Fallon, VNA accounce joint acquisition of Home Staff

From the Leominster Champion, May 30, 2008

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Fallon Community Health Plan and VNA Care Network & Hospice announced a joint venture to acquire Worcester-based Home Staff, a privately held, home supportive services agency that provides a variety of in-home services from four offices in Massachusetts, including Leominster.

The new company will be called Home Staff, LLC. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"The health and wellness of the communities we serve is of vital importance to us, and our new partnership with VNA Care Network & Hospice gives us even more opportunities to provide critical services to residents in Massachusetts," said Eric H. Schultz, President and CEO, Fallon Community Health Plan. "Together, we have the ability to offer an innovative approach to long term care."

"Our focus has always been to support those who are facing illness and injury while remaining at home," said Karen H. Green, President and CEO, VNA Care Network & Hospice. "By working together with Fallon Community Health Plan, we'll be ensuring that patients and families have options for long-term care that are community based."

With locations in Worcester, Centerville, Leominster and West Springfield, the Home Staff team of home care professionals provides support services to help patients in their home. These services include personal care, cleaning, errands, escorts to medical appointments and respite/companionship. These and many other care-related services are available up to 24 hours, seven days a week.

"We're very pleased to have found these two mission-focused organizations who share our compassion and commitment to providing local, community-based care," said Nancy Stassi, President, Home Staff.