A Note From The RVNA & Hospice CEO

Millions of Americans rely on hospice agencies to provide themselves or their loved ones with compassionate, end-of-life care that enhances their quality of life. The services that Ramona VNA & Hospice offers addresses the physical, spiritual, emotional and practical needs of the terminally ill. More than 1.3 million terminally ill Americans received care from hospice providers last year, a number that continues to rise. During calendar year 2007 RVNA & Hospice was proud to serve 1231 hospice patients, equaling over 51,000 patient visits from nursing, physician, social service and bereavement staff.

A recent Gallup poll found that nine out of 10 Americans, if faced with a terminal illness, would want to remain in their homes to receive the services that hospice provides. More than 80 percent of hospice care in the United States is currently provided in the home. At Ramona VNA & Hospice, 74% of our patients receive treatment in their own homes, with the balance receiving care in a skilled nursing facility or assisted living center.

Considered to be the model for high-quality care for the terminally ill, hospice focuses on caring, not curing, and in most cases care is provided in the patient home. The hospice professionals are expert in providing pain and symptom management for the dying, with 84% of the RVNA & Hospice nurses holding Hospice Nursing Certification, as compared to only 17% of nurses at hospice agencies nationally. Additionally, both RVNA & Hospice physicians, Dr. Leslee Cochrane and Dr. Leslie Stevens, are Hospice and Palliative Care Certified.

In addition to providing patient care services, Ramona VNA & Hospice is dedicated to “giving back” to our community. During 2007 Ramona VNA & Hospice provided over 350 hours of free community education. Classes included Diabetes Education, Advanced Directives, Dementia Care and Hospice & Living Options. Through our Bridge Program, our staff works directly with members of our community providing referral information for a variety of community services. Additionally we have sponsored numerous health fairs throughout the community in order to bring service information directly to the public.

It is for these reasons and many more that you should choose Ramona VNA & Hospice to be your agency of choice when you need home health or hospice care.