Parker Awards a $2.5M Grant to VNA Health Group

PISCATAWAY, N.J., Jan. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Parker Foundation, Inc. has awarded a $2.5M grant to Visiting Nurse Association Health Group (VNA) to support its Advanced Care Institute (ACI), which aims to address the healthcare needs of high-risk older adults who are often living with multiple chronic health conditions by providing high quality, compassionate care in the home and in the community. The funding will be used to expand the ACI's efforts to provide in-home primary care through its "house calls" model and palliative medicine, two essential services in New Jersey and nationwide in addressing the aging baby boomer population. The funding will also enable both organizations ? VNA and Parker ? to develop and support new or improved programming in these areas.

In-home primary care is a critical service to home-bound seniors and can improve quality of care and reduce overall medical costs. Visiting Physicians Services (VPS), a member of VNA Health Group, currently provides in-home medical services, particularly for aging individuals with chronic conditions. With additional funding, VPS will be able to expand these services to more individuals throughout the state. 

Palliative medicine, also known as comfort medication, provides relief to critically ill patients and is currently mostly offered in hospital settings. Throughout the duration of the grant, VNA hopes to expand the availability of palliative medicine into the community, an area that has traditionally been underserved.

"We see the work the ACI is doing as crucial to our community and aligns perfectly with Parker's vision: We make aging part of life," says Parker President & CEO, Roberto Muñiz. "Most people want to age at home and the VNA is a trailblazer in the home health industry. We know this funding will benefit many New Jersey seniors and their families."

"We are so pleased that Parker recognizes the difficult, but necessary, services we provide in these areas and are incredibly grateful for their funding, but, most importantly, for their continued partnership," says Dr. Steven Landers, President & CEO of VNA.

VNA's ACI services bring physician, advanced practice nursing, and nursing care to over 5,000 patients and provides more than 34,000 in-home primary care visits per year. The palliative medicine program serves just as many patients, most of whom are elderly.

Both Parker and VNA are committed to developing and creating innovative solutions to allow seniors to live their lives to the fullest while staying in their homes and communities as long as possible.

About Parker Foundation Inc.

Parker Foundation Inc. is an affiliate of Parker Health Group, Inc., a nonprofit New Jersey-based aging services organization with over 100 years' experience in residential and home and community-based services. Parker is committed to empowering older Americans. Parker affiliates serve close to 1000 residents and participants through its Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living Homes, and Adult Day, Post ? Acute Services Rehabilitation and Health & Wellness Services and employ more than 850. To learn how We Make Aging Part of Life®, visit parkerlife.org.

About VNA Health Group

Visiting Nurse Association Health Group (VNAHG)  is New Jersey's largest nonprofit visiting nurse association and visiting physician service that helps individuals and families achieve their best level of health and well-being by providing home health, hospice, palliative and community-based care, and operating private-pay personal care services. A full range of primary care services is available through VNACJ Community Health Centers. VNA Health Group employs more than 2,000 staff members and cares for more than 120,000 people each year.  For more information about VNA Health Group please visit www.vnahg.org.

SOURCE Parker Foundation, Inc.