The Mother/Baby Program was established more than fifteen years ago and is committed to providing wellness, postpartum assurance, and the prevention of illness for both mother and baby.This program provides a nurse visit to mothers and their newborn babies typically within 48-hours after discharge from the hospital. The Mother/Baby Program is designed to help support mothers and babies.

Visits to Mother and Child may include:

• Routine Assessment of the mother
• Provide post-partum instructions
• Head-to-toe assessment of the infant
• Infant blood work if ordered
• Provide newborn care instruction
• Monitor phototherapy progress

Skilled nurses are available to answer any questions regarding arranging a home visit from a nurse, medical insurance coverage, and other payment methods and options for services.

Call 317-722-8200 or 800-248-6540 for more information.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT

The VNS Caregiver Support Program is designed to care for the caregiver.

When a loved one suffers from a chronic illness, especially from Alzheimer's or Dementia, and the caregiver chooses to keep that person at home, it becomes a noble yet difficult and uncharted journey. As the memory and mind of the loved one dims, the caregiver's responsibilities mount. The VNS professional staff can help.

VNS works with families in these situations each day. The VNS Caregiver Support Program can offer not only support, but also suggestions and guidance to enable you to keep your loved one in the comfort of home.

Some of the things we can offer you:

• Nurses who will assess your loved one physically, emotionally, and mentally and make recommendations to you.
• Social workers who will help you cope with your situation, access information and plan for the future.
• Home Health Aides who can assist you with personal care for the patient.
• Information and AHD helpful tips about the illness and ways to provide better care.
• Information on community resources available.
• Someone to talk to who understands the joys, frustrations and fears surrounding being a caregiver.

To arrange Services click here or call Visiting Nurse Service Admissions Department toll free at 1-800-248-6540

Support Groups

Alzheimer’s Association Affiliated Caregivers Support Group

This group meets at the VNS Howard Regional Home Care and Hospice Office, located at 2800 S. Reed Road in Kokomo, the first Tuesday of every month at 6:00PM. For more information contact Sue Flasche at (765) 453-8357.

DC/GS 4Kids 

This is a grief support program for children grades 1 – 8 and coping with divorce or the death of a loved one. It is co-sponsored by Crossroads Community Church. Meetings are every Monday evening from 6:00PM – 8:00PM at Crossroad Community Church located at 4254 S. 00 E.W. in Kokomo.Classes run September - November and then again January - March. There is no cost; however, parents must call (765) 453-4626, ext. 15 to register their children.

Grief Gatherings

These are educational presentations to provide information for the bereaved and an opportunity to share with others who are in similar grief situations. There is no cost to attend. Meetings are the first Tuesday of each month from 6:30PM – 8:00PM at the Northwoods Commons Activity Room located at 2501 Friendship Blvd. in Kokomo. For more information call Joyce Brooks, Hospice Chaplain, at (765) 453-8558.