VNA Vernon

Pros

• Carol and her team delivered outstanding, patient, and compassionate care during home-based support for a loved one.
• The hospice team provided wonderful guidance and support, with outstanding communication that helped a health care proxy living out of state.
• The team stayed with the family every step of the way, easing obstacles during the decline.
• Gina and the nursing staff were excellent; Amy (OT) and Liz (PT) were off-the-charts spectacular.
• Nurse Jill was absolutely amazing, dedicated, and compassionate, consistently going above and beyond.
• The visiting staff for pulmonary fibrosis care were punctual, caring, professional, encouraging, patient, and knowledgeable.
• Mark from Physical Therapy is exemplary, with fabulous knowledge and work ethic; a standout professional.
• The staff were very friendly, professional, helpful, kind, and knowledgeable.
• The group is full of special people and provided end-of-life care with sensitivity, support, and care.
• The service is highly recommended and left the family forever grateful.

Cons

• They neglected to act on a reported problem, and the reviewer's girlfriend has been fighting for her life and undergoing two surgeries.
• The agency refused to take her back as a client unless someone was in the house with her, and allegedly threatened to call Elderly Protective Services if no one was present.
• The reviewer was appalled by the actions of those in charge, saying that their stupidity ruined their mother's ability to continue receiving services.

Review

Over the past year, the care provided by Carol and her team has left a lasting impression on several families who relied on their services during challenging times. The consistent thread through the feedback is a deep sense of gratitude for patience, kindness, and thoughtful guidance. Families describe Carol's leadership as patient and attentive, taking the time to educate multiple relatives with sensitivity to each person's concerns. Her oversight during the delicate process of keeping a loved one at home as health gradually declined is repeatedly highlighted as invaluable, and the overall tone is one of warm appreciation and a belief that their needs were met in the best possible way. The sentiment is clear: this team earned a high and enduring recommendation, and many express a sense of indebtedness to Carol for easing a difficult journey.

Beyond the care at home, the hospice team itself is described as wonderful, with a level of communication that stands out even to family members who live out of state. For families acting as health care proxies from afar, the team's clarity and responsiveness were a lifeline - indeed, they became the "eyes and ears" when the family could not be physically present. The guidance offered during the end-of-life process is portrayed as both practical and emotionally supportive, helping the family navigate the last months with less fear and more confidence. What emerges is a portrait of a group of people who make a profound difference not only through clinical care but through the human touch that accompanies it.

Several accounts emphasize that, when a loved one progressed rapidly, the team remained steadfast and present at every step. The caregivers' reliability and ongoing support helped families feel that no matter how quickly circumstances changed, there would be steady hands and compassionate hearts alongside them. The sense of reassurance from a team that stays engaged during sudden shifts in a loved one's condition is highlighted as a standout element of their service, reinforcing the belief that the patients and their families were not alone in a moment of intense vulnerability.

Interdisciplinary care receives particular praise in several notes. Specific providers are singled out for their excellence: Gina and the other nurses who delivered care with professionalism; Amy the occupational therapist, and Liz the physical therapist, who are described as exceptional. The praise for the therapists underscores how the right combination of clinical expertise and compassionate communication can transform an experience that might otherwise feel overwhelming into one that feels supported and hopeful. In one heartfelt message, a patient thanks everyone involved and acknowledges the care team's ongoing positivity and competence.

Not all feedback, however, is without concerns. One reviewer recounts a situation where reported problems were not acted upon promptly, leading to serious consequences for a loved one. The message serves as a cautionary note about the importance of timely response and vigilance in clinical care, reminding readers that even with many positive experiences, there can be moments that require reflection and improvement. This perspective is balanced within the broader narrative by recognizing the overall quality of care while also calling for accountability and attention when issues arise.

Within the overall experience, individual staff members receive high praise for their dedication and impact. Nurse Jill is highlighted as absolutely amazing and exceptionally compassionate, routinely going above and beyond. Her peers and supervisors are encouraged to recognize her as a valuable asset, with a suggestion that she deserves rewards for the exceptional care she provides. Such testimonials emphasize that one extraordinary caregiver can influence an entire team's culture and the way families experience their loved one's care. The sense of admiration for Jill's talent and commitment mirrors the broader appreciation for the nursing staff.

Another dimension of care comes through in the experiences of families whose loved ones have specific conditions, such as pulmonary fibrosis. In these cases, the visiting team - comprising individuals like Dan, Brian, Erin, Hollie, and Betsy - are described as punctual, caring, professional, encouraging, patient, and knowledgeable. The consistency and warmth of the home visits contribute to a stable and reassuring environment for families navigating a challenging illness, reinforcing the value of trusted, dependable in-home support. This thread of dependable, compassionate care weaves through multiple homes and multiple roles, from nurses to therapists to home health aides.

There are also accounts that acknowledge a strong general culture of friendliness and professionalism. Phrases like very friendly and professional staff, and they are helpful, kind, and knowledgeable, appear as recurring motifs that complement the more detailed stories of individual caregivers. Taken together, these notes portray a team that blends technical competence with genuine humanity, creating an experience characterized by respect, empathy, and a steady commitment to meeting families where they are.

In sum, the collection of reviews paints a robust portrait of in-home and hospice care marked by exceptional patient and family-centered service. Families repeatedly describe a team led by Carol as a source of steadiness and comfort during slow decline and end-of-life transitions. The hospice program's clear communication and empathetic guidance offer a reassuring presence for out-of-state families who rely on timely updates and a trusted point of contact. The dedicated work of nurses, therapists, and aides - especially individuals like Jill, Gina, Amy, Liz, Mark, and the many others named - emerges as a testament to professional excellence and compassionate care. While there are reminders to keep improving responsiveness in all cases, the prevailing sentiment is one of gratitude for care that makes incredibly difficult times more bearable and dignified.

This part of Vernon Rockville, Connecticut, offers a variety of amenities and services that may appeal to seniors looking for a convenient and comfortable living environment. There are several dining options nearby, including traditional diners, delis, Asian cuisine, and familiar fast food chains. Medical care is easily accessible with internal medicine practices, eye care specialists, pulmonary associates, and orthopedic services in the vicinity. Pharmacies are also conveniently located for medication needs. For leisure activities, there is a movie theater just a short drive away and parks for outdoor recreation. The area is well-connected with transportation options such as Pratt & Whitney for those wanting to explore beyond the immediate vicinity. Additionally, places of worship provide spiritual support within the community. Overall, this part of Vernon Rockville offers a mix of essential services and recreational opportunities that could make it a desirable location for senior living.

Restaurants

• Vernon Diner (0.7 miles)
• Rein's New York Style Deli (0.8 miles)
• OKI Asian Bistro (0.8 miles)
• Burger King (1.3 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.4 miles)
• McDonald's (1.5 miles)
• Wood-n-Tap Bar & Grill-Vernon (1.6 miles)

Physicians

• Vernon Internal Medicine (0.8 miles)
• Myeyedr (1.2 miles)
• Northeastern Pulmonary Associates (1.3 miles)
• Family Medicine Center (3.6 miles)
• ECHN Healthcare (4 miles)
• Ellington Family Practice (4.2 miles)
• Advanced Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine PC (4.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.4 miles)
• Walgreens (4.5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.5 miles)
• Starbucks (3.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.6 miles)
• Starbucks (4.9 miles)
• Birdhouse Coffee (5.4 miles)
• Starbucks (6.9 miles)
• Rebel Dog Coffee Co. EAST HARTFORD (10.5 miles)

Theaters

• Cinemark Buckland Hills 18 + Imax (4.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Second Congregational Church (5.3 miles)

Parks

• Gay City State Park (7.6 miles)
• River Road Athletic Complex (10.4 miles)

Transportation

• Pratt & Whitney (10.5 miles)