Another important service in the hospital to home continuum is VNA (Visiting Nurse Association) and Hospice Care. The care by VNA and hospice agencies is different from what ASAPs (Area Senior Access Points) like Highland Valley provide.VNA and hospice agencies provide skilled licensed professionals such as registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapist and medical social workers. They provide care to all ages, although most people are over age 65. The care is short-term when there is a medical problem that requires skilled care, like after a hospitalization. Most insurances cover VNA/hospice care. In the case of seniors, it is provided under Medicare A with no co-pay. ASAPs, like Highland Valley, LifePath in Greenfield and WestMass Elder Care in Holyoke, are funded by the state and federal government. They have a wide range of services such as homemaking, aides, home meals, elder at risk, financial advice, etc. Many of their services are based on income. They provide important medical, social, nutritional and safety services to people over age 60. Most people who are hospitalized or have a medical problem want to be — home sweet home. Thankfully there are many services available to help.

Maureen Groden

Southampton