The Norwich Community Nurse provides services to the Norwich, Vermont community free of charge. This is a non-emergent service and does not take the place of a visiting nurse or health care provider. The primary goal is to assist the community in navigating the health care system.

Some of the services provided are:

  • Physical assessments
  • Fall risk assessments and preventative measures
  • Symptom management
  • Chronic disease management
  • Communication with primary care providers
  • Communication with families and caregivers regarding the plan of care
  • Advance directive care planning and completing COLST – Clinician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment form with patient to have signed by their primary care provider
  • Completing a medication list with patients and/or caregivers
  • Reconciling medications with provider offices
  • Joint visits with providers
  • Assistance with medical equipment
  • Education or assistance with social risk factors ie. food, housing, transportation
  • Delivering essential items to home
  • Planning for transitioning to home from the hospital/facility
  • COVID-19 assistance, education, and support
  • Flu vaccine education and support
  • Referrals to community/social service agencies
  • Assistance with transportation to provider visits
  • Address financial issues, rising costs of living, food insecurities
  • Support for caregivers

Avoid Winter Falls

  • Wear smart footwear. Make sure you have good traction on your shoes or boots.
  • Be careful when exiting your vehicle – use your car for support.
  • Be careful entering a building – remember, wet shoes on a tile floor can be slippery.
  • Keep your hands free, out of your pockets, and ready to help with balance.
  • Take your time. Give yourself a few extra minutes to get where you are going.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Keep a look out for black ice, snow-covered ice, uneven surfaces, and unsalted areas.
  • Be prepared to fall. This may sound contradictory, but if it's going to happen, here's how to do it: Relax your muscles and fall on your buttocks/side with a gentle rolling motion if possible. Try to avoid landing on your hands, knees, or back.