Beyond Comfort: The Unique Benefits of Hospice Care

Each November, the healthcare industry pauses to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of hospice care, the benefits it offers, and the dedicated professionals who deliver compassionate support. For those unfamiliar with hospice, it is often perceived merely as medical assistance during an individual’s final days; however, its scope extends far beyond that. “We have a saying around here: ‘Hospice is for living,’” states Katie Quine, RVNAhealth Director of Hospice. “This reflects our daily mission to support both patients and families by providing comfort and facilitating meaningful moments.”

RVNAhealth provides a comprehensive range of hospice services, highlighting some lesser-known benefits that go beyond traditional notions of comfort.

Care in a Comfortable Setting

RVNAhealth accommodates patients in their homes as well as in facility-based care, allowing for personalized options. When patients choose to receive care at home, RVNAhealth ensures that medical supplies, medications, and professional staff are readily available there, often enhancing the overall comfort of the experience.

Respite Care and Companionship for Patients and Families

Recognizing that family caregivers often feel overwhelmed, hospice care includes respite services to provide them with essential breaks. This arrangement allows caregivers to recharge while ensuring that their loved ones receive quality care. Additionally, RVNAhealth’s team of hospice volunteers enriches the experience by offering companionship and joy—engaging in activities such as playing board games, documenting memories, shopping for meaningful gifts, or sharing in the enjoyment of reading together. This team-based approach fosters an environment that cultivates beauty and joy for the entire family.

Emotional and Spiritual Support
Pet and music therapy during hospice care
Music therapy and pet (Sophia) therapy during a hospice visit.

Hospice care encompasses holistic support, addressing emotional and spiritual needs for both patients and their families. RVNAhealth’s licensed clinical social workers and spiritual coordinators collaborate to guide families through grief, anxiety, and the search for peace during challenging times. Furthermore, RVNAhealth offers music and pet therapy options for those seeking additional comfort during hospice visits.

Bereavement Support

One often-overlooked aspect of hospice care is the ongoing support provided to families after the loss of a loved one. RVNAhealth’s hospice team offers grief counseling and support groups to assist family members in navigating their loss for up to 13 months following a patient’s passing. This includes an annual hospice memorial event and monthly bereavement support groups held in Ridgefield and New Milford.

In summary, hospice care is centered around comfort, compassion, and comprehensive support, aiding families as they navigate some of life’s most challenging moments with greater ease and peace. If you believe that hospice care could benefit your family, please contact RVNAhealth at 203.438.5555 or visit our hospice website for more information.

Many components of our hospice care, such as bereavement support, our annual hospice memorial event, and music and pet therapies, are only possible with financial support from our donors. If you would like to support RVNAhealth’s mission to deliver unmatched, compassionate healthcare when and where it is needed, please click 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.

Medicare Enrollment: Understanding Your 2025 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 feel free to view our <presentation materials from our October 22nd presentation “Medicare Explained: Understanding Your Options.”> Michael Bush, a specialist in Medicare education provided attendees with an overview of enrollment facts and considerations.

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.

Grief, Healing and the Holidays

Grief, healing and the holidays. Presentation at RVNAhealth

This holiday season might mark the initial one following the loss of a loved one. The holidays can become hard for many as grief tends to cling to us. It doesn’t just affect us personally; it also becomes intertwined with specific moments and locations.

“Instead of the usual holiday traditions evoking feelings of ‘comfort and joy’ in us, they tend to resurface memories and emotions that can also bring forth feelings of sorrow and heartache,” says Garrett Walkup, RVNAhealth Manager of Bereavement, Social Work, and Pastoral Care Services.

Special Presentation: Grief, Healing and the Holidays

To provide additional support during this time of year, RVNAhealth will host two presentations on “Grief, Healing and the Holidays.” These lectures will include “how to cope with the emotions and feelings of the season, how to handle holiday traditions, and what to do differently – and the same,” says Walkup. Walkup will cover several suggestions to help you with coping and healing.  Strategies such as mindset, being kind to yourself, asking for support, creating boundaries, and more will be covered.

These programs are open to all members of the community and are intended to offer support through the holiday season for those who have experienced a loss.  You may contact Garrett Walkup, at 475-529-6118, or gwalkup@rvnahealth.org if you have any questions.

Ongoing Monthly Grief/Bereavement Support Groups Available

RVNAhealth also offers monthly support groups at both its Ridgefield and New Milford offices. These are open to anyone needing a space for comfort and guidance on grief and healing. Please see current dates available below. Check out the RVNAhealth calendar / support groups tab for the latest information and offerings.

 

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.

Dementia Caregiver Support Group in Ridgefield

Alzheimer's and Dementia Support

RVNAhealth is pleased to offer a monthly Dementia Caregiver Support Group at its Ridgefield offices. Held on the fourth Monday of every month from 11:00am-12:00pm, 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.

RVNAhealth licensed clinical social workers and certified dementia practitioners will facilitate the monthly sessions.  Caregiver support groups play a vital role in providing assistance and resources for individuals caring for loved ones with dementia. Many caregivers will experience feelings of isolation. This support group offering will provide connection, information, and practical advice for taking care of your loved one and – just as important — yourself.

For More Information or to Attend a Support Group

To view all upcoming Dementia Support Groups at RVNAhealth in Ridgefield, click here. Check out RVNAhealth’s calendar of support group events for more information, or check out the Alzheimer’s Association support group webpage to search for support groups near you or learn about virtual community groups.

About RVNAhealth

RVNAhealth offers a wide range of services to assist individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s or other Dementias. From nutrition services and personal medical alert devices, to rehabilitation, skilled nursing, private caregiver services and more, RVNAhealth offers a broad continuum of care designed to meet a patient and family’s evolving needs. Call us at 203.438.5555 or visit us at rvnahealth.org to learn more.

A Celebration of Mission and Community

A great time was had by all, and we want to share this heartfelt thank you to all those who supported our 2024 Autumn Dinner.

It was a true celebration of mission and community at the annual RVNAhealth Autumn Dinner, held on September 26th at Le Chateau in South Salem, NY.  Guests enjoyed cocktails & hors d’oeuvres, live music, dinner, dancing, our ever-popular “Date Night for a Year” raffle, and our new Golden Paddle opportunity to bid in a very exciting Live Auction!  Thank you to our 250 guests, 47 sponsors, 41 advertisers, our incredibly dedicated volunteer Autumn Dinner Committee, and countless others who contributed in many ways for making the event a great success.

We were thrilled to recognize RVNAhealth President and CEO, Theresa Santoro, for her 25 years of service and visionary leadership. Joining the agency as a visiting nurse 25 years ago, she now 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.

RVNAhealth is proud to offer home health and hospice care, Well-Child Clinics and Nurse Family Partnership for children, young mothers and families in need, and a Chronic Care program to help our vulnerable uninsured and underinsured neighbors. Funds raised at the Autumn Dinner allow us to forward our mission of compassion and provide the best possible care to those we serve. If you weren’t able to attend the event, it’s never too late to help and make a meaningful impact.

Please enjoy this video which is a testament to “Why RVNAhealth?” and beautiful stories honoring Theresa’s special place in the hearts of the communities we serve.

View our gallery of photos from the 2024 Autumn Dinner.