During Lymphedema Awareness Month, Cornerstone VNA is proud to highlight the remarkable efforts of its Lymphedema and Wound Care Team, a group of dedicated specialists who are making significant strides in addressing a critical gap in healthcare.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the team at Cornerstone VNA witnessed firsthand the dire need for wound care specialists due to an increase in complicated wounds. Many homebound patients were left without proper treatment, leading to worsening conditions, particularly for those suffering from unmanaged lymphedema and chronic wounds.

Recognizing the lack of accessible wound care for these vulnerable patients, Todd Burnett, PT, DPT, CLT, WCC, and his colleague, Allyson Alexander, PT, DPT, CLT, WCC, took action. They obtained wound care certification and began developing a new approach to treatment that integrates lymphedema and wound management. A dual certification in Wound Care and Lymphedema is not very common, but this important combination of specialized care has resulted in an innovative model that is achieving remarkable outcomes, including the healing of chronic wounds that had persisted for years. “We are proving that it is possible to effectively treat these patients in their homes,” Todd explains. “But we need more specialists. This is a national problem that requires a national response.”

Thanks to the efforts and leadership of Todd and Allyson, and due to the high demand of this service, Cornerstone VNA now has a team of ten clinicians who are certified in lymphedema and/or wound care. Clinicians with lymphedema and/or wound care certifications include: Cynthia Gallant, PTA, CLT, WCC, Stacey Genest, RN, MSN, WCC, Sally Grover, OTR/L, CLT, Jennifer Jackson, OTR/L, CLT, WCC, Corey Mastin, PT, DPT, CLT, WCC, Kara McEneaney, OTR/L, CLWT, Vanessa Sherman, OT, WCC, and Rose Slayton, RN, BSN, WCC. As the newly appointed Lymphedema and Wound Management Coordinators, Todd and Allyson hope to continue to grow this program. They are committed to ensuring that patients receive the highest quality care, especially those who are homebound and have historically been overlooked.

By investing in specialized training and pioneering new treatment approaches, Cornerstone VNA is setting a precedent for comprehensive wound and lymphedema management in home health care. According to President/CEO, Jennifer Ufkin, RN, MSN, BC-NC, “Our Lymphedema and Wound Program is unlike anything out there. Our Lymphedema Coordinators and team empower healing through innovation—the program provides cutting-edge strategies to enhance the well-being of those living with chronic lymphedema and wounds.”

To learn more about Cornerstone VNA, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call (603) 332-1133.