Flu Season Prep: Importance of Vaccines for Seniors

Fight the flu with vaccination

As flu season nears, protecting seniors is essential, as they are more vulnerable to complications. A key step is getting the annual flu vaccine, which can significantly reduce risks.

Why Seniors Are at Higher Risk

Seniors, especially those over 65, have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to serious flu-related complications like pneumonia or worsening chronic conditions. Most flu-related hospitalizations and deaths occur in this age group.

The Flu Vaccine’s Benefits for Seniors

While not a guarantee against infection, the flu vaccine lowers the chance of getting the virus and reduces symptom severity. High-dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines are available for older adults, offering stronger protection.

When and Where to Get Vaccinated

Seniors should get vaccinated by late October to be protected as flu season begins. RVNAhealth is happy to provide several opportunities to check this task off your list!

  • Saturday, October 5th from 9am-12pm – RVNAhealth 49th Annual Wellness Fair – Yanity Gym, 60 Prospect Street, Ridgefield. Walk-in flu vaccines (high-dose and regular) are offered to all individuals 6 months and older. Vaccines are free for children through the age of 18. For adults, we accept the following insurance plans for flu vaccines: Medicare Part B, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
  • Saturday, October 19th from 9am- 11am – RVNAhealth Drive-Thru Clinic, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield. As another convenient option, we offer our drive-thru clinic in the parking lot of RVNAhealth in Ridgefield. To expedite your process, please book a time slot HERE (1 slot per family/car) AND complete a consent form for EACH person to be vaccinated before you arrive. Vaccines are free for children 18 years and younger. For adults, we accept the following insurance plans for flu vaccines: Medicare Part B, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
  • At RVNAhealth By Appointment, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield – A limited number of appointments at our Ridgefield office will be available on Wednesdays and Fridays. Evening hours until 6pm will be available on Wednesdays. Available appointments may be booked HERE (1 slot per family). Please also complete a consent form for EACH person to be vaccinated before you arrive. Vaccines are free for children 18 years and younger. For adults, we accept the following insurance plans for flu vaccines: Medicare Part B, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Other Flu Prevention Tips

  • Practice hygiene: Wash hands frequently and use sanitizer.
  • Avoid sick people: Limit exposure to those who are ill.
  • Boost immunity: Eat healthily, stay hydrated, and rest.
  • Clean surfaces: Disinfect high-touch areas regularly.
  • Caregiver Vaccination: Caregivers should also get vaccinated to help shield seniors from the flu.

For More Information

Flu vaccines, paired with preventive measures, are crucial for protecting seniors during flu season. Contact RVNAhealth at 203.438.5555, or fill out our contact form with any questions. You can also visit our flu vaccine page for more information.

Happy 25th Anniversary, Theresa!

Celebrating the visionary leadership of Theresa Santoro at RVNAhealth's Autumn Dinner 2024

We are excited to celebrate Theresa Santoro’s 25th anniversary with RVNAhealth, and we invite you to join us on Thursday, September 26th, at Le Chateau in South Salem, NY.

Joining the agency as a visiting nurse 25 years ago, Theresa Santoro was appointed President & CEO in July 2007. Since then, she has led RVNAhealth through tremendous growth, including the addition of hospice and nonmedical caregiving services; community clinics and wellness programs; the construction of the 23,000 square foot RVNAhealth headquarters which houses offices, treatment rooms, a clinical training and resource center, and an outpatient therapy center; as well as a merger with the Bethel VNA and New Milford Visiting Nurse & Hospice. She also guided the agency as it navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, with nursing and hospice care in private homes and skilled nursing facilities, and public health vaccine administration. Called “the heart of communities throughout Connecticut” by the local press, Santoro’s tutelage has positioned the nonprofit as the premier healthcare resource for home and community-based care.

Theresa has received numerous awards that reflect the value of her trailblazing leadership and the respect she has earned from colleagues and highly regarded institutions alike. These include the Visiting Nurse Association of New England (VNANE) Innovator’s Award, which honors agencies that develop and implement innovations that improve cost, quality of care, and access, and the Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home (CAHCH) Judith Hriceniak Award for Excellence in Nursing Leadership. RVNAhealth has also been recognized with the Top Workplace Award from Hearst Connecticut Media eleven times since 2011.

More recently, RVNAhealth has designed and launched its unique and highly acclaimed Parkinson’s Center and expanded its Dementia Resources Program, not only to help those living with Parkinson’s Disease or Dementia, but to support caregivers along their journey, as well.

Now, with 500 employees serving more than 5,000 patients annually in their homes, across 35 CT towns, RVNAhealth is proud to have remained true and dedicated to its mission to provide unmatched, compassionate healthcare when and where it is needed.

So please join us as we celebrate RVNAhealth and Theresa’s past, present, and future success, driven by her 25 years of visionary leadership. TOGETHER, we can build stronger and healthier communities for all!

Click here for Ticket and Sponsorship Opportunities. Reach out to Debbie Campbell, dcampbell@rvnahealth.org / 203-438-5555 x1249 for more information.

We Make (Therapy) House Calls!

Medicare Part B in-home physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech rehabilitation therapy

October is National Physical Therapy Month, highlighting the vital role physical therapy (PT) plays in improving lives. Physical therapy aids recovery after surgery or injury, improves mobility and independence, helps manage chronic pain, and supports overall health.

RVNAhealth offers physical therapy, as well as occupational and speech therapies, in the home and at our RVNAhealth Therapy Center. While many understand the difference between in-home and outpatient therapy, here we highlight a unique in-home option that many are unaware of—Medicare Part B In-Home Therapy (sometimes referred to as “in-home-outpatient” therapy).

What is Medicare Part B In-Home Therapy?

Medicare Part B covers outpatient rehabilitative therapy services when they are medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor or qualified healthcare provider. However, these benefits extend beyond outpatient clinics, like our RVNAhealth Therapy Clinic—Part B can also cover therapy in the home.

Therapy at home (including physical, occupational, and speech therapies) may be provided for conditions such as post-surgery recovery, managing chronic conditions (e.g., arthritis, Parkinson’s), or improving mobility. The therapy must be medically necessary, meaning it is needed to diagnose or treat a condition, illness, or injury. Basic requirements for Medicare Part B In-Home Therapy include:

  • You have Medicare Part B coverage, and
  • Your doctor has certified the medical necessity of physical, occupational, or speech therapy, and
  • You are not eligible for Medicare Part A home health benefits

Situations where Part B In-Home Therapy Services may help:

  • Transitioning from Home Health to outpatient therapy care
  • Chronic conditions or continuation of care not covered by Medicare Part A
  • Transportation challenges or concerns about leaving home for appointments
  • Strength and conditioning support
  • Recovery from orthopedic injuries or surgeries
  • Neurological conditions

For More Information or to Inquire About Medicare Part B In-Home Therapy Services

Call RVNAhealth at 203.438.5555 and ask to speak with someone about Medicare Part B therapy or fill out our contact form 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.

Screenings, Flu Shots and More! Join Us October 5th

Do you have any overdue preventive health screenings or questions about your well-being that you’ve been putting off? Do you or your child(ren) need a flu shot? If so, why not take advantage of RVNAhealth’s Wellness Fair on Saturday, October 5th to get everything checked off your list! Join us for this beloved gathering to check in on your health, discover something new, and jumpstart your wellness journey. Enjoy complimentary health screenings, connect with experts from all our service lines, and don’t forget to take advantage of the opportunity to receive flu vaccines for both kids and adults. It’s a friendly and comprehensive experience for everyone.

One Place, One Day: The RVNAhealth Wellness Fair

We understand that scheduling multiple appointments for different screenings can be a hassle. That’s why, nearly 50 years ago, RVNAhealth started its Wellness Fair—an event designed to provide the most common health screenings in one day, at one location. We are proud to continue this tradition with our 49th Annual Wellness Fair, taking place on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Yanity Gym, 60 Prospect Street, in Ridgefield. This event is open to the community, and we encourage you to join us to take charge of your health, gain new insights, and access valuable resources.

Our Wellness Fair is led by RVNAhealth’s skilled clinical staff, covering a wide range of services such as nursing, rehabilitation, nutrition, hospice care, private caregiving, and social work. We also partner with local experts to offer various screenings, including:

  • Anemia
  • Blood pressure
  • Blood glucose
  • Carotid artery
  • Cholesterol
  • Balance + Strength tests
  • Foot exams
  • Lung Function
  • 3D Posture Scan
  • Car Seat Checks
  • Visit Sophia the Therapy Dog!
  • Kid’s Activities provided by Ridgefield Boys and Girls Club
  • PLUS! Flu Shots (both high-dose and regular) for ALL AGES. Flu vaccines for children (age 18 and under) are provided FREE of charge, through the CT State vaccine program. For adults, we accept the following insurance plans for flu vaccines: Medicare Part B, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Supporting Our Community

This year’s Wellness Fair is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors: Chef’s Warehouse, BMW of Ridgefield, Ridge Crest at Meadow Ridge, Liz and Steven Goldstone, The Greens at Cannondale/Wilton Meadows, Homecare Homebase, and Connecticut Relay. 

Stay Informed and Join Us

To keep up with the latest information about the Wellness Fair or to register for event reminders, visit our Wellness Fair event page. We look forward to seeing you on October 5th and helping you take a proactive step towards better health!

RVNAhealth CNA School Graduates Its First Class

Theresa Santoro with graduates of RVNAhealth's 1st CNA School 2024

Pictured: CNA Graduates, teaching staff, and Theresa Santoro, President & CEO, RVNAhealth

RVNAhealth is thrilled to announce the graduation of our inaugural CNA School class! Twelve dedicated students completed the program in August and passed the Connecticut State CNA exam, and we are excited to welcome them to the RVNAhealth team. Each of these graduates excelled in their studies, and we could not be prouder of their hard work and commitment.

Investing In Certified Nursing Assistants as an Integral Part of Healthcare
RVNAhealth CNA School 2024
CNA Students in the RVNAhealth Clinical Training Lab in Ridgefield, honing their skills before moving on to their hands-on clinical training.

Balancing the supply and demand for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) has been challenging at times, which is why we have long envisioned establishing a training program at RVNAhealth to support individuals aspiring to enter the healthcare field. Thanks to the generosity of dedicated donor, Linda Reddy, we are proud to offer a comprehensive training program that not only leads to certification but also provides employment opportunities within our organization. This program offers a valuable pathway for individuals to start or advance their careers, gain diverse experiences, and contribute meaningfully to the evolving healthcare industry. “My donation to RVNAhealth is in honor of my father who had a long-standing career in healthcare and nursing. I am delighted to support this critical initiative to enhance the future of healthcare and am thrilled with the success of the inaugural class,” says Reddy.

Over the past decade, the role of CNAs in the home setting at RVNAhealth has expanded significantly. This reflects the evolving landscape of healthcare, with a growing emphasis on aging in place while receiving high-quality, personalized, and technologically advanced care.

The CNA role serves as a vital entry point for those looking to learn the complexities of patient care in a home setting. CNAs are an integral part of the healthcare team, providing essential care services that help patients remain healthy and comfortable. They often have the most direct contact with patients and their families, and their dedication, compassion, and expertise have a profound impact on patient outcomes.

Congratulations to our CNA Graduates

“Establishing this program has been a longstanding dream of mine,” says Theresa Santoro, President and CEO of RVNAhealth, “and we are incredibly proud to have achieved this goal. This initiative is a testament to RVNAhealth’s commitment to fostering the future of healthcare. By investing in education, we are not only supporting our community but also strengthening our mission to deliver excellence in home healthcare.”

Celebrating successful completion of RVNAhealth’s CNA School 2024
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 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 join us for a presentation on 2024 Medicare enrollment options on October 22nd at RVNAhealth. Michael Bush, a specialist in Medicare education who guides individuals through their enrollment concerns annually, will lead the presentation.

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..

To attend RVNAhealth’s in-person event “Medicare Explained – Understanding Your Options” on October 22nd at RVNAhealth Ridgefield, please register HERE. Space is limited!

If you are interested in the type of information provided, please find a playback of our 2023 Medicare enrollment presentation HERE. NOTE – this information may no longer be up to date. Please attend our 2024 presentation to obtain the latest information and guidance.

 

Union Savings Bank Awards Grant to RVNAhealth’s Dementia Program

Union Savings Bank Foundation grant to RVNAhealth's dementia education programs

Jill Maguire, Senior Branch Manager, Union Savings Bank, Ridgefield CT (right) presents $7,500 Foundation Grant for Dementia Community Education and Training to RVNAhealth’s MJ Heller, Director of Philanthropy (left)

 

The Union Savings Bank Foundation (USBF) has generously awarded RVNAhealth with a $7,500 grant to support its Community Dementia Education and Training Program.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 3 seniors (age 65+) dies with a form of dementia, yet many facing the diagnosis of dementia find there are very few resources to turn to for education, care and support. RVNAhealth’s Dementia Program will help those diagnosed in the early stages of dementia, as well as family members or caregivers at any stage of caring for a loved one. The program has 3 components:

  • Staff Certification – All RVNAhealth clinicians will fulfill the requirements set by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners to earn the certified dementia practitioner credential (CDP). This will allow RVNAhealth to provide the highest quality of care to its patients, as well as deliver this knowledge to the communities it serves, where everyday people are caring for someone with some form of dementia, experiencing its many challenges.
  • Community Education – Led by a team of skilled professionals and discipline specialists, the program offers informative sessions designed to enhance one’s understanding of dementia and its many stages, from the importance of nutrition and exercise, to advanced caregiving techniques, to long-term planning and end-stage dementia care. Classes may be attended in-person or virtually.
  • Support Groups – In recognizing the profound impact that Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can have on individuals and their families, RVNAhealth will offer monthly Alzheimer’s Association approved support groups where individuals navigating the challenges of the disease can connect, share experiences, and find solace.

Newly diagnosed dementia patients and their families often discover a harsh and frustrating reality of scattered resources. Through regular education, therapeutic programs, and support groups, USBF’s grant will help RVNAhealth fill that resources gap and serve early to mid-stage people with dementia, their loved ones, and caregivers at all stages of the journey.

Click here to learn more about RVNAhealth’s Dementia Education and Resource Series.

Holistic Pain Assessment & Management – New Milford – FREE

pain management

Holistic Pain Assessment and Management Techniques

Tuesday, February 11th – 1:00pm – 2:00pm
New Milford Senior Center, 40 Main Street, New Milford
(OPEN TO PUBLIC)

To effectively advocate for pain management, patients must understand how they can best communicate their pain to clinicians and what options they have – medicinally and other – to manage that pain. Join RVNAhealth nurse Danielle Niesz to learn about how you can advocate for yourself to get relief from your pain.

To register, call the New Milford Senior Center (203.355.6075) or Email: jireland@newmilford.org

Walking BIG for Parkinson’s Disease

Walking BIG for Parkinson's Disease Event

Join RVNAhealth for our first annual ‘Walking BIG for Parkinson’s’ walk on Saturday morning, September 7th in downtown Ridgefield.  We’ll be walking to raise money, spread awareness, and celebrate RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center’s first full year supporting individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s in our community.  Funds raised by the walk will help bring continued Parkinson’s education, therapy, and support to the community and help subsidize treatment and programs for those needing financial support.

This event is a great opportunity to honor and support those living with Parkinson’s disease and is a great outing for the whole family to participate in. Grab your friends, family, and co-workers, and come out to support a great cause.

Register by August 30th

Registration is $40 per adult, with kids ages 12 and under free. All participants will receive a T-shirt, lunch, refreshments, and dessert.  Music will be provided by Big Daddy.

Register by scanning or clicking on the QR code below:

Event Schedule

9:00 – 10:00am:            Check-in at RVNAhealth main parking lot and get your t-shirt

10:00 – 10:30am:         Opening ceremony

10:30am – 11:15am:    Walk begins!  Two options – a 0.5 mile and a 1.5 mile planned route through Ridgefield downtown

11:15 – 12:00pm:        Join us back at RVNAhealth’s parking lot for lunch, refreshments, meet with vendors, and enjoy our DJ

 

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.

Celebrating Theresa Santoro & 25 Years of Leadership

Autumn Dinner. Celebrating Theresa Santoro's 25 years of leadership.

The RVNAhealth Board of Directors, Leadership Team, and the Autumn Dinner Committee invite you to join us at the annual RVNAhealth Autumn Dinner on Thursday, September 26th.

The event, filled with fun and celebration of the meaningful impact RVNAhealth has on the communities it serves, will be held at Le Chateau in South Salem, NY. Each year, the funds raised at this event are critical to our delivery of compassionate healthcare, hospice care, public health services, and wellness programs that we provide across 35+ Connecticut communities.

We are excited for a special event this year, as we honor our President & CEO, Theresa Santoro, in recognizing her 25 years of service and visionary leadership. Joining the agency as a visiting nurse 25 years ago, she leads an organization that continues to thrive under her direction. RVNAhealth has grown to become a regional healthcare provider, serving more than 5,000 patients and clients annually across western Connecticut.

The evening will include cocktails and a gourmet dinner, our back-by-popular-demand “Date Night for a Year” raffle, fabulous live auction items, and more. Please see our 2023 Autumn Dinner recap and photo gallery here for a taste of the great evening that awaits you!

Tickets, Sponsorships, and Ads are available.  Click here to learn more about the many ways you can have an impact in supporting our mission and your community. YOU can make a difference!

Thank you to our Sponsors! There is still time for you to sponsor as well! To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Debbie Campbell, Development Manager, at 203.438.5555 x1249 or via email at dcampbell@RVNAhealth.org.

We look forward to seeing you on September 26th!