A Heartfelt Thank You from RVNAhealth – Reflecting on a Year of Impact and Gratitude

Thank You

As the Director of Philanthropy at RVNAhealth, it is both a privilege and a responsibility to lead a team in raising funds and awareness for an organization that provides essential healthcare when and where it is needed throughout 35+ western Connecticut communities. Every step we take toward fulfilling our mission is powered by a simple, undeniable truth:  none of this would be possible without you – our generous donors, sponsors, and volunteers.

You are the heart and soul of RVNAhealth. Whether you’ve donated your time, your expertise, your financial gifts, or helped spread the word about our work, your support is what makes our impact possible. It is because of you that we can continue to offer top-notch and innovative healthcare to those who might otherwise not have access to it.

Reflecting on this past year, I am in awe of what we have achieved together. Thanks to you, we have been able to make a significant difference in the lives of countless individuals. Here are just a few of the accomplishments made possible by your generosity:

  • 62,461 healthcare visits made to patients in their homes, ensuring care reaches those who need it most.
  • 488 hospice patients received compassionate, end-of-life care, including 1,975 volunteer hours dedicated to supporting their families.
  • 203 children with limited access to preventive healthcare received school-required physicals and immunizations, at no cost to their families.
  • 7,328 visits to our outpatient Rehabilitation & Wellness Center helped patients recover strength, mobility, and independence.
  • 84 new moms and 69 babies received vital support through our Nurse-Family Partnership program.
  • 421,180 hours of non-medical assistance helped individuals remain safe and independent at home, enhancing their quality of life.

Your support has touched lives in ways that words cannot fully capture, and we are so fortunate to have you by our side. Thank you for your belief in our mission. Thank you for your dedication. Thank you for helping us build stronger, healthier communities.

As we enter a new year, RVNAhealth wishes you and your loved ones good health, happiness, and joy. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and for helping us continue to deliver unmatched, compassionate healthcare when and where it is needed most.

With sincere gratitude,

Mary Jean Heller
Director of Philanthropy

How to Stay Active Indoors: Exercise Ideas for Seniors During Colder Months

indoor exercises for seniors

As the weather cools, staying active indoors becomes more important to maintain strength, mobility, and overall well-being. Here are some effective and enjoyable exercise ideas for seniors to stay active during winter—right from the comfort of home!

Chair Exercises

Chair exercises are fantastic for maintaining mobility and flexibility. Try seated leg lifts, arm raises, and ankle rotations to improve circulation. For an added challenge, use resistance bands.

Looking for a guided option? Join RVNAhealth’s Chair Fit class, offered every Tuesday from 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM. This engaging program is perfect for improving strength and flexibility in a safe, supportive environment. Learn more and sign up here.

Indoor Walking

Walking indoors is an excellent low-impact exercise. Use YouTube walking videos to add variety or simply pace around the house. This keeps the body moving and the heart pumping, even on the coldest days.

Stretching and Flexibility

Stretching keeps muscles flexible and helps prevent stiffness. Gentle yoga or tai chi can also improve balance and reduce stress. Not sure where to start? Join one of RVNAhealth’s programs or reach out to our Therapy Center for a custom exercise plan.

Sit-to-Stands: A Simple Yet Powerful Exercise

Kate Campbell, DPT, at RVNAhealth, highlights sit-to-stands as one of the most functional and effective exercises seniors can do daily. This move mirrors the action of standing up from a chair, making it highly practical:

  • Stand up from a chair, sit back down, and repeat.
  • The lower the chair, the harder the challenge!
  • Aim for 10, 20, or even 30 repetitions—go until you’re tired.
  • If 30 feels easy, hug a heavy object or present for added resistance.
  • Want to challenge your balance? Try it with your eyes closed.

To learn more about why this exercise is so important, read Kate Campbell’s full article: “If I Could Pick an Exercise to Do Every Day”.

Kate Campbell, DPT, is a highly experienced physical therapist at RVNAhealth who specializes in helping individuals of all ages maintain and improve their mobility, strength, and overall wellness. Her practical and effective exercise recommendations are tailored to meet the unique needs of seniors.

Step-Ups: Build Strength and Cardio

For a simple exercise that strengthens the legs, improves balance, and gets the heart rate up, Kate Campbell recommends step-ups:

  • Use stairs or a step stool, stepping up and balancing at the top before stepping down.
  • This combines strength, balance, and light cardio in one effective move.

Push-Ups: Strength at Any Level

Push-ups are a versatile exercise that can be adjusted for any ability level:

  • Try them on the floor, on your knees, or with your hands elevated on a counter, bed, or armrest.
  • Focus on going deep and moving slowly for the best results.

The Key to Progress: Make It Harder as You Go

According to Kate Campbell, the key to building strength and burning calories is increasing the challenge over time. While more repetitions help build endurance, if you can easily complete 20 reps, it’s time to add resistance, increase the depth, or try balance challenges.

RVNAhealth: Here to Help

Staying active indoors helps seniors maintain independence and enjoy better health year-round. For personalized guidance or tailored exercise plans, contact RVNAhealth’s Therapy Center at 203.438.7862. And if you’re ready to get out and move, join one of our exercise programs!

Pickleball: Benefits, Injuries & How to Stay in the Game

pickleball

Pickleball, a sport blending elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has become a nationwide sensation. Its accessibility and social nature have made it a favorite pastime for players of all ages. But as participation grows, so does the need to understand its benefits, common injuries, and the essential role physical therapy plays in maintaining optimal performance and preventing setbacks. 

The Benefits of Pickleball 

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or picking up a paddle for the first time, pickleball offers a wide range of health advantages, including: 

  • Cardiovascular Fitness: Engage your heart and improve endurance with the sport’s quick-paced movements. 
  • Enhanced Balance and Coordination: The agility required strengthens reflexes and stability. 
  • Mental Wellness: Enjoy a boost in mood and cognitive function while connecting with friends and fellow players. 
  • Muscle Strength and Flexibility: With regular play, you’ll notice improved strength in your legs, arms, and core. 

Common Pickleball Injuries

As with any sport, pickleball carries its share of injury risks, particularly if players don’t prepare properly. Frequent injuries include: 

  • Tennis Elbow: Repeated swinging can strain the elbow tendons. 
  • Shoulder Strains: Overhead serves and smashes can lead to rotator cuff issues. 
  • Ankle Sprains: Rapid side-to-side movement can result in rolled ankles. 
  • Plantar Fasciitis: Stress on the feet from improper footwear or prolonged play. 

The Role of Physical Therapy 

Physical therapy can be a game-changer for pickleball enthusiasts, offering: 

  • Injury Prevention Programs: Targeted strength and flexibility exercises to minimize risks. 
  • Rehabilitation Plans: Speedy and safe recovery for players sidelined by injury. 
  • Performance Optimization: Improve form, endurance, and agility to elevate your game. 

Upcoming Event: Step Up Your Pickleball Game 

For those passionate about pickleball or curious to try it, RVNAhealth invites you to:

Step Up Your Pickleball Game: Injury Prevention & Performance Tips

Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Location: Mark Twain Library, 439 Redding Road, Redding

Join Sports Podiatrist Dr. Allan Rosenthal, affectionately called “Dr. Pickleball,” and RVNAhealth’s Senior Director of Community Rehabilitative Services, Gigi Weiss, MSPT, for an engaging and educational session. Topics include: 

  • Preventing common injuries and selecting proper footwear. 
  • Exercises to enhance strength and agility. 
  • Tips for skill development and game improvement. 

Dr. Rosenthal, a certified pickleball instructor and podiatric sports medicine expert, has extensive experience helping athletes optimize their performance while staying injury-free. Gigi Weiss brings decades of rehabilitative expertise, ensuring participants walk away with actionable tips to stay at the top of their game. 

<<CLICK HERE TO REGISTER>> 

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from experts and connect with other pickleball enthusiasts. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, this event will provide invaluable insights to keep you healthy and thriving on the court. 

RVNAhealth Dementia Education & Resources Program

effective communication in dementia care

RVNAhealth is proud to continue its commitment to supporting individuals diagnosed with dementia, their families, and caregivers through our Dementia Education & Resources Program. This program offers a wealth of knowledge, tools, and strategies, delivered by experts, to help navigate the challenges associated with dementia.

The Importance of the Program

Dementia affects one in three seniors over the age of 65, yet many families struggle to find comprehensive resources for education and care. As Gigi Weiss, MSPT, Senior Director of Community Rehabilitation Services and Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), explains:

“Newly diagnosed dementia patients and their families often face scattered resources, leaving them feeling isolated and overwhelmed. This program is designed to fill that gap by providing consistent education, therapeutic programs, and support for caregivers and individuals at every stage of the journey.”

Adding to this mission is Danielle Taibi, OTR/L, CDP, and Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer. Danielle, an Occupational Therapist and Dementia Specialist, has played an integral role in developing and rolling out RVNAhealth’s Dementia Education and Resources Program. With eight years at RVNAhealth in roles spanning occupational therapy to home health supervision, Danielle’s passion for dementia care is evident in her words:

“I am someone who wants to delve into what intervention strategies and training will be the most helpful for people in the community and for RVNAhealth staff, who are increasingly treating patients with dementia. My goal is to provide accessible resources and practical support that make a difference in quality of life.”

Upcoming Events

As part of its initiative, RVNAhealth is offering a 3-part educational series at the Ridgefield Library. These events are designed to equip attendees with critical knowledge and practical tools to better understand and manage dementia.

1. Cognitive Decline and Dementia: The Importance of Early Evaluation

  • Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025
  • Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
  • Presenter: Dr. Alison McElhone, Geriatrician, Stamford Health

Dr. Alison McElhone is a leading geriatrician specializing in dementia and cognitive health at Stamford Health. She is renowned for her work in early dementia detection and patient-centered care. Attendees will gain insight into different types of dementia, early warning signs, and the critical importance of early evaluation to access resources and improve outcomes.

<<REGISTER HERE>>

2. Navigating Communication Challenges in Dementia Care

  • Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025
  • Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
  • Presenters: Gigi Weiss, MSPT, CDP, and Danielle Taibi, OTR/L, CDP

Discover strategies for effective communication tailored to various stages of dementia and learn how to manage challenging behaviors with compassion and understanding. Gigi Weiss and Danielle Taibi will share their expertise to help caregivers and families foster meaningful connections.

<<REGISTER HERE>>

3. Legal and Long-Term Financial Planning in Dementia Care

  • Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
  • Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
  • Presenters: Joshua Weinshank, Esq., and Amy Feder, LCSW

Joshua Weinshank, Esq., is an experienced estate planning attorney who helps families with a wide range of financial and legal planning needs. For this presentation, he’ll focus on navigating the complexities of dementia care, sharing strategies to create secure plans that ensure financial stability and preparedness. Amy Feder, LCSW, brings her expertise as a geriatric care manager and social worker, sharing real stories and practical advice. Together, they’ll provide guidance on essential legal documents and financial steps to help families navigate the challenges of dementia with confidence.

<<REGISTER HERE>>

A Trusted Resource for Dementia Care

RVNAhealth’s Dementia Education & Resources Program offers vital guidance for individuals, families, and caregivers navigating the challenges of dementia. Through expert guidance, therapeutic tools, and community engagement, we provide practical support and education to help navigate this journey. To learn more about our program and upcoming events, please visit our website. Together, we can enhance understanding, build resilience, and create a supportive community for those affected by dementia.

The Dementia Education & Resources Program is made possible in large part by a grant from Union Savings Bank. 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 donors 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.