VNA of Cape Cod

07/27/2025

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are especially prevalent on Cape Cod—where the percentage of those aged 65 and older is nearly double the state average.

For five consecutive years, the Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation has awarded community benefits grants to the Alzheimer’s Family Support Center— an organization that supports free educational programs, caregiver training and social engagement services across the region.

Learn more about these efforts: https://tinyurl.com/2ucu279b

The Alzheimer’s Family Support Center offers respite care for dementia patients and their caregivers.

07/26/2025

Waking up with numb, tingling fingers? You could be experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Plastic surgeon Peter Laub, MD, explains the causes, symptoms and treatment options.

Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/3re455cx

Mashpee plastic surgeon Dr. Peter Laub explains diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

07/25/2025

Cape Cod Healthcare is proud to promote breastfeeding education, support and resources in honor of World Breastfeeding Week (Aug 1-7), organized by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA).

The Family Birthplace at Cape Cod Hospital is honored to celebrate breastfeeding mothers at our upcoming event, featuring guest speaker Bethany Gay from The Coalition for Children as well as chair massages, Reiki and light refreshments.

Tuesday, August 5, 2025
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Lorusso Boardroom (Cape Cod Hospital)

Learn more and register online at www.capecodhealth.org/wbw.

07/25/2025

🏃‍♀️ Lacing Up for a Cause: at the Falmouth Road Race!

Cape Cod Healthcare is proud to be part of the 2025 ASICS Falmouth Road Race, joining thousands of runners to make every mile count- this year, our team is raising funds for the VNA of Cape Cod’s Hospice program. 💙

Hospice care brings comfort, dignity, and support to patients and their families during some of life’s most challenging moments. Our team is running to ensure those services remain strong and accessible across the Cape.

How You Can Help:
👉 Cheer us on
👉 Donate to the team
👉 Spread the word

Read more about the race and the runners in this great feature from Cape Cod Health News:

🔗 https://www.capecodhealth.org/cape-cod-health-news/falmouth-road-race-lacing-up-for-a-good-cause/

07/25/2025

Major League Fun ⚾ Cape Cod Healthcare employees and their families came together for two memorable employee appreciation nights at Cape Cod Baseball League games in Harwich and Hyannis last week.

As the official healthcare sponsor of the Cape Cod Baseball League, CCHC was proud to celebrate summer on the Cape with giveaways, perfect weather, CCHC T-shirts and standout first pitches. These special evenings were all about connection, community and summer magic.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for great conversations and a chance to kick back with colleagues. These summer nights truly knocked it out of the park!

07/25/2025

– According to Water Safety USA, nearly 5,800 emergency room visits, and more than 3,800 deaths are caused by drowning each year in the U.S.

Whether you're in the ocean, lounging by the lake, or splashing in the backyard pool, water activities should be fun—and safe. Practicing good habits around water can help prevent injuries and save lives.

Learn more about water safety from a local ER provider: https://tinyurl.com/4yw8y8pf

07/24/2025

President Trump’s recent diagnosis shines a light on a common but potentially debilitating condition: venous insufficiency.

Vascular surgeon Elizabeth Mahanor, MD, FACS, explains symptoms, risk factors and how early treatment can improve quality of life.

Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/4decu2p2

A vascular surgeon explains venous insufficiency.

07/24/2025

Over the past week, members of our Cape Cod Healthcare Urgent Care and Breast Care teams were out in the community connecting with Cape Cod residents and visitors!

From answering questions about walk-in urgent care services and breast care resources to handing out giveaways and sharing preventative health information, our clinical teams enjoyed the opportunity to highlight our high-quality care.

Learn more about our breast care services at www.capecodhealth.org/breast-care

Check real-time Urgent Care wait times at www.capecodhealth.org/urgent-care

📸 (First photo): Stephanie Ellis, NP; Naomi Kalliath, DO, breast surgeon; Nancy O'Connor, NP (Second photo): Kari Rowland, urgent care nurse manager; Olivia Rowland (Third photo): Joseph Camelio, executive director of urgent care

07/24/2025

Moms and babies (ages newborns to pre-crawlers) are invited to join us for our free weekly Postpartum Parties on Fridays, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, at Cape Cod Hospital.

Tomorrow, July 25, we’ll be joined by physical therapist Kristen Siminski who will be discussing lifestyle medicine and sharing wisdom on gradual lifestyle changes to enhance your health.

Call us with questions at 508-862-5123 or register online today: https://tinyurl.com/ycy78222

07/23/2025

As the official healthcare sponsor of Cape Cod Baseball League, we’re excited to support and promote healthy habits on and off the field. ⚾

07/23/2025

Brittany Whiting, physician assistant at Cape Cod Healthcare’s Urgent Care centers and the Falmouth Hospital emergency department reminds patients that all Cape Cod Healthcare Urgent Care centers offer walk-in care, with no appointment or referral needed.

Learn more about when to seek urgent care and check real-time wait times: www.capecodhealth.org/urgentcare.

07/22/2025

🐾 Is Your Pet Part of Your Emergency Plan? 🐾

Emergencies can strike without warning—are you and your pets ready?

Just like any family member, your furry, feathered, or scaly companions rely on you for their safety. Preparing now could save lives later.

✅ Build a Pet Emergency Kit
• 3+ days of food & water
• Medications & medical records
• Leash, harness, & carrier
• Familiar toys or bedding to ease stress

🆔 Keep ID Updated
• Check your pet’s ID tags
• Make sure microchip info is current

📍 Plan Ahead
• Identify pet-friendly shelters or hotels
• Map out pet-safe evacuation routes

🚗 Practice Makes Perfect
• Include pets in evacuation drills
• Get them used to being transported quickly & calmly

Start today—protect your pets tomorrow. 🐶🐱🐰🦜
Learn more at: ready.gov/pets

07/21/2025

Are you passionate about helping people achieve better sleep and improve their overall health? Falmouth Hospital is seeking a dedicated and skilled Board Registered Polysomnographic Technologist to join our dynamic team!

Why Join Us?
• State-of-the-art facility: Work with cutting-edge technology in a supportive environment
• Impactful work: Play a vital role in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders.
• Professional growth: Opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement
• Conduct overnight, daytime or home sleep studies
• Analyze sleep patterns and provide accurate reports
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans

Ready to make a difference in patients’ lives? Apply today and be part of a team that’s dedicated to improving sleep health! https://tinyurl.com/yw8cbabf

07/20/2025

After being discharged from Cape Cod Hospital for a heart attack, angioplasty and stent placement, Neal Gordon got a follow-up call from the Cape Cod Healthcare Helping Hands Program—reviewing his care, answering questions, and offering support.

Helping Hands connects eligible patients with free care coordination, chronic condition support and behavioral health resources to help avoid hospital readmission.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/456cI85

A special program offered by Cape Cod Healthcare assists with post-hospital care.

07/18/2025

🎉 We are honored to share that the VNA of Cape Cod has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the to support our Maternal Child Health Program on the island!

📍 The award was presented at the CFN Grant Ceremony held at the Sconset Casino on July 15, 2025.

💙 Pictured is Kelsea Gray, BSN, RN, CLC, our Nantucket Clinical Supervisor for Home Care, Hospice & Public Health, proudly representing the VNA.

This funding will help us continue providing compassionate, high-quality care to families and children across Nantucket.

07/16/2025

🌞 Hot off the press! Check out the Summer 2025 issue of our newly reinvigorated newsletter, The Visitor!

We're excited to introduce two new leaders joining our Homecare and Hospice teams. Dive in to see what's new, celebrate our growth, and enjoy the sunshine while you're at it!

📬 Click the link below to read the full newsletter, and keep an eye out for our next issue this Fall!

Stay connected. Stay well.



https://stmlcapecodncus001.blob.core.windows.net/public/VNAVisitorNewsletterSUMMER2025.pdf

07/14/2025

🌟 Employee Spotlight: Julie Decoteau RN, DNP🌟

Meet Julie, our dedicated Clinical Team Leader!

Julie finds meaning in every day at the VNA:
“I love working here because I get the opportunity to help patients who need support at home. Every day is different and brings its own set of challenges- and that’s what keeps me coming back. I love working alongside our amazing clinicians to help our community thrive!”

⚾ Outside of work, Julie and her family spend a lot of time at the baseball field- whether it’s cheering on their son Jonny or hosting two YD Baseball players for the summer. She loves being outdoors and part of the vibrant baseball community.

Thank you, Julie, for your passion and commitment to our mission! 💙

07/10/2025

We’re proud of our roots here on Cape Cod. 🐚

The VNA of Cape Cod has a long-standing history of serving our community- and we’re still going strong. From our beginnings in public health nursing to today, we continue to offer disease prevention and investigation, connect parents and families to vital local resources, and host monthly Ask-a-Nurse, lactation, and grief support groups for the perinatal population.

Our legacy is built on care, and our commitment remains stronger than ever.

07/08/2025

Did you know that Cape Cod has 559.6 miles of coastline? Whether you are hitting the beach or the pool this summer, water safety is essential!

Want to learn more? Join the VNA of Cape Cod for a fun and informative Lunch-and-Learn all about staying safe in the water and how aquatic exercise can boost your health without stressing your joints!

📍 Chatham Center for Active Living
🗓 Tuesday August 12
🕚 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

🧠 Come for the knowledge
🥗 Stay for the lunch
🏊‍♂️ Leave with the confidence to make a splash... safely!

Call (508) 945-5190 to save your seat!

07/04/2025

Happy 4th of July from the VNA of Cape Cod!

Today we celebrate independence, community, and the spirit of service. We’re proud to support the health and well-being of our neighbors across Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard—every day of the year.

Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and healthy holiday! ❤️🤍💙

07/02/2025

☀️ Free Skin Cancer Screenings – Coming to Your Community!

We’re committed to bringing healthcare outside the provider walls and right into your neighborhood to improve access to care.

📍 Upcoming Screening Clinics:

🔹 July 24 | 9 AM – 11 AM


🔹 August 7 | 9 AM – 11 AM


🩺 Pre-registration is required.
📞 Call 508-957-7423 to reserve your spot.

Take a step toward healthier skin- early detection saves lives!

06/26/2025

What happens when someone in Barnstable County is diagnosed with a reportable disease?
A dedicated network of public health professionals quickly mobilizes behind the scenes. From nurses and epidemiologists to local healthcare providers, we work together to slow the spread, provide accurate information, and protect our community.
Each disease comes with its own challenges and every case is unique. That’s why teamwork, communication, and expert knowledge are key to keeping Barnstable County safe and informed. To read the full article, click on the link in our bio.

06/26/2025

What happens when someone in Barnstable County is diagnosed with a reportable disease?
A dedicated network of public health professionals quickly mobilizes behind the scenes. From nurses and epidemiologists to local healthcare providers, we work together to slow the spread, provide accurate information, and protect our community.
Each disease comes with its own challenges and every case is unique. That’s why teamwork, communication, and expert knowledge are key to keeping Barnstable County safe and informed.

Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment
Cape Cod Healthcare

After a hepatitis A case, Cape Cod health officials unite to track, contain and prevent the spread of communicable diseases across the region.

06/20/2025

there are 3 main divisions that make up the VNA of Cape Cod?

Homecare: Our team specializes in medical/surgical nursing, pain management, wound care, IV therapy, ostomy care, mental health support, and more. It all begins with a comprehensive home evaluation to understand your needs and create a personalized care plan—developed in partnership with your physician—to help you safely heal at home.

Hospice & Palliative Care: Palliative care supports those with serious illness, offering symptom relief and comfort while continuing curative treatments. Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life for those nearing the end of life—supporting patients and families emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually.

Public Health & Wellness: Our Public Health team assists those who do not qualify for skilled care but still need guidance—whether it’s help navigating the healthcare system, preparing for emergencies, or receiving education to stay safe and independent at home.

From the first heartbeat to the last breath and every step in between, the VNA of Cape Cod is here for you.