NEWS RELEASE

Last week, VNA Home Health & Hospice hosted a caregiver conference for local caregivers and their families drawing over 200 local caregivers to the event, held at First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach. As families and loved ones packed into McAfee Hall, the conference got underway with lunch provided by the VNA, a presentation by keynote speaker Donna Gray of The Conversation Project, and a panel of local experts from the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County, SHINE, Senior Resource Association, VNA and the Law Office Marie Conforti. Over the course of two hours, caregivers were able to bring their questions and concerns to panelists who provided answers and support to the audience.

“The VNA has seen firsthand the needs our local caregivers have. We are also aware of the many tools available within Indian River County to help caregivers and their loved ones. Our goal in hosting a caregiver conference for local families and local resources is to help bridge these gaps,” said VNA President & CEO, Mary Linn Hamilton. “Watching the interactions of those in attendance at the conference, it was clear that the caregivers themselves enjoyed the opportunity to hear from and support one another,” she added.

This was the first conference of its kind hosted by the VNA, and the organization has plans to host more caregiver conferences and support events more frequently. For more information on caregiver support or VNA services, please visit www.vnatc.com, or call 772-567-5551.

About the VNA
VNA Home Health & Hospice, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides home healthcare services—including Medicare-reimbursed and private-duty nursing; home health aides; physical, speech, and occupational therapy; in-home companions; and personal transportation—throughout Indian River County. The agency is also the only licensed hospice provider in Indian River County, offering end-of-life care in patients’ homes, local hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and the VNA Hospice House. The VNA also provides community wellness services such as flu vaccinations, no-cost blood pressure/blood sugar screenings, and speakers on health-related topics for local community groups.