VNA Collaborating on Three-Year Research Initiative
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The Visiting Nurse Association of Texas (VNA), in partnership with the Brown University Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research and Meals on Wheels America, are collaborating on a three-year research initiative to investigate the most effective mode of meal delivery to support older adults’ ability to age in place in their homes and out of institutional settings.
The Deliver-EE research project is a pragmatic clinical trial being conducted with approximately 2,300 older adults across the United States. Participants in the study will be randomized to one of two modes of meal delivery for six months. The two main delivery types are: 1) meals delivered daily by a volunteer or driver who provides socialization and a wellness check; and 2) meals that are frozen, shipped, and delivered by a postal carrier. Recruitment for the study will begin in May of 2022 and is currently projected to end in December 2023. The purpose of the project is to assess how home-delivered meals can affect an older adults’ health and well-being. The results will be used to help improve meal delivery services for future clients.
Adults aged 66 and older will be recruited to participate in the study from six participating programs: Aging True – Jacksonville, FL; Neighborly Senior Services – Clearwater, FL; VNA Meals on Wheels – Dallas, TX; Meals on Wheels San Antonio – San Antonio, TX; Meals on Wheels San Diego – San Diego, CA; and Meals on Wheels Anderson County – Anderson, SC. Participants in the study will be taken off the waiting list at participating programs and start receiving free meals for six months. As part of their participation, their Medicare claims data will be analyzed by the research team.
VNA Meals on Wheels participated in a research pilot program with the Brown University School of Gerontology to determine the best method for delivering meals to individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s/dementia, comparing shipped frozen meals to daily, hot meals delivered by a friendly driver. The small pilot was successful ultimately informing this larger study that will enroll 500 new VNA clients beginning in May. VNA is excited to participate in this innovative research.
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Sharing the Journey –
VNA Offers a Variety of Grief Resources for the Community
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The Visiting Nurse Association of Texas (VNA) provides bereavement support for those who are experiencing grief. Feelings of grief and loss can happen at any time from when a diagnosis is made, anticipatory grief during an illness, and after a loved one has passed. Dealing with personal grief is unique to each person. Having experienced, trained professionals to help you navigate change and loss can help establish a foundation for healthy grieving. Our bereavement team is available to visit you in person, reach out to you over the phone, and offers group events and activities. Our quarterly newsletter provides information to help guide, comfort, and educate you through the grief process. You can read our latest emails by clicking here.
Losing a loved one often brings about anxiety about what to do next. Click here to download our free guide, What to Do in the First 48 Hours When You Lose a Loved One, that provides direction through grief and uncertainty.
If you or someone you know is experiencing grief due to a recent diagnosis or passing of a loved one, please pass along these resources or contact griefcare@vnatexas.org
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Inflation Hits VNA Meals on Wheels
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As you have likely experienced firsthand, inflation is driving up the costs of goods and services around the world. Gas, supplies, and food are all more expensive now than they were only six months ago. VNA Meals on Wheels depends on the generosity of donors like you to help us feed the 4,500 seniors on service every weekday. Sadly, due to the increases as the result of inflation, VNA is predicting a nearly $200,000 deficit at the end of our fiscal year in June. We know everyone is trying to make ends meet. Would you please consider a gift to help VNA cover this deficit and continue feeding our hungry, homebound seniors in need throughout the 1,000 square miles of Dallas County? Every gift makes a big impact! Please visit www.vnatexas.org/give to help us close the gap and thank you for your wonderful support!
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A Message From Katherine Krause
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Every May, we observe Older Americans Month (OAM). Each year, the theme is determined by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and this year it is related to aging in place—how older adults can plan to stay in their homes and live independently in their communities for as long as possible. The 2022 theme is Age My Way, an opportunity for all of us to explore the many ways older adults can remain in and be involved with their communities. Helping people age with dignity and independence at home is our mission here at VNA—something we are dedicated to every day of the year.
As part of our mission, we want to be an aging resource for the community including you and your friends and family. Here are some ways you can learn more and share the aging resources we provide.
Check out aging resources on our website:
Check out our social media and share/like/comment:
Thank you for all you do to help seniors age well.
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Katherine Krause
VNA President & CEO
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© VNATexas.org
1420 W. Mockingbird Ln., Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75247
VNA offers Meals on Wheels in Dallas County, and VNA Hospice Care and Palliative Care in Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Henderson, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman,
Navarro, Rockwall, Tarrant, Van Zandt and Wise Counties.
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