February 1, 2024 - RVNAhealth for Lifelong Care and Wellness

RVNAhealth is excited to announce the introduction of its new Dementia Education & Resources Program, launching officially in March! The new program is aimed at those diagnosed in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or other dementias, and for family members or caregivers at any stage of caring for a loved one. With RVNAhealth’s extensive experience providing care and healthcare services for those with dementia, the new Dementia Education & Resources Program will introduce a robust calendar of educational, therapeutic and support components to our communities – all free of charge.

The Dementia Program “Why”

Many find the staggering statistics around dementia surprising. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in three seniors, ages 65+, dies with a form of dementia. And even more surprising, many facing the diagnosis of dementia disease find there are very few resources to turn to for education, care, and support. Gigi Weiss, MSPT, RVNAhealth Senior Director of Rehabilitative Therapies and Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) has witnessed the stories of dementia patients and their families firsthand. “Newly diagnosed dementia patients and their families often discover a harsh and frustrating reality of scattered resources. Many are left to face the battle on their own – one that can be frustrating, scary, and life-changing for both the individual and their loved ones and caregivers,” says Weiss. “This new program from RVNAhealth is intended to help fill that resources gap. We aim to provide regular education and therapeutic programs, and support groups to serve early to mid-stage dementia patients and loved ones and caregivers at all stages of the journey.”

RVNAhealth Dementia & Resources Program Formal Kickoff – March 7th

The RVNAhealth Dementia Education & Resources Program kicks off formally at our Ridgefield office event on March 7^th from 1:00-2:30pm (in-person or via Zoom) with a presentation by guest physician, Dr. Alison McElhone, Gerontologist from Stamford Health, who will speak about the importance of early evaluation in cognitive decline and dementia. Also, during this event, Weiss and other RVNAhealth dementia experts will present introductory education and and an overview of our new resources program, including the calendar lineup of internal and external dementia experts scheduled to present on topics ranging from nutritional impacts, to understanding the linkage with hearing loss, recommended home modifications, and more (see details below). To register to attend this event in-person or virtually, please view our event and follow the registration link.

Upcoming lineup of events following our kickoff:

March 26th: Understanding the Cognitive Benefits of Exercise in Dementia Care
April 4th: The Impact of Nutrition on Dementia Care
April 9th: The Unheard Connection: Exploring the Link between Hearing Loss and Dementia
May 8th: Helping You Meet the Dementia Challenge
May 16th: Home Modifications for Dementia-Friendly Living
June 4th: Legal and Long-Term Financial Planning in Dementia Care
June 18th: Hospice Care and Comfort – End Stage Dementia: A Compassionate Approach
Plus ongoing support groups

Need Dementia Information or Support Sooner?

Leading up to our March 7th formal kickoff, we are excited to also offer an educational event, “Helping You Meet The Dementia Challenge,” at the Ridgefield Library on February 15th from 1:30-2:30pm. Weiss and RVNAhealth’s Danielle Taibi, Home Health Aide Supervisor – both Certified Dementia Practitioners, will explain how to recognize the symptoms and stages of the condition, and discuss coping techniques that can be implemented during the early stages. The team will also discuss how to recognize when professional assistance and intervention may be necessary, along with strategies to make challenges and transitions more manageable. Please register HERE to attend this Feb 15th event.

RVNAhealth also continues its existing dedication to dementia support through its monthly Alzheimer’s Association-backed support groups. RVNAhealth’s own Melissa Wutke, HHA Supervisor, Certified Dementia Practitioner, facilitates an Alzheimer’s Association monthly caregiver support group at RVNAhealth in Ridgefield.

Stay In Touch With Us

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.

“Living Well With Parkinson’s” …a name apropos for RVNAhealth’s first annual Parkinson’s Symposium, was held at the RVNAhealth Ridgefield office on Friday, January 26th. With over 60 attendees and nearly 20 healthcare experts presenting or hosting information tables, the three hour event successfully delivered an agenda packed with information for both newly and existing diagnosed Parkinson’s patients, loved ones and care partners.

The Parkinson’s Symposium was the brainchild of Dr. Kate Campbell, Director of RVNAhealth’s Parkinson’s Center and Outpatient Rehabilitation. “After nearly a year since the launch of our Parkinson’s Center, I wanted to create an opportunity to bring together some of the best local experts from within RVNAhealth and other healthcare institutions. Our goals was to give the Parkinson’s community an afternoon to gather in one place and immerse themselves in learning and helpful discussion,” said Campbell. Main stage presentations included topics on the benefits of exercise, awake versus asleep deep brain stimulation, the importance of Movement Disorder Specialists, and the role of sleep in Parkinson’s. Breakout sessions gave participants an opportunity to customize their afternoon of PD learning. These options ranged from exercise demos, and cooking and nutrition, to information on clinical trials, mental health tips, and an overview from an organization dedicated to hiking trips for people with PD.

RVNAhealth would like to thank our visiting presenters: Dr. Zion Zibly and Dr. Sophie Holmes and Sophie Elliott, Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Sarah Buckingham, Stamford Health, and Dr. Leon Meytin, Hartford Healthcare. We would also like to add a tremendous thanks to our RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center staff who lead presentations, exercise classes, nutrition discussions, and more! Finally, we thank our sponsors who helped to make this event possible: Abbott, Abbvie, APDA of Connecticut, Medtronic, and Supernus.

With a successful first Parkinson’s Symposium complete, there is little downtime for Campbell as she continues with plans for the Parkinson’s Center’s second year in operation. “There’s a lot to be excited about at the Parkinson’s Center – we are taking more of our presentations out into the community, we are testing out new and more exercise class options, and we are soon kicking off our second Parkinson’s Bootcamp cohort, where we’ll work intensely with about 10 individuals over the course of 8 weeks. If you haven’t heard about Bootcamp, you should! We are making real life change and enabling individuals with powerful tools to take control of their Parkinson’s diagnosis–contact us to learn more!” says Campbell. “We are passionate about offering these resources to the Parkinson’s community – we are a place for community, compassion, health and wellness, and a partner in the fight against Parkinson’s disease.”

For more information about the RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center, check out our webpage, call 203-438-5555 ext 1082 or email ParkinsonsCenterLeaders@rvnahealth.org.