VHS Hospice

09/01/2025

We thank all workers for their service to our community, and we appreciate the dedication of our team to support individuals to live their best life!

07/04/2025

07/02/2025

Virginia Health Services launched the GUIDE program this week to help those diagnosed with dementia and their caregivers stay at home for as long as possible. The program connects eligible participants with a care navigator who provides resources, education and support. Learn more below or give us a call.

06/16/2025

To our CNAs: Thank you! Our nurse aides are the eyes and ears for the nursing team and forge important bonds with our residents. They are our champions!

Our team of CNAs are the backbone of our clinical team. They are with the residents daily and report to the nursing team what they hear and see.

06/15/2025

Happy Father's Day!

05/11/2025

Happy Mother's Day!

05/10/2025

It's Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We recognize the contributions, culture and history of this diverse population.

05/07/2025

Happy National Nurses Week! Thanks so much to our team for all you do to support the individuals in our care compassionately and professionally. We appreciate you!

We also are looking for an RN to join our team. Visit vahs.com/careers to learn more and apply.

Today begins American Nurses Association's National Nurses Week, and its theme is "The Power of Nurses." Our team members shared what they believe is the power of nurses.

“We are more powerful together as we build relationships with each other, our residents and our families through what can be the most difficult time in their lives,” says VHS Vice President of Nursing Rebecca Boyd. “This is often a time of extreme change for residents and families and our nurses are key to helping with the transition of care, loss of independence, and potential for end-of-life care.”

In all settings — including at-home care, or a skilled or long-term care environment — nurses get to know more than just medical issues. They, along with team members that include social workers, therapists, dietary aides, housekeepers, and certified nursing assistants, support all aspects of a patient’s care.

“Nothing makes a nurse feel more powerful than when you advocate for your residents and get them what they need,” says Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center ADON Katherine Renison, BBA, RN.

And there's opportunity for advancement for nurses within VHS. Several of our current RNs — including directors and assistant directors of nursing — started as CNAs with VHS. They have attended nursing school while continuing their employment. They have branched into different areas, such as MDS, home health, education and training, infection prevention, and leadership roles.

“The ultimate power of nursing is to choose to continue to grow professionally in the field of your choice, as you help grow the next generation of nurses along the way,” Rebecca says.

We are thankful to all of our nursing team for the quality of care they provide our patients and residents. Learn more about what they do, and how they define the "power of nurses:" https://vahs.com/vhs-shines-light-on-power-of-nurses/

04/26/2025

Special thanks to our volunteers this National Volunteer Week! We appreciate all our volunteers who help provide comfort and compassion to the individuals in their care and their loved ones.

We are recruiting volunteers throughout the community to provide companionship and support to the individuals in our care and their loved ones. There are also opportunities to volunteer in the Hospice office, answering phones and responding to emails.

VHS Hospice Director Ariane Minette says the team provides all training, including study guides and discussion of scenarios. Volunteering is about 90% companionship, she says.

“Volunteers should have empathy and commitment to the individuals and their families. We’re looking for people who want to engage with others,” she says. “We are very grateful for whatever time can be given."

Volunteering can increase confidence, give a sense of purpose and ignite passion, according to nonprofit organization Points of Light.

If being a volunteer with VHS Hospice is of interest to you, visit vahs.com/hospice-volunteer to learn more.

04/25/2025

Our intern Jill Carpenter, who is completing her master's degree in social work at VCU, hosted a Death Cafe at The Arbors Independent Living on Tuesday evening.

Virginia Health Services team members, residents at The Arbors and community members participated in an open, compassionate conversation about death, grief and end-of-life experiences, Jill said. The conversation, meant to be casual, took place over a lovely dessert spread and other refreshments.

"Together, we shared stories, perspectives, and support — breaking the taboo and finding connection in life’s most universal experience," she said. "By opening up, we reduce fear, embrace the present and grow closer as a community."

Jill and the Hospice team encourage the conversation to be ongoing, and look forward to hosting another Death Cafe soon. Thanks to all who took the time to attend and participate!

04/23/2025

We appreciate our team!