About Our Health Plans

We are the health plans from VNS Health. For 130 years, our organization has had a nonstop commitment to the communities we serve. We have deep experience caring for people at all stages of life, including those with multiple or complex health conditions.

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Whether you have just Medicare, have both Medicare and Medicaid, or need help with daily activities to live safely in the comfort of your home, we can help you choose the right plan for you.

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This is your gateway to the digital tools, policies, guidance, and materials you and your staff need to deliver high-quality service to your patients and clients in our health plans.

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Our organization provides a full range of easy-to-access health care services that put you in control of your health and help you live your best life — at home and in your community.

Break Time for Caregivers

July 8, 2020

HELP YOURSELF AND YOUR LOVED ONE BY CARVING OUT PERSONAL TIME.

Taking a time-out when caring for a loved one can feel selfish. The truth is, you’re actually helping yourself and your loved one when you take a break. As you might expect, caregivers who use respite care services were happier and less stressed. Respite care also helps your loved one. Patients who were involved in respite care had fewer behavior problems and slept better at night than those whose caretakers did not take an occasional break, according to a recent study in the Journals of Gerontology.

After the busy holiday season, you may need time for yourself. Ask your loved one’s Care Manager about respite services. Or line up a friend or family member to take over for a few hours so you have some time to relax. Need inspiration? Here you go:

MEET UP WITH A FRIEND

Grab a cup of coffee, do some window shopping, see a movie. Whatever you choose, doing it with someone who can make you laugh and smile is time well spent.

TAKE A WALK

A quiet stroll in nature or through a museum may be the pause button your mind needs.

COLOR YOURSELF CALM

It’s no wonder that adult coloring books are the latest craze. These books offer the chance to escape without leaving your loved one alone. Bonus: Coloring is a great way to relieve stress and works like meditation.

GET SWEATY

What’s your favorite exercise? Biking, power walking, yoga, or tai chi will relax and invigorate you.

REDISCOVER YOUR PASSION

Get going on that scrapbook project you put on hold, try out some new recipes, or dig out your knitting needles. Carve out some time for the things you used to love to do.

SOAK THE STRESS AWAY

A warm bath helps calm your mind and muscles. Add Epsom salt and a few drops of essential oil like sleep-inducing lavender.

TAKE A NAP

A short snooze might be the reboot you need. Limit your nap to 20 minutes, about eight hours before bedtime, to avoid feeling groggy or wide-awake at night.

INDULGE IN A SO-CALLED TIME-WASTER

Caregivers are used to being “on” all the time. Find a few minutes to escape with tabloid magazines, a silly iPad app, listening to show tunes, or doing a puzzle.

Last updated 10/01/2021.