VNA California opened its doors in 1931 and has been providing skilled nursing, rehabilitative, and palliative, and hospice care to patients in their homes or place of residence. Annually the agency provides more than 185,000 days of hospice care and services more than 250,000 patients. VNA California’s service area includes Riverside, San Bernardino, East Los Angeles and North San Diego counties.
VNA California also offers customized home care plans to include disease management, orthopedics assessment, therapy and fall prevention, IV therapy/chemotherapy, in-home infusion therapy and venous access line maintenance. VNA California employees live and work in the communities they serve and provide numerous informational programs and services for the public on important health-related topics.
VNA California also offers internships and continuing education programs for medical professionals and extends bereavement support for children and teens through its Mourning Star Center. Grief support groups meet at the center and are open to families, caregivers and those who have experienced a loss.
In an effort to assist those in financial need, VNA California has provided more than $2.1 million in Hospice, Palliative and Home Health care services through its Charity Care Program, which was put in place to benefit those who do not have health care insurance or the means to pay for medical care.
“Our goal is that if a patient needs something, we will help them” said Bishop. “Our board is behind us 100 percent and our staff is well aware of our philosophy.”
Another way VNA California assists those in need is through its Nightingale Society, a volunteer group of women who help to meet the non-clinical needs of Home Health and Hospice patients. The volunteers provide everything from legal contacts to housekeeping to gently-used linens.
The Nightingale Society also hosts fundraising and special events to generate community support for VNA California’s endeavors.
Grants, as well as donations from individuals and corporate sponsors, also help to support VNA California’s outreach programs and services. Upcoming events include Casino Night on October 5 in Riverside and the Monster Mash 5K Run in Victorville on October 26.
“We are always looking for ways to improve and expand” said Bishop. “When you are faced with illness, it is so important you get the quality of care you need. And it is definitely our quality of care, depth of services and, most importantly, our passion for our patients that distinguishes us from other agencies.”