Celebrating National Home Care and Hospice Month Posted on November 29, 2023November 30, 2023 In the spirit of gratitude and recognition, we’d like to take a moment to honor and appreciate some of the incredible individuals who make a difference in the lives of the community. November is a special time to acknowledge the invaluable services provided by the home health and hospice nurses who care for patients in the comfort of their homes. Over the month, Lutheran SeniorLife has highlighted Lori Lewis, Nicole Gulish, Suzie Dalessandro and Tina Delisio for their selfless efforts and contributions to the well-being of so many, touching countless lives in the community. Nicole Gulish, LPN at the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA). Nicole has been a dedicated member of the VNA family for the past 9 years, and her commitment to the well-being of others is inspiring.”I chose to work in home care for the one-on-one relationships with the patients and the flexibility,” shares Nicole. Her passion for fostering genuine connections and providing personalized care truly makes her special. Suzie Dalessandro, Hospice Bereavement Coordinator for VNA. Dalessandro has dedicated more than two years to the VNA, providing Hospice Spiritual Counseling, leading Musical Enrichment groups, and offering support to the staff. “Home health care reflects my values of community and family-oriented treatment. I continue to learn and stay in this field because it contributes to my personal concept of a greater purpose,” says Dalessandro.“At the VNA, I feel the most freedom in teamwork as I have in any other place I’ve been. The flexibility in scheduling, light-hearted office banter, and professionalism of staff has been a contributing factor in my becoming a resident of Butler County and thrilled to be full-time. I’ve learned there will be good and bad days wherever I am, but so far, the good has far outweighed the bad… It’s a rarity to find purpose, value, and support in a workplace and I experience all three at VNA”. Tina Delisio, a dedicated Physical Therapist and Rehab Supervisor at VNA. With an impressive 10-year journey at VNA, Tina is fueled by the meaningful connections she forges with patients and their families. Her passion for homecare stems from the personal touch it allows. Tina thrives on building genuine rapport and truly understanding her patients and their families, making a positive impact within the comfort of their homes. Embracing the flexibility of her role, Tina cherishes the variety and the ability to contribute to the well-being of others while not being confined to a single location. As she puts it, “I will never leave home care, and you can quote me on that!” Lori Lewis, Hospice RN at VNA Lori has been with the VNA for 43 years! We asked Lori why she chose hospice care: “Truly I stay in Hospice because of the ability to develop relationship with patients and family. To make this time of a patients end of life meaningful and important while easing their symptoms of the disease.” To all Home Care and Hospice Nurses, Lutheran SeniorLife, the VNA and the families you have helped thank you for your kindness, empathy, and expertise that has made a significant difference in the lives of those you have touched. Lutheran SeniorLife is a provider of senior services with the broadest and deepest continuum of integrated services throughout Western Pennsylvania. Through a variety of senior living communities and care options, we can meet the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of each individual; providing Abundant Life® opportunities for those we serve and those who serve. Services include adoption; adult day services; affordable housing; assisted living; home health; home safety monitoring; hospice; LIFE (Living Independence for the Elderly); Meals on Wheels; outpatient rehabilitation services; palliative care; personal care; residential living; senior centers and skilled nursing. To learn more, visit us at www.lutheranseniorlife.org.