VNS Services and Programs: Programs

At VNS, we provide a wide range of specialty programs that go beyond traditional care. Our highly trained specialists can offer you assistance in a number of ways.

Click on a category below to learn more:

CAREGIVER SUPPORT
CHILDREN COPE
CRISIS NURSERY
MATERNAL CHILD
RESPITE

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

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CHILDREN COPE WITH DIVORCE

Children Cope with Divorce is a four-hour educational program for divorcing parents that focuses on the needs of children. It is required by the court in which your divorce petition has been filed. After attending the seminar, participants receive a certificate and their attendance will be confirmed in court. Each parent should schedule the class within 30 days of filing for divorce.

THIS CLASS IS FOR PARENTS ONLY. DO NOT BRING CHILDREN TO THE CLASS! CHILD CARE WILL NOT BE PROVIDED!

Qualified professionals including therapists and social workers that specialize in divorce and the effects on children facilitate each seminar. The programs are in 11 counties in Central and are held at 6 sites, at various convenient times.

Check the schedule below for times and locations. You may schedule by calling us at 317-722-8201 or toll free at 1-877-840-2673 or you can email us at Registrar. We will return your call or e-mail confirmation within two (2) working days. When registering, please provide the following information: Name, Address, Phone Number (Home, Work, Cell), and Cause #. Also please include the Date, Time and Location of the class you wish to attend. Please note that we are closed on Mondays.

Click here for a PDF of the Children Cope With Divorce Brochure.

Why is this seminar important?

Divorce is a very stressful experience for both parents and children. This seminar will help you:

• learn about emotional reactions of divorce
• learn how families experience divorce
• learn typical reactions of children
• learn the developmental needs of children
• pitfalls to avoid

Additional sites of interest for attending the class:

Up to Parents: This site will provide "homework" to be done prior to the class that will help with understanding the seminar.

Share Kids: This site assists in scheduling time shared and provides communication tools to parents.

Payment Information

• Cost: $50 per person, payable at the seminar

• Cash, Money Order only at Indianapolis, Bloomington & Nashville

• Cash, Check, and Money Orders accepted at Noblesville, Batesville, & Shelbyville

• No Debit/Credit Cards Accepted

Click here for a Link to the 2008 Schedule

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CRISIS NURSERY

The VNS Crisis Nursery has been serving at-risk families in 10 counties since 1991.

The program is designed for families of children who range in age from infancy to twelve years of age that are identified as "at risk". It is normal for families to depend upon others to assist in childcare responsibilities. However, some families are limited to a nonexistent support system having limited to no extended family and limited to no financial resources. These families have no relief from the day-to-day responsibilities of parenting. This can result in the heightened emotions of parents during times of emergencies or stress, possibly leading to child abuse/neglect. Parents who have no one to care for their children during emergencies are risking neglect (abandonment) charges.

Referrals

Referral to the Crisis Prevention Program may come from community-based agencies, or families themselves can access the program voluntarily.

Services

Services can range from hourly to 24-hour respite care with each case being individually evaluated as to the amount of service required.

Providers

Providers are licensed community providers who understand the need to provide a warm and caring environment to children who are "at risk".

For more information, please contact

Cathy Boes, Crisis Coordinator
Visiting Nurse Service, Inc.
1-800-248-6540, ext. 216
1-317-722-8200, ext. 216

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MATERNAL CHILD

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.

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RESPITE

This VNS Respite Care Program provides short-term or emergency respite for the primary caregiver of children and/or adults with developmental disabilities. Services are available for a minimum of 4 hours and up to 24 hours as either pre-planned scheduled services, or of an emergency nature. This service is only available in Hamilton, Hancock and Shelby counties. A sliding scale is available for those individuals qualifying for services.

This program was established through a grant from the Division of Disability, Aging and Rehabilitation Services. VNS has been the recipient of the Respite grant since 1987.

For further information, contact the Admissions Department at 1-800-248-6540.

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