Respite House visits evolve in response to virus

Today, as always, there’s a calmness at the McClure Miller Respite House, as staff, volunteers, patients and families continue adjusting to the new normal prompted by COVID-19.   Throughout this pandemic, our staff has helped residents maintain contact with family, friends and loved ones through FaceTime, Skype, Zoom — and...

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Volunteer mask makers keeping our clinicians, community safe

Collaboration has always been key to our work in the community, but never more so than during this pandemic, when volunteers like Marion Valley have dedicated their time, talents and resources to crafting face masks for our team. We thank you Marion, and so many others, for pitching in to...

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Claussen’s Florist, volunteers bring touch of spring to Respite House

COVID-19 was no match for tradition at the McClure Miller Respite House this weekend, when volunteers planted a massive donation of annual flowers from Chris Conant and Ali Conant LaPierre at Claussen’s Florist & Greenhouse in Colchester. Big thanks to Chris, Ali and Claussen’s for beautifying the Respite House landscape...

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Hospice Liaison Kelly Fridinger answers questions about care

Please join us in welcoming Kelly Fridinger, RN, to the role of hospice liaison. Kelly oriented with liaison Sue Thibault, RN, to continue supporting seamless transitions of care from the The University of Vermont Medical Center inpatient setting to UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice.    In addition...

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Join virtual Fun Run to raise funds for compassionate end-of-life care

So much is changing these days, including our annual 5K Fun Run & Walk, a cherished tradition that raises crucial funds for end-of-life care at McClure Miller Respite House. In response to COVID-19, this year’s event looks very different — it’ll be held virtually to keep participants and our community...

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Adjusting to the ‘new normal’

As restrictions on staying home relax, people may feel a growing temptation to return to their pre-pandemic lives. This temptation may be further amplified by the season’s warmer weather and an increased opportunity to gather socially outdoors. However, as Vermont Commissioner of Health Mark Levine, MD, said during a recent...

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A statement from President Judy Peterson

The past two weeks have been filled with enormous pain and anguish surrounding the brutal killing of George Floyd. Floyd is the latest of too many African Americans who have lost their lives to systemic racism. It is wrong, and it is beyond time that we all speak up. Even...

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Please join us in welcoming our newest health care heroes!

Please join us in celebrating the newest members of our team, embarking upon their nursing careers this week! Pictured with Hospice and Palliative Nurse Educator Chelsea Chalfant (in yellow), are, from left, Ashley Wells, Isabel (Izzy) Taylor, Sierra Gempka and Mara Dowd. Each recently received her bachelor’s degree in nursing...

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Happy #WorldMilkDay2020, and big thanks #DFAMilk!

Dairy farming is a cherished tradition here in Vermont. So is neighbors helping neighbors, and we witnessed the phenomenon first-hand today. To celebrate the United Nations‘ #WorldMilkDay, Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. (DFA) gifted Home Health & Hospice with several cases of yogurt as thanks “for your dedication and commitment to our neighbors and...

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May is Stroke Awareness Month: With stroke, seconds count 

Fear and worry have likely gripped all of us in one way or another during this pandemic. Some fear is good — it guides us to make safe choices to ensure our health — but sometimes that same fear can disrupt healthy behaviors. As health care professionals, we’re always concerned...

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