Coronavirus Information

Friday, May 29, 2020 – RVNAhealth has been monitoring news and updates on the COVID-19 front released by organizations including CDC, WHO, FDA, State of CT, and other news sources. Click the button below for the latest news and updates.


At RVNAhealth, the health and safety of our patients and team is always a top priority.  Amid the concerns around Coronavirus, we are ever-monitoring the situation, reinforcing our standard health care protocols both within the RVNAhealth building as well as with our field team, and taking additional steps for extra vigilance. 

Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. In additional to our internal measures, we remind all individuals of the following best practices to help keep yourself and others healthy: 

  • Stay home, Stay safe,” per Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont’s executive order for non-essential workers to not report to their workplaces.
  • If you must leave your home, do not travel in groups.
  • Keep at least six feet away from others.
  • Cancel/avoid non-essential gatherings of any size.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after visiting the restroom; before eating; after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing or touching your face.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue, then discard the tissue in the trash. Clean your hands AGAIN.
  • Use alcohol gel hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available.
  • Utilize disinfectant wipes to wipe down high-touch areas such as counters, keyboards, doorknobs and other areas with frequent hand exposure.
  • Keep hand cleansers with you.
  • If you are sick, stay home; call (do not immediately visit) your health care provider for next steps; limit visitors.
  • Create a household plan of action in case of household illness or disruption of daily activities due to COVID-19 in the community.
  • Minimize trips to stores and other public places by keeping an advance supply of medications and groceries on hand.

RVNAhealth COVID-19 Newsletter Updates

The Pulse: May, 2020 – Caring for a Loved One with COVID-19; Daily Living Tips from Our Team

The Pulse: April 23, 2020 – A Video Tribute; Recent Updates; Rehab Center News

The Pulse: April 15, 2020 – Tip of the Day; Recent Updates; Staff Spotlights;

April 2020: The People Edition

The Pulse: March 31, 2020 – RVNAhealth Offers Advanced Care Planning to the Community

The Pulse: March 24, 2020 – RVNAhealth Operations Update; Ask the Chief Clinical Officer; Request for iPads and IPhones

The Pulse: March 19, 2020 – Call for PPE; Additional Statewide Closures

The Pulse: March 9, 2020 – How Infections Occur; Standard Health Protocols; CDC Guidance


If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath) and feel you may have been exposed to the coronavirus, please stay home and call your health care provider or your local Health Department to discuss your options. The CDC provides guidance on symptoms and what to do if you feel sick. Download the CDC’s COVID-19 Fact Sheet from the CDC in English, Spanish, or Chinese.

Video: How to Wash Your Hands

This video is silent, but the messages are loud and clear. Here are valuable insights from the CDC into the hows and whys of proper hand washing.


For further information or with questions, please contact BeWELL@RVNAhealth.org.

Brand New Day. Brand New …

Happy Multigenerational Family

RVNAhealth logoEffective Saturday, October 5, 2019, the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (RVNA) has changed our name to RVNAhealth. The name change reflects our breadth of services and regional reach, both of which have expanded significantly in the last decades.

RVNAhealth currently serves 35+towns in Connecticut, and offers care and wellness services for all ages, stages and levels of health.  The name change is the culmination of a strategic Rebranding initiative that was launched in 2014. 

Explains Theresa Santoro, MSN, RN, RVNAhealth President & CEO, “’Rebranding’ was identified at our 2014 strategic retreat when we recognized that there was an increasing disconnect between our direction – who we are, what we do, where we do it, and where we’re headed – and the name by which we call ourselves.  It warranted examination and action.”

The Evolution of RVNAhealth

RVNAhealth was founded in 1914 as the ‘District Nursing Association’ with a single nurse traveling by foot to serve Ridgefield families in their homes. Over the decades, the organization added community wellness services, as well as public health services for the town of Ridgefield.  Staff increased, offices moved, new towns were added to the service area, and the organization’s name was tweaked -– more than once.

The ‘District Nursing Association’ became the ‘Visiting Nurse Association of Ridgefield’ in 1994 and then the ‘Ridgefield Visiting Nursing Association’ in 2006.

The organization’s growth since 2006 has been particularly remarkable. 

Non-medical caregivers, an outpatient rehabilitation and wellness center, hospice services and an increasing wealth of prevention and wellness services have been added to the organization’s ‘continuum of care.’

Additionally, the RVNAhealth Center for Exceptional Care in Ridgefield CT opened in 2016, offering rehabilitation, nursing services, nutritional counseling and educational programs all on-premises – not to mention housing the administrative staff.

“Our growth has been very organic, in that we have added services in direct response to patient needs and natural evolutions in the landscape of healthcare,” says Santoro. “We have bolstered and refined our services that aid recovery and recuperation, plus added services that focus on prevention, independence, comfort and end-of-life care.” 

It was during this growth spurt that the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association ‘outgrew’ our name. “As we examined the name, through internal analysis, focus groups, ideation sessions and competitive analysis,” explains Santoro, “it was clear that the geographic and service limitations of the name made it very confusing to the very people we were aiming to serve. It was time for another change.”

Onward Ho!

The new RVNAhealth name and brand are less a shift in direction, and more a formalization of the direction and course the agency has already taken. The new name retains the RVNA legacy and reputation, while expressing the umbrella under which all services reside: Health.  

In addition to the name change, the organization has redefined our overall brand to convey the comprehensive and integrated approach that RVNAhealth brings to care and wellness services.  A new tagline, For Lifelong Care and Wellness, has been added; the look and feel have been updated; and services have been re-categorized to represent the continuum of care that is unique to RVNAhealth. 

The new categories, the WELLs, include:

BEWELL:                     Services to Keep You Healthy

GETWELL:                  Services to Recover your Best Health

STAYWELL:                 Services to Remain Safely in Your Home

COMFORTWELL:       Hospice Care to Provide Comfort and Peace

All current RVNAhealth services reside under these categories. 

No Item Unturned …

The name change announcement was made at the annual RVNAhealth Autumn Dinner on Saturday, October 5, 2019 to an audience of over 200 close friends and supporters.  Following the announcement, the rollout of the brand new name and identify begins with a new website, social media sites, clinical apparel; building signage; printed materials, email addresses, stationery …. You name it, it needs to be updated!

Enjoy the video and let us know what you think!

I

EXERCISE CLASS: Chair FIT – Ridgefield

chair fitness

Fitness Class: Chair FIT
Every Tuesday, 10:30am-11:15am
RVNAhealth, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield
$20 per class (please register in advance)

Join RVNAhealth physical therapist, Kristine Greco, for a chair fitness class that’s designed to be fun and beneficial for everyone, especially those with specific health needs. This class is perfect for individuals with Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, and seniors with mobility issues.

In this class, you’ll engage in exercises that work your muscles, improve coordination for brain health, enhance mobility, build strength, and boost cardio fitness. Kristine Greco’s expertise ensures that each exercise is safe and effective, tailored to meet your individual needs.

Don’t let mobility challenges hold you back. Come join us and discover how enjoyable and rewarding chair fitness can be!

Cost is $20 per class and we do not require a registration for each class, but PLEASE REGISTER HERE BEFORE ATTENDING YOUR FIRST CLASS TO RECEIVE CLASS DETAILS AND FILLOUT A REQUIRED HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE.

 

EXERCISE CLASS: Chair FIT – Ridgefield

chair fitness

Fitness Class: Chair FIT
Every Tuesday, 10:30am-11:15am
RVNAhealth, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield
$20 per class (please register in advance)

Join RVNAhealth physical therapist, Kristine Greco, for a chair fitness class that’s designed to be fun and beneficial for everyone, especially those with specific health needs. This class is perfect for individuals with Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, and seniors with mobility issues.

In this class, you’ll engage in exercises that work your muscles, improve coordination for brain health, enhance mobility, build strength, and boost cardio fitness. Kristine Greco’s expertise ensures that each exercise is safe and effective, tailored to meet your individual needs.

Don’t let mobility challenges hold you back. Come join us and discover how enjoyable and rewarding chair fitness can be!

Cost is $20 per class and we do not require a registration for each class, but PLEASE REGISTER HERE BEFORE ATTENDING YOUR FIRST CLASS TO RECEIVE CLASS DETAILS AND FILLOUT A REQUIRED HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE.

 

EXERCISE CLASS: Balance & Beyond – Ridgefield

RVNAhealth is excited to announce the introduction of its new public fitness class, “Balance & Beyond.”  An ongoing weekly drop-in class (come for one or come for all!) that focuses on building muscle, restoring balance and improving your walk or jog, all while giving your brain a great workout!

Balance can be a life essential to preventing falls and keeping daily activities of life within our control. The old adage of “use it or lose it’ doesn’t ring more true when it comes to strength.  This is why Andrea de Lange, RVNAhealth Physical Therapist, is so passionate about bringing balance and strength classes to the public.

“This program is beneficial for so many people — whether you are just looking to improve your strength or balance to improve quality of life, or you are looking for a customized fitness program to assist with medical conditions such as Parkinson’s, arthritis, or autoimmune disorders,” says de Lange. “This circuit training class will have you moving through a series of stations including boxing, agility training, and functional mobility conditioning – all customized to meet your fitness levels and goals. And there is plenty of time for questions and personalized instruction and feedback!”

Andrea de Lange is experienced Physical Therapist and certified LSVT BIG practitioner with a long history of working with the outpatient orthopedic and neurological population. She possesses a strong background in the treatment of spine, extremity injuries and pain, as well as neurological impairment, with a focus on people with Parkinson’s disease.

RVNAhealth’s Balance & Beyond classes are offered every Monday and Thursday from 12:00pm-1:00pm at the RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center located at 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield. Class fees are $30 per class and registration is required in advance, as attendance is limited.  TO REGISTER TO ATTEND A CLASS, CLICK HERE. For questions, please contact the RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center at 203.438.7862 or rehabcenter@rvnahealth.org.

 

EXERCISE CLASS: Balance & Beyond – Ridgefield

RVNAhealth is excited to announce the introduction of its new public fitness class, “Balance & Beyond.”  An ongoing weekly drop-in class (come for one or come for all!) that focuses on building muscle, restoring balance and improving your walk or jog, all while giving your brain a great workout!

Balance can be a life essential to preventing falls and keeping daily activities of life within our control. The old adage of “use it or lose it’ doesn’t ring more true when it comes to strength.  This is why Andrea de Lange, RVNAhealth Physical Therapist, is so passionate about bringing balance and strength classes to the public.

“This program is beneficial for so many people — whether you are just looking to improve your strength or balance to improve quality of life, or you are looking for a customized fitness program to assist with medical conditions such as Parkinson’s, arthritis, or autoimmune disorders,” says de Lange. “This circuit training class will have you moving through a series of stations including boxing, agility training, and functional mobility conditioning – all customized to meet your fitness levels and goals. And there is plenty of time for questions and personalized instruction and feedback!”

Andrea de Lange is experienced Physical Therapist and certified LSVT BIG practitioner with a long history of working with the outpatient orthopedic and neurological population. She possesses a strong background in the treatment of spine, extremity injuries and pain, as well as neurological impairment, with a focus on people with Parkinson’s disease.

RVNAhealth’s Balance & Beyond classes are offered every Monday and Thursday from 12:00pm-1:00pm at the RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center located at 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield. Class fees are $30 per class and registration is required in advance, as attendance is limited.  TO REGISTER TO ATTEND A CLASS, CLICK HERE. For questions, please contact the RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center at 203.438.7862 or rehabcenter@rvnahealth.org.

 

EXERCISE CLASS: Chair FIT – Ridgefield

chair fitness

Fitness Class: Chair FIT
Every Tuesday, 10:30am-11:15am
RVNAhealth, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield
$20 per class (please register in advance)

Join RVNAhealth physical therapist, Kristine Greco, for a chair fitness class that’s designed to be fun and beneficial for everyone, especially those with specific health needs. This class is perfect for individuals with Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, and seniors with mobility issues.

In this class, you’ll engage in exercises that work your muscles, improve coordination for brain health, enhance mobility, build strength, and boost cardio fitness. Kristine Greco’s expertise ensures that each exercise is safe and effective, tailored to meet your individual needs.

Don’t let mobility challenges hold you back. Come join us and discover how enjoyable and rewarding chair fitness can be!

Cost is $20 per class and we do not require a registration for each class, but PLEASE REGISTER HERE BEFORE ATTENDING YOUR FIRST CLASS TO RECEIVE CLASS DETAILS AND FILLOUT A REQUIRED HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE.

 

EXERCISE CLASS: Balance & Beyond – Ridgefield

RVNAhealth is excited to announce the introduction of its new public fitness class, “Balance & Beyond.”  An ongoing weekly drop-in class (come for one or come for all!) that focuses on building muscle, restoring balance and improving your walk or jog, all while giving your brain a great workout!

Balance can be a life essential to preventing falls and keeping daily activities of life within our control. The old adage of “use it or lose it’ doesn’t ring more true when it comes to strength.  This is why Andrea de Lange, RVNAhealth Physical Therapist, is so passionate about bringing balance and strength classes to the public.

“This program is beneficial for so many people — whether you are just looking to improve your strength or balance to improve quality of life, or you are looking for a customized fitness program to assist with medical conditions such as Parkinson’s, arthritis, or autoimmune disorders,” says de Lange. “This circuit training class will have you moving through a series of stations including boxing, agility training, and functional mobility conditioning – all customized to meet your fitness levels and goals. And there is plenty of time for questions and personalized instruction and feedback!”

Andrea de Lange is experienced Physical Therapist and certified LSVT BIG practitioner with a long history of working with the outpatient orthopedic and neurological population. She possesses a strong background in the treatment of spine, extremity injuries and pain, as well as neurological impairment, with a focus on people with Parkinson’s disease.

RVNAhealth’s Balance & Beyond classes are offered every Monday and Thursday from 12:00pm-1:00pm at the RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center located at 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield. Class fees are $30 per class and registration is required in advance, as attendance is limited.  TO REGISTER TO ATTEND A CLASS, CLICK HERE. For questions, please contact the RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center at 203.438.7862 or rehabcenter@rvnahealth.org.

 

EXERCISE CLASS: Balance & Beyond – Ridgefield

RVNAhealth is excited to announce the introduction of its new public fitness class, “Balance & Beyond.”  An ongoing weekly drop-in class (come for one or come for all!) that focuses on building muscle, restoring balance and improving your walk or jog, all while giving your brain a great workout!

Balance can be a life essential to preventing falls and keeping daily activities of life within our control. The old adage of “use it or lose it’ doesn’t ring more true when it comes to strength.  This is why Andrea de Lange, RVNAhealth Physical Therapist, is so passionate about bringing balance and strength classes to the public.

“This program is beneficial for so many people — whether you are just looking to improve your strength or balance to improve quality of life, or you are looking for a customized fitness program to assist with medical conditions such as Parkinson’s, arthritis, or autoimmune disorders,” says de Lange. “This circuit training class will have you moving through a series of stations including boxing, agility training, and functional mobility conditioning – all customized to meet your fitness levels and goals. And there is plenty of time for questions and personalized instruction and feedback!”

Andrea de Lange is experienced Physical Therapist and certified LSVT BIG practitioner with a long history of working with the outpatient orthopedic and neurological population. She possesses a strong background in the treatment of spine, extremity injuries and pain, as well as neurological impairment, with a focus on people with Parkinson’s disease.

RVNAhealth’s Balance & Beyond classes are offered every Monday and Thursday from 12:00pm-1:00pm at the RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center located at 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield. Class fees are $30 per class and registration is required in advance, as attendance is limited.  TO REGISTER TO ATTEND A CLASS, CLICK HERE. For questions, please contact the RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center at 203.438.7862 or rehabcenter@rvnahealth.org.

 

EXERCISE CLASS: Chair FIT – Ridgefield

chair fitness

Fitness Class: Chair FIT
Every Tuesday, 10:30am-11:15am
RVNAhealth, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield
$20 per class (please register in advance)

Join RVNAhealth physical therapist, Kristine Greco, for a chair fitness class that’s designed to be fun and beneficial for everyone, especially those with specific health needs. This class is perfect for individuals with Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, and seniors with mobility issues.

In this class, you’ll engage in exercises that work your muscles, improve coordination for brain health, enhance mobility, build strength, and boost cardio fitness. Kristine Greco’s expertise ensures that each exercise is safe and effective, tailored to meet your individual needs.

Don’t let mobility challenges hold you back. Come join us and discover how enjoyable and rewarding chair fitness can be!

Cost is $20 per class and we do not require a registration for each class, but PLEASE REGISTER HERE BEFORE ATTENDING YOUR FIRST CLASS TO RECEIVE CLASS DETAILS AND FILLOUT A REQUIRED HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE.

 

EXERCISE CLASS: Balance & Beyond – Ridgefield

RVNAhealth is excited to announce the introduction of its new public fitness class, “Balance & Beyond.”  An ongoing weekly drop-in class (come for one or come for all!) that focuses on building muscle, restoring balance and improving your walk or jog, all while giving your brain a great workout!

Balance can be a life essential to preventing falls and keeping daily activities of life within our control. The old adage of “use it or lose it’ doesn’t ring more true when it comes to strength.  This is why Andrea de Lange, RVNAhealth Physical Therapist, is so passionate about bringing balance and strength classes to the public.

“This program is beneficial for so many people — whether you are just looking to improve your strength or balance to improve quality of life, or you are looking for a customized fitness program to assist with medical conditions such as Parkinson’s, arthritis, or autoimmune disorders,” says de Lange. “This circuit training class will have you moving through a series of stations including boxing, agility training, and functional mobility conditioning – all customized to meet your fitness levels and goals. And there is plenty of time for questions and personalized instruction and feedback!”

Andrea de Lange is experienced Physical Therapist and certified LSVT BIG practitioner with a long history of working with the outpatient orthopedic and neurological population. She possesses a strong background in the treatment of spine, extremity injuries and pain, as well as neurological impairment, with a focus on people with Parkinson’s disease.

RVNAhealth’s Balance & Beyond classes are offered every Monday and Thursday from 12:00pm-1:00pm at the RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center located at 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield. Class fees are $30 per class and registration is required in advance, as attendance is limited.  TO REGISTER TO ATTEND A CLASS, CLICK HERE. For questions, please contact the RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center at 203.438.7862 or rehabcenter@rvnahealth.org.

 

EXERCISE CLASS: Balance & Beyond – Ridgefield

RVNAhealth is excited to announce the introduction of its new public fitness class, “Balance & Beyond.”  An ongoing weekly drop-in class (come for one or come for all!) that focuses on building muscle, restoring balance and improving your walk or jog, all while giving your brain a great workout!

Balance can be a life essential to preventing falls and keeping daily activities of life within our control. The old adage of “use it or lose it’ doesn’t ring more true when it comes to strength.  This is why Andrea de Lange, RVNAhealth Physical Therapist, is so passionate about bringing balance and strength classes to the public.

“This program is beneficial for so many people — whether you are just looking to improve your strength or balance to improve quality of life, or you are looking for a customized fitness program to assist with medical conditions such as Parkinson’s, arthritis, or autoimmune disorders,” says de Lange. “This circuit training class will have you moving through a series of stations including boxing, agility training, and functional mobility conditioning – all customized to meet your fitness levels and goals. And there is plenty of time for questions and personalized instruction and feedback!”

Andrea de Lange is experienced Physical Therapist and certified LSVT BIG practitioner with a long history of working with the outpatient orthopedic and neurological population. She possesses a strong background in the treatment of spine, extremity injuries and pain, as well as neurological impairment, with a focus on people with Parkinson’s disease.

RVNAhealth’s Balance & Beyond classes are offered every Monday and Thursday from 12:00pm-1:00pm at the RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center located at 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield. Class fees are $30 per class and registration is required in advance, as attendance is limited.  TO REGISTER TO ATTEND A CLASS, CLICK HERE. For questions, please contact the RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center at 203.438.7862 or rehabcenter@rvnahealth.org.