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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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

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

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❤️

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

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

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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Thank you to all of our Administrative Support Professionals! Celebrating you this week, this month and ALWAYS! You're support is second to none, we're grateful for all you do! #support #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta

Thank you to all of our Administrative Support Professionals! Celebrating you this week, this month and ALWAYS! You`re support is second to none, we`re grateful for all you do! #support #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta ...

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Go Hawks Beat the Heat Tonight! 

Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta celebrates the Hawks players, organization and Foundation for all they do to support our Atlanta community! 
Here are some Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta employees and their loved ones, cheering on the Hawks last weekend! 
Good luck tonight taking on the Miami Heat!
#GoHawks #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta

Go Hawks Beat the Heat Tonight!

Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta celebrates the Hawks players, organization and Foundation for all they do to support our Atlanta community!
Here are some Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta employees and their loved ones, cheering on the Hawks last weekend!
Good luck tonight taking on the Miami Heat!
#GoHawks #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta
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We’re proud to share our President and CEO, Dorothy Davis, joined other Georgia healthcare leaders this week in Washington DC, gathering April 9 for LeadingAge Lobby Day. 
The team meet with both Republican and Democratic representatives to ensure healthcare and choice remain an option for seniors. 
As Visiting Nurse began over 76 years ago, our mission is to improve the lives of those we serve, and we carried the voices of our patients and caregivers to the Georgia representatives. 
We honor this dedicated team of healthcare leaders (Ginny Helms, Deke Cateau, Chris Keysor, Karon Nixon) committed to work in connection directly with local and federal policymakers, to continue helping to drive meaningful change and create a more equitable healthcare system for all. Thank you to these strong leaders, for their unwavering dedication and for being a voice for those who need it most. 
#HealthcareEquality #Advocacy #Leadership #MakingADifference #leadingage #washington #visitingnursehealthsystem

We’re proud to share our President and CEO, Dorothy Davis, joined other Georgia healthcare leaders this week in Washington DC, gathering April 9 for LeadingAge Lobby Day.
The team meet with both Republican and Democratic representatives to ensure healthcare and choice remain an option for seniors.
As Visiting Nurse began over 76 years ago, our mission is to improve the lives of those we serve, and we carried the voices of our patients and caregivers to the Georgia representatives.
We honor this dedicated team of healthcare leaders (Ginny Helms, Deke Cateau, Chris Keysor, Karon Nixon) committed to work in connection directly with local and federal policymakers, to continue helping to drive meaningful change and create a more equitable healthcare system for all. Thank you to these strong leaders, for their unwavering dedication and for being a voice for those who need it most.
#HealthcareEquality #Advocacy #Leadership #MakingADifference #leadingage #washington #visitingnursehealthsystem
...

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Visiting Nurse Health System is proud to announce that Jacqueline Ralph-Blair was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the Leading Women for 2025. This prestigious recognition program acknowledges and honors women executives from all sectors of the healthcare industry for their contributions to care delivery improvement, health equity, policy and gender equity in healthcare leadership. Congratulations Jacqueline!

Please join us in congratulation Jacqueline and enjoy the full press release on our website www.vnhs.org

Visiting Nurse Health System is proud to announce that Jacqueline Ralph-Blair was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the Leading Women for 2025. This prestigious recognition program acknowledges and honors women executives from all sectors of the healthcare industry for their contributions to care delivery improvement, health equity, policy and gender equity in healthcare leadership. Congratulations Jacqueline!

Please join us in congratulation Jacqueline and enjoy the full press release on our website www.vnhs.org
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We are thrilled to announce that Regina Ramsey-Dockett has been named Employee of the Month for April 2025! 🎉

Regina's dedication, innovation, and exceptional teamwork have not only driven her success but have also inspired those around her. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to lead with passion have been instrumental to Visiting Nurse for over a decade now!

Please join us in congratulating Regina on this well-deserved recognition. Regina, we are so grateful you choose Visiting Nurse each day! #EmployeeOfTheMonth #TeamSuccess #Congratulations

We are thrilled to announce that Regina Ramsey-Dockett has been named Employee of the Month for April 2025! 🎉

Regina`s dedication, innovation, and exceptional teamwork have not only driven her success but have also inspired those around her. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to lead with passion have been instrumental to Visiting Nurse for over a decade now!

Please join us in congratulating Regina on this well-deserved recognition. Regina, we are so grateful you choose Visiting Nurse each day! #EmployeeOfTheMonth #TeamSuccess #Congratulations
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