New Horizons welcomes VNA Care Advantage and new resident service director

New Horizons at Marlborough senior living community started the New Year with a new provider of supportive and personal care services, VNA Care Advantage, as well as a new resident service director, Theresa Quinn, RN, BSN, MS.

“Like New Horizons, VNA Care Advantage is a mission-focused not-for-profit organization,” said Bob O’Connor, executive director at the independent and assisted living community since before its opening in 1994.

VNA Care Advantage is part of VNA Care Network. Established in 1891, VNA Care Network provides a wide range of home- and community-based health care in more than 200 Central and Eastern Massachusetts communities. Services include disease management programs for heart failure and diabetes, IV therapy, joint replacement therapy, falls prevention, palliative care, and hospice care for the terminally ill.

According to O’Connor, some of the added benefits residents can look forward to through this new partnership are expanded insurance acceptance, comprehensive wellness programs (including disease-specific care management), telehealth opportunities, and a preferred provider status with many local health care organizations.

“The VNA Care Network family is dedicated to supporting seniors in living independently—helping them manage at home during times of illness or injury and promoting good health through screenings and educational programs,” said Karen Chirsky, RN, BSN, vice president of transitional care and business development for VNA Care Network. “We’re excited to work closely with the New Horizons community in helping their residents live life to the fullest.”

New Horizons has also welcomed a new resident service director, Theresa Quinn, RN, BSN, MS, a 25-year former employee of Marlborough Hospital. Quinn will be responsible for overseeing the on-site VNA Care Advantage staff and managing the care plans for residents who receive personal care services.

“Theresa will be a tremendous asset to New Horizons,” said O’Connor. “Her extensive case management experience and her knowledge of Marlborough Hospital will be invaluable when coordinating care for our residents.”

“I remember when New Horizons was first built and have been very impressed with how it has grown and expanded,” said Quinn. “I am thrilled to join this vibrant community and take an active role in creating a quality lifestyle for all our residents.”

More information about VNA Care Advantage is available at http://www.vnacarenetwork.org.

Owned by Cummings Foundation, one of the largest foundations in New England, New Horizons is home to more than 400 seniors. The 20-year-old community is located at 400 Hemenway Street in east Marlborough. It has a scenic 40-acre campus that was formerly the site of Madonna Hall School for Girls.

In 2014, New Horizons announced a “rate freeze” for new and current residents, guaranteeing no increase for at least five years to the basic monthly fee, which includes all charges for lodging, meals, water, heat, air conditioning, cable TV, local telephone service, parking, and regular maintenance.

In summer 2015, New Horizons anticipates opening “India House,” a new wing currently under construction that will cater to the Indian community. Reportedly the only culturally specific senior residence of its kind in New England, India House is being created in partnership with Indian Circle for Caring USA Inc.

PHOTO: Theresa Quinn, RN, BSN, MS, new resident service director at New Horizons at Marlborough