A recent New York Times article discussed how after a five decade rise in the number of women in the workforce, that rise has stalled over the past 15 years. The general consensus is that caring for children, historically a woman’s job, has taken its toll. But the other significant factor is that elder care responsibilities have also increased as the population in the United States has aged. This combination has made it challenging for many women to actively remain in the labor market. Today, 15 percent of the American population has reached retirement age. Many older Americans are unable to live independently, and the job of caring for them falls predominantly on wives and daughters. A quarter of the women age 45-64 years old and one in seven of those 35-44 are caring for an older relative.

As a result, 10 percent of family caregivers have to cut back on their work hours and 6 percent leave the work force entirely. Surveys indicate that family caregivers spend about 20 hours a week providing care, with many reporting having to miss work or eventually losing their jobs. This trend is likely to continue – by 2030, more than 20 percent of Americans will be of retirement age and on average, will need three years of long term care. The burden on millennial adult children will be even greater as they care for their children and parents. They also have fewer siblings with whom to share the responsibilities and with higher divorce rates among aging baby boomers, many will have no spouse to care for them.

The U.S. Department of Labor projects that roughly 1.2 million home health aides and personal care aides will be added to the labor market to help address this need. In the meantime, prime working-age women will continue to leave the workforce to care for aging parents.  HomeCare by RVNA offers certified aides on an hourly or live-in basis who can help to care for loved ones when family members cannot. For more information, call 203 894-5000.

Recently, news sources have reported an outbreak of Hepatitis A in several U.S. states this year.  Among the states involved, Utah and California have seen the most activity, with Michigan, Kentucky, Arizona, and Colorado also reporting cases of the illness. Three cases have recently been confirmed in Port Chester, NY.  Should you be concerned?

A viral illness affecting the liver, Hepatitis A can cause flu-like symptoms, including fatigue, fever, poor appetite, and abdominal  pain. Symptoms usually appear two to four weeks after exposure. While generally mild, the virus can be serious if not addressed promptly, and in rare cases, may be fatal.  No specific treatment exists, so symptom management – including rest, nausea relief, and avoidance of alcohol – are key. Most people recover from symptoms within a few weeks, and the liver typically heals within six months with no lasting damage. The disease is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food and water or direct contact with an infectious person.  What’s tricky in terms of stopping an outbreak is that people are contagious before symptoms appear and before they realize they’re sick.  Fortunately, transmission can be prevented through proper hand-washing.

In 1994, Hepatitis A was added to the list of routine childhood immunizations, but people born before then may not have been vaccinated.  While not a tremendous local concern at this point, those traveling to the areas where outbreaks have occurred should check their immunization records and consider getting the vaccine if they haven’t previously done so.

RVNAhealth always has the Hepatitis A vaccine available at its Center for Exceptional Care, 27 Governor Street in Ridgefield. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 203-438-5555.

One Couple’s Journey to Leaving a Legacy

Sal and Janet Cianci have shared a remarkable journey over their 43 years of marriage – one that has been interwoven with RVNAhealth for the past 11 years.  The beautiful realtor and charming dressmaker met while vacationing in Japan, and started a life together in Brooklyn, NY, before eventually settling in Fairfield County, CT.  Their bond and commitment to each other and their community is one we are fortunate to witness to this day.

We were first introduced to Sal and Janet in 2007, when they joined our team of dedicated volunteers.  As active residents of Redding for more than 20 years, they wished to remain living independently in their beautiful home.  They knew they weren’t alone, as many of their friends and neighbors had the same desire.  Sal and Janet were without any immediate family in the area. The question remained as to whether there were enough resources and support in place for them to do this safely.

At the same time, RVNAhealth was creating its Quality Living at Home Program (QLAH), a free aging-in-place outreach program that helps people remain in their homes in a safe, healthy and socially connected way.  Sal and Janet were QLAH Redding Committee members and encouraged the Town of Redding’s Commission on Aging to join forces with RVNAhealth to get this program off the ground. QLAH connects members with local programs and services, such as the police, ministry, pharmacy, grocery stores, senior centers, health clinics, recreational opportunities, medical professionals, home maintenance services and transportation to promote independent living as long as possible.

The program has helped seniors, including Sal and Janet, fulfill their dream to remain at home in their later years.  The Ciancis have also spent countless hours volunteering their time at our annual Health and Wellness Fair, flu clinics, and more. They believe in our mission so much that they expressed their desire to join our 1914 Legacy Society and leave a bequest to RVNAhealth as part of their estate plan.  We are honored and grateful for their generosity and dedication to protect our future.

Recently Sal and Janet moved to a wonderful assisted living facility in a neighboring town with which RVNAhealth has a strong relationship.  Although not an easy decision, they knew it would provide the care they need at this stage of life.  RVNAhealth will always remain part of their circle of support; and the Ciancis will always be part of our agency’s success thanks to the impact their gracious planned gift will make.

To date, there are more than 50 members of the 1914 Legacy Society who have made gifts that will help secure our future for another 103+ years, and enable us to provide exceptional care to thousands of people from birth to end of life.  If you believe in the mission of RVNA, or we have made an impact in your life or the life of someone you love, we ask that you  consider leaving a legacy gift like Janet and Sal have done, so we may continue to be the healthcare leader in your community.

“We are getting older and can’t do as much on our own; we need help. RVNAhealth is the vehicle. You are our family.”
– Sal Cianci, October 2017

To learn more about the 1914 Legacy Society and legacy gifts to RVNA, please contact Mary Jean Heller, director of philanthropy, at (203) 438-5555.

With more and more seniors choosing to live at home in their later years, the logical question is how they can do so safely. Many will need medical care – such as nursing and rehabilitation therapies provided by RVNAhealth — at some point as they age. But what about the people who don’t need medical intervention, but do need help with the tasks of daily life? That’s where RVNAhealth comes in.

RVNAhealth offers caregiver services to seniors at home, improving their safety and comfort, while giving their families peace of mind.  Aide services run the gamut from simple companionship and errands to light housekeeping, meal preparation, dressing, and medication reminders.  RVNAhealth can provide whatever level of service and for whatever duration of time a client needs – whether it’s a few hours a week, full-time, or live-in care.  Family members can also benefit from these services.  People who are caring for their elderly parents or relatives can turn to RVNAhealth for respite, allowing them to take time for themselves to go to work, attend an event, or even take a vacation. And, unlike medical care, these services do not require a doctor’s prescription.

RVNAhealth allows seniors and families to take advantage of what they need now, and increase care as their needs increase.  And, with a nurse manager on staff providing supervision, the organization is able to determine if and when medical care might also be appropriate.

When navigating the array of services available to seniors, it can be difficult to determine what’s covered by insurance and what isn’t. Care that is medically necessary is usually covered by insurance, including  Medicare; aide services are typically not covered by insurance and are privately paid by the client. Caregiver services provided by an approved home care agency may qualify for reimbursement through a client’s long-term care insurance policy.

RVNAhealth provides the full spectrum of services that seniors may need.  Together, the organizations are a vital part of the plan of care for the elderly in our community. To learn more about how RVNAhealth might help you or a loved one, contact us at 203-894-5000