Visiting Nurse / Hospice Atlanta Blogs

Don’t stop at the retirement plan. Consider end-of-life too.

By: Norene Mostkoff, President & CEO

A remarkable news story caught my attention: David Goodall, a 104-year-old scientist, is flying from Australia to Switzerland so that he can end his life. Every time I see a case like this it gives me pause.

Frankly, it doesn’t matter to me which side of the debate you are on—either taking your life is wrong or each person should have the right to die as they choose. I would prefer to change the focus of the discussion. We should be talking about why we fail to prepare and educate ourselves about end-of-life. Do we know the options? Are the right services and support available in our communities?

I often ask people, did they plan for the birth of their child, and did they plan for their retirement. Most people answer, of course they have a plan. They know which hospital they will go to for delivery. They know that they need to save for their retirement. But ask if they have an end-of-life plan and I either get blank stares or surprise that they would need one. Our physicians and our social services need to help each of us have a sound end-of-life plan that is right for us. In 2016, the federal government, specifically the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), made a huge step to help make this plan happen when it authorized paying physicians to have these conversations with beneficiaries.

How to begin assessing your plan

When making an end-of-life plan I think it is important to think about the following:

  1. 1. When do I want comfort care?
  2. 2. Where do I want to live?
  3. 3. How will I get services I need?
  4. 4. What do I want in my advance directive?
  5. 5. Who will make decisions for me when I can no longer make my own decisions?

Too often, these decisions are made during a crisis. Make a plan now when you don’t need it and be sure to review it every year. If you know your options, you can make informed decisions.

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We've enjoyed celebrating our Certified Nursing Assistants for CNA this month and during last week's CNA week!! Thank you to these amazing clinicians - your clinical skill, compassionate care, and strength you bring to every patient and family you serve makes a lasting impact. This month and every month, we’re grateful for the heart you put into your work. #CNA #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem #passion #Mission

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Today we pause to honor Juneteenth - a powerful reminder of resilience, freedom, and the continued pursuit of equity. At Visiting Nurse Health System, we recognize this day as more than a historic milestone, more so a call to action to listen, learn, and continue building a community where dignity and compassion are extended to all. Having provided care into the homes of Georgians for 76 years, our mission is rooted in the belief that each individual deserves equal access to quality health care. On this Juneteenth, we reaffirm that belief. Thank you to our community members, supporters and healthcare partners who help us serve with heart and humanity each day. #Juneteenth #EquityInCare #VisitingNurseHealthSystem #CommunityCare #hospiceatlanta

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Happy Father’s Day from Visiting Nurse Health System! 💙
Today we honor fathers, father figures, grandfathers and the fathers who are caregivers -leading lead with love, strength, and quiet dedication at home and in our communities. Thank you for all you do! 
#FathersDay #VisitingNurse #HonoringDads #visitingnursehealthsystem

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📢 We’re proud to share that Visiting Nurse Health System made front page news this week in Home Health Care News!

📰 Check out the featured article where our President & CEO, Dorothy Davis, talks about the growing financial pressures nonprofit home-based care providers face—especially in a market increasingly shaped by Medicare Advantage.
Dorothy shares insights on how competition for tier 1 patients and reimbursement challenges are shaping the future of care—not just for our patients, but for all of us who may one day need these vital services.

💬 We’re grateful to be part of this important conversation about the sustainability of nonprofit home health—and the critical business drivers that will define its future.

📖 Read the article here 👉https://vnhs.org/news/

#HomeHealthCare #NonprofitLeadership #MedicareAdvantage #ValueBasedCare #VisitingNurseHealthSystem #HealthCareNews #FutureOfCare

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VNHS Spotlight!
We're pleased to share our award winning Chief Innovation Officer, Jaqueline Ralph-Blair, was honored today with Modern Healthcare’s Leading Woman of 2025 award! 
This prestigious award honors 30 leading women and 10 rising stars who are making lasting positive changes to the business of healthcare. 
Celebrated today in Chicago at Modern Healthcare’s 15th Annual Leading Women Conference & Awards Luncheon, Jacqueline and her 2025 class of Modern Healthcare's Leading Women, received a vanguard award honoring their achievements in and contributions to healthcare, to include directing strategic partnerships, designing cutting-edge technologies, and spearheading revenue-boosting initiatives. 
Congratulations Jacqueline and THANK YOU for all you do!!

#leadership #CSuite #givingback #healthcare #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta

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Today, we remember and honor all who gave their lives in service to our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication will never be forgotten. Forever grateful. 🕊️
#MemorialDay #HonorAndRemember #NeverForget #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem

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🏌️‍♀️ We’re proud to be part of a great cause on and off the course!

Visiting Nurse Health System | Hospice Atlanta was honored to participate in and sponsor this year's LeadingAge Georgia Golf Tournament—an event that brings together healthcare partners and changemakers in senior care. 

This tournament helps sustain the vital work of LeadingAge Georgia, empowering member organizations that serve and advocate for our aging population across the state. It’s a privilege to be part of a community so committed to compassionate, quality care for older adults. ⛳️💙

#LeadingAgeGA #GolfForACause #SeniorCare #VisitingNurseHealthSystem #HospiceAtlanta #AgingWithDignity #CommunitySupport

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🎉 Please join us in celebrating our Employee of the Month – Dykia Brummitt! 🌟

Dykia’s dedication, compassion, and positive team spirit make a lasting impact on everyone she cares for. Her commitment to our mission and values here at Visiting Nurse Health System shines through in all she does, and we are so grateful to have her on our team. 💙👏

Congratulations, Dykia—you truly embody what it means to provide care with heart! 🏆

#EmployeeOfTheMonth #VisitingNurseProud #HealthcareHeroes #ThankYouDykia #visitingnursehealthsystem

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🎉 Celebrating Nurses Month continues with our incredible nursing team at Hospice Atlanta | Visiting Nurse Home Health! 💙🩺Here's our Home Health team celebrating this week! We’re so proud of our compassionate, dedicated nurses who go above and beyond every day to care for our community in the comfort of their home. Thank you for all that you do! 👏

#NursesMonth #VisitingNurseHealthSystem #ThankYouNurses #hospiceatlanta

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We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us last Saturday for Hospice Atlanta's 3rd Annual Resilience bereavement event. Whether you came to listen, speak, or simply be present, your participation helped create a space of healing, support, and strength.

A special thank you to our incredible speakers, who so generously shared their stories, insights, and compassion. Your words touched many and reminded us all that even in grief, we are not alone.

To every attendee — your presence was powerful. Thank you for showing up for yourselves, and for each other. Together, we honored our losses and found comfort in community. Thank you to our gracious volunteers and staff who supported the event operations. Let’s continue to walk this path together. 💛

 #ResilienceEvent #GriefSupport #ThankYou #HealingTogether #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem

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💐Happy Mother's Day!💐

#mothersday #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem

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Happy Nurses Week! 
Celebrating this week the incredible dedication, compassion, and resilience of nurses here at Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta and everywhere! 🌟🩺
Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, providing unwavering support and care to patients and their families. In 2025, we continue to recognize the vital role they play in our communities and their commitment to improving lives. Let's take a moment to express our gratitude and appreciation for these healthcare heroes. 

Join us in celebrating Nurses Week by sharing a story of a nurse who has inspired you or by simply saying “thank you” to a nurse who has made a difference in your life.

Thank You For All You Do!! Happy Nurses Week! 💙🏥 #nursesweek2025#healthcareheroes#ThankYouNurses#visitingnursehealthsystem#hospiceatlanta

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