February 18, 2013 marked another milestone for the Visiting Nurse Association California (VNA).  The Palm Springs Resource Center will officially be open to provide information on Home Health and Hospice to residents in the western areas of the Coachella Valley and staffing has been increased as VNA California’s geographic coverage expands in North San Diego County and into Eastern Los Angeles County.

Expansion and increased coverage mean more options for quality in-home skilled nursing, rehabilitative and hospice care.  “We get calls daily from physicians and hospitals asking for our help in assisting their patients at home” commented Mike Rusnak CEO.  As hospital stays continue to be shorter in duration, the need for in-home care increases.  “People frequently travel long distances to reach their health care provider or to be cared for in a specific hospital.  We want to make sure we can provide services regardless of where they live.  Los Angeles County will fill a void we have had in those markets” he concluded.

VNA California’s expansion into Los Angeles County includes the cities of Claremont, LaVerne, Diamond Bar, Pomona and San Dimas.  San Diego County coverage now includes Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos and Vista.

The Coachella Valley is unique in that VNA California has a Palm Desert location.  Yet, due to the considerable requests for information about Home Health, Rehabilitative and Hospice services, there was a need to expand access to VNA California’s resources. Space became available when Desert Regional Medical Center (DRMC) closed its hospice center.  As a result, collaboration between DRMC, the Desert HealthCare District and VNA California made the Palm Springs Resource Center a reality.  An open house is planned for early March 2013.

About VNA California
VNA California has been providing skilled nursing, rehabilitative, and hospice care to patients in their homes or places of residence since 1931.  One of the oldest home health care providers in Southern California, VNA California supports 10,000+ patients with 300,000+ visits each year.  As the only community-based non-profit to offer a complete continuum of home care, VNA California provides Home Health, Rehabilitative, Palliative, and Hospice services throughout Riverside, San Bernardino, Eastern Los Angeles and North San Diego Counties.  In addition, VNA’s Community Outreach efforts include Mourning Star Centers for child and teen grief and bereavement, the Nightingale Society, Charity Care Services, adult bereavement, professional continuing education and seminars and workshops on a variety of health-related topics. For more information or to volunteer call 855-VNA-CA11 or visit www.VNACalifornia.org.