Who We Are
At Saint Joseph Health System VNA Home Care, we bring healing hands and caring hearts to your doorstep.
Who We Are
Saint Joseph Health System VNA Home Care is a member of Trinity Health At Home, a national home care, hospice and palliative care organization serving communities throughout eleven states. As a faith-based, not-for-profit, we serve patients and families in the comfort of home, offering various home health care services.
Our Services
Home Care
We provide care to individuals recovering from illness or surgery and help manage chronic conditions. We are committed to enhancing the overall well-being of our patients. With our own virtual care program, patients benefit from 24/7 monitoring in real-time and are empowered to achieve health care goals and avoid preventable hospitalizations.
Palliative Care
We relieve suffering and improve the quality of life for individuals facing serious illnesses. We work closely with patients, families and health care professionals to develop personalized care plans that address physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Our Mission
We, Saint Joseph VNA Home Care, serve together in the spirit of the Gospel as a compassionate and transforming healing presence within our communities.
Our Values
Saint Joseph VNA Home Care treats each person we serve with love, respect and kindness. We are committed to safe, high-quality care for all.
Our Core Values
Reverence
We honor the sacredness and dignity of every person.
Commitment to Those Experiencing Poverty
We stand with and serve those who are experiencing poverty, especially those most vulnerable.
Justice
We foster right relationships to promote the common good, including sustainability of the Earth.
Stewardship
We honor our heritage and hold ourselves accountable for the human, financial and natural resources entrusted to our care.
Integrity
We are faithful to who we say we are.
Safety
We embrace a culture that prevents harm and nurtures a healing, safe environment for all.
Our Vision
As a mission-driven national health ministry, we will become the recognized leader in improving the health of our communities and each person we serve. We will be known as the most trusted health partner for life.
Our History
Our Beginning
Founded in 1902 as The Visiting Nurse Association, our agency began as a standalone home-based care organization. It was one of the first six home care agencies in the U.S. Our founder, Anne Studebaker Carlisle was a visionary who saw a need for home-based care within the Indiana communities. Our founder believed our organization could play a significant role in the lives of those who needed our health care services. Since its founding, Saint Joseph VNA Home Care has grown to serve thousands of patients and has been a pillar in the Michiana community for over 120 years.
Historical Photos
Our Key Milestones
1902: Anne Studebaker Carlisle gathered a group of friends to develop plans for providing skilled care to those experiencing poverty at a small fee, employing student nurses from Epworth Hospital who worked eight-hour shifts for three months, with the hospital receiving 80 cents per shift.
1908: Initially, funding care was a challenge, so creative methods like hosting vaudeville shows, card parties, rummage and bake sales and charity balls were employed to raise money. In 1908, Mr. J.D. Oliver and his sister, Mrs. George Ford, were so impressed by the agency’s work that they donated $1000 annually for a full-time nurse. However, the nurse could only make a limited number of visits because she had to walk or use the few available streetcars to travel between patient homes.
1912: Our agency started working with insurance companies to offer services to policyholders for $1 per visit.
1926: At the request of the Board of Health, The Visiting Nurse Association expanded its services to include taking throat cultures (a quick test to identify infections) and caring for contagious diseases.
1950: The Visiting Nurse Association was one of 24 agencies accepted as a corporate member of the National Organization of Public Health Nursing during its inaugural year of corporate membership.
1966: We earned accreditation from the Indiana State Board of Health to start accepting Medicare patients.
1967: The Visiting Nurse Association expanded in 1967 through the merger of the Mishawaka and South Bend offices.
1978: Our Marshall County branch was established, marking further growth throughout the late 20th century.
1997: We formally changed our name to Saint Joseph Health System VNA Home Care to align with our local health care partner, Saint Joseph Health System.
2009: After 107 years, we joined Trinity Health and became a member of Trinity Health At Home.
2016: Launched our virtual care services through Trinity Health Home Care Connect™ and began monitoring patients through our secure remote technology. This program still exists today. Learn more.
Our Recent Accomplishments
More recently, in 2024, we expanded our services to include palliative care to help individuals with serious illnesses manage pain and symptoms and improve overall quality of life. Learn more.
In 2024, we also relaunched Beyond Balance, a fall prevention program for seniors. This comprehensive program includes tailored care plans and patient education, which empowers seniors to thrive at home. Learn more.
Our Future
As we move forward, our focus remains to bring compassionate, high-quality care to patients in the comfort of home. Our goal remains the same: to be your trusted home health care provider.
Our Health System Partnerships
Saint Joseph VNA Home Care is affiliated with the Saint Joseph Health System. Our team collaborates with hospitals, doctor’s offices and rehab facilities throughout the area to ensure a consistent experience in your care. We want your transition from the medical facility to your home to be seamless. This way, we can offer you complete home care services that fit your needs. Our goal is to create a healing environment where you can get better. You can trust us to be your health partner, guiding you with professionalism and kindness every step of the way.
Find What You Need Now
- Find A Career
- Donate To Our Mission
- Learn About Our Services
- Submit a Referral For My Patient
- Request a Referral From My Doctor
Contact Us
For prompt assistance, please call our office at 1-574-335-8600.