Sitting in their mobile home in Federal Heights, an elderly couple in their 80s is trying to make ends meet. With lot rent increasing every year, their social security payments help, but each increase is offset by decreases in Medicaid. They suffer from a variety of health issues: Bob has cancer and his wife Jan, who is a Visiting Nurse Association patient, has a pulmonary disease requiring oxygen 24/7.
“This family is struggling to manage their health day-to-day,” said Joan, a VNA social worker. “Both could use 24-hour care, but they simply can’t afford it. When I found them sacrificing food for medications, I called on Heart of Caring.”
VNA’s Heart of Caring is a resource for VNA’s most needy patients, like Jan and Bob, who lack family or financial means in times of need or emergencies. Heart of Caring provides immediate relief for pressing health and quality-of-life issues for VNA patients. For Jan and Bob, that meant food for their cabinets, much-needed medication for their ailments and support to pay utility bills.
Heart of Caring saved the community thousands of dollars, allowing Bob and Jan to live at home vs. placement in an assisted living facility.Jan and Bob are proud people, reluctant to accept support, but so thankful and appreciative of Heart of Caring support. They love and care for each other deeply and want to remain independent as long as they can. The Heart of Caring is giving them more time together.
(Read more Heart of Caring stories, like those of
Eloise and
Bill on our Patient Stories pages)
Remarkable things happen at Visiting Nurse Association every day, yet we can do so much more with your help. We invite you to explore the many ways you can give to VNA and touch the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of our community. What greater contribution could anyone make? There are many ways to give, and every gift, of any size, is truly appreciated.
As the oldest, nonprofit home healthcare agency in the state, VNA has a proven track record of serving all who need us, including Colorado’s low-income and medically underserved residents. Serving these individuals—regardless of their ability to pay—requires community support.
In 2009 VNA provided care to 658 patients who had no insurance or resources to pay for care. We rely on donations, gifts and grants to offer programs and services that foster health, independence, dignity and comfort. Your gifts allow us to save lives and preserve well-being. From shower benches to blankets to groceries and more, Heart of Caring support dramatically increases the quality of life for our patients.
Ways to Give
Click here to make a secure online gift. Please include your e-mail address on the online form to receive a receipt. Thank you for your support and generosity.