Our Volunteers are Heroes Without Capes

Giving Tuesday is based on the premise, “together, we create the future we want to see.”

At RVNAhealth, we know the difference YOU can make by supporting us on Giving Tuesday and bettering the lives of those in your community.

The RVNAhealth Volunteer Program is often where the magic happens. Our volunteers are truly heroes without capes, and your gift will sustain their compassionate work and the companionship they provide to our patients. This Giving Tuesday, we are asking for your support of RVNAhealth’s Volunteer Program. Stephanie Peppe, RVNAhealth Manager of Volunteer Services, warmly notes that “our volunteers come to us generously with selfless intent, yet they make a profound difference in the lives of those they touch.”

Our volunteers contribute to everything from supporting the daily operations of the organization to changing the lives of our hospice patients and their families. In the words of Paulina, a 4-year RVNAhealth volunteer who visits with our hospice patients weekly, “you are not just building a relationship with your patients, but also building relationships with their families. I love that I get to provide so much relief for the families because a lot of them are 24-7 caretakers for their loved ones, and it’s just amazing how profound of an impact you can have during this tough time.”

Kristy, Reiki Master and RVNAhealth volunteer who also works with our hospice patients shares, “I love hearing the wisdom and stories the patients share. If I can make a connection with somebody, letting them be seen, heard, & valued, it fills my bucket, just by seeing a patient, putting a smile on their face, or helping them relax. It has given me a new perspective and sense of compassion for the aging, and I hope someday, somebody comes to visit me and make my last days better, too.”

RVNAhealth patient (and carpenter) works on a birdhouse kit provided by the Wishes program

The RVNAhealth Volunteer Program needs your support in many ways, including technology in the form of laptops and volunteer management software, background checks and fitness testing to safeguard the communities we serve, and support of our Wishes Program*, to name just a few. The Wishes Program works to grant hospice patients and their families special wishes, both large and small. These “wishes” are carried out in large part by the efforts of our dedicated volunteers with funding from donor gifts. Granting these “wishes” is especially impactful when the cost may be prohibitive for the family or the timing difficult, if not impossible, for friends and family to navigate.

Wishes may be as simple as a meal requested for a bedbound patient from their favorite restaurant, a flower arrangement, books & games to pass the time …  or more complex like planting a tomato garden for a patient to continue his treasured tradition of doing so, building birdhouses with a carpenter struggling with dementia, purchasing an air conditioner for a patient to remain safe and comfortable during extreme summer heat, or needing ambulette transport to a special family gathering or a grandchild’s school concert.

In this season of gratitude and giving, please consider making a contribution to RVNAhealth in honor of Giving Tuesday, and give the precious gift of health, comfort and peace to the patients and families we serve. You may click here to donate: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/rvnahealthgivingtuesday2024

* In addition to the generous support of our donors, the RVNAhealth Wishes Program is partially funded by a grant from the Ridgefield Thrift Shop.

Navigating Communication Challenges in Dementia Care – Sherman (VIRTUAL) – FREE

effective communication in dementia care

Navigating Communication Challenges in Dementia Care
Wednesday, November 20th
6:00pm – 7:00pm
VIRTUAL ONLY – Sherman Public Library

Effective communication is vital in providing quality care for individuals living with dementia. Join us for an informative session with Danielle Taibi, Occupational Therapist and Dementia Specialist. She will share essential strategies to enhance both verbal and non-verbal interactions, ensuring that caregivers can connect meaningfully with their loved ones.

Explore the stages of dementia and discover key considerations for engaging with individuals at each stage. Learn practical tools to manage challenging behaviors and foster deeper connections, ultimately enhancing the caregiving experience for both patients and caregivers. This session will equip you with valuable insights into effective communication strategies, including tailored approaches for different stages and a focus on goals during the end stages of dementia care.

Open to the public. To register to receive the virtual viewing link, please contact The Sherman Library at 860-354-2455 or email: slprograms@biblio.org or visit their calendar to register

About Danielle Taibi, OTR/L, CDP, Occupational Therapist and Dementia Specialist, RVNAhealth:

Danielle Taibi, OTRVNAhealth is fortunate to have Danielle Taibi, a highly impactful speaker and compassionate practitioner, whose thoughtful care has made a profound difference for countless patients and families. With over 8 years of experience in occupational therapy and home health supervision, Danielle has become a trusted figure in dementia care, known for her ability to connect with audiences on topics that truly resonate with their lives.

As a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) and Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer, Danielle’s approach goes beyond immediate care. She excels in thinking ahead to what patients and their families will need as they navigate the challenges of dementia, providing support that is proactive and personalized. Her deep understanding of the disease, coupled with her caring nature, ensures that those in her care receive not only expert treatment but also a path forward that considers the well-being of the whole family.

Beyond Comfort: The Unique Benefits of Hospice Care

Each November, the healthcare industry pauses to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of hospice care, the benefits it offers, and the dedicated professionals who deliver compassionate support. For those unfamiliar with hospice, it is often perceived merely as medical assistance during an individual’s final days; however, its scope extends far beyond that. “We have a saying around here: ‘Hospice is for living,’” states Katie Quine, RVNAhealth Director of Hospice. “This reflects our daily mission to support both patients and families by providing comfort and facilitating meaningful moments.”

RVNAhealth provides a comprehensive range of hospice services, highlighting some lesser-known benefits that go beyond traditional notions of comfort.

Care in a Comfortable Setting

RVNAhealth accommodates patients in their homes as well as in facility-based care, allowing for personalized options. When patients choose to receive care at home, RVNAhealth ensures that medical supplies, medications, and professional staff are readily available there, often enhancing the overall comfort of the experience.

Respite Care and Companionship for Patients and Families

Recognizing that family caregivers often feel overwhelmed, hospice care includes respite services to provide them with essential breaks. This arrangement allows caregivers to recharge while ensuring that their loved ones receive quality care. Additionally, RVNAhealth’s team of hospice volunteers enriches the experience by offering companionship and joy—engaging in activities such as playing board games, documenting memories, shopping for meaningful gifts, or sharing in the enjoyment of reading together. This team-based approach fosters an environment that cultivates beauty and joy for the entire family.

Emotional and Spiritual Support
Pet and music therapy during hospice care
Music therapy and pet (Sophia) therapy during a hospice visit.

Hospice care encompasses holistic support, addressing emotional and spiritual needs for both patients and their families. RVNAhealth’s licensed clinical social workers and spiritual coordinators collaborate to guide families through grief, anxiety, and the search for peace during challenging times. Furthermore, RVNAhealth offers music and pet therapy options for those seeking additional comfort during hospice visits.

Bereavement Support

One often-overlooked aspect of hospice care is the ongoing support provided to families after the loss of a loved one. RVNAhealth’s hospice team offers grief counseling and support groups to assist family members in navigating their loss for up to 13 months following a patient’s passing. This includes an annual hospice memorial event and monthly bereavement support groups held in Ridgefield and New Milford.

In summary, hospice care is centered around comfort, compassion, and comprehensive support, aiding families as they navigate some of life’s most challenging moments with greater ease and peace. If you believe that hospice care could benefit your family, please contact RVNAhealth at 203.438.5555 or visit our hospice website for more information.

Many components of our hospice care, such as bereavement support, our annual hospice memorial event, and music and pet therapies, are only possible with financial support from our donors. If you would like to support RVNAhealth’s mission to deliver unmatched, compassionate healthcare when and where it is needed, please click here.

 

About RVNAhealth

RVNAhealth is a private, 501c(3) non-profit organization which provides a continuum of care to people in 35+ towns across Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven Counties. RVNAhealth depends on financial support from individuals like you who believe that healthy communities improve the quality of life for everyone. Every gift — no matter the size — is critical to upholding our mission and sustaining our important work. If you would like to support RVNAhealth’s mission to deliver unmatched, compassionate healthcare when and where it is needed, please click here.

Medicare Enrollment: Understanding Your 2025 Options

Understanding your Medicare options

REMINDER!  Medicare enrollment for the 2025 calendar year runs from October 15th to December 7th of 2024. If you are still finalizing your decisions or just want to be better educated, please feel free to view our <presentation materials from our October 22nd presentation “Medicare Explained: Understanding Your Options.”> Michael Bush, a specialist in Medicare education provided attendees with an overview of enrollment facts and considerations.

Understanding your Medicare enrollment options is crucial for several reasons, as it directly impacts your access to healthcare coverage and the cost of that coverage. Here are some key reasons why it’s important to understand your Medicare enrollment options:

  • Access to Healthcare Services: Proper enrollment ensures that you have access to the healthcare services you need. Medicare coverage includes hospital stays, outpatient care, preventive services, and prescription drugs. Understanding your options helps you select the plan that best meets your health needs.
  • Avoiding Penalties: Enrolling in Medicare on time helps you avoid late enrollment penalties. For example, if you don’t enroll in Medicare Part B when you’re first eligible and you don’t have other creditable health coverage, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty, resulting in higher premiums.
  • Cost Management: Different parts of Medicare come with different costs, such as premiums, deductibles, and co-payments. Understanding your options allows you to choose a plan that aligns with your budget and healthcare needs. This can help you manage your healthcare expenses more effectively.
  • Coverage Gaps: Medicare alone may not cover all your healthcare needs. There are coverage gaps, and you may need additional insurance, such as a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan or a Medicare Advantage plan, to fill those gaps. Knowing your options helps you choose the coverage that addresses your specific requirements.
  • Changing Healthcare Needs: Your healthcare needs may change over time, and so should your coverage. Understanding your enrollment options allows you to make changes during specific enrollment periods, ensuring that your coverage continues to meet your evolving health requirements.
  • Prescription Drug Coverage: Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage. It’s essential to choose a plan that covers the medications you need at a cost you can afford. Failing to enroll in Part D when you’re eligible may result in a late enrollment penalty if you don’t have other creditable prescription drug coverage.
  • Timely Enrollment: Enrolling in Medicare on time ensures that you have coverage when you need it. Delaying enrollment could lead to gaps in coverage, leaving you responsible for paying for healthcare services out of pocket.
  • Preventive Services: Medicare offers a range of preventive services, often at no cost to you. Understanding your enrollment options allows you to take advantage of these services, promoting early detection and prevention of health issues.

Understanding your Medicare enrollment options empowers you to make informed decisions that align with your health and financial goals.

Grief, Healing and the Holidays

Grief, healing and the holidays. Presentation at RVNAhealth

This holiday season might mark the initial one following the loss of a loved one. The holidays can become hard for many as grief tends to cling to us. It doesn’t just affect us personally; it also becomes intertwined with specific moments and locations.

“Instead of the usual holiday traditions evoking feelings of ‘comfort and joy’ in us, they tend to resurface memories and emotions that can also bring forth feelings of sorrow and heartache,” says Garrett Walkup, RVNAhealth Manager of Bereavement, Social Work, and Pastoral Care Services.

Special Presentation: Grief, Healing and the Holidays

To provide additional support during this time of year, RVNAhealth will host two presentations on “Grief, Healing and the Holidays.” These lectures will include “how to cope with the emotions and feelings of the season, how to handle holiday traditions, and what to do differently – and the same,” says Walkup. Walkup will cover several suggestions to help you with coping and healing.  Strategies such as mindset, being kind to yourself, asking for support, creating boundaries, and more will be covered.

These programs are open to all members of the community and are intended to offer support through the holiday season for those who have experienced a loss.  You may contact Garrett Walkup, at 475-529-6118, or gwalkup@rvnahealth.org if you have any questions.

Ongoing Monthly Grief/Bereavement Support Groups Available

RVNAhealth also offers monthly support groups at both its Ridgefield and New Milford offices. These are open to anyone needing a space for comfort and guidance on grief and healing. Please see current dates available below. Check out the RVNAhealth calendar / support groups tab for the latest information and offerings.

 

About RVNAhealth

RVNAhealth is a private, 501c(3) non-profit organization which provides a continuum of care to people in 35+ towns across Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven Counties. RVNAhealth depends on financial support from individuals like you who believe that healthy communities improve the quality of life for everyone. Every gift — no matter the size — is critical to upholding our mission and sustaining our important work. If you would like to support RVNAhealth’s mission to deliver unmatched, compassionate healthcare when and where it is needed, please click here.

Cognition and Brain Health – Wilton – FREE

brain health

Cognition and Brain Health
Wednesday, May 7
3:00pm – 4:00pm
Wilton Library – 137 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton

Join RVNAhealth’s Susan DiGregorio, M.A. CCC-SLP, for an engaging discussion on aging and brain health. In this informative session, you’ll discover the key risk factors associated with cognitive decline and learn how lifestyle choices and environmental influences can impact your brain function as you age.

Susan will also share practical, evidence-based strategies to help you proactively protect your brain health and boost memory function. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable insights and actionable steps that can enhance your cognitive wellness and overall quality of life.

Don’t miss out on this chance to equip yourself with knowledge that can make a meaningful difference in your health journey!

To Attend, Please Register <<HERE>>

About Our Presenter:

Susan DiGregorio, Speech TherapistSusan DiGregorio, SLP, is a Speech-Language Pathologist who works with our adult patients at the RVNAhealth Therapy Center. Susan specializes in the rehabilitation of swallowing, speech, language, cognition and voice following neurological, traumatic injuries and treatment for head and neck cancers.

Susan joined RVNAhealth in 2017 as a therapist in both in-home and outpatient settings. She then pursued in-home therapy full time before returning to outpatient therapy, where she enjoys the opportunity to help her motivated clients set and achieve their goals. Prior to RVNAhealth, Susan worked for eight years in a sub-acute setting.

Susan earned her B.A in psychology from SUNY New Paltz in 2004, and her M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from CUNY Lehman in 2011. She holds a certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner.

The Benefits of Music Therapy – Wilton – FREE

Music Therapy

The Benefits of Music Therapy
Tuesday, January 7th  2:00-3:00pm
Wilton Library – 137 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton

Join Sherrye Platt, MA, MT-BC, RVNAhealth Music Therapist, for an engaging and interactive session exploring the remarkable impact of music therapy on brain health. This fun, hands-on program will highlight:

  • How the brain responds to music stimulation
  • The incredible benefits of music on the aging process
  • Group music-making activities designed to improve cognitive and emotional well-being
  • No previous musical experience is necessary

Register to Attend <<HERE>>

Interesting Article from Harvard Health Publishing: Why is Music Good for the Brain?

Sherrye Platt, Music Therapy at RVNAhealthAbout Sherrye Platt: Sherrye While an undergraduate at Montclair State University (MSU), where she studied to be a music teacher and eventually earned her bachelor’s, Platt was introduced to music as an evidence-based therapeutic tool being leveraged across disciples including mental health, military populations, trauma victims, and those afflicted with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Platt quickly re-focused her studies to leverage the power of music to improve people’s lives. Platt earned her master’s degree at world-renowned Berklee College of Music

Dementia Caregiver Support Group in Ridgefield

Alzheimer's and Dementia Support

RVNAhealth is pleased to offer a monthly Dementia Caregiver Support Group at its Ridgefield offices. Held on the fourth Monday of every month from 11:00am-12:00pm, the caregiver support group aims to create a safe, confidential, supportive environment and a chance for participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. They also educate and inform participants about dementia and help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems.

RVNAhealth licensed clinical social workers and certified dementia practitioners will facilitate the monthly sessions.  Caregiver support groups play a vital role in providing assistance and resources for individuals caring for loved ones with dementia. Many caregivers will experience feelings of isolation. This support group offering will provide connection, information, and practical advice for taking care of your loved one and – just as important — yourself.

For More Information or to Attend a Support Group

To view all upcoming Dementia Support Groups at RVNAhealth in Ridgefield, click here. Check out RVNAhealth’s calendar of support group events for more information, or check out the Alzheimer’s Association support group webpage to search for support groups near you or learn about virtual community groups.

About RVNAhealth

RVNAhealth offers a wide range of services to assist individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s or other Dementias. From nutrition services and personal medical alert devices, to rehabilitation, skilled nursing, private caregiver services and more, RVNAhealth offers a broad continuum of care designed to meet a patient and family’s evolving needs. Call us at 203.438.5555 or visit us at rvnahealth.org to learn more.

Legal and Long-Term Financial Planning in Dementia Care – Ridgefield – FREE

financial and legal planning for dementia

RVNAhealth Dementia Education & Resources Program

Legal and Long-Term Financial Planning in Dementia Care
Thursday, March 20th
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Ridgefield Library, 472 Main Street, Ridgefield

 

3rd presentation of RVNAhealth’s 3-Part Series at the Ridgefield Library focusing on Cognitive Decline and Dementia Care

Part 3: Legal and Long-Term Financial Planning in Dementia Care. Planning for the future is a vital aspect of dementia care and understanding the legal and financial landscape can feel overwhelming. In this session, Josh Weinshank, Esq., Senior Partner at Cramer & Anderson LLP, will address critical legal and financial considerations for effective long-term care planning. Attendees will learn about essential legal documents, such as power of attorney and advance directives, as well as financial strategies to support dementia care.

Amy Feder, LCSW, a Hospice and Palliative Social Worker, will enrich the discussion by sharing a story or two as relevant throughout the presentation, offering insights into the emotional aspects of planning for care. Together, Josh and Amy will provide the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate these important decisions, ensuring the best possible support for your loved ones as their needs evolve.

Please Register <<HERE>> To Attend

About our Presenters:

Joshua Weinshank, Partner at Cramer & Anderson
Josh is a legal expert renowned for his proficiency in Trust and Estate Planning, Elder Law, and Probate administration. With a focus on preserving intergenerational wealth, Joshua provides strategic counsel on tax optimization and asset protection, ensuring clients’ long-term financial security. Notably, he holds leadership positions in several community organizations, including serving as Vice Chairman of the Board for Nuvance Health’s Danbury Hospital and New Milford Hospital Foundation, where he advocates for holistic health initiatives. Joshua’s dedication to both legal excellence and community well-being exemplifies his multifaceted commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Amy Feder, LCSW, CDP, CCM, Geriatric Care Manager, RVNAhealth
Amy is a dedicated Geriatric Care Manager at RVNAhealth, where she leverages her extensive background in social work and dementia care to support aging individuals and their families. With over two decades of experience, Amy helps clients navigate the complexities of senior care, from understanding health and cognitive changes to connecting them with essential resources. Her approach is both compassionate and comprehensive, offering guidance on everything from healthcare and legal resources to end-of-life planning. Amy’s commitment to educating families and providing tailored solutions ensures her clients feel empowered as they navigate their unique aging journeys.

Before joining RVNAhealth, Amy worked as a Hospice and Palliative Care Social Worker and served as a Geriatric Care Manager for the Senior Choice at Home program through Jewish Senior Services. Her certifications as a Dementia Practitioner and Care Manager make her an invaluable advocate for the senior population. Amy has also facilitated caregiver support groups and is an active member of the Alzheimer’s Association and NASW. She finds it a privilege to care for seniors, offering not only her professional expertise but also heartfelt support to those in her care.