General Questions

Do I have a choice about who provides my care?

Absolutely! Federal law states that professionals who recommend home care services–such as physicians and hospital discharge planners–must present to the patient a verbal or written list of all home care agencies within that person’s community that offer the needed services. While a hospital, for example, may automatically try to refer a patient to its own home health service, the patient always has the right to request a different provider. For more information on patient choice, please view our whitepaper.

What services do you provide?

VNA Plus is the most comprehensive home care and hospice provider in the Tri-state area, which enables individuals and families to receive every service they need through one agency, including private duty companion care, personal care, respite, nursing and medication management; a personal response system; home health nursing, rehabilitation services, wound care and mental health care; and end-of-life hospice care. Visit our Services page for more information on every service we provide.

Who pays for services?

Home health care and hospice may be eligible for coverage by Medicare, Medicaid and commercial insurance; VNA Plus is Medicare and Medicaid certified, meaning that we can accept payment through these programs. Personal response systems and private duty (sometimes called “custodial”) care are not covered by these programs and must be paid for out-of-pocket, by other state and federal assistance programs, or through the use of a long-term care insurance policy or veterans’ benefits. VNA Plus staff can help you by evaluating coverage options before we provide service; and by handling claims processing and all related paperwork after you become our patient.

For more information about government funded programs, please contact the Southwestern Indiana Regional Council on Aging (SWIRCA & More). VNA Plus is also a United Way agency that provides care to people unable to pay whenever funds are available and appropriate. Donations are accepted and always appreciated; visit our Donations page to learn more.

How long have you been in business?

The Visiting Nurse Association began serving Evansville and surrounding communities in 1888 and has gradually expanded its services to include therapies, wound care, mental health, hospice and more. Visiting Nurse Plus was created in 1982 to complement VNA’s services with private duty care such as companionship, personal care, private pay nursing and medication management, a medical alert service, and respite for family caregivers. The two agencies merged in October 2010 to effectively and efficiently meet the service area’s home care and hospice needs. VNA Plus is Medicare and Medicaid certified, and licensed by the Indiana State Board of Health and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

When is staff available?

Home health care and hospice services are available daily, including weekends and holidays. Visits are scheduled according to your physician’s orders and the plan for your care. In addition, a nurse is available after hours to make visits as needed.

Private duty services are provided 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including weekends and holidays. We begin to schedule a request for service immediately following your call or visit to our office, and we make every effort to have service in place as soon as you need it, often on the same day!

Phones are answered 24 hours a day. After normal business hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, calls are accepted by after-hours staff or by our answering service.

Can I trust your employees?

For our patients’ and customers’ safety, all VNA Plus staff have met strict hiring guidelines and are employed by the agency; we do not use independent contractors. We screen and reference all potential employees through extensive criminal history and driving record checks, and drug testing. Where required, health care staff is current on licensing, and all employees are trained, bonded, insured, and up-to-date on infection control and privacy law requirements. The agency takes care of all payroll, taxes, and benefits; provides workman’s compensation insurance; and offers ongoing educational and training opportunities.

We understand that it is a big decision to allow someone into your home, and we take that responsibility seriously. Supervisors are always available to address any concerns or issues that arise during care.

Will I or my family be involved in my care?

Most definitely! Patient and family participation is a vital part of our team approach to care. Your case manager will work with you and your family as well as your physician and the other VNA Plus team members to ensure that decisions and teaching meet your expectations and goals for care. It is vital that you and your family and caregivers participate in your care. We will also maintain regular contact with your physician, pharmacist, and other members of your health care team.