Category: Exeter-Hampton

Cornerstone VNA Receives Recovery Friendly Workplace Designation

 

Rochester, NH – On April 15^th, 2025, Cornerstone VNA was designated as a Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW). According to the RFW website, “Led by Governor Chris Sununu, New Hampshire’s ‘Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative’ promotes individual wellness for Granite Staters by empowering workplaces to provide support for people recovering from substance use disorder. The Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative gives business owners the resources and support they need to foster a supportive environment that encourages the success of their employees in recovery.”

 

Recovery Friendly Workplaces (RFWs) support their communities by recognizing recovery from substance use disorder as a strength and by being willing to work intentionally with people in recovery.  RFWs encourage a healthy and safe environment where employers, employees, and communities can collaborate to create positive change and eliminate barriers for those impacted by addiction.

 

As a designated RFW, Cornerstone VNA is committed to fostering a safe and recovery friendly environment, engaging employees in addiction and behavioral health education and prevention, retaining healthy and productive employees, and promoting prevention and recovery in local communities. As a participant in this important initiative, Cornerstone VNA will receive ongoing support, training and education from Regional Public Health Networks, Recovery Support Organizations, and Recovery Friendly Advisors.

 

Cornerstone VNA President/CEO, Jennifer Ufkin, RN, MSN, shares, “Being recognized as a Recovery Friendly Workplace affirms our commitment to cultivating a culture of compassion, support, and second chances. This designation reflects our belief that recovery strengthens not only individuals, but entire communities—and we are proud to support those on their journey to wellness.”

 

According to Katie Michaud, MS, OTR/L, Community Care Director, “I am very proud to participate in the State of New Hampshire’s Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative, which adds to the depth of the Mental Health Team at Cornerstone VNA. We are also designated as the “Place” by the Dover Mental Health Alliance, which recognizes that we are a safe and judgment-free space for employees, colleagues, and patients.”

 

Cornerstone VNA currently serves Rockingham, Strafford, Belknap and Carroll Counties in New Hampshire and York County in Maine. The team at Cornerstone VNA provides award-winning care and support through five distinct programs: Home Care, Hospice Care, Palliative Care, Life Care-Private Duty, and Community Care. For 112 years, Cornerstone VNA has been committed to bringing services to people of all ages so that families can stay together at home, even when facing the challenges of aging, surgical recovery, chronic or life-threatening illnesses or end-of-life care. To learn more about Cornerstone VNA, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 603-332-1133.

25th Annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic June 12-14^th.  The entire area is illuminated for night viewing through June 23rd. Saturday, June 14th from 1:00 – 3:00 PM Voting for People’s Choice Award. 7:30 PM Awards Ceremony on Sea Shell Stage. Special Fireworks Display at 9:30 PM. 

Cornerstone VNA Hospice Achieves 4-Star Family Caregiver Satisfaction Rating

 

Rochester, NH – Cornerstone VNA, a trusted local nonprofit home health and hospice provider, is pleased to share that the agency’s Hospice Care program has achieved a 4-star rating for family caregiver satisfaction by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The survey asks family members or friends about the patient’s hospice care and if they would recommend that hospice to someone else. The survey rating can be found on the Medicare.gov website, which allows patients and families to research local hospice providers based on family satisfaction.

 

Cornerstone VNA is one of four hospice agencies in the Seacoast region that have achieved a 4 or 5-star family satisfaction rating. Hospice Care Director Lisa Nichols, RN, MSN, CCM, shares, “We have such a special team at Cornerstone VNA, and I am very proud of their commitment to ensuring the best end-of-life care and support for patients and their families.” Quality and Education Director Lisa Romanovitz, RN, BSN, adds, “This is an amazing achievement for the Hospice Care Team! They have worked so hard to improve in the area of family experience, and it’s exciting to see the results of their incredible efforts.”

 

An important contributor to a high family caregiver satisfaction rating is the Advanced Hospice and Palliative Care training that the Cornerstone VNA clinicians receive, and the enhanced volunteer programs and services that are provided to best support the needs of patients and family members. Specifically, hospice-trained volunteers can sit vigil with patients, provide caregiver respite, and support the pets of patients through a special Pet Peace of Mind Program. Further, Cornerstone VNA is a Level 5 We Honor Veterans program, which recognizes the unique needs of veterans at the end of life.  Jennifer Ufkin, RN, MSN, President/CEO, shares, “A 4-star family caregiver satisfaction rating is very exciting, and I know we will continue to improve as we work to implement new ideas to further support our family caregivers.”

 

Cornerstone VNA currently serves Rockingham, Strafford, Belknap and Carroll Counties in New Hampshire and York County in Maine. The team at Cornerstone VNA provides award-winning care and support through five distinct programs: Home Care, Hospice Care, Palliative Care, Life Care-Private Duty, and Community Care. For 112 years, Cornerstone VNA has been committed to bringing services to people of all ages so that families can stay together at home, even when facing the challenges of aging, surgical recovery, chronic or life-threatening illnesses or end-of-life care. To learn more about Cornerstone VNA, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 800-691-1133.

 

Strafford County Master Gardener Fundraiser Plant Sale on May 18^th from 9am to 1pm at the Durham Town Hall. County residents and visitors all welcome to check out the locally grown perennials, annuals, vegetables, and herbs. There’s an Ask a Master Gardener Table where individuals can find answers to everything gardening. We love talking about our favorite subject, gardening.