Release Date: 03/09/2012

Today, Mrs. Suzanne Gilstein presented the VNA of Care New England with a generous gift that will allow the naming and expansion of The Suzanne and Alan Gilstein Telemonitoring Program. At a luncheon held at VNA of Care New England offices in Warwick, Gilstein said, "I am pleased to be able to make this gift that will enable VNA of Care New England to expand on this forward thinking technology. It has already proven to help reduce unnecessary emergent care and hospitalizations, reducing overall healthcare spending and perhaps most importantly, improve the patient experience."

A long time leader in advancing technology in the home, VNA of Care New England was a pioneer bringing telemonitoring to Rhode Island in 2005 and today, has the largest program in the state, projected to serve over 600 patients this year. Nancy Roberts, President and CEO of VNA of Care New England said, "As more and more healthcare is moving away from the acute care setting back into the community, quality, cost-effective use of technology is more important than ever. We are most grateful that Mrs. Gilstein has so generously recognized this."

The VNA of Care New England’s telemonitoring equipment encourages patient activation and self-management, important in the effective and successful management of patients with one or more chronic diseases such as heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The technology also improves the patient’s ability to stay independent and in their home by daily monitoring of their health status. Early warning signs alert VNA of Care New England nurses if intervention is needed and appropriate actions are taken. In combination with a comprehensive home health care program, the use of telemonitoring greatly reduces the need for expensive emergency care visits and hospitalizations, all goals of healthcare reform.