RVNAhealth News
More Than Just the Winter Blues
New England is known for its many charms: traditional architecture, town greens, historic sites, autumn’s kaleidoscope of colors, and the richness of four distinct seasons: hot, sunny summers; snow-laden winters, and the welcome blossoms of spring. For many each year, however, the arrival of colorful leaves and crisp fall air brings a painful reality called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of recurring depression signaled by the change of seasons which typically starts during late fall or winter. While scientists are unclear precisely what causes some to develop the disorder, they do know that women are more likely to suffer from SAD than men, that a shortage of Vitamin D (which the body produces when exposed to sunlight) exacerbates it, and that those afflicted may produce more melatonin than non-sufferers. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NAMI), individuals living in New England, Alaska, and other areas farthest from
President’s Message: COVID-19 Vaccines
In mid January, RVNAhealth began administering COVID-19 vaccines to members of our communities, following the phases outlined by the State of CT. Since then, we have learned a lot and are proud of the work we have done.
2021 CHAP Re-Accreditation
On Monday, January 11, a surveyor from CHAP arrived un-announced at RVNAhealth to conduct our home health re-accreditation audit, which occurs every three years. A CHAP audit is an intense scrutiny of a home health agency's operation, processes, and, of course, patient care.
2020 Length of Service Awards
Every year, RVNAhealth recognizes team members who have been with the organization for denominations of five years. In 2020, we had 23 employees to celebrate – ranging from 5 year to 35 year anniversaries.
Meet Hospice Volunteer Coordinator Stephanie Notaro
Stephanie has personally experienced how volunteers can make lives easier for patients and their families and is passionate about helping individuals understand what hospice really means.
RVNAhealth On Site in Newtown
It was RVNAhealth on site at the Newtown Community Center on Friday January 29th as we partnered with the Newtown Health Department to offer COIVD-19 Vaccines to individuals 75 years +.
RVNAhealth Caregivers Receive Alzheimer’s Association Award
RVNAhealth is proud to announce that members of the RVNAhealth StayWELL Caregivers team have been honored with the Alzheimer’s Association of Connecticut’s Excellence in Caregiving award.
Avoiding Injury Isn’t About Luck
RVNAhealth Physical Therapist Kate Campbell explains her comprehensive approach to sports injury prevention and therapy.
Vote RVNAhealth for Champions Award!
Throughout January, vote for RVNAhealth to earn Fairfield County Bank's “Champions Month” award, which helps us strengthen the communities we serve!
Not Feeling Too Festive?
The holidays, for some, bring cheer and hope of fresh beginnings as the calendar turns; for others, they are a reminder of loss and loneliness. In 2020, we have all been affected by loss in some way: meeting across screens rather than tables, faces obstructed by masks in public, and togetherness—or lack thereof—defined by a global health crisis.
On the Run with RVNAhealth
To help new and veteran runners stay healthy and active, RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center now offers detailed Running Assessments with sports physical therapist Kate Campbell, DPT and certified gait analyst.
Aging and Falls Prevention (video and presentation)
An older adult falls every single second in the United States. More than 1 in 4 older adults report a fall every year. Every 20 minutes, a fall-related death occurs. But falls are not inevitable. The right tools, exercises, and precautions care seriously reduce risk of falling, and minimize potential issues when a fall occurs.
RVNAhealth Honors Inaugural ‘Directors Emeritus’
This month, RVNAhealth bestowed a special honor, and brand new title, on two cherished members of our Board, who have steered and served RVNAhealth with intelligence, wisdom, and deep affection for many decades.
Sponsor Spotlight: Casey Energy
This month, we checked in with Shane Casey, President, and Linda Queenan, VP Sales and Marketing, at Casey Energy, longtime friends and supporters of RVNAhealth.
What is Spiritual Care?
As part of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month this November, RVNAhealth has celebrated the work of our multi-disciplinary Hospice team. In addition to expert medical professionals, our Hospice team includes social workers, care managers, musical therapists, bereavement and spiritual care experts, and volunteers. Here, we explore the role of spiritual care.
Stronger Together to Serve You Better
We are proud to announce that RVNAhealth has officially merged with Bethel Visiting Nurse Association and New Milford Visiting Nurse & Hospice. The merge was made official on Friday, November 20 by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health, which oversees the three Medicare-certified agencies. The single agency will now operate as RVNAhealth with the primary location in Ridgefield CT and a branch office in New Milford. The new RVNAhealth serves 36 towns in Connecticut, located in Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven counties.