Visiting Nurse / Hospice Atlanta Blogs

Nature’s Healthy Benefits

June is National Great Outdoors month, which celebrates what nature has to offer, particularly as it pertains to our health.

Take Time to Smell the Flowers

According to the American Public Health Association (APHA), nature has a positive and direct affect on one’s health. APHA notes elderly people particularly benefit from being outside. The association completed a study which showed elderly people have a stronger sense of wellbeing when they have a view of a garden from their home. They have a reduced risk of developing dementia when they are able to actively garden or even simply rest in a garden. Gardens can also be beneficial to those with Alzheimer’s disease. APHA reported that patients with Alzheimer’s Disease in the study showed reduced agitation when they spent time in a garden. Additionally, APHA discovered that the general population benefits from being outdoors as exposure to nature has shown to reduce blood pressure and improve life expectancy.

Nature is also beneficial to mental health. National Geographic cited a study from the University of Exeter Medical School in England where researchers discovered people living among green landscapes have less mental distress. Also reported by National Geographic, the study concluded living among greener landscapes results in a lower mortality rate and fewer stress hormones.

Home bound patients, and those with limited mobility, can face depressive symptoms from feeling unable to connect with the outside world, but even a limited amount of exposure to nature can have a positive impact. Citing the study Therapeutic Landscapes and Wellbeing in Later Life: Impacts of Blue and Green Spaces for Older Adults, researchers at the University of Minnesota’s Health Sciences and Environment department suggest even small natural features, such as a koi pond, can be enough to influence health in a positive way. Jessica Finlay, one of the authors of the study reported how a “relatively mundane experience, such as hearing the sound of water or a bee buzzing among flowers, can have a tremendous impact on overall health.” Finlay asserts that nature motivates patients “to be active physically, spiritually, and socially, which can offset chronic illness, disability and isolation.”

As Finlay reports, there are simple ways for home health patients to easily gain exposure to the outdoors in ways that are manageable, especially for those with limited mobility. Patients and their caregivers can take small walks, garden, or simply sit outside. If a person cannot get outside, caregivers can bring the outdoors inside by opening a window to feel a breeze or hear the sounds of nature, bird watching through a window, and having flowers and plants displayed on tables. Nature has proven to be beneficial to our overall health and wellbeing. For this year’s National Great Outdoors Month, try exposing yourself and your loved ones to more of what nature has to offer. Take the time to sit and observe the nature around you and absorb its many benefits.

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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. 🕊️
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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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Thank you Mutual of America for a great time celebrating our mission, Healthcare Champions, and new friends of Visiting Nurse at Mercedes Stadium.

#visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #communityfirst

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We had a great time celebrating OT month, culminating this week with our 2025 Home Health OT Breakfast! 
Thank you OTs for all you do!

#OTMonth #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #teamworkmakesthedreamwork❤️

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Space Is Still Available - Sign Up Today!

Join us for our 3rd Annual Resilience Event on May 17th, 2025.

This FREE event is designed to support those on the grief journey.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
• Hear from others who understand the grief journey.
• Engage in grief break-out groups for shared support.
• Receive tangible tools to cope with loss and grief.
Together, we can build resilience and support each other through grief. Registration Required.

#hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem #grief

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As we continue to celebrate our volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week & Month, enjoy this message from one of our longtime volunteers and supporters sharing on why folks volunteer!

Barry gives to our community donating his time and talent in many ways impacting many around the globe, including helping individuals on their grief journey through TGBeyond! Thank you for all you do Barry!

#volunteer #volunteerappreciation #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #TGBeyond

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