Thanking our StayingWELL Caregivers

RVNAhealth caregiver appreciation week 2023

Last week RVNAhealth celebrated Caregiver Appreciation Week for our StayingWELL non-medical caregivers. The RVNAhealth StayingWELL caregiver team is a group of exceptional individuals who work tirelessly for our clients, bringing tremendous skills, compassion, and pride to their job. We are proud to recognize this team of over 200 individuals.

Caregiver Appreciation Week 2023

As part of the celebration, caregivers were treated to a drop-in buffet lunch and snack bar, raffle, and gift bags at our New Milford and Ridgefield, CT offices. “I and the StayingWELL staff team are so proud of our caregivers. They are simply the best and we love the opportunity to celebrate their hard work, compassion, and overall contribution to our clients’ lives. During our event, some clients even came along with their caregiver – which was a wonderful surprise and extra special way to capture the gratitude we all felt,” said Melissa Woodhouse, Director of RVNAhealth StayingWELL Services.

Celebrating Caregivers Year-Round with Our Above & Beyond Program

While we formally celebrate this appreciation week just one time annually, we are honored to have our caregivers recognized by our clients continuously throughout the year. Our StayingWELL Caregiver Above & Beyond Program is a monthly recognition program to highlight and recognize those caregivers who go above and beyond in their jobs. There is no better way to celebrate these amazing individuals than by sharing a few of the appreciative words we’ve received recently.

“Although only with Dad one day a week, Isaac and Vilma became comforting and consistent presences, rarely missing a Saturday and developing their own special rhythm for this weekend day. Isaac gave Dad a good shave and watched sports games with him, helping to keep him awake and interested, when sleeping was really his go-to preference. Vilma was amazingly encouraging and soothing when Dad felt overwhelmed and missed my mom or needed that extra motivation to get out of his comfortable recliner.” – Daughter, Katy L.

“Meisie has been a live-in aide for me for the past few months. Not only is she a great cook; she is a wonderful companion. She makes sure I eat well-made and nutritious meals. She also drives me to any appointments I may have and always helps me in and out of the car and wheels me in the wheelchair to the appointment. When a family member can’t accompany me to an appointment, she always writes down the questions that need to be asked to keep my care current.” – Judy V., Danbury

“Karen exemplifies what this nomination is all about. She goes “above and beyond” what her job description calls for. Karen is tireless – always anticipating my husband’s needs. Karen also helps me to keep up with household chores. Karen is always professional and lives up to the standards of RVNAhealth at all times” – P.C., Southbury

To all our StayingWELL caregivers, you are an invaluable part of our RVNAhealth family. A heartfelt thank you – your dedication is genuinely cherished! To read more caregiver Above & Beyond testimonials, visit our Meet the Caregivers webpage.

Caregiver Appreciation Week 2023 Photo Gallery:

RVNAhealth caregiver appreciation week 2023

Highlighting the Hospice Conversation

highlighting the hospice conversation

Jimmy Carter and his decision to enter hospice care has taken prominent placement in national news over the past six months. His decision to make public his election for hospice care has had a profound impact on how people perceive and discuss end-of-life care. Despite assumptions that hospice care is a short-term arrangement primarily for individuals at the brink of passing away, Carter’s case has demonstrated that hospice care can extend for a longer period and truly focuses on patient quality of life.

Current statistics show that only slightly more than half of those patients eligible for hospice care opt to receive it. At the age of 98, the former president’s choice to enter hospice care has led to a shift in public understanding. His family’s reports of him enjoying simple pleasures, such as ice cream and staying engaged with the activities of the Carter Center, highlight that hospice care can provide comfort and maintain a sense of normalcy for patients, rather than solely concentrating on medical interventions.

Carter’s openness about his journey has prompted conversations about hospice care’s benefits and debunked common misconceptions. Hospice care isn’t solely about imminent death; it centers on enhancing a patient’s well-being, managing pain, and emotional support for both patient and family. Carter’s situation underscores that hospice care can offer a higher quality of life for patients who opt to prioritize comfort and quality of life over aggressive medical treatments.

By openly sharing his care choice, Jimmy Carter has contributed to breaking down barriers surrounding discussions on death and end-of-life care. His example encourages a broader dialogue about the importance of making informed decisions regarding care options, advocating for individual preferences, and recognizing that hospice can offer solace, dignity, and a higher quality of life during one’s final stages.

For more information from RVNAhealth on myths and frequently asked questions about hospice care, visit our page.

Celebrate and Support RVNAhealth at Autumn Dinner 2023

RVNAhealth Autumn Dinner 2023

RVNAhealth will host its annual Autumn Dinner on Saturday evening, September 30 at Silver Spring Country Club in Ridgefield, CT. The Board of Directors, Autumn Dinner Committee, and friends of the organization look forward to celebrating the meaningful work of RVNAhealth and the continuum of care the agency provides throughout 35+ Connecticut communities.

Guests will enjoy evening cocktails and live music by Nick DePuy on the patio, bourbon tasting sponsored by Ancona’s Wines & Liquors, and dinner. A live auction hosted by entertainer, Tom Pesce, will include spectacular prizes, including tickets to a NY Giants game in a fully catered suite, a Loon Mountain ski vacation package, dinner for 8 catered by renowned local chefs Sarah and Bernard Bouissou and more!

Our ever-popular “Date Night for a Year” raffle is back! The always exciting date nights include a spa experience for two at Adam Broderick Salon & Spa, ACT of Connecticut and Danbury Hat Tricks tickets, and gift certificates to fabulous area shops, inns, and restaurants from Ridgefield to Litchfield, to name just a few!

The evening is hosted in support of RVNAhealth’s home health and hospice care, and the agency’s mission-driven public health services and wellness programs. This year’s impact speaker will be Jeanette Rizzo, who will share a personal story about how RVNAhealth was “without a doubt, the best decision” she made when choosing health and home care for her mother. Her story includes the very special bond that was created between her family and the RVNAhealth caregiver who was honored to attend Jeanette’s daughter’s wedding even though her mother passed prior to the event. This relationship reflects the experience RVNAhealth strives to create for every patient and family member in their care.

We would like to provide a tremendous thank you our sponsors, including:

  • Presenting Sponsor: Bill Lichtenberger
  • Diamond Sponsors: The Bossidy Foundation, Fairfield County Bank, Joseph and Shelley O’Connor, Eileen and Jay Walker
  • Platinum Sponsors: Chipman Mazzucco Emerson LLC, Robert H. Martinsen, Mutual of America
  • Gold Sponsors: BMW of Ridgefield, Cramer & Anderson, LLP, The Donnelly Family, Liz and Steven Goldstone, Starr and Harvey Herscovitch, Christopher and Mary Joyce, Meadow Ridge, Reynolds & Rowella, LLP, Savings Bank of Danbury, SimiTree Healthcare Consulting, Wilton Meadows and The Greens at Cannondale
  • Silver Sponsors: Adam Broderick Salon & Spa, John and Lori Berisford, Jill Bornstein/Upnext Leadership Coaching, Gaetano Castellano, Kevin and Elaine Cox, Anita and Nick Donofrio, Elizabeth Murray Ellis, Hamlet Hub, Adam and Glori Norwitt, Dan and Annette O’Brien, On the Mend Medical Supplies & Equipment, Donna and Joe Pastore/Pastore LLC, John and Joanne Patrick, Thomas and Michele Quindlen, Ridgebury Riders, Rodier Flowers, Union Savings Bank, Peter and Lisa Vanderminden, Barbara and William Wyman, Young’s of Ridgefield.

If you are interested in supporting the RVNAhealth Autumn Dinner, you may purchase sponsorships, program book advertising, or tickets at RVNAhealth.org.  If you would like more information, please contact Debbie Campbell at 203.438.5555, x1249 or dcampbell@rvnahealth.org.