Our focus on values 2022 ANNUAL REPORT
MISSION
Improving quality of life through compassionate patient care wherever you call home.
Our focus on values
VISION
To be the leading home care partner, applying innovation to support staff, program growth, and our community.
VALUES
This year-in-review highlights the values that stem from our mission and vision.
Page Message from the CEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
To affirm the dignity and worth of human life Home Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Help at Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Hospice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
To be adaptable in an evolving environment Community Support for VNA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
To be trustworthy and maintain integrity in all of our interactions Community Involvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Community Engagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
To promote creativity and lifelong learning in an atmosphere of cooperation, teamwork and fairness Awards and Recognitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Staff and Committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
To maintain excellence as evidenced by positive measurable outcomes Quality Measures and Patient Satisfaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Deficiency-Free Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
To be a financially viable, cost-effective, not-for-profit organization Fundraising and Financials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
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MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Cynthia Lewis, M.H.S.A.
As the world and our community moved into a new normal, so did VNA. That movement afforded opportunities to refocus on our mission, vision and values, particularly as they relate to operations. While our value “to affirm the dignity and worth of human life” is core to the care we provide to patients, it’s also fundamental to how we esteem staff. In 2022, VNA launched a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee to further an inclusive workplace through education and collaboration. We also renewed our commitment to wellness with the rejuvenation of the Wellness Committee that promotes physical wellness — and mental, emotional, and financial wellness, too. Both groups routinely offer meaningful activities and education to spread their message.
There are a number of ways we exemplified VNA’s value “to promote creativity and lifelong learning in an atmosphere of cooperation, teamwork and fairness” in 2022. In addition to a variety of inservice opportunities, our staff have access to a diverse online learning system designed for home care. VNA also hosted a number of student education experiences including nursing student clinical rotations, a Health Administration graduate student, a summer intern to our Human Resources and Finance departments, and a social work student who ultimately joined the VNA team. It was a positive change of pace from the prior two years without access to bright young minds! The longevity of our staff is one of the many ways VNA illustrates our value “to be trustworthy and maintain integrity in all of our interactions.” Experienced and committed staff are essential to providing high-quality care. VNA’s average length of service in 2022 was seven years with 22 employees having 10 or more years with the agency. I believe that continuity evokes a level of trust and integrity that is crucial to accomplish not only VNA’s goals, but our patients’ goals as well. VNA had two key initiatives in 2022 connected to being “a financially viable, cost-effective, not-for-profit organization” and “maintain excellence as evidenced by positive, measurable outcomes.” The first was to focus on yet another Home Health reimbursement change. Known as value-based purchasing, home care skilled services now are paid based on performance or quality outcomes. While VNA’s “performance year” is 2023, preparation began in 2022 with a core team of leaders monitoring scores and educating staff on the model and expectations. In order to be more cost effective, we contracted with a new medical supply vendor that interfaces with our electronic medical/billing software. This allows VNA to better manage supply costs and be more efficient with ordering and delivery processes to patients. Finally, if COVID taught us anything, it is that healthcare organizations must “be adaptable in an evolving environment.” We launched a number of technological initiatives with the support of a new position, Informatics/Data Specialist. VNA was also able to begin offering fee-for-service home safety evaluations on a broader scale with a Certified Senior Home Safety Specialist/Occupational Therapist. We have a number of strategic initiatives in the pipeline, so stay tuned! As you peruse this annual report, I’m confident you’ll see VNA’s mission, vision and values in action. We share our vision “to be the leading home care partner, applying innovation to support staff, program growth, and our community” with pride and commitment to all of you who support VNA!
Cynthia Lewis, CEO
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VNA’s Home Health program provides a variety of medical services to help patients maintain independence in the comfort of their own homes.
HOME HEALTH
Vivian Commons was one of the patients who benefited from VNA’s Home Health program in 2022. When she came home from a hospital stay after a case of pneumonia, Vivian needed some help and support to return to her best. VNA’s Home Health staff listened to Vivian and encouraged her along the way, helping her not only to recover physically, but also easing the stress and frustration that often come with the recovery process following illness, injury, or surgery.
Vivian’s Occupational Therapist, Kari, and her Physical Therapist, Audrey, used their expertise, positivity and creativity to help Vivan regain her mobility, strength, balance and endurance. “They’re excellent. They’re on time, they’ve got all kinds of very helpful suggestions. They’ve listened to all my problems and they’ve just been wonderful,” Vivian said about her care team.
16,938 Home Health visits in 2022
1,033
Home Health patients served in 2022
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HELP AT HOME VNA’s Help at Home program assists people with everyday activities to help make it possible for them to live safely and independently at home. Home Health The program’s trained visits in 2022 caregivers specialize in personal care assistance, companion care, and homemaker Home Health services.
16,938
1,033
patients served in 2022
9,773
Hospice visits in 2022
290
Hospice patients served in 2022
Deb Young is a longtime client in VNA’s Help at Home program. After a life-changing severe car accident resulted in the loss of both legs and part of her left arm years ago, Deb has grown stronger in regaining her mobility and independence. “Having Help at Home services allowed me to be as independent as possible. It’s nice to have the consistency of the same person coming in and them getting to know my special needs. They are like family since they come so often,” Deb said. “One of my goals is to do the things I did before my accident. Tina allows me to try things on my own and she doesn’t step in unless I ask for help and because of that, I feel my dignity and worth.”
16,257
hours of Help at Home care provided in 2022
128
Help at Home patients served in 2022
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HOSPICE
friendly
courteous
awesome
supportive
amazing
compassionate
conscientious
angels
caring
helpful
excellent
extraordinary 16,938 Home Health visits in 2022
VNA’s Hospice program improves patients’ quality of life through dignity and compassion, helping patients at the end of their lives to achieve physical and emotional comfort.
1,033
Home Health The words above were all used by family members and/or caregivers to describe VNA’s patients served in 2022 Hospice team and the care they provided in 2022. These words express how much Hospice can help patients and their loved ones in the final months, weeks, days and hours of their life. VNA believes the end of life deserves as much beauty, care and respect as the beginning.
9,773
Hospice visits in 2022
290
Hospice patients served in 2022
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COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR VNA A significant increase in charity care cost, along with decreases in Medicare reimbursement, meant that VNA needed community support more than ever in 2022. Fortunately, the incredible community around VNA stepped up to provide that support.
VNA was thrilled to be selected as one of The Merc Coop’s partners for their “Change for our Community” program. Shoppers who chose to round up to benefit VNA in January donated $6,307.
The River City Cosmopolitan Club of Lawrence is generously supporting VNA’s care for patients who have diabetes with a recurring donation for supplies.
VNA continues to receive crucial support through grant funding, including grants from the Ethel and Raymond F. Rice Foundation (charity care), the Douglas County Community Foundation (equipment for clinical staff), and the Midco Foundation (equipment for clinical staff).
The Lawrence Chapter of the mother-daughter National Charity League made valentines by hand for VNA’s patients and volunteers.
Cans for the Community continues to be a generous supporter of VNA and made another $1,000 donation in September 2022.
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Michael Taylor represented VNA as Taylor Durden in the penultimate Transformations Charity Gala.
VNA partnered with the floral department of Dillons at 6th and Wakarusa again to deliver flowers in exchange for donations — an opportunity for some of VNA’s administrative staff to get out of the office and spread some joy while also raising money for VNA’s patients.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Whether it is in the form of providing services, sharing expertise on important topics, or taking part in community activities and events, VNA is always working to give back and to be a valuable resource for the local community that provides so much support for the organization. Here are some of the ways VNA contributes to the community.
VNA’s Hospice program teamed up with Banner Endings to provide a “how-to Doula” table at the Lawrence Public Library’s How-To Festival to educate attendees on what it means to be an End-of-Life Doula and the difference Doulas can make in people’s lives.
In a Healthcare Decisions Day presentation at the Senior Resource Center, VNA’s Social Workers discussed advance care planning and the importance of communicating with family and physicians, and answered attendees’ questions.
VNA launched a Home Safety Evaluation program to help reduce the threat of falls in the home, which are the leading cause of injuries for older Americans. VNA’s Occupational Therapists and Certified Senior Home Safety Specialists provide a comprehensive 64-point evaluation to help address areas of concern and recommend improvements.
Kari, one of VNA’s Occupational Therapists (OT), spoke to students at West Middle School about a career in Occupational Therapy. She explained what Occupational Therapy is and the education required to become an OT, while also sharing her path to becoming an OT and her experiences working in different settings.
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VNA’s Business Development team partnered with University of Kansas professor Sean Kamperman’s Writing for Nonprofits class during the fall 2022 semester. KU students gained opportunities to write materials that could be utilized by a nonprofit organization.
With the clever, attention-grabbing, tagline, “Talking about death won’t kill you,” VNA launched “Death Café” in partnership with the Senior Resource Center. At this monthly gathering, people join in an open discussion about death in an effort to help people make the most of their finite lives (and enjoy some death-themed cake). VNA also provides regularly scheduled grief support programs.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
A group of VNA employees took part in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s to raise money for the cause.
Visiting Nurses and Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center coordinated a special celebration during National Public Health Week to recognize the crucial role Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health played in guiding our community throughout the pandemic.
VNA is always searching for great people to fill open positions and join the dedicated team of professionals that work toward VNA’s mission every day. VNA participated in the LAPA Senior Resource Fair in April to provide attendees with information about VNA’s services.
VNA’s Flu Shot Clinic returned along with the LMH Health Fair in September.
VNA sponsored hole 14 at the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Sand Trap Classic in May, making new connections with many community members who participated.
VNA was thrilled to be involved in long-time volunteer Betty Lane’s 100th birthday celebration. It was a special occasion for a very special woman.
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AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
The Marceil Lauppe Employee of the Year Award is presented annually to an employee who exemplifies the mission and values of Visiting Nurses. In 2022, Casey Waniska was selected by his peers as the recipient. Casey works in the Business Development and Marketing department and is the quiet guy behind the camera, capturing all of the amazing videos and photos that help promote VNA’s programs to our community,” among other things. Peers submitted additional comments, such as these: “Casey spends a lot of time in the background making things happen” and “What many don’t see is his thoughtful nature, the consistency of the great work he does and his dependable nature. Casey’s a true team player, offering to help someone through a tough situation and always volunteering to offer support whenever he is needed.”
Each year Kansas Home Care and Hospice Association recognizes a staff member of a home care or hospice agency who shows demonstrated growth and potential leadership, has taken on additional responsibility, and who shows support for the organization. Michelle Watson was presented with this prestigious award at the KHCHA conference in September 2022. Her nomination read, “It is astonishing how rapidly Michelle has integrated into the home health and hospice arena and the industry’s unique language and data. She is a trusted resource to her peers and the leadership team.”
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STAFF AND COMMITTEES
The All-Agency Picnic was a safe way for staff to get together for a meal during the pandemic.
VNA’s annual Employee Appreciation Dinner provides a fun opportunity for staff to get together, enjoy each other’s company, and celebrate their hard work throughout the year. VNA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Committee, pictured at left, was formed in 2022, focusing its first year on staff education through their DiversiTea quarterly newsletter and an educational video. VNA has a number of other active employee work groups, such as the Wellness Committee, the Social Committee, the Ethics Committee, the Safety Committee, Idea Advocates, and the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Committee.
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90%
100%
of our Home Health of our Home Health patients accomplished improved patients saw their first clinician QUALITY MEASURES AND PATIENT SATISFACTION functional walking within 24-48 hours of being admitted to our care
Quality health care is a priority for Visiting Nurses, and we are continually monitoring of our Health of ourhigher Home than Health and assessing the care weHome provide. It is important that we consistently score patients accomplished improved patients saw their first clinician state and national averages in our outcomes, processes and claims measures, but what our functional walking within 24-48 of being of hours our Home Health of our Home consumers say is just as important toHealth us. Take a look at Visitingadmitted Nurses’ to scores and how our our care patients would definitely recommend patients saw improvement consumers rank us.
90% 90%
100% 90%
in their ability to dress themselves
VNA to their family and friends [ statewide (Kansas) average is 80.6% ]
90%
HOSPICE 90% of our Home Health
of our Home Health patients would definitely recommend VNA to their family and friends [ statewide (Kansas) average is 80.6% ] of our Hospice patients had their beliefs and values addressed and their treatment preferences honored
patients saw improvement in their ability to dress themselves
93%
93%
of our Hospice patients had their beliefs and values addressed VNA Hospice and their treatment preferences honored statewide (Kansas) nationally
0%
0%
50%
100% VNA Hospice (Kansas) Percentage of hospice patientsstatewide who received nationally a visit from an RN or Social Worker on at least 2 of the final 3 days in the patient’s life 50%
100%
Percentage of hospice patients who received a visit from an RN or Social Worker on at least of our Help at Home of our Help at Home 2 of the final 3 days in the patient’s life clients felt the care our staff clients would definitely recommend provided met their expectations VNA to their family and friends
HELP AT HOME
100%
100%
100% 100%
of our Help at Home clients would definitely recommend ourfriends Help at Home VNA to their familyofand clients felt our staff treated them with courtesy and respect and listened to them carefully
100%
100%
of our Help at Home clients felt our staff treated them with courtesy and respect and listened to them carefully
61.6 volunteer hours
contributed in 2022 by VNA’s Board of Directors, including bimonthly meetings and additional committee meetings
100% 100%
of our Help at Home clients felt the care our staff of our Help at Home provided met their expectations clients received help when it was requested of our Help at Home clients received help when it was requested
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1,448 hours
donated by volunteers in 2022 (905 Hospice program hours, 543 office hours), a savings to the organization of
$36,113.12
HOME HEALTH Deficiency-free Home Health Survey The State of Kansas, on behalf of Medicare, conducts state surveys every 36 months to ensure organizations are complying with Federal regulations. VNA is proud to report that the assessment conducted in July 2022 resulted in a second consecutive deficiency-free survey. To recognize staff for this impressive accomplishment, VNA organized a surprise “taco bout the deficiency-free survey” party.
Debbie Ahlert-Caffey, VNA’s Director of Clinical Services, said to staff, “It takes a village to accomplish everything we have done. This is our second deficiency-free survey. Most agencies can’t say that. You should all be proud. The surveyor was impressed with our agency and said that our charts show we give extraordinary care. Thank you, team!”
90%
100%
of our Home Health patients accomplished improved functional walking
of our Home Health patients saw their first clinician within 24-48 hours of being admitted to our care
90%
90%
of our Home Health patients would definitely recommend VNA to their family and friends [ statewide (Kansas) average is 80.6% ]
of our Home Health patients saw improvement in their ability to dress themselves
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93% of our Hospice patients had their beliefs and values addressed
and their treatment preferences honored
90%
100%
of our Home Health patients accomplished improved functional walking
of our Home Health patients saw their first clinician within 24-48 hours of being admitted to our care
90% of our Home Health
90% of our Home Health
in their ability to dress themselves
VNA to their family and friends [ statewide (Kansas) average is 80.6% ]
FUNDRAISING AND FINANCIALS patients would definitely recommend patients saw improvement
93%
of our Hospice patients had their beliefs and values addressed and their treatment preferences honored
2022 Fundraising and Grants: $429,854
2022 Other Support: VNA Hospice $294,022.56
Annual Appeal Memorials statewide (Kansas) United Way nationally Other Monetary Donations Ethel and Raymond F. Rice Foundation Grant Other In-Kind Donations Douglas County Community Major Gifts/Stocks 0% Foundation Grant 50% 100% Midco Foundation Grant Douglas County Grant Percentage of hospice patients who received 2022 Total Number of Donors: 776 a visit from an RN or Social Worker on at least Visit KansasVNA.org to see a complete list 2 of the final 3 days in the patient’s life of donors.
100%
100%
of our Help at Home clients felt the care our staff provided met their expectations
of our Help at Home clients would definitely recommend VNA to their family and friends
100% of our Help at Home
100%
of our Help at Home clients received help when it was requested
2022 Total Revenue: $6,978,023.10 clients felt our staff treated them with courtesy and respect and Patient Revenue listened to them County Funding carefully Contributions/Fundraising/Grants In-Kind Donations
2022 Total Expenditures: $6,718,015.63
2022 Investment Income (Loss): -$497,387.10
6 volunteer hours
uted in 2022 by VNA’s Board of Directors, ng bimonthly meetings ditional committee meetings
Patient Care Expenses Administrative Expense Operating Expense Investment Expense
1,448 hours
donated by volunteers in 2022 (905 Hospice program hours, 543 office hours), a savings to the organization of
$36,113.12
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90%
of our Home Health patients accomplished improved functional walking
90%
of our Home Health patients saw improvement in their ability to dress themselves
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
93%
of our Hospice patients had their belief and their treatment preferences honored Lori Heasty, J.D., President
Jodie Barr, D.O. Vice President
Michael Taylor Secretary
Carol Wheeler, R.N., B.S.N., F.A.C.H.E., Treasurer
Gary Beasley
0%
Percentage of hospic a visit from an RN or S 2 of the final 3 days in
Alice Brewer
Patrick Brown
Irene Byrne
Karyn Davis
Farrell, M.D. 100% of our Help atWalter Home
clients would definitely recommend VNA to their family and friends
100%
of our Help at Home clients felt our staff treated them with courtesy and respect and listened to them carefully Janette Kirkpatrick
Jim Moore
Rosalie McMaster, Ph.D.
David Thomas, A.P.R.N.-B.C.
Janelle Williamson, N.P.-C., A.C.H.P.N.
61.6 volunteer hours
contributed in 2022 by VNA’s Board of Directors, including bimonthly meetings and additional committee meetings Lori Winfrey, A.P.R.N.
Ex Officio: Cynthia Lewis, M.H.S.A.
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(905 Ho a sav
200 Maine Street, Suite C Lawrence, KS 66044
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Our focus on values
Our focus on values
Whether it is the world around us, the healthcare field, the needs of our patients, or Medicare, change is constant. For the last 54 years, Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association has strived to not only keep up with change, but anticipate and adapt in preparation for change. Despite the countless changes over the years, VNA has always been guided by our mission, vision, and values. This annual report showcases how VNA’s values are present in everything we do. Enjoy taking a look back at 2022 from VNA’s perspective.
Learn more about VNA, the services we provide, or offer your support with a donation at KansasVNA.org