and the suspect, who is considered to pose an imminent threat to the public, is still at large. Amber Alert: An Amber Alert is an emergency message issued when "a law enforcement agency determines that a child under the age of 18 has been abducted" and is in "imminent danger," the Department of Justice (DOJ) explains. The "AMBER" stands for "America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response."
of Indian River County
to hundreds of local
cover story
Reimagining Patient Care at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital
An inside look at Labor & Delivery and Emergency Department renovations with Mary Volsky, RN, and Kelley Barbati, RN, MSN, MBA. on page 8 18 15 30 24 41 22
Heartbeat of Indian River County is a locally-owned publication.
OWNER/PUBLISHER
Cindy Bryant
DESIGN
Mike Renfro
EDITOR
Colleen D. Symanski, RN, CDCES
SPECIAL FEATURE WRITERS
Theresa Tolle, R.PH
Peggy Cunnigham, CEO
Alzheimers & Parkinsons Assoc. of I.R. Co.
Bobbi Kleinschmidt
For sponsor rates and information, Call (772) 473-6107 or Fax (772) 242-9969 VOLUME 152
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Find these 5 symbols hidden in this issue and 3 LUCKY random drawing winners will receive $10 GAS GIFT CARDS.
Email your results to cindy@indianriverpublishers.com
Busy beginning of 2025.
Heartbeat has you covered with services and products to make your life easier. For example, the story on the Golden PR511 Lift Recliner available at Perkins Medical Supply. Revolutionary wellness equipped with options of massage and infrared technology. Plus, many more accessories that come with it and hidden in the arm rests. Yes, I just had to have one in celery.
Our local Alzheimer and Parkinson Association has three unique exercise programs available for you. SPLASH! JAB! DANCE for those of you diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Then continue to turn the pages… Do you monitor your blood pressure at home? Read the article on tips for selecting a BP machine and using one for accurate results. Yours may not. Learn about A Healthier Me, a health and fitness studio in Vero provides personal training and a certified diabetes educator and health coach. VNA Hospice Care, Santa Seniors bringing JOY to our Seniors and more.
We bring your local resources and updates to improve your quality of life. Covering the latest expansions in our local health care hospital, medical centers, health rehabilitation, health focus seminars and more. If you have questions or do not know where to turn, please reach out to me. I will do my best to assist you in locating the resource you are looking for.
Reimagining Patient Care at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital
An inside look at Labor & Delivery and Emergency Department renovations
“Pardon our dust.” That’s going to be heard often this year as Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital works to renovate two major areas of the hospital critical for area residents. Cleveland Clinic is reimagining how patients will receive both maternity care and emergency care by creating spaces that will promote a better patient experience.
“Cleveland Clinic Indian River has been working since 2019 to improve access to care and clinical services in Indian River County” says Richard Rothman, MD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Indian River Hospital. “These renovation projects are a significant step forward and will improve the way patients experience and receive care.”
Mary Volsky, RN, Nurse Manager for Women’s Health, says Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital is enhancing family-centered care with more space for moms and families.
Maternity care makeover
The year-long renovation of the Labor & Delivery and Mother-Baby Units at Indian River Hospital began in earnest last September, after years of planning that began prior to the coronavirus pandemic. Slated for completion by the end of 2025, it will include five labor and delivery rooms, three triage beds, and a new cesarean section (C-section) surgical suite.
“We are making changes to improve the family-centered care we provide, with more space for moms and their families,” says Mary Volsky, RN, Nurse Manager for Women’s Health at Indian River Hospital. “The new mother-baby rooms will include plenty of space for the birthing experience and to welcome family and visitors. They will also better accommodate multiple births.”
When Volsky dons her hot pink hard hat to enter the construction zone, she always feels a thrill of anticipation. The labor and delivery nurse has been with the hospital for 30 years and was among the team of caregivers who provided input on the planned renovations. “Finally, our aesthetics will match the exceptional care our team provides to patients and their families every day,” she says.
Quality initiatives and recognition
Supporting mothers and babies is a key priority at Indian River Hospital. “We deliver about 700 to 800 babies each year and have an obstetrician and midwife onsite 24 hours a day,” reports Volsky.
Early quality initiatives implemented by Cleveland Clinic resulted in marked improvements in the hospital’s maternity care, evidenced by fewer early deliveries, fewer C-sections and fewer newborn complications. In 2023 the hospital’s C-section rate for first-time mothers with low-risk pregnancies was around 15%, well below the national benchmark of 23.6%.
Last year Indian River Hospital ranked High Performing in Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy) by U.S. News & World Report and was recognized by the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration with an Excellence for Maternal Care Award for reducing C-section rates and improving maternal healthcare outcomes for mothers and newborns. The hospital also earned the Blue Distinction® in Maternity Care recognition from Blue Cross Blue Shield for its commitment to reducing the rate of episiotomies, C-sections and elective deliveries.
“Since the very first year of integration, Cleveland Clinic has enhanced the unit with new equipment, hospital beds and furniture,” says Volsky. “We’ve been provided with continuous educational opportunities and access to best practices now that we are part of a larger enterprise. With the renovation, it’s like all our wishes are coming true.”
An essential resource
Kelley Barbati, RN, MSN, MBA, Director of the Emergency Department and Critical Care Services at Indian River Hospital, is equally excited about the planned revamping of the Emergency Department (ED) on the Vero Beach campus.
“The ED is an essential part of the hospital and an important community resource, serving one of the fastest growing counties in Florida,” says Barbati. “There is an urgent need to expand the department to improve access for the high volume of patients we care for on a daily basis.”
Each year the ED at Indian River Hospital cares for about 55,000 patients. According to Barbati, approximately 150 patients are received daily during
How to Dispose of Unwanted Medications
Proper disposal of expired or unwanted prescription and overthe-counter medications protects the health of the community by preventing accidental overdose and potential abuse of these medications. It also protects our water supply and environment.
NEVER DISPOSE OF MEDICATIONS BY FLUSHING THEM DOWN THE TOILET OR DRAIN!
1. Keep the medicines in the original container. This will help identify the contents if they are accidentally ingested.
2. Mark out your name and prescription number for safety.
3. For pills: add water or soda to start dissolving them. For liquids: add something inedible like cat litter or dirt.
4. Close the lid and secure with duct or packing tape.
5. Place the bottle(s) inside an opaque (non see-through) container like a detergent container.
6. Tape the container closed.
7. Hide the container in the trash.
8. Do not put in the blue recycling cart.
Residents may take expired or unwanted medications to the following locations:
Walgreens at 1705 US Hwy 1 in Vero Beach, CVS at 8495 US Hwy 1 in Wabasso, and Walmart Pharmacy at 2001 US Hwy 1 in Sebastian
Please do not bring sharps to the medication disposal boxes or put them in the blue recycling cart.
2300 5th Avenue
Suite 150
Vero Beach, FL 32960
Peggy Cunningham, Executive Director
Splash! Jab! Dance!
The day you receive a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), your life has new challenges. To help you conquer them, be an advocate for yourself in seeking the best medical care. Establish an exercise routine and avoid isolating yourself from others. Specialists agree medicines are key and work better when combined with exercise and a positive mindset. Together, these have an immense impact on slowing the progression of symptoms and improving the quality of life during the PD journey. When exercising is fun, we are much more likely to participate! The Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of IRC offers an array of exercise opportunities. Listed below are three classes that are sure to intrigue you if you have a movement disorder. Land and Sea is a gym and aquatic exercise class held at The Brennity Wellness Center’s indoor saltwater therapy pools. The benefits improve balance, flexibility and strength. The buoyancy of water supports safe movement and reduces risk of falls. Warm salt water eases muscle stiffness: water resistance builds strength. Water-based exercise is soothing and improves emotional well-being.
Boxing improves coordination, agility, balance, posture, reflexes, reaction time, strength, and endurance. It also improves mental sharpness, builds confidence and motivation. Participants are not sparring each other but completing a circuit of stations with specific movements. Tango improves your walking ability, balance and coordination with rhythmic movement. This helps minimize gait freezing and shuffling steps. Controlled movements with a dance partner strengthen stability while fostering socialization. The mind-body connection is enhanced by learning and remembering dance steps. Tango loosens stiff muscles and enhances movement fluidity. Best of all Tango boosts dopamine production and release, which is deficient in Parkinson’s disease.
Please join us in the fun. Splash! Jab! Dance! Call 772-563-0505 for information!
Ever Wonder What those Abbreviations Stand for?
Medical/HealthCare Abbreviation
Provider Abbreviations Description
AC Licensed Acupuncturist
APRN Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (AKA NP)
CDCES Certified Diabetes Care Education Specialist
CNA Certified Nurse Assistant
CNM Certified Nurse Midwife
C.PED, L. Ped, O.S.T Certified Pedorthist
DC Doctor of Chiropractic
DDS Doctor of Dental Surgery
DMD Doctor of Dental Medicine (or Doctor of Medical Dentistry)
DPM Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
DPH Doctor of Public Health
EMT Emergency Medical Technician
ENT Ear, Nose and Throat specialist
HHA Home Health Aide
GP General Practitioner
GYN Gynecologist
LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker
LPN Licensed Practical Nurse
MA Medical Assistant
MD Medical Doctor (aka Doctor of Medicine )
M.D, F.A.C.S
FACS is an MD and a Fellow, American College of Surgeons
by Colleen D. Symanski, RN, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
Relax and Recharge in Comfort!
Getting up and out of a chair is difficult for people who suffer from back pain, arthritis, as well as diseases that cause muscle loss. We sit to eat, work on laptops, and do daily paperwork. The muscles stiffness or pain getting up is a challenge, even if you have a good office chair or lumbar support. I recently discovered the Golden Cloud and Power Lift recliner at Perkins medical supply. What a wonderful option to maintain independence. It is the Golden PR511 Lift Chair.
Relax and recharge in comfort and style with the Cloud+ Power Lift Recliner. The Cloud+ features a stylish top load, open-arm design with a plush seamed back and our popular posture-encouraging bucket seat to conform to your body. Positioning options are endless with their 4-Zone Comfort Zone system offering adjustable footrest, backrest, headrest, and lumbar operated by a programmable AutoDrive hand control.
Right arm compartments feature the hand control dock, wireless phone charger, and power port that holds either the LED reading light or removeable butler tray table that come standard. Left arm compartments feature a drink holder, USB charging port and more storage. The Cloud+ is available in Three Sizes – Small, Medium & Large.
In addition, you can choose from an exciting optional accessory such as :
• Nirvana Swedish Air Massage with Full-Body Far Infrared
HeatWave Technology
• Bluetooth Speaker
• Illuminating Snack Bowl
• Cooling Fan
• Tablet Holder & Charger
• Stem Glass Holder
• Essential Oil Diffuser
• Flex Light
Call or visit Perkins Medical Supply. They have numerous locations in Indian River and St. Lucie County. They bring you products that improve your quality of life! (772) 569-3797 • www.perkinsmedicalsupply.net
HOW WE CAN HELP
by Bobbi Kleinschmidt
Diabetes Support Designed Around You
Living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can be difficult. Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or frustrated by the daily demands of managing this condition is known as diabetes distress. Parents and caregivers of diabetic individuals are not immune to diabetes distress.
You might worry about checking your blood sugar, taking medications, exercising, or sticking to a meal plan. And it is normal to feel this way at times, but when these feelings do not go away, they can affect your health. Diabetes distress is not the same as depression, but it can make life harder if left untreated.
Managing diabetes is not a one-size-fits-all process. TCCH Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCES) help you better understand diabetes, are part your self-care team, and work with you to set realistic, achievable goals. It is like having your own personal coach! They design a plan that works for your life, making it easier to stay on track with new technology, meal planning, exercise routines, and strategies to reduce stress.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by diabetes, you’re not alone. TCCH is here to support individuals with diabetes, parents, and caregivers every step of the way. Together, we can reduce diabetes distress and help you take control of your health.
We want everyone to have access to care. That is why we accept private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and self-pay options.
Contact us and experience healthcare designed around you.
• If you are new to TCCH, please call 772-257-8224 to schedule with a provider.
• TCCH patients can request an appointment through our MyChart app.
FACT OR MYTH?
by Colleen D. Symanski, RN, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
We usually breathe through one nostril at a time
We have one nose and two nostrils; they are separated by the nasal septum. So, do we inhale and exhale with one nostril at a time or out of both simultaneously? Let’s sniff out t answer.
Most of us actually inhale and exhale through one nostril at a time. This is due to an automatic component of the brain responsible for what is called the ‘nasal cycle.’ We do not truly breath equally through both nostrils at any given time. During the nasal cycle one nostril becomes congested and contributes less air flow, allowing the other nostril to become decongested. Every few hours, the active nostril takes a break, and the other one takes over until they switch back again. They take turns about every two hours.
Science is not really sure what causes this alternating air flow between each nostril. Here are some theories on why this occurs:
a) Allows each nostril to maintain optimal moisture levels. This helps to prevent nostrils from getting dried out.
b) Protects against respiratory infections or allergies. The nose helps to filter out respiratory irritants.
c) There is a likely connection to our sense of smell. The quicker and slower air flow in each nostril may optimize our ability to detect various scents and to send those messages to our brain.
It is also believed we have a dominant nasal side. Right-handed people appear to breathe more through their left nostril. The nasal cycle also changes with age. Our body’s position, the side we sleep on, and illnesses may affect the nasal cycle and how we breathe.
It is interesting that the right and left nose nostril also have additional functions. The right nostril is associated with the sympathetic ‘fight or flight” response, alertness, and decision making. The left nostril is associated with parasympathetic creative thoughts and relaxation. Alternate nostril breathing may improve lung function, metabolism and cognition.
Breathe well!
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FLORIDA'S ALERT SYSTEMS
Florida has four different alert systems that it can activate in emergencies or during critical events. Listed below are the Alerts and what they mean.
The Florida Silver Alert Plan leverages community resources to aid in the recovery of a missing person with an irreversible deterioration of intellectual faculties (e.g. Alzheimer’s or dementia). There are two types of Silver Alerts in Florida: the Local Silver Alert and the State Silver Alert. Each agency may have its own policy or procedure for Silver Alert activations. The following Local Silver Alert criteria and activation steps have been recommended by the Silver Alert Support Committee.
Blue
Alert: The Florida Blue Alert is designed to notify the public of critical information when a law enforcement officer is killed, suffered serious bodily injury, or is missing while in the line of duty and the suspect, who is considered to pose an imminent threat to the public, is still at large.
Amber Alert: An Amber Alert is an emergency message issued when "a law enforcement agency determines that a child under the age of 18 has been abducted" and is in "imminent danger," the Department of Justice (DOJ) explains. The "AMBER" stands for "America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response."
Purple Alert: The person who is the subject of a Purple Alert must have an intellectual or developmental disability or suffer from a brain injury and/or physical, mental or emotional disability that is not related to substance abuse.
The Purple Alert alert is the newest alert added in 2022.
Colleen Symanski, RN, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, Health Coach
Ken Symanski, Personal Trainer and Enthusiast for Getting You Moving Safely
Health Coaching and Personal Fitness
It is time to elevate your fitness, health, and wellness. Stress, long term COVID, and Status quo is a motivation and wellness-buster. It’s easy to get into a habit (rut) versus a fluid routine. You are able to enjoy the following:
• An intentionally personalized design to meet your needs and goals.
• Improved purpose.
• More focus and successes.
• Enhanced mental energy
• Plus- fresh ocean air and beach walks!
Health Coaching with Colleen
Benefit from your coaches’ expertise. You’ll want Colleen’s coaching if you are living with:
a) A desire to improve your health with like-minded professionals
b) Dis-ease overload and frustration
c) Pre-diabetes, Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes
d) A loved one in need of advocacy and resources
e) Connections to local wellness experts
f) Apathy and not sure where to start
Personal Fitness Training with Ken
Train one-on-one , or with a friend, colleague, or relative. Each session is designed around the core and functional movements, not just isolating certain muscle groups. Workouts are specific to your goals, strengths, and address weaknesses. Ken ‘s expertise includes but is not limited to the following:
a) Full-body Functional Personal Training:
b) Sport Specific/Athletic Training for casual exercisers, weekend warriors, or competitive athletes
c) Adult and Teen Fitness
d) Strength Training- a must if you take a GLP- 1 medication
Services are by appointment only. We offer home visits and small group events of your choice. As well as:
• Culinary Coaching and Events- even grocery shopping adventures
• Community Presentations
• Diabetes Support and Resources
Tips on Home Blood Pressure Monitoring
Checking your blood pressure at home has several benefits especially if you have high blood pressure. Also known as hypertension and has several categories as described below.
Some people have what is referred to as “white coat syndrome” where blood pressure rises during medical appointments. There are also people whose blood pressure is lower during medical visits. Either way your primary care provider may recommend you obtain a home blood pressure machine. This provides additional information so that your primary care provider can make medication and lifestyle recommendations.
There are many machines to choose from. So lets address some basic functions of what to look for when purchasing your home blood machine. What to look for:
Accuracy: Chose monitors that give consistent readings and ones approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Ease of use: Fitting the cuff, operating the device, and easy-to-read results need to be considered. Oftentimes blood pressure machines come with a standardized cuff size. You might need an adult large or extra large cuff. Discuss with your physician if you should have a wrist or arm BP machine or talk with your local pharmacy or DME company when selecting the best option.
Practical features: look for features like mobile apps to connect to your phone, large easy-to-read displays, battery life, and carrying cases.
Cost: Accuracy and helpful features are more important than the lowest price as some low-cost machines may be inaccurate and give false results.
Ability to share data: You want your PCP to see results. Monitors that allow data sharing make it easy to access and share your results with your doctor, either digitally through an app or physically when you visit their office is optimal. This can help your PCP with medication recommendations and adjust dosage as stated above.
Research blood pressure monitors and read their reviews.
You may need to spend $100 dollars. Omron B/P machines tend to meet the above and get good reviews. Do your homework.
Bring your blood pressure monitor with you to your PCP appointment. Compare your results with the office results to see how close they are. No two blood pressures are going to read the same even on the same device, but you want the readings to be close.
Another option is to check with your health insurance. There are several insurance plans that provide blood pressure machines and coaching support at no charge. This is a win-win situation. Your insurance wants your blood controlled and so do you. Uncontrolled hypertension is a risk for heart attacks, stroke and other complications.
Here are some ideas on how to check your blood pressure at home:
a. Don’t smoke or exercise for 30 minutes prior to checking
b. Empty your bladder
c. Relax before checking. Uncross your arms and legs
d. Check at the same time(s) each day
Home BP monitoring is valuable. Sometimes it is trial and error to determine if your home machine is accurate. Let your primary care physician know how you are feeling. He or she can adjust medications based on your conversation and BP results. Most important is to invest in a quality home BP machine . Eat well. Limit high salt sources. Don’t get discouraged! Make sure your home BP machine is right for you. You can chose from a wrist or arm machine. Know your target goals and use your home BP results for healthier decisions.
Thank you Dr. Richard Wyderski for bringing this up at our appointment.... gave me the idea to spread the word to invest in a quality blood pressure monitor.
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital is an 80-bed acute Rehabilitation Hospital located in Vero Beach. In existence for over 25 years, the hospital has been the only freestanding rehabilitation hospital providing comprehensive, interdisciplinary services for patients in Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee counties.
The hospital is licensed by the State of Florida and accredited by the Joint Commission. Encompass Health is committed to a higher level of care, their stroke rehabilitation and brain injury rehabilitation programs have earned Disease-Specific Care Certification from The Joint Commission in addition to Joint Commission accreditation. This Gold Seal of Approval® is a direct reflection of their commitment to provide comprehensive treatment programs to help patients reach maximum outcomes. The Hospital is noted for its outstanding patient satisfaction, discharge to community and outcomes achieved – all key indicators of successful rehabilitation.
OFFERING DIRECT ADMISSIONS FROM HOME!
REQUIRED AS WE
WELCOME SELF REFERRALS
... Call us directly for in home evaluation. Join us for monthly STROKE SUPPORT and Amputee Groups.
Encompass Health’s specialized inpatient rehabilitation programs are enhanced with their investment in the most innovative and advanced technology for rehabilitation services. The technologies they offer are:
Balance System
Encompass Health provides a wide range of inpatient services to those who have experienced major trauma and/or illnesses including brain injury, stroke, burns, amputations, cardiac disease, neuromuscular disease, falls, post hospital care, and arthritis, to name a few. Care is provided by their clinical team comprised of Physical, Occupational, Speech, Respiratory Therapy, Case Management, Rehab Nursing, Primary Care Physicians and Physiatrists (Physical Medicine and Rehab M.D.s).
Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital
continued from page 9
off-season, while as many as 180 to 200 may be seen each day during season, when part-time residents return to the area. She also notes that the department receives the highest volume of ambulance-transported patients across the Cleveland Clinic enterprise.
“Currently we are working in a building that was constructed in the ‘70s and in a department that has had a hodgepodge of renovations over the years,” describes Barbati. “The space lacks flow which contributes to longer wait times for patients and is simply too small for the volume of patients we now receive.”
Barbati has been a nurse for 32 years, most of that time working in an emergency department. She joined Indian River Hospital in 2022 after moving to the area from Pennsylvania.
According to Kelley Barbati, RN, MSN, MBA, Director of the Emergency Department and Critical Care Services at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, the hospital’s ED serves one of the fastest growing counties in Florida.
Three phase renovation
“I’ve never before had a team like the one here at Indian River,” remarks Barbati. “They are so invested and dedicated to our patients and delivering quality care.”
Unfortunately, the current physical space comprising the ED does not live up to the caliber of its caregivers, laments Barbati. “That’s all going to change when ED renovations wrap up in 2026,” she says.
“The goal of the ED renovation is to elevate the patient and caregiver experience, minimize waiting times, and improve the overall flow of care,” shares Dr. Rothman. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, who contributed more than $15 million to this project, we are able to set our plans in motion.”
The renovations will occur over three phases and will open nearly 40 additional care spaces. The first phase calls for repurposing an area adjacent to the ED as a Flex Care Unit designed to support patients with serious but nonlife-threatening conditions. It will include eight low-acuity beds, 12 private exam rooms, and two specialized rooms. One will be an airborne infection isolation room and the other will be equipped to accommodate a person with severe morbid obesity.
Richard Rothman, MD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Indian River Hospital, says two new renovation projects will improve the way patients experience and receive care in Vero Beach.
Phase two will entail completely reconstructing the main ED entrance, including the lobby, security check-in, and expansion of the waiting area. “Approximately 80% of our admissions comes through the Emergency Department, making it the hospital’s front door. Patients are going to feel the difference the moment they step inside,” says Barbati.
The final phase of the renovation will reconfigure the existing ED space, which will continue to serve patients with life-threatening conditions. This will include the addition of eight acute care beds and refurbishment of all 23 existing beds, as well as new and renovated caregiver spaces.
In addition to renovating the ED, Cleveland Clinic is also working to increase the ED staff by about 25% this year, with the addition of registered nurses, technicians and paramedics.
High acuity care
Dr. Rothman notes that along with the larger volume of patients coming to the ED at Indian River Hospital in recent years, the complexity of patient care has also increased dramatically since the hospital joined Cleveland Clinic’s global enterprise.
“The caregivers in our ED take care of some of the sickest patients,” says Dr. Rothman. “These are individuals experiencing stroke or cardiac emergencies and often they have multiple acute or chronic medical conditions.”
Despite the challenges of dealing with a legacy facility and increasing demand for care, Dr. Rothman reports that the Emergency Department has seen marked improvement in its patient satisfaction scores, noting the “Likelihood to Recommend” score rose from 51% to 76% in the most recent reporting period. He credits this improvement to a focus on patient satisfaction, teamwork and multidisciplinary engagement and the guidance provided by the ED leadership team.
“There is a renewed sense of purpose and excitement among our caregivers,” adds Barbati. “We are all eagerly awaiting the transformation that is about to take place in the ED, and we can’t wait to share it with our patients and the community.”
Community Donations Fill Santa’s Sleigh and Help Senior Resource Association Spread Joy to Hundreds of Local Seniors
Senior Resource Association (SRA) is thrilled to announce the success of this year’s Santa for Seniors gift drive. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the community, more than 1,000 gifts were collected for seniors on Santa’s nice list this holiday season.
Karen Deigl, SRA President and CEO, expressed heartfelt gratitude, “We are deeply thankful to our community for supporting our older friends and neighbors. The joy and gratitude on their faces when they received their gifts were truly heartwarming. Everyone was extremely appreciative for being thought of during the holidays.”
This annual drive would not have been possible without the commitment from our generous Santa’s Workshop Sponsor, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital; the Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach, whose members distributed and collected donation boxes provided by White Glove Moving and Storage; and our dedicated volunteers and staff who rallied the community to collect, package and deliver the gifts.
Register to sponsor or participate in the 2025 Santa for Seniors drive by contacting Robyn Thompson, Event Coordinator, at 772.569.0760 ext. 239 or email events@sramail.org. Host a gift drop box, collect or donate recommended gifts for seniors, or volunteer to help at Santa’s Workshop. Drop boxes become available in early November, and gifts are collected through early December, followed by immediate delivery to hundreds of local seniors. Help spread joy to our community’s seniors next holiday season!
772.569.0760
VERO BEACH: 694 14th Street
SEBASTIAN: 815 Davis Street
Senior Resource Association, Inc. (SRA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the Area Agency on Aging’s designated Lead Agency for home and community-based care for the elderly in Indian River County. Since 1974, SRA continues to provide essential services and support for the community’s older adults and their families. Promoting independence and dignity for all adults, SRA programs include Meals on Wheels, DayAway Adult Enrichment & Respite, In-Home Services, and Public Guardianship, as well as public and door-to-door transportation services. SRA is the Community Transportation Coordinator for Indian River and Martin counties, as designated by the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged and has operated Indian River County’s public transit program, GoLine, since 1992. To learn more, visit www.SeniorResourceAssociation.org.
Ensure dignity, respect and quality of life with VNA’s hospice care
For many patients and loved ones, hospice care often triggers feelings of shock, sadness or overwhelmingness. Hospice doesn’t mean death is imminent or that patients should give up hope. Some may be surprised that the very foundation of the hospice philosophy emphasizes helping patients live out the end of their lives to the fullest with dignity and comfort.
Since 1986, the Visiting Nurse Association of the Treasure Coast (VNA) has offered a comprehensive hospice program that supports patients and their loved ones at all stages of the caregiving process as a patient’s lifelimiting illness or condition changes.
Hospice patients always have the right to return to medical care that focuses on curing their disease at any time and for any reason. If a condition improves, or the disease goes into remission, a patient can be discharged from hospice and go back to aggressive, curative measures if desired. It is all based on patient choice. If a discharged patient wants to return to hospice care at a later date, they can if the hospice qualifications are met.
Here’s how VNA’s hospice care program offers caregiving with dignity during each level of a patient’s diagnosis:
1. Routine home care
Patients who are in stable condition and have controlled symptoms can often benefit from routine home caregiving services during hospice care, which helps them maintain quality of life. Routine home care is provided wherever you call home, this includes an assisted living facility or even the hospital.
Services range from nursing and physician visits to symptom management, medication administration, and medical equipment and supplies. Physical and occupational therapy offers support to patients who need help walking or cooking and alternative treatments like music and pet therapies are available to help comfort patients.
Contrary to popular belief, hospice doesn’t start just a few days before death. Hospice is designed to provide care for six months or longer and fully supports the patient at every stage of illness, including an early diagnosis. For many, it is a
relief and lightens the burden for both patients and their families. Most hospice patients receive routine hospice care to help them focus on quality of life.
2. General inpatient care
Sometimes, patients have pain and symptoms that are uncontrollable at home and require assistance from a medical team within an established healthcare facility such as a hospital or nursing home. This intensive level of care includes 24/7 support for patients with an advanced terminal illness. This level aims to help patients manage their pain and other symptoms so they can return home.
VNA’s Hospice House serves as a haven away from home for Indian River County residents and their families. When a patient’s condition can no longer be managed at home, they have access to a private room, chef, and relaxing spaces for family and friends, in addition to around-the-clock nursing care thanks to the generous support of our community and the VNA & Hospice Foundation.
3. Continuous home care
Continuous home care is another short-term level of hospice that offers medical and caregiving assistance for patients whose pain and symptoms are uncontrollable, usually in the comfort of their own homes. Also called crisis care, this level of care offers nursing assistance for several hours at a time, or even overnight, during a medical crisis or as symptoms become more intense.
4. Respite care
Hospice care is not just for a patient. As it impacts the entire family, hospice also focuses on the dignity, comfort and emotional well-being by offering respite care for the patient’s caregivers. Frequently provided in a hospital, nursing home, or hospice inpatient facility like the VNA Hospice House, this level of hospice care helps alleviate the burden of caregiving on families and loved ones when continued on page 43
A Healthier Me
Adult Immunizations
Advanced Motion Therapeutic
Alzheimer Parkinson
Association
Bay Street Pharmacy
Home Blood Pressure
Monitoring
CCIndian River Hospital
Diabetes Support TCCH
Encompass Health Hospital
Golden Cloud Power
Lift Recliner
Guide to Medical Services
Health ALERTS
Kelley Barbati, RN MSN MBA
Mary Volsky RN
Medical Abbreviations
Perkins Medical Supply
Richard Rothman MD
Safe Medication Disposal
Santa for Seniors
Sebastian River Area Chamber
Senior Expo
Senior Resource Association
Theresa Tolle RPh
Treasure Coast Community Health
True Colors Salon Spa
VeroBeach.com
VNA
VNA Hospice House
Walk to Remember
Women’s Refuge
by Colleen D. Symanski, RN, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
Medical Appointments
Do you get frustrated when you go to your medical appointment, and you don’t’ get to talk about everything you wanted to? Are you blaming your PCP for not spending more time with you? You are not alone. Your PCP most likely gets frustrated as well.
Your appointments are mostly scheduled for a specific purpose and time. This is a relatively new process for many medical offices. Your appointments are coded with a specific diagnosis or concern. Examples are listed below.
• Example 1: your see your PCP today for diabetes. You have labs in 3 weeks and a follow-up in 4 weeks. That follow-up visit will be specific to reviewing your labs and needed care recommendations. It also has a specific time allotment.
• Example 2: Your annual wellness visit is dedicated to just that. Your PCP reviews your health status, history, surgeries, medications, as well as risk factors. There are insurance requirements that must be done during that visit. Some insurance companies may not cover tests or procedures done in this visit. (This is not a standard medical exam.)
• Example 3: You have a lot of medical conditions. They cannot be addressed at the same time. You and your PCP may be able to address a few of them. Pick what is most important and urgent. Prioritize your needs.
Tips to help you get the most out of your medical appointments:
• Know what your visit is for! When you schedule a follow-up you will be asked what that appointment is for. Your visit will be coded with a reason and specific time slot.
• ER follow-ups are specific to the cause of the ER visit.
• The same day or next day appointments are specific to a medical concern needing care.
Your PCP and staff prepare in advance based on the “coding” and time slot. This allows them to spend optimal time with you.
Note: not every medical office schedules this way. Certain specialties and concierge practices don’t. It’s in your best interest to know if they do or do not.
Online Medical Directory for Vero Beach and Sebastian
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that tetanus is often given as a combination called Tdap (tetanus, diptheria, pertussis). This vaccine provides protection against tetanus (“lockjaw”) which can be caused by an open wound or stepping on a rusty nail, diptheria which can cause throat, lung and skin infections and pertussis (“whooping cough”) which causes coughing fits that might affect breathing. It should be noted that newborn babies do not start to receive a whooping cough vaccine until 2 months of age and are especially susceptible, so for those expecting a baby or grandparents who anticipate being around a newborn, this vaccine is strongly
One final note, the State of Florida maintains an immunization registry, called Florida Shots. This registry should have record of vaccines that have previously been received in our state and it allows your healthcare professionals to access your immunization history so we can make the most informed recommendation for which vaccines you should receive. As always, if our team at Bay Street Pharmacy can be helpful in answering your questions related to vaccines or any other topic please reach out to us at 772-589-2043.
Senior Bulletin Board is a community oriented monthly newsletter published nine times a year, October through June. Each month the publication contains listings of activities available to Seniors throughout Indian River County. Copies are available the first of the month at over 90 locations.
VNA Hospice Care
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they need a break or have other demands that take them away from home.
The VNA seeks to make it as easy as possible for families to receive the rest and help they need during a very trying time. A patient’s family may utilize the VNA’s one-on-one counseling for practical family matters, including stepby-step help with insurance paperwork and accessing community resources. Medical social workers are also on hand to help educate patients and their families on what to expect when receiving hospice care. Even after hospice care has ended, the VNA provides a holistic bereavement program for adults and children up to 13 months after their family member has passed. Additionally, the VNA’s Camp Chrysalis program helps children ages 6-12 better understand and manage grief after the passing of a parent or loved one.
With the guidance of our expert care team, hospice brings hope and quality of life to a difficult situation at every stage of the caregiving process, ensuring that patients and their loved ones make the most of every moment.
This information is for educational purposes. Please consult your physician for any medical issues. The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) is committed to bringing trusted and quality home health, private care and hospice to Indian River County patients. For more information about VNA services, call 772-202-3972 or visit www.vnatc.com.
LOCAL PEOPLE
2024 Volunteers of the Year sponsored by Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce
Not Pictured: Unable to Attend. Victoria Geller Nominated by The Sebastian Riverfront Fine Art and Music Festival.
Volunteer Jan Garrison nominated by The Environmental Learning Center
Volunteers James Wilson (far right) and Cheryl Wilson nominated by For The Love of Paws
Making a Difference!
Volunteer Marc Gingras nominated by The Rotary Club of Sebastian
Cameron Hogate (Far Right) and Phil Flowers (Middle) nominated by Helping Hands Community of the Treasure Coast, Inc.
Volunteer Bob Gibson nominated by Little Birthday Angels
