Happy 114th Birthday to the Greater Medford VNA

“Happy Birthday Greater Medford VNA!  114 Years and Counting…”

On April 7, 1900, at the home of Miss Fanny Bemis, 20 concerned citizens got together and formed a committee.  Five of these formed themselves into a committee of organization for the purpose of establishing in the city a “District Nursing Association”.  These five public spirited citizens were Mrs. Robert P. Hallowell, president; George F. Porter, vice-president; George Crockett, vice-president; George W. Green, treasurer; and Miss Helen S. Harlow, secretary.  The first meeting of the nursing committee was held at the home of Dr. Chandler on April 11, 1900. 

The first nurse, Lucy Rowe, was hired in June of 1900 with a salary of $50 per month.  A bicycle was purchased for the use of the nurse at a cost of $34.  Since Nurse Lucy Rowe first began traveling by bicycle to visit patients in their homes, Greater Medford VNA has been providing personalized, quality home health services to our neighbors. 

On October 8, 1907, the organization was incorporated as the Medford Visiting Nurse Association.  On May 13, 1910, the organization was reincorporated with the Bureau of Friendly Help.  A social worker was employed to work with families with social and economic problems.  Mrs. Grace Wing was the first paid social worker. 

In 1910, a permanent headquarters were obtained at 14 Salem Street.  Community fund raisers increased: Mexican market, lawn party, dances and card parties.  The headquarters was leased at $30 per month.  In 1932, a “Thrift Shop” was founded by Mrs. Ernest R. Brackett.  In those early days, the spirit and commitment to quality care was born and is still present today. 

As we begin celebrating our 114th year of providing quality and compassionate care, a concerned group of citizens have ensured that we remain independent.   In this era of mergers and acquisitions in health care, Greater Medford VNA still remains a free standing nonprofit organization that has been serving Medford and the surrounding communities with the highest quality home care.  The mission of the Greater Medford VNA is to allow patients to remain in their own home, while receiving Skilled Services that may otherwise require a hospital stay.

Home Care Services are available 7 days per week and 365 days per year.  Greater Medford provides the following services to meet your care needs at home:  Skilled Nursing, Skin & Wound Care, IV Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Medical Social Worker, Home Health Aide, Tele-Health and Disease Management including heart failure, COPD, diabetes and neurological disorders.

We provide many public health services including free blood pressure clinics, “Ask a Nurse” programs and Alzheimer and Parkinson support groups.  We also offer a free “Senior Elite” care management program, which will personally assist and advise you on resources and services available to you for your special needs.     

In 2000 we added Additional Care, a private home care service offering personalized private home care.  The goal is to have clients remain healthy and safe in their own home.  Many times, clients are not aware that the option to stay home can be a first choice for them and that they do not need to relocate to a nursing home or retirement center.  With our compassionately trained staff, we allow our clients to maintain their independence while being in their own home with the people and things they love.