Heart to Heart - Special Issue - A Look Back at 2015

Special Issue

Special Issue • A Look Back at 2015

VNHC BOARD OF DIRECTORS Herb Geary, RN Chair Chris McNamara Chair-Elect Pamela Dillman Haskell Secretary Mary Pritchard, CPA Treasurer Lynda Tanner, RN, MSN President & CEO Rick Keith Foundation Executive Director Michael Bordofsky, MD Daniel Greenwald, MD Robert Hirsch Don Johnson Christopher Jones, Esq Mark Mattingly Judy Murphy Thomas Rollerson Bobbie Rosenblatt Brian Smith Steven Yungling, Esq

Directors Emeriti

Ed Brady Stan Fishman Jane Habermann Steve Lew Michelle Martinich Elna Scheinfeld James Stovesand Ted Thoreson, MD

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Letter from the CEO

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Don’t Wait Too Long to Start

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Dreamer, Thinker, Writer, Artist

11 Grief: A Very Real Presence in Caregiving 13 A Mother/Daughter Caregiving Team 15 Hospice Support was a Gift 16 Golden Heart Award Winners 17 Four Stars in Four Quarters

18 What’s Happening at VNHC • New Board Members • Partnering to Better Serve our Vets • Welcome Directors Emeriti

21 Special Events • PHorum • Volunteer Appreciation Party • Men’s Night • Mother’s Day Luncheon • Charity Regatta • Staff Mixer • Angels Among Us

30 Annual Impact of VNHC in Our Community

Published by Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care Foundation 509 E. Montecito Street, Suite 200 • Santa Barbara, CA 93103 • 805.690.6261 Heart2Heart@vnhcsb.org • www.vnhcsb.org

WRITERS Julia McHugh Dairine Pearson Marijke Vroomen Durning

PHOTOGRAPHERS Scott Gibson Emily Hart-Roberts Rhianna Mercier Troy Scott

EDITORS Elizabeth Adams Rick Keith Easter Moorman

DESIGNER Katrina Design Group

ON THE COVER (L to R): Hazel Blankenship, Co-founder of the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation; Arlene Stepputat, VNHC Volunteer Manager; Ray West; Pat Avolio, VNHC RN Case Manager; Jean West, and Tracy VanNatta, VNHC Lead Medical Social Worker. Also, Ray is pictured with his patriotic quilt, designed by Carol Barringer, Community Projects Chair of the Coastal Quilters Guild, who oversees the Sew for Veterans Project.

Letter From Lynda President & CEO

“Don’t wait too long to start…”

“I am going to be happy…”

“I was simply able to be me…”

In this special issue of Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care’s Heart to Heart magazine, the above quotes are from the hearts of two patients and a family caregiver. Each shares their story of how VNHC helped them live life, even as they faced the challenges of end-of-life.

Also, their stories share two sides of the same coin - the patient’s side and the caregiver’s side. In 2015, the National Alliance for Caregiving and the AARP Public Policy Institute, completed a study and found that more than 43.5 million Americans provided care for a relative or friend in the last year. Caring for an ill or injured loved one is not easy, and oftentimes, the caregiver’s well-being is overlooked. At VNHC, our staff and volunteers are trained to provide comprehensive home health and hospice care for our patients as well as provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support for their dedicated family caregivers.

Since 1908, our mission has been to provide compassionate and trusted care for all. As we continue into our second century of service, VNHC plays a critical role in the health care delivery system in our community by helping people maintain health and independence, recover from an illness or surgery, and transition at end of life with dignity and comfort.

Our legacy of quality, trusted care is possible thanks to the support of our community, the dedication of our Board, and the commitment of our staff and volunteers. I am so touched by how many people support VNHC year over year. Thank you for giving your time and talent, donating your money and possessions, and caring so deeply for the well-being of our community.

Lynda Tanner, RN, MSN President & CEO

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Jean and Ray West

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There When You Need Us Most

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“Don’t Wait Too Long To Start” Hospice Services Ease Not Just Final Days, But Final Months Ray West was shaved, dressed, and sitting up on the couch in the cozy front room of the Samarkand apartment he shared with his wife Jean. His eyes beamed as he spoke about their 65th wedding anniversary, and a “dream” trip to photograph Yosemite, arranged by the Dream Foundation.

He met Jean at a church function (“I chased you for two years,” she added), and they have two sons, David and Gregory, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

“Jean bought me my first camera, a Rollicord, as a wedding present,” he recalled. Even in his last days, Ray still took pictures, but with a modern digital camera.

“I like to photograph the hummingbirds.”

He pointed through the window at the hanging pots of pink geraniums that was home to a nest of hummingbirds.

Jean and his social worker Tracy exchanged a pointed look, then laughed.

“But no more ladders!” they exclaimed. Just the week before, this 89-year old hospice patient climbed a stepstool to get a close-up view of a nest in a hanging pot.

Many people assume that hospice is an option only at the very end of life. But after Ray made several trips to the hospital, he and Jean chose to start hospice with Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care (VNHC) sooner than many people often do.

“We needed more help at home,” recalled Jean.

“Our friends thought we were crazy for putting Ray on hospice when we did, but they didn’t understand what is available.”

As part of his VNHC hospice care, Ray received twice-a-week home visits from his hospice nurse Pat. Social worker Tracy visited weekly. A home health aide was there three times a week to help with showers and to perform reflexology on his feet.

Thom, a VNHC Volunteer and U.S. Veteran, visited often to help Ray mount and frame his photographs. Ray continued to be as active as he could, and framed several photographs to hang in Samarkand’s Life Center, where he had a solo art show last spring. Yes, that was after he started hospice.

Often Ray would say, “It seems like they are here all the time. They are very caring and sincere people. It comes from the heart. It amazes me how dedicated they are to their work of caring for other people.”

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Ray served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, loading munitions in landlocked Hawthorne, Nevada. After the war, Ray became a sought-after movie sound recordist/ mixer and worked on more than 60 films— winning an Academy Award in 1977 for his work on “Star Wars”—before he retired in 1993.

In recognition of Ray’s military service, VNHC Volunteer Department, working with the national program “We Honor Veterans,” arranged for Ray to be honored. Aaron, a local volunteer and retired Air Force, presented Ray with a special pin at a home ceremony attended by family and VNHC team members.

In addition to medical, social, and trained volunteer services, other services available

to hospice patients include music therapy, reflexology, and aromatherapy. Also pet therapy provides certified dogs, a bunny, and a cat for visits. Spiritual support is offered, as is anticipatory grief counseling. All are free of charge to those receiving VNHC hospice services.

“I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t embrace this program as soon as they need help,” said Jean. “Hospice has been wonderful for us.

Don’t wait too long to start.” ♥ Hospice care is a benefit under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Medicare, Medi-Cal and most private insurances.

To learn more about hospice care and how VNHC can help you, call 805.324.7711.

L TO R: Tracy VanNatta, Jean West, Ray West, and Pat Avolio.

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There When You Need Us Most

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Chloris Boone

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There When You Need Us Most

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Dreamer, Thinker, Writer, Artist...

“I’m a dreamer and a thinker and a writer and an artist,” asserted Chloris Boone. “And though they are waiting to see if I’m going to kick the bucket, I have no plans to do that!”

Chloris was holding court at an antique oak dining room table in her charming San Roque home. Behind her were two large landscapes she painted, one from memory. Colorful roses, picked from her garden, were overflowing in a vase.

At age 82, Chloris had her first novel published in 2015, and she continued to paint. Lymphoid leukemia sidelined her in 2013, and until then, she walked five miles daily with her beloved German shepherd Sara. “It kept me healthy,” she exclaimed.

Treatment for leukemia weakened her heart, and she suffered from congestive heart failure as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Because Visiting Nurses & Hospice Care (VNHC) cared for Chloris’ husband before his death at age 86, Chloris knew about the benefits of hospice care. “We had several close calls with her in early 2015, including pneumonia, and that’s when we called hospice,” recalled her caregiver Joanna Lindegaard.

Painting by Chloris

Chloris briefly stayed at VNHC’s Serenity House, the County’s only 24/7 inpatient hospice center. “Serenity House is a place where you can go when your symptoms cannot be managed at home. Our specially trained team cares for you in a serene and home-like setting until you are ready to transition to your next stage,” says Babetta Daddino, Serenity House Director.

Take a video tour of our Serenity House today.

Go online to www.vnhcsb.org/serenity-house.

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art at the Art Institute. She worked as a waitress at the famed Pump Room; he was a graduate student at the University of Chicago.

L TO R: Jennifer Sullivan, Chloris, and LeeAnn Palmer

After the Serenity House team got Chloris’ symptoms under control, she transitioned back to her home, where her hospice services continued.

“It’s always a pleasure to see the hospice people,” Chloris said. “We’ve seen Jennifer, my caregiver, through her engagement and marriage. My hospice nurse LeAnn and I talked about her travels and about birds. There’s a man who comes and plays the guitar. They like me and want me to be happy. They are my friends and protectors.”

She didn’t linger on the subject of illness or death, instead skillfully turned the conversation to her book, “The Listener.”

“We all have stories to tell,” she said. “But people don’t listen. It’s important to tell stories, so we can understand who we are. The book’s action takes place in this house, though the characters aren’t based on me or my family.”

“He said he knew when he first saw me on that platform that we would get married,” she recalled. Boone was a police captain in Cook County, Illinois, when he met Robert F. Kennedy and became an assistant to the thenU.S. Attorney General. The couple moved to the Washington DC area and raised five children (there are now six grandchildren). When Boone retired from public service, the couple first settled in Ojai and then moved to their Santa Barbara home in 1998.

Before the move west, Cloris had a career in insurance and managed pension and health plans for labor unions throughout the midwest. When asked about an upcoming birthday, she scoffed.

“What’s that but just another day?”

Her gaze was direct, her voice was strong. “In the meantime, I am going to be happy,” she stated.

“Happy to be in my own dining room, with my dear friend Joanne who lives with me. Happy to have all the hospice people helping me.”

“As it says in the Bible, `love each other.’ That’s how I live every day.” And she certainly did! ♥

But her next book was. “I actually wrote ‘A Dry Summer’ first,” she recalled. “It is about some of the work my husband did. The fictional hero tries to prevent a war.”

Chloris met Richard (Dick) Boone on a train platform in Chicago, after traveling from her home in Des Moines, Iowa, in hopes of studying Chloris’ children

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There When You Need Us Most

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Grief: A Very Real Presence In Caregiving Every step of the way… we are here for you

When does grief begin? Families caring for someone who is seriously ill often feel a sense of loss. Many people we see in Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care’s Bereavement Program tell us that their grief began long before their loved one’s death. What we call anticipatory grief encompasses the many emotions and thoughts that come up when we are close to or caring for someone who is in his or her last chapter of life.

The very real presence of grief while someone is ill does not mean that we have given up hope or a sincere wish for recovery. It does not mean that we are ready to lose a dear one, we rarely are. But it does add layers of emotion to an already challenging time. Grief is a very natural response to loss and change. Grief is very often present in homes where someone has Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or a chronic illness like diabetes.

Because grief is part of the fabric of the caregiver’s life, we reach out to family members long before a death to offer our support. We offer emotional support via individual counseling from one of our trained bereavement counselors as well as support groups like our Anticipatory Grief group held twice each month.

One person who benefited from anticipatory grief support is a woman who we will call “Anna.” She

was grieving the death of her mother last year while also dealing with the decline and changing needs of her father.

Her father, grieving the loss of his wife of 67 years, and suffering from neuro-cognitive disorder (dementia) needed more and more help but was resistant to change in his life. Anna worked with her VNHC grief counselor to figure out how best to communicate with her father, and help him plan his future as well as ultimately to help him move to an assisted living environment where he now has settled in with more company and more support. Anna says, “I don’t how I would have managed without the help I received in counseling. It was absolutely invaluable to me.”

Our Anticipatory Grief group meets twice a month, the 2nd and 4th Fridays, from 2:00-3:00 PM. Caregivers can share their grief, brainstorm ideas, and feel much less alone. This group is free of charge and open to all members of our community. For more information, please call 805.690.6296.

Additional information on all of our Bereavement Program counseling options, support groups, and events may be found by visiting www.vnhcsb.org/ bereavement, calling 805.308.9602, or emailing bereavement@vnhcsb.org. ♥

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Matilde Lopez and Esmerelda Garcia

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There When You Need Us Most

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A Mother/Daughter Caregiving Team: A Daughter Follows in Her Mother’s Footsteps “I gave Matilde the highest evaluation I could.”

-Mary Gleason

Professional caregiving has become a tradition for one family at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care (VNHC). When the daugher of a VNHC Certified Nursing Attendant (CNA) wanted to join the team, everyone knew if she was anything like her mother, their clients would be treated very well!

Matilde Lopez has been a CNA for 30 years, the past nine with VNHC. “My favorite thing is helping my clients get ready for the day, bathing them or helping them in the shower and getting dressed,” she said. “That’s the part I like, helping the clients feel good for the day.” Over the years, Matilde has shared her work experiences with her daughter, Esmerelda Garcia, who has been listening more closely than Matilde may have realized.

Now 19, Esmerelda is a personal caregiver for VNHC as she plans for a career in nursing.

“I’m going to Santa Barbara City College to get my prerequisites to get into the CNA program. From there, I want to become a nurse,” she explained. In the meantime, her hands-on job is understanding the importance of good care and the roles that other team members play in homecare. And having her mom around has been very helpful, Esmerelda said. “I’ve had times when I was stuck and didn’t know what to do, but then my mom helps me by teaching me at home.”

L TO R: Esmerelda, Mary Gleason and Matilde

Mary Gleason, a VNHC client, has high praise for the mother/daughter team as they make it possible for her to remain as independent as possible at home. With her limited mobility, Mary depends on Matilde and Esmerelda to help her get things done. “Matilde has been an excellent aide and her daughter is learning.

I gave Matilde the highest evaluation I could.

She’s intelligent and she just sees what needs to be done.” ♥ Customize your personal care, whether you need a few hours or 24-hours a day.

Call VNHC today at 805.690.6202 for your free in-home assessment and create a plan of care that is customized for your special needs.

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In 1948, Santa Barbara News-Press Publisher and Editor Thomas M. Storke broke his leg.

Mr. Storke found himself in need of a wheelchair, and was surprised to learn the cost to rent or purchase one. Determined to help the community, Mr. Storke started a charitable fund which was the beginning of the Loan Closet at Visiting Nurse & Hospsice Care.

Since then our Loan Closet has been and continues to be a free community resource.

You may borrow basic medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, and bathroom safety equipment to aid you as you recover and regain your independence.

The Loan Closet is completely supported through private contributions, often from individuals who have benefitted from this unique program, and Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care remains committed to providing this vital community service.

Open Monday-Friday from 8:00AM-4:30PM 14

602 E. Montecito Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 805.690.6235 www.vnhcsb.org/loan-closet There When You Need Us Most www.vnhcsb.org

Hospice Support Was a Gift Courageous and smart: this is how Meg Barbour describes people who welcome hospice into their lives. Meg’s beloved partner of 18 years, Stan Cornyn, died of lung cancer in May 2015. “The final three months of his life were lived with respect, dignity, and love, because of his hospice team,” Meg said.

The couple’s road to hospice care began with an assessment to see what services they would need. Their core team, dubbed Stan’s Angels, was formed to include a nurse, a social worker, and two personal caregivers. Stan welcomed everyone with open arms, Meg said. “It was perfect timing for us. That first week, we didn’t even know what help we needed. It was of utmost importance to Stan to be allowed to stay at home and have quality of life.”

Nurse Janet Murphy, an integral part of the team, helped Stan manage his pain and guided him through every step of the process. Meg admitted that Stan wasn’t always the easiest person to get through to, but he connected with his angels. “He asked very, very difficult questions,” Meg said. “Janet made his transition so much more peaceful and sacred. She was just incredible.”

Meg Barbour with a photo of her beloved partner, Stan Cornyn

But the hospice team wasn’t just there for Stan; they helped Meg too. “By having VNHC’s support, I was simply able to be me during Stan’s final days.” Meg didn’t have to worry about Stan’s medications or his physical comfort. “It was such a gift and a relief to have VNHC’s love and support when we needed it most – allowing me to have the best quality time with Stan.”

The entire family is grateful for VNHC, Meg said. “Embracing where we are takes courage.

The fear of the unknown can be scary. It’s also the doorway to peace and freedom.” ♥

By having VNHC’s support, I was simply able to be me...

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2015 Golden Heart Award Winners

Each quarter, one Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care employee is selected to receive the Golden Heart award.

They are nominated by their peers based on their outstanding commitment to VNHC’s mission and core values of compassion, integrity, teamwork, and excellence.

Joyce Milling, RN

Maria Sanchez

Case Manager, Home Health Cool, Compassionate, Caring

A quiet nurse with a HUGE heart, Joyce is caring and compassionate. No matter how challenging a patient’s case may be, Joyce remains cool and steady. She always wants the best for her patients and she will go the extra mile for them. Joyce’s dedication extends to her team as she is always willing to help. ♥

Office Support, Personal Care Services Amazing, Inspiring, Comforting Everyone says that she is a

pleasure to work with and such an important member of our team. People often stop by her office for inspiration and to soak in her warm and comforting aura. The ultimate team player, Maria is happy to help with a smile. ♥

Jesus Luevanos

Housekeeper, Serenity House Awesome, Positive, Diligent

It’s all about attitude and gratitude for Jesus, who is always ready to help. He comes to work with a smile, greets everyone with a smile, and keeps Serenity House looking “spiffy” with a smile.

Jesus “is an awesome angel.” ♥

Ryan Lewis

Occupational Therapist, Home Health Outstanding, Adored, Respected

Respected by his colleagues and adored by his patients and their families, Ryan is a standout performer and consummate professional. He models outstanding customer service and he is always there to pitch in. Ryan is an amazing asset to the Home Health team. ♥

For more than 100 years, our mission at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care has been to provide compassionate and trusted care for all. Now in our second century of caring for those in need, we continue to provide high quality, comprehensive home health care, personal care, palliative care, hospice care, and related services necessary to promote the health and well-being of our community.

We invite you to learn more about how you can join our VNHC family and become a part of our committed team of skilled professionals in beautiful Santa Barbara County. Visit our website at www.vnhcsb.org/careers or call our Human Resources Team at 805.965.5555. ♥

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There When You Need Us Most

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4-Star Quality of Patient Care CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES

Four Stars in Four Quarters!

In July 2015, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) published the first ever Quality of Patient Care Star Ratings for home health agencies. Since that time, Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care has maintained a fourstar quality rating!

CMS published the ratings on its Home Health Compare database, a service on the Medicare website that helps consumers make informed choices about where to seek care. The Quality of Patient Care Star rating summarizes each agency’s performance across quality measures.

The quality measures are divided into categories: managing daily activities, managing pain and treating symptoms, treating wounds and preventing pressure sores (bed sores), preventing harm, and preventing unplanned hospital care.

Similar to the hotel and food industries, the star ratings range from one to five with 5 stars being the highest rating. A rating of 4 or 5 stars means the agency performed better than most other agencies on selected measures. Across the country, there were 9,359 agencies that met the criteria to receive a rating. VNHC has earned a 4-star rating in four consecutive quarters, placing it in the top 15% in the nation. ♼

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What’s Happening at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care

VNHC Board of Directors Welcomes Mark Mattingly, Thomas Rollerson and Steve Yungling, Esq. Mark Mattingly joined Pacifica Commercial Realty in 1990 where he manages the company’s brokerage operations throughout Central Coastal California. He previously served as President of TOLD Real Estate Corporation and Associate Vice President of Coldwell Banker, where he began his career in 1981. Since joining Pacifica, Mark has been actively involved in corporate real estate brokerage in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties, with an emphasis on the technology sector, office, and industrial properties. He represents several of the largest commercial developments in the region, along with many of the region’s leading corporations. Mark has served on the Los Padres Council of the Boy Scouts of America and he was a founding member of the Board of the Dream Foundation (then known as Dalmatian Dreams). ♥ Thomas Rollerson, an advocate for all things good, is Principal at TWR Advisors, a consulting service that forges strategic partnerships and develops ambassador programs with the goal of generating funds and genuine awareness for organizations whose mission is to impact the greater good. Thomas melds his for-profit and non-profit experiences to serve as an advisor to individuals, families, communities, celebrities or corporate foundations on mission, strategy, grant making and assessment, as well as working with non-profits in fundraising, board development, and program strategy. Previously, Thomas was a casting director for The Atmosphere Agency, Executive Vice President at G.S.G. Publishing, National Company Manager & Tour Director with Access Theater, and most notable the Founder/President/CEO of Dream Foundation. ♥ Steve Yungling joined Mullen & Henzell’s Estate & Family Wealth Planning group in May 2013, where he specializes in estate planning and trust and estate administration. He previously served as Senior Legal Counsel for the Western Region at Northern Trust, and worked as an Estate Planning/Tax Partner focusing on complex estate planning for high net worth clients with Fell, Marking, Abkin, Montgomery, LLP. In his free time, Steve serves on the Board of Child Abuse Listening and Mediation (CALM), and is the Chair of Planned Giving for the Music Academy of the West. ♥

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There When You Need Us Most

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VNHC Board of Directors Welcomes our new Directors Emeriti and thanks them for their combined 62 years of service.

Partnering to Better Serve Our Vets To better serve our veterans, VNHC is proud to join We Honor Veterans, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Department of Veterans Affairs to empower hospice professionals to meet the unique needs of dying veterans. Through this collaborative, VNHC offers a Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteer Program where veteran hospice volunteers are matched with patients who are also veterans receiving hospice care.

Veterans on VNHC hospice care are offered a “Pinning Ceremony” in which a veteran is thanked and honored for his or her service, and given a special pin and patriotic quilt. The Coastal Quilters Guild of Santa Barbara and Goleta was inspired by the pinning ceremony and developed the Sew for Veterans Project to make 75 patriotic, red-white-and-blue quilts for VNHC which they delivered by Veteran’s Day 2015. ♥

Stan Fishman

Jane Habermann

Steve Lew

Michelle Martinich

Standing L to R: Arlene Stepputat ,VNHC Volunteer Manager; Nellie Mendoza; Mary Ringer; Carol Barringer, Community Projects Chair of the Coastal Quilters Guild; Ilona Varner, VNHC Hospice Nurse and Quilt Guild Member; Linda Boynton de Sepulveda, Linda Kriss, Barbara MacCallum Seated L to R: Diana Iler and Bonnie Epperson, Quilt Guild President

James Stovesand

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Life is a journey with mountains and valleys, and when you face health challenges…

Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care is there when you need us most.

Whether you need help running errands or need assistance with physical therapy or need to borrow a wheelchair…

Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care is there when you need us most.

When you need comfort and compassion as you face a life-threatening illness or cope with the loss of a loved one…

Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care is there when you need us most.

For more than 100 years, our mission is to provide compassionate and trusted care for all. Now in our second century of caring for you in your time of need, we continue to provide high quality, comprehensive home health care, personal care, palliative care, hospice care, and related services to improve the health, independence, and well-being of our community.

We invite you to learn more online or call us for more information, and remember…

Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care is there when you need us most.

SANTA BARBARA 512 E. Gutierrez Street, Suite A Santa Barbara, CA 93103 805.965.5555 • Home Health Care

SANTA YNEZ & LOMPOC VALLEYS 2029 Village Lane, #102-103 Solvang, CA 93463 805.693.5555

SERENITY HOUSE

LOAN CLOSET

930 Miramonte Drive Santa Barbara, CA 93109 805.617.7777

602 E. Montecito Street Santa Barbara, CA 93103 805.690.6235

• Inpatient Hospice House

• Free Community Resource

• Personal Care Services

• Home Health Care

• Private Rooms

• Bereavement Services

• Personal Care Services

• Homelike Setting

• Palliative Care

• Bereavement Services

• Family Friendly

• Hospice Care

• Palliative Care

• Round-the-clock Medical Care

• Hospice Care

www.vnhcsb.org

• Borrow Basic Medical Equipment such as Wheelchairs, Walkers, Crutches, Canes and More

L TO R: Herb Geary, Lynda Tanner, Dr. Kurt Ransohoff, Bob Freeman, Dr. Fred Kass, Steve Fellows, and Dr. Michael Bordofsky

L TO R: Lisa Reich, Jeanne West, Alison Okada, Dana Goba

L TO R: Anne White, Carole Dodera

L TO R: VNHC CEO Lynda Tanner moderates the panel including Dr. Kurt Ransohoff, Bob Freeman, Dr. Fred Kass, Steve Fellows, and Dr. Michael Bordofsky

PHorum 2015 Continuing the conversation about the dynamic transformations in the healthcare industry, Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care hosted the 2nd Annual PHorum: Perspectives in Healthcare, in March at The Fess Parker DoubleTree Resort.

Local healthcare industry leaders returned, participating in a panel discussion about the Affordable Care Act, and other topics such as access to providers and rising healthcare costs, insurance gaps, and end of life care. ♼ L TO R: Michelle Martinich, Janet Smith, Brian Smith

L TO R: Mara Patrick, Susan Saperstein, Lee Ann Palmer, Kathleen Cox

L TO R: Martha Lovejoy, Brenda Castonon, Louella Burgos, Edgar Lopez

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L TO R: Geoff and Marilyn Groves

L TO R: Janet and Brian Smith

Volunteer Appreciation Party 2015 During National Volunteer Week, VNHC thanked its many volunteers at a volunteer recognition party on April 16, 2015. More than 75 volunteers and staff gathered for hors d’oeuvres, a short program, and a song performed by Teen Star Santa Barbara 2014 Winner Mary Grace Langhorne. The Hollywoodesque theme of the event was “You are a Star.”

L TO R: Sarah McArter, Karen Langlands, Arlene Stepputat

In 2015, VNHC’s hospice volunteers contributed 7,620 hours of direct care, and administrative volunteers contributed another 2,100 in agency support. These hours, calculated by the Independent Sector’s value of volunteer service for California, comes to more than $261,000 worth of service. In addition, volunteers delivered 835 flower bouquets and participated in 17 Veteran pinning ceremonies. ♥

L TO R: Michelle Cervantes and Kayla Gunsolley

L TO R: Phil Hons and Mel Zaid

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L TO R: Peggy Weidlein and Peggy Dewey

There When You Need Us Most

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Men’s Night 2015 On April 10, Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care celebrated its 12th Annual Peter Murphy Men’s Night, an evening where men – husbands, fathers, sons, and friends of the women who attend VNHC’s annual signature Mother’s Day Luncheon – get together to collectively raise funds to underwrite the luncheon and provide support for VNHC. Nearly 90 guests enjoyed an evening under the stars where they learned about the important, compassionate home health and hospice care services that VNHC provides to the Santa Barbara community. The evening’s festivities were co-hosted by Neil Levinson, Mark Linehan, and Kim Schizas at the captivating and rarely seen 1929 historic Rancho Tecolote – the home of Mark Linehan and Kimberly Schizas. Thanks to the legacy left by Peter Murphy, the philanthropic group of men raised approximately $85,000 for VNHC. ♥

Save the Date: Friday, April 8, 2016 for the next Men’s Night

L TO R: Pamela Dillman Haskell, Sally Hanseth, Robbin Behrens, Judy Murphy, Brenda Blalock, Victoria Hines

L TO R: Brian Smith, Dr. Roger Dunham, John Blankenship, Herb Geary

L TO R: Christopher Haskell, Dr. Fred Kass

L TO R: Stan and David Fishman

L TO R: Mark Linehan and Kim Schizas

L TO R: The Murphy Clan: John, Judy, Bob, Kevin

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Mother’s Day Luncheon 2015 The 14th Annual Mother’s Day Luncheon held in May honored Santa Barbara native and beloved mother Sally Hall, and remebered Mercedes Hester Eichholz, mother of Joan Hester Davidson. Nearly 400 guests were welcomed with sparkling wine as they perused the incredible silent auction items.

An exciting fashion show, which showcased local boutiques and beautiful models, also featured Shirin Rajaee as Mistress of Ceremonies.

L TO R: Keiko Dunham, Janny and Maryan Schall

The luncheon was emceed by Andrew Firestone, who also auctioned off a Hawaiian luxury vacation donated by Montecito Village Travel and Alaska Airlines.

Thanks to Co-Chairs Pamela Dillman Haskell and Theresa BorgatelloCarlson, an amazing committee, and sponsors, the event raised nearly $220,000 for VNHC. ♥

Save the Date: Friday, May 6, 2016 for the next Mother’s Day Luncheon

L TO R: Former KEYT Anchor Shirin Rajaee with her mother Heidi Rajaee

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L TO R: Models Stefana Dadas, Michelle Martinich, Robbin Behrens, Jason O’Hearn, Leila Antonio, Robert Martinez, Judy Foreman, Thomas Rollerson, Frankie Harman, Daniel Wazny, Dairine Pearson, Laura Benard and Victoria Hines

Model Michelle Martinich

There When You Need Us Most

Flowers by Hogue & Co.

www.vnhcsb.org

Co-Chairs Pamela Dillman Haskell (left) and Theresa Borgatello-Carlson (right), with VNHC CEO Lynda Tanner (center)

L TO R: Suzette Chaffey and Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree

L TO R: Hall family - Julie Parish, Jim, Virgnia Yanoff, Sally, Sarah Gordon, Frannie Hall Kieschnick, Brad

L TO R: Lynda Tanner and Shelley Thomas

Model Thomas Rollerson

L TO R: Pamela Dillman Haskell with her daughter Frankie Harman

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L TO R: Ed Brady and Dennis Friederich

L TO R: Herb Geary, Lynda Tanner, Sarah Berkus Gower, Robyn Parker

“Yachts of Love” Charity Regatta 2015 For the eleventh consecutive year, the Santa Barbara Yacht Club has sailed for Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care! The “Yachts of Love” Charity Regatta was held in September and provided a spectacular day with over 400 guests who enjoyed a day of racing, spectator boat rides, barbecue, live music, amazing auctions and raffle - and raised over $170,000 for Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care.

Dr. Laura Schlessinger

In July, the Charity Regatta was kicked off with a Cocktail Party hosted by the Yacht Club to thank sponsors and supporters.

Over 170 guests enjoyed hearty hors d’oeuvres and delicious wine set against a stunning ocean panorama. Dennis Friederich, former Commodore of the Yacht Club and Charity Regatta Founder and Chair for the first four years, shared stories about the creation of the Charity Regatta. Ed Brady, long time member of the Yacht Club and Board Emeritus at VNHC, shared his reflections as VNHC Board Chair during the first years of the Charity Regatta. Additionally, the men honored in memoriam another founding member, Charles Browning, with a toast.

Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care thanks the Santa Barbara Yacht Club for 11 years of love and support - and appreciates everyone who made this year’s event so successful - an amazing committee co-chaired by Robyn Parker and Sarah Berkus Gower, generous sponsors and supporters, auction donors, the race and spectator boat sailors, and all of the guests who joined in the festivities.

Over the past decade, the Charity Regatta has cumulatively raised over $1 million enabling VNHC to bring renewed health and comfort to thousands of Santa Barbara families. ♥

Save the Date: Saturday, September 10, 2016 for the 12th Annual

“Yachts of Love” Charity Regatta Fred Rice - Yachts of Love trophy winner

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There When You Need Us Most

www.vnhcsb.org

L TO R: Scott Gordon, Alixe and Mark Mattingly

L TO R: Rick Keith, Robyn Parker, Sarah Berkus Gower, Joanne Gordon, Lynda Tanner, Herb Geary

Guests Waving from the Bow

L TO R: Jack and Karen Byers

L TO R: Celebrity Skippers - Lynda Tanner, Leila Antonio, Tracy VanNatta, Miki McGibbon, Cheryl Bench, Paula Curran, Stefana Dadas, Janice Thomason

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Staff Mixer 2015 Staff and board members from Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care and Hospice of Santa Barbara came together for a joint mixer at HSB’s headquarters.

Each organization plays a unique role in the community. Together, VNHC and HSB provide a continuum of comprehensive care for their patients and families. ♼

Lynda Tanner, VNHC President & CEO and David Selberg, Hospice of Santa Barbara CEO

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There When You Need Us Most

www.vnhcsb.org

Angels Among Us 2015 For over a decade, VNHC has provided families a time of reflection and support through our annual Angels Among Us remembrance services in Santa Barbara and Buellton. It is a special time of reflection and connection with family and friends to honor and remember those who live in our memories. ♼

Save the Date: Tuesday, December 6, 2016

for the Buellton Angels Among Us and Thursday, December 8, 2016 for the Santa Barbara Angels Among Us.

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THE ANNUAL IMPACT OF VNHC IN OUR COMMUNITY THE THEANNUAL ANNUALIMPACT IMPACTOF OFVNHC VNHCININOUR OURCOMMUNITY COMMUNITY

OVER OVER OVER

2015 Finances 2015 2015Finances Finances At-a-Glance At-a-Glance At-a-Glance Combined Agency Revenues Combined Combined Agency Agency Revenues Revenues $26.4 million $26.4 $26.4million million Combined Agency Expenses Combined Combined Agency Agency Expenses Expenses $26.5 million $26.5 $26.5million million Charitable Community Charitable Charitable Community Community Benefit Provided Benefit Benefit Provided Provided $2.1 million $2.1 $2.1million million As a nonprofit healthcare AsAs a nonprofit a nonprofit healthcare healthcare organization, our mission is to organization, organization, our our mission mission is is toto provide compassionate and trusted provide provide compassionate compassionate and and trusted trusted care for all.

We are able to fulfill our care care for for all. all.

We We are are able able to to fulfill fulfill our charitable mission thanks to theour charitable charitable mission mission thanks thanks to to the the generosity of so many who donate generosity generosity ofof soso many many who who donate donate and volunteer. and and volunteer. volunteer.

To learn more about supporting ToTo learn learn more more about about supporting supporting Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care, Visiting Visiting Nurse Nurse & Hospice & Hospice Care, please contact Rick Keith,Care, please please contact contact Rick Rick Keith, Keith, VNHC Foundation Executive VNHC VNHC Foundation Foundation Executive Executive Director at 805.690.6222 or at Director Director at at 805.690.6222 805.690.6222 atat rick.keith@vnhcsb.org. oror rick.keith@vnhcsb.org. rick.keith@vnhcsb.org.

$2.1 million $2.1 million Provided in charitable Provided Providedinincharitable charitable community community communitybenefit benefit benefit

MORE MORE MORETHAN THAN THAN

126,000 126,000 126,000 Hours of personal

Hours Hoursofofpersonal personal care services provided care careservices servicesprovided provided to help people remain totohelp helppeople peopleremain remain safe & independent in safe safe&&independent independentinin their homes their theirhomes homes

2,613 2,613 2,613 Patients helped to recover

1,127 1,127 1,127 Patients cared for

Patients Patientscared caredfor for during end of life during duringend endofoflife life at home or in our atathome homeororininour our Serenity House Serenity SerenityHouse House

Patients Patientshelped helpedtotorecover recover from an injury or surgery, or from froman aninjury injuryororsurgery, surgery,oror to manage a chronic illness totomanage managea achronic chronicillness illness 30 3030

There When You Need Us Most There There When When You You Need Need UsUs Most Most

www.vnhcsb.org www.vnhcsb.org www.vnhcsb.org

THE THEANNUAL ANNUALIMPACT IMPACTOF OFVNHC VNHCININOUR OURCOMMUNITY COMMUNITY THE THEANNUAL ANNUALIMPACT IMPACTOF OFVNHC VNHCININOUR OURCOMMUNITY COMMUNITY Patients Patientsand andfamily familymembers membersinin Patients Patients and and family family members membersinin 12,000 12,000 our community benefited from our community benefited from 12,000 12,000our ourcommunity communitybenefited benefitedfrom from services VNHC servicesprovided providedbyby VNHC services servicesprovided providedbyby VNHC VNHC

OVER OVER OVER OVER

3,600 3,600 3,600 3,600 Community Communityresidents residents

Community Communityresidents residents borrowed borrowedmedical medical borrowed borrowedmedical medical equipment equipmentfree freeofofcharge charge equipment equipmentfree freeofofcharge charge from fromour ourLoan LoanCloset Closet from fromour ourLoan LoanCloset Closet Hours Hoursofoftrained trainedvolunteer volunteer MORE THAN MORE THAN Hours Hours of of trained trainedvolunteer volunteer MORE MORETHAN THAN support supportprovided providedtoto

7,600 7,600 7,600 7,600

support supportprovided providedtoto patients patientsand andfamilies families patients patientsand andfamilies families

1,387 1,387 1,387 1,387 Family Family&&community community

Family Family&&community community members membersreceived received members membersreceived received bereavement bereavementsupport supportasas bereavement bereavementsupport supportasas they theyrecovered recoveredfrom fromthe the they theyrecovered recoveredfrom fromthe the loss lossofofa aloved lovedone one loss lossofofa aloved lovedone one 3131 3131

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Santa Barbara, CA Permit No. 267

509 East Montecito Street, Suite 200 Santa Barbara, California, 93103-3293

What Future Do You Want to Create?

We began our relationship with VNHC as hospice volunteers knowing how much they do for our community. Contributing through our estate plan is another way to continue that support. – Chris Jones, Immediate Past Chair, VNHC Board of Directors

By including Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care in your estate plan now, you will help ensure a second century of compassionate care and service for future generations.

To learn more about the benefits of providing for VNHC in your will or estate plan, contact Rick Keith, Executive Director of the Foundation, at 805-690-6222, or rick.keith@vnhcsb.org Chris and Sharon Jones

Thank you for helping us be there when you, your family, and our community need us most.