Claim OwnershipAging Well with VNA
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VNA helps people age with dignity and independence at home. Since 1934, VNA has responded to evolving community needs with innovative client and patient services. VNA was chartered as a nonprofit agency to address the desperate need for health care in Dallas during the Depression. Founded by two tenacious women who provided care to women and children living in the tent cities, VNA is committed to providing the highest quality care to the elderly, frail, disabled and dying. VNA’s programs include Meals on Wheels in Dallas County and Hospice Care, Palliative Care and Private Care in 13 North Texas counties. With 10,000 Baby Boomers turning 65 every day, our aging population is rapidly growing. VNA services and expertise are needed now more than ever. We take pride in providing quality serious illness care and serving as a resource to the aging population and make it our mission to invest our resources into providing compassionate patient care in the communities we serve. Planning for age and illness is vitally important and often ignored by families until a crisis. With our “Aging Well with VNA” podcast series, our goal is to help you and your loved ones understand options, know where to get help and gain tools on how to communicate your wishes. Through education and proper planning, you’ll be giving yourself peace of mind and your loved ones a gift. While VNA is based in North Texas, the series should provide you with relevant information no matter where you live. If you or your loved one needs help aging with dignity, or if you wish to volunteer or donate to VNA, visit www.vnatexas.org or call 1(800)CALL-VNA. Thanks for tuning in!
29 Episodes
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In this episode of Aging Well With VNA, host Kersten Rettig is joined by John W. Burruss, M.D., Psychiatrist and CEO of Metrocare, for a thoughtful and timely conversation on the powerful connection between mental health and aging well. Dr. Burruss and Kersten explore how mental and emotional health influence both chronological age and biological age, shaping how we feel, function, and thrive as we grow older. The discussion takes a closer look at the often‑overlooked mental health challenges...
In this episode of Aging Well with VNA, host Kersten Rettig sits down with retired cardiologist Melissa Carry, MD, for an informative and engaging conversation about heart health at every stage of life. Dr. Carry breaks down the most common types of heart disease, explains today’s available treatment options in plain language, and offers practical insights on how individuals can reduce their risk through prevention and lifestyle choices. Whether you’re managing a heart condition, supporting a...
Join host, Kersten Rettig, in a poignant conversation with author Josh Hickman. His new book, Forgetting, chronicles the unexpected life circumstances of his three-plus year journey of solo caregiving for a mother with whom he had a very difficult relationship.
Hear from economists and local leader, Cullum Clark, Director, Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative, about the opportunities and challenges for seniors in North Texas. Host, Kersten Rettig, and Mr. Clark explore how the growing region brings opportunities, like jobs for seniors, as well as challenges, such as transportation and cost of living.
Host Kersten Rettig and Stephen Hohmann, MD, do a deep dive into vascular disease, coronary disease and renal disease. Listeners will learn more about the risk factors for these diseases, prevention tools and tips, and how caregivers can help loved ones suffering from illness. Additionally, Dr. Hohmann describes various types of vascular disease and approaches to care from a clinical and at home perspective. You can learn more about vascular disease and find additional resou...
In this insightful episode of Aging Well with VNA, Rev. Dr. Chris Girata, Rector of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Dallas, shares his perspectives on aging with grace and purpose. Drawing from his extensive experience in ministry, Rev. Girata discusses the spiritual, emotional, and communal aspects of growing older. He emphasizes the importance of community, faith, and service in navigating the challenges and embracing the opportunities that come with aging. Whether you're s...
In a recent lunch and learn, VNA Medical Director, Dr. Newcomer, detailed her work leading the Hospice and Palliative Care Fellows program at VNA. These vital, immersive training programs provide fellows with experience working with physicians, nurses, and the interdisciplinary teams within the hospice (adult and pediatric) programs, and also make in-home patient visits. Fellows, Dr. Raseman and Dr. King, also shared what they have learned and how their experience will shape their future medi...
Join podcast host, Kersten Rettig, in a deep-dive conversation with two experts in the field of palliative care, Dr. Kate Taylor and Dr. Cheryl Thaxton, from the College of Nursing at the UNT Health Science Center. You’ll hear perspectives from both adult and pediatric palliative care, resources for caregivers, and how clinical staff come alongside patients and families during serious illness. Show Notes and Resources: Courageous Parent Network – A nonprofit organization working ...
Hear from W. Stephen Love, President & CEO of the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council about the work they do in North Texas in promoting equitable health access and outcomes, training, and clinical collaboration. Mr. Love shares stories of promise and hope in our healthcare system and how we can all live healthier, happier lives when we have access to good preventative and acute care. Show notes: Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council - The mission of the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital...
Join Aging Well With VNA Podcast Host, Kersten Rettig, in her conversation with Resource Center CEO, Cece Cox, J.D., where they explore the unique challenges and opportunities for our LGBTQIA+ older adult neighbors. Cece shares insights into systemic barriers and discrimination and how that impacts the LGBTQIA+ community, especially as it relates to aging, asset accumulation, healthcare, and housing. You’ll hear about resources available and how we can all be better allies. ...
For anyone experiencing serious illness and their loved ones, navigating care options and symptom management can be overwhelming. In this episode of Aging Well with VNA, you’ll hear from VNA’s Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Olivia Rogers, RN, BSN, CHPN, CHPO, MBA, and Managing Director of Marketing, Sarah Harris, about a supportive palliative care program, VNA Care Choices. You’ll learn more about who could benefit from one or all of the following offerings: physician-d...
The journey of finding the right living and care solutions for an aging loved one can be daunting. Paul Markowitz, of Senior Living Specialists, breaks down the types of senior living options and explains what questions families should ask when making this important decision.
Planning for aging, illness and care can seem like a daunting task, but understanding options and discussing your wishes in advance of a crisis can bring peace for you and your loved ones. Join Elder Care Attorney, Lori Leu, and podcast host, Kersten Rettig, for an informative discussion about short-term and long-term care, insurance options and how to plan for care. Resource Links: National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys: www.naela.org National Elder Law Foundation: www.nelf.org...
VNA clinical leaders, Olivia Rogers and Sarah Miles, review data released from Medicare related to VNA’s participation in a Medicare pilot for home-based palliative care. Join us as we discuss the success of the program in terms of patient outcomes locally and nationally. Learn how this data, along with new regulations at the state level, are informing VNA’s future palliative care service. Featuring Olivia Rogers, RN, BSN, CHPN, Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer, VNA Sarah Miles, R...
Host Kersten Rettig visits with geriatric specialist, Kate Taylor, DNP, FNP-C, CPPS, about how patients and families can navigate the often confusing, stressful time after receiving a terminal diagnosis. You’ll hear advice from bucket lists, to communicating with family and caregivers, and how to prepare emotionally and logistically for what lies ahead. This important conversation will be helpful for anyone currently experiencing serious illness for themselves or a loved one or t...
This podcast is a little different from our previous episodes. In this episode, we host two culinary greats to discuss their passion for food and feeding the hungry. Toni Tipton-Martin is a culinary journalist, author and a pioneering advocate for the preservation and education of cultural heritage as it relates to cooking, food, and community. Also joining us is Chris Williams, a classically trained chef, restaurateur, and most recently, founder of the nonprofit organizati...
Join the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas (VNA) for a virtual Lunch and Learn featuring experts in the field of Hospice and Palliative Care. There have been many recent changes in this ever-expanding industry, which, like everything else, has been impacted by the pandemic. Our panelists will discuss what the future of serious illness care will look like in the years to come. Moderator: Chris Culak, VP/Chief Strategy & Development Officer VNA Texas Panelists: Dr. Mark Casanova, MD, ...
VNA Associate Medical Director, Mary Anne Chacko, MD, PhD, shares her experience with difficult conversations after a medical diagnosis with patients and as a patient with podcast host, Kersten Rettig. Dr. Chacko provides guidance on how to listen, ask questions and what to avoid in preparing for medical discussions.
In this VNA podcast, A Hospice Doctor and Nurse share about the hospice benefit. Dr. Kelley Newcomer and Nurse Luz Bueno have worked in hospice for many years and discuss how hospice and palliative care can benefit patients and their families. En este podcast de VNA, un médico y una enfermera de hospicio comparten sobre el beneficio de hospicio. La Dra. Kelley Newcomer y la enfermera Luz Bueno han trabajado en el hospicio durante muchos años y analizan cómo medicina paliativa y el...
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