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Private Nurse Services: When and Where You Need It
Many people are lucky to have health insurance covering most medical needs. However, there can be times when extra healthcare services are desired. For example, a loved one might need help understanding new medication or care routines, or they might need a blood draw but don’t feel comfortable venturing out of the house, or maybe you just want a peace of mind vitals check and someone who can speak directly to their doctor. In these situations, RVNAhealth’s StayingWELL division offers private pay nurse services from licensed RNs and LPNs, allowing patients to access a wide range of medical services, including hands-on care, consultations, advocacy, and training.
The Benefits of Private Nurse Services
Services from our private pay nurses include offerings such as medication management, pre-pours and administration, routine injections not covered by insurance, blood draws and lab delivery, diabetes care, and elective procedure recovery, to name just a few.
Private nurses can also assist patients ‘informationally.’ They can accompany patients to medical appointments — asking questions, collecting information, and providing feedback and guidance to families and loved ones. They can provide education to patients and families, and train family caregivers on routine care needs. For distant families, a private nurse can act as a central point of contact, providing ongoing health monitoring, managing physician communications, offering professional insights and affording peace of mind that a loved one is being well cared for and well looked after.
A significant benefit of private nursing is direct and convenient access to high-quality, personalized care when and where you need it. Because private nursing operates outside of the realm of insurance, access to services can be immediate and flexible, offered in-home or at a patient’s facility, with no limitations on time or length of service. StayingWELL’s private nurses work directly with patients’ physicians, ensuring a collaborative and individualized care plan.
Meet Corrine Muy-Cando, BSN, RN, NCPD, CFNC, Clinical Nurse Supervisor
Corrine is a private nurse and Clinical Supervisor for StayingWELL’s Private Health Care Services. Corrine has 25 years of experience in the healthcare field, with experience working in both direct care and hospital settings. In particular, her years of experience caring for oncology patients, as well as the disability community and those with special needs, has driven her passion for personalized, patient-centric care.
When asked what she values most about her private nursing role, Corrine’s response was immediate, “Time for my patients!” Elaborating, she explained how fast-paced the traditional medical field has become, including the time healthcare workers have to spend with their patients. Patients and loved ones are often left feeling unsure or confused about their care routines and needs following changes to their health. “Many will only remember a portion of the instructions provided by their medical team and don’t know how to access what they’ve been instructed. This is just one example of where we help — by filling the gaps and giving patients and their loved ones as much time as needed to deliver the care and understanding they need.”
Contact Us For More Information
Private nurses are employed by RVNAhealth’s StayingWELL Services as either Registered Nurses or Licensed Practical Nurses and all have access to the entire RVNAhealth suite of services and team, ensuring seamless care and transition between services if needed. Private nursing services are available to patients in-home and at facilities located in western Connecticut. A more detailed information sheet on private nurse services can be found here. To inquire about private nurse services, please contact us at info@rvnahealth.org or 203.438.5555, option 2.
Wrapping Up RVNAhealth’s First Dementia Education Series
As June came to a close, so did RVNAhealth’s first Dementia Education & Resources series. Thanks to a grant from Union Savings Bank and support from our donors, RVNAhealth introduced the program in February, a series of 7 educational presentations to bring much-needed education and awareness to those affected by dementia or interested in learning more. With statistics stating that one in three seniors, ages 65+, will develop some form of dementia, many are surprised to find that community resources and education specific to dementia are lacking. As RVNAhealth’s first educational-focused series on dementia, “Our goal was to help fill the resources gap and provide those impacted by dementia with tools, support, and a sense of community. This was a great first step in the dementia education space. We look forward to repeating these presentations and bringing new requested topics and content based upon our attendee feedback,” says Gigi Weiss, MSPT, RVNAhealth Senior Director of Rehabilitative Therapies and Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP). P.S. – Read through to the end to find our video library of dementia presentations!
Dementia Resource Building
Adding dementia education to RVNAhealth’s community education programming calendar was a natural step. With numerous Certified Dementia Practitioners on staff, RVNAhealth offers a broad array of care and support services, delivered by employees with the expertise needed to deliver exceptional communication and assistance between our team, the caregiver, patient, and family. Some of those services include:
- Dementia Caregiver Support Group: In support of the challenges and needs facing the caregiving population, RVNAhealth offers a Dementia Caregiver Support group monthly, in coordination with the Alzheimer’s Association. Held on the fourth Monday of every month from 11:00am-12:00pm at the RVNAhealth Ridgefield office, 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.
- Personal Medical Alert Services: At the early stages of a dementia diagnosis, when round the clock care may not be necessary, a personal medical alert device can provide caregiver peace of mind for the health and well-being of a loved one. RVNAhealth offers a variety of in-home and on-the-go Lifeline device options.
- Rehabilitation Services: Rehabilitation services help patients extend their independence in activities and speech. Occupational and Speech Therapists help to stimulate cognitive and fine motor skills while providing practical tools to maximize activity, safety, and enhance quality of life.
- Nutrition Services: Nutrition services for dementia, offered by our Registered Dietitian, are aimed at promoting appetite, healthy body weight, and positive engagement with food, while balancing each patient’s unique nutritional needs.
- Private Duty Caregivers: Available as hourly or live-in, our private duty caregivers can provide a variety of non-medical personal and household assistance based upon a patient’s evolving needs.
- Private Duty Nursing: Providing immediate access to care for medical needs and treatments not covered by insurance. From medical care in the home, to medication preparation and administration, to peace of mind medical assessments and vital sign checks when getting to the doctor is too difficult – Private Duty Nurses provide immediate and customized care in coordination with a patient’s doctor.
- Palliative & Hospice Care: For advanced dementia disease, palliative and hospice care with RVNAhealth provides in-home comfort care and peace to patient and family. An experienced team consisting of medical, social, spiritual, and family support volunteers bring their expertise and experience in dementia care to families and their loved ones.
Stay in Touch for Dementia News and Programming
To stay in touch with us about details or to register for any of these or RVNAhealth’s other educational and program offerings, please check out our calendar of events regularly. And if you would like to subscribe to our RVNAhealth Dementia-specific communications, please sign up HERE.
Dementia Presentation Video Library
For those that may have missed our presentations, or would like to go back and review topics, we are pleased to provide our dementia video library of the following recorded presentations:
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.
Deep Dive Into … Water
We know! We need to drink more water. Every single day without fail and a single cup won’t do. Correct?
Correct. For those of us who hydrate regularly, we know our bodies catch on. The more water we drink, the more we like it, the better we feel, the more we want it. When we’re low, we notice.
How Much Water?
A simple question but with no single answer. The CDC states that “daily water intake recommendations vary by age, sex, pregnancy status, activity level, and breastfeeding status.”
For the average, healthy individual, current studies suggest that men need 15.5 cups of water and women need 11.5 cups of water. “Whoa,” you may be thinking, “that’s a lot more than the old eight cups of water standard!” To put you at ease, these numbers include all sources of water from all drinks and food. In reality, many average individuals can get away with 4 to 6 cups of plain water and obtain their additional needed intake through other sources such as coffee, tea, juice, fruits, and vegetables.
“And it’s a myth that caffeinated beverages or those containing alcohol are dehydrating because they make you urinate. They do, but over the course of the day, the water from these beverages still leads to a net positive contribution to total fluid consumption,” says Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing.
But…How Much Water for Me?
Your doctor or dietitian is the best place to start for your situation. For most individuals, the two basic starting points to answering this question is your level of thirst and color of your urine. Feeling thirsty is a clear indicator that your body needs more water. And pale yellow or straw-colored urine typically indicates proper hydration, while darker urine may signal dehydration.
If you have a health condition that impacts your need for water – always follow the recommendations that your physician provides.
Are all waters created equal?
Mineral water is typically from a natural, spring-fed source that contains minerals from the rock/ground surrounding the area. Overall, mineral water can be a healthy addition to your diet, providing you with essential minerals and aiding in hydration. However, it’s important to consider your specific dietary needs and environmental impact when choosing mineral water. Be aware of sodium content (if that is important to you) and ensure water is sourced from a reputable company that guarantees purity and adheres to safety standards.
Purified (including Distilled) water is a good choice for safe and clean drinking water. It removes harmful contaminants and improves taste and odor, making it suitable for daily hydration and other household uses. Purified water is obtained through various methods such as distillation, reverse osmosis, deionization, and carbon filtration. However, purified water may lack the natural minerals found in mineral or spring water. While this is generally not a concern for most people, some might prefer water with minerals for taste or health benefits.
Alkaline water is water that has minerals dissolved into it that raise the pH to a more alkaline level. Some studies have suggested that alkaline water can offer certain health benefits, particularly for hydration and acid neutralization. However, the scientific evidence is not conclusive, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects. Note on water pH, if your water is acidic or too alkaline (aka ‘hard water’), that could be a tad problematic for your teeth, stomach and appliances! We recommend alkaline water with a known pH of 7.1 – 9.5.
Seltzer water, also known as carbonated or sparkling water, can be a good choice for hydration and is generally safe to drink. Seltzer is a great alternative to sugary drinks and sodas when you have a taste for a bubbly treat with flavor. However, be mindful of potential dental effects (the carbonation creates carbonic acid which can potentially erode tooth enamel over time), gas and bloating (carbonation can cause gas and bloating in some individuals, and gastrointestinal issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), might find these symptoms more pronounced), can sodium content (check the labels to choose a low-sodium or sodium-free option if that is a concern for you).
And finally, Tap water. Tap water is cheap, safe, accessible, contains local minerals, and is environmentally friendly. To ensure the safety of your tap water, check local water quality reports, consider using a home filtration system, and stay informed about any local advisories or issues. If you have a well, be sure to test your water yearly.
The upshot: Drink water! Let your specific health and preferences dictate what will get and keep you hydrated.
The Role of Geriatric Care Managers in Navigating the Aging Process
What is a Geriatric Care Manager and why would I need one? This is an important question many have, but few know much (or enough) about! So let’s set the stage…
- Do you have a loved one who has experienced a recent health or cognition change that will affect their daily or future living?
- Do you know someone who is living alone or might need more care?
- Do your loved ones have advanced directives in place, and have you had end-of-life care and wish discussions?
These scenarios only skim the surface in the range of topics that a Geriatric Care Manager can assist with. Whether seeking help during a period of transition or simply planning for the future, RVNAhealth’s Geriatric Care Management team of licensed clinical social workers offers expert senior guidance, advocacy, and support.
Help Designed For Navigating The Aging Journey
Navigating the complex world of senior care and aging requires careful knowledge and time. As RVNAhealth’s Geriatric Care Manager, Amy Feder, LCSW, CDP, CCM, works to support and educate clients and family members through their unique aging journey.
“I consider a large part of my role as an educator. Often, when a loved one experiences a sudden health or cognitive change, the children or spouse are not prepared for what those changes mean. Most are not aware of critical resources and options available to them. That’s where I come in. I am a passionate counselor and advocate for our senior population. And helping individuals and families navigate the aging process is an honor,” says Amy.
Amy spends much of her time meeting with clients to understand needs, developing a plan, and then getting to work in connecting them with relevant and available resources and options. That work can span a wide range of support depending on an individuals’ needs and circumstances. Support may come in the form of education or advocacy on health and medical resources, connection to legal or financial assistance, social services, living and caregiving options, end-of-life planning, and more. “It can be really hard to summarize the services of a Geriatric Care Manager,” says Amy. “But that’s the beauty and importance of what this role is all about – it’s about each individual client and family and assisting them with their own specific needs.”
Questions or Want to Discuss a Geriatric Care Management Need?
RVNAhealth’s Geriatric Care Managers are available to clients on a private-pay basis for as little as an hour or for as long as an individual or family would like for ongoing needs and oversight. “A lot can be accomplished in a one hour conversation,” says Amy. If you have an inquiry or questions about Geriatric Care Management at RVNAhealth, please call us at 203.438.5555 option 2.
About Amy Feder, LCSW, CDP, CCM, RVNAhealth Geriatric Care Manager
Prior to her new role, Amy worked as an RVNAhealth Hospice and Palliative Care Social Worker. She has also worked for many years as a Geriatric Care Manager for the Senior Choice at Home program through Jewish Senior Services. Amy’s background as a Certified Dementia Practitioner/ Geriatric Case Manager has provided her a unique ability in supporting geriatric patients and their families. Amy has facilitated caregiver support groups throughout assisted living facilities in Connecticut and has spoken on the importance of self-care for family members caring for elderly loved ones.
Amy received her Master’s in Social Work from NYU in 1994, and has worked at both NYU Medical Center and Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Amy is a member of the Alzheimer’s Association, NASW, a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), and Certified Care Manager (CCM) through the National Academy of Certified Care Managers. She feels it is a privilege to provide care for the senior population.
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.
Ridgefield Thrift Shop Awards Grant to RVNAhealth’s Hospice program
The Ridgefield Thrift Shop has generously awarded RVNAhealth with a grant to support the Ridgefield Thrift Shop Hospice Fund at RVNAhealth. Thrift Shop volunteers, Annette Robertson and Shirley VanDam, presented the grant check to Theresa Santoro, RVNAhealth President & CEO, and MJ Heller, RVNAhealth Director of Philanthropy, at the Thrift Shop’s grant award reception on April 29, 2024.
The fund was initially established in 2019 to help sustain the critical services provided by RVNAhealth’s hospice program. The renewal of this grant will continue to offset many unreimbursed program costs, including bereavement support to patients and families, music and pet therapies, end-of-life wishes, and the annual memorial service to name a few.
RVNAhealth’s hospice program serves patients in their residences, including private homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes or hospitals, and it addresses physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs to ensure quality of life and comfort in one’s final days. The program has grown exponentially since its inception in late 2018 and now serves more than 450 hospice patients and their families annually. In addition, dedicated agency volunteers provided 1,600 hospice volunteer hours to ensure patients and their loved ones received companionship and support at this difficult time.
The relationship between RVNAhealth and the Ridgefield Thrift Shop dates back to 1937, when the Thrift Shop was created to support and sustain the work of RVNAhealth, then known as the District Nursing Association. “We are so thankful for this opportunity to continue to work together to ensure quality health care remains accessible to individuals throughout Connecticut,” says MJ Heller, Director of Philanthropy at RVNAhealth.
“This grant will provide essential funding to our hospice program, making sure that our patients and their families receive the full care and support they need during such a sensitive time in their lives. We are grateful to have compassionate and dedicated community partners like the Ridgefield Thrift Shop who help bring our mission to life.”
If you are interested in supporting RVNAhealth or learning more about our hospice or grants programs, please visit rvnahealth.org/support-us or contact MJ Heller, Director of Philanthropy, at 203.438.5555, x1206, or email mjheller@rvnahealth.org.
Dynamic Duo: Volunteer Lead and Therapy Dog Win Hospice Award
Pictured: Stephanie Peppe, Hospice Volunteer Manager, and Sophia (Therapy Dog), along with Theresa Santoro, RVNAhealth President & CEO, and the RVNAhealth Hospice and Palliative Care teams.
We are incredibly proud to announce that our very own Stephanie Peppe, Hospice Volunteer Manager, and our beloved hospice therapy dog Sophia won the 2024 Florence Wald Award for Excellence in End-of-Life Care – Volunteer Award. The award was presented at the Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home Statewide Hospice & Palliative Care Annual Summit.
About the Award
The award was established to honor Florence Wald, a pioneer in improving the care of dying patients worldwide. Florence Wald’s focus on an interdisciplinary approach to end-of-life care led her to open the first hospice in the United States (here in Connecticut!) in 1971. As a visionary leader with an unwavering commitment to social justice and reverence for life, she invited patient, family, and team participation. She truly listened to their input which ultimately started the hospice reform movement in this country.
A Passion for Hospice Volunteers
In her role as Hospice Volunteer Manager, Stephanie Peppe is crucial in recruiting, training, and overseeing volunteers who provide invaluable support to hospice patients and their loved ones. Stephanie manages a team of 70+ volunteers and in the past 12 months, they have provided over 1,600 hours of help in the office and the field visiting patients and their family members. Stephanie is steadfast in her mission to educate and inspire others to recognize the value of hospice volunteerism. “People are usually drawn to hospice volunteer work because of a positive personal experience with a loved one,” she says. “But I encourage all to consider hospice as a volunteer path. It really doesn’t take much except being there — sitting with a patient, walking the dog, or providing respite for the family so they can run errands,” she says. “Presence means the absolute world to patients and their families.”
Welcoming our Therapy Dog
On June 8, 2021, RVNAhealth welcomed Sophia, RVNAhealth’s Hospice Therapy Dog. Sophia was trained at ECAD — Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities and was originally intended to be a seeing-eye dog, but her calm demeanor and mild pace ultimately destined her to be the perfect facility/therapy dog. In addition to her hospice volunteer role, Stephanie took on the lead role for our pet therapy program.
A Dynamic Duo for RVNAhealth Hospice
Together, Stephanie and Sophia have helped pioneer a special approach to hospice care, bringing comfort and companionship to patients in a unique and meaningful way. Sophia’s presence has been a source of joy and comfort to many, embodying the spirit of compassion and companionship that is central to hospice care.
Stephanie’s tenacity in challenging misconceptions about hospice care, her dedication to educating and inspiring others, and her innovative use of animal-assisted therapy with Sophia truly set her apart as a leader in the field of end-of-life care. Sophia’s role as a therapy dog has brought comfort and joy to many patients and their families, highlighting the importance of companionship and emotional support in hospice care. Together, Stephanie and Sophia have touched the lives of countless individuals, embodying the spirit of Florence Wald’s interdisciplinary approach to end-of-life care. Congratulations to Stephanie and Sophia for embodying the spirit of excellence in hospice care!
For More Information About Volunteering at RVNAhealth
RVNAhealth welcomes all inquiries for volunteer opportunities. The RVNAhealth volunteer program offers safe and diverse opportunities for donating time in a way that is purposeful and meaningful for everyday heroes of all ages. Share the gift of your time across our robust organization in an administrative role, or join our Hospice volunteer corps, dedicated to supporting patients and families at end-of-life. A little known fact specific to our hospice volunteers program — RVNAhealth, and all Medicare-certified hospice programs, are required by law to have 5% of service hours performed by volunteers. Why? Because hospice care in the U.S. was founded by volunteers, and the commitment to the power, beauty, and altruism of volunteering remains!
If you are interested in learning more about volunteering at RVNAhealth, please visit us here and fill out our Volunteer Inquiry Form.
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.
Supporter Spotlight: Meadow Ridge
Meadow Ridge, the lifecare community situated on a hilltop in Redding, has been a supporter of RVNAhealth for 14 years, and the partnership keeps getting stronger.
RVNAhealth Case Manager Aaron Crook, RN, is a familiar face across campus. He works with residents in independent living, assisted living, memory care, and with those returning to their apartments after rehabilitation in Ridge Crest, their skilled nursing center.
Aaron is quick to share, “I love RVNAhealth because it is a stand-alone, community-based nonprofit that has been around for more than 100 years. We are here to serve and invest in the health of our community.”
“My philosophy of nursing is to facilitate patient’s independence and well-being. I do as much as possible to help them find their inner healing and strength. My job as a nurse is to make patients not need me anymore,” he said. “And of course, we share the same goal, which is to keep people out of the hospital if possible.”
Laura Barbieri, Director of Resident and Family Services, notes the many benefits of partnering with RVNAhealth: “The agency services many residents at Meadow Ridge, at all levels of care. The organization is devoted to the people they serve. I find the staff to be extremely attentive and caring. They are responsive to calls and emails, and always willing to help resolve any issues or concerns. RN Case Manager Aaron Crook is on property often throughout the work week. He communicates with our staff and maintains continuity.”
Meadow Ridge, developed by Senior Care Development, LLC and managed by Benchmark Senior Living, is one of Connecticut’s most comprehensive continuing care retirement communities. Located in the picturesque town of Redding and recognized for excellence by U.S. News and World Report, Meadow Ridge sits on 136 acres and offers 285 independent living apartment homes, as well as assisted living and memory care. The campus also features Ridge Crest, an award-winning, sub-acute rehabilitation and skilled nursing center. For more information, visit www.MeadowRidge.com.
RVNAhealth’s Annual Spring Breakfast Was The Place to Be!
Energy and enthusiasm filled The Amber Room on April 26th when RVNAhealth hosted its 23rd Annual Spring Breakfast. More than 400 guests joined us for the early morning gathering that has become the place to be on the last Friday of April each year!
The event is held to raise critical funds to support nursing, rehabilitation and hospice care in the home, as well as our mission-driven community programs like Well-Child Clinics for uninsured children, Chronic Care for vulnerable elderly or disabled individuals, and the Nurse Family Partnership. This year’s Spring Breakfast was a record breaker in attendance for RVNAhealth as business partners, health care professionals, civic leaders, donors and friends came together over breakfast to learn about the breadth of RVNAhealth services and their impact across 35+ communities in the area.
Our Impact Speaker, Anne Mead, Ed. D., Director of Family, School and Community Partnerships for the Danbury Public Schools, shared insight into the partnership between RVNAhealth and the Danbury Schools, explaining that this partnership is invaluable to ensure health and access to education for our most vulnerable students and their families. Ms. Mead described the profound impact RVNAhealth’s Well-Child Program in Danbury has had, emphasizing the long-term, often life-changing, benefits the program provides to the families it serves and to the community as a whole.
We were thrilled to welcome Danbury Mayor Robert Alves, New Milford Mayor Pete Bass, Newtown First Selectman Jeff Capeci, Bethel First Selectman and RVNAhealth Board member Dan Carter, Kent First Selectman Marty Lindenmeyer, Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi, and Roxbury First Selectman Patrick Roy. Also in attendance was Connecticut State Senator Julie Kushner, who presented a proclamation to the RVNAhealth Well-Child team in recognition of their collaboration with the Danbury Public Schools to provide medical care, immunizations, translation services, and access to social services to students in need. More than 500 Danbury children have benefitted from the program.
RVNAhealth is grateful to our many sponsors, guests, and supporters for hosting tables, buying raffle tickets, tipping their hosts, and bidding on auction items. Enjoy our event photo gallery below! Photos courtesy of Deborah K. O’Brien Photography www.deborahobrien.com.
Living LOUD
Living LOUD
1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month 11:45am – 12:45pm
RVNAhealth, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield
$30 per drop in class
Living LOUD tackles the soft voice, mumbled speech, monotone speech and hoarse voice that often afflict Parkinson’s patients. Structured activities that continue to work the patient’s vocal range maintain the progress made after the LSVT LOUD treatment. Weekly activities will include group work as well as individual exercises with other participants facilitated by an LSVT LOUD speech therapist. The ultimate goal is to improve loudness, improve speech intelligibility, increase facial expression, and improve confidence.
Cost is $30 per class and we do not require a registration for each class, but please call our office 203.438.7862 or email (rehabcenter@rvnahealth.org) before attending your first class so that we can discuss your specific needs.