In addition to in-home rehabilitation therapies, RVNAhealth has a Rehabilitation & Wellness Center at our flagship at 27 Governor Street, and at RVNAhealth at GPC, both in Ridgefield, CT.
RVNAhealth is a private, nonprofit organization that has been providing exceptional home and community health care services, supports public health and safety, and has promoted the highest quality of life for over 100 years. Learn more about us ››
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Each and every day, RVNAhealth is in the homes of people in your community, caring for many diverse medical needs, thanks to you. RVNAhealth now provides lifelong care and wellness services to thousands of individuals. Learn more ››
Give to RVNAhealth on Fairfield County’s Giving Day, February 25, and become our partner in fighting COVID-19. Your support will sustain our vaccination clinics and protect our communities. Learn more at fcgives.org ››
At RVNAhealth, we know what a difference YOU can make by supporting us on Giving Tuesday and bettering the lives of those in your community.
Sophia is RVNAhealth’s cherished pet therapy dog who spends her days with our patients and their families. Since birth, she has been in training with ECAD – Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities. Her RVNAhealth handler is formally trained and recertified annually, as well.
Sophia truly comes to life when doing her job. With every visit, she brings comfort to our hospice patients and compassion to bereaved family members. She spreads joy to the homebound. She can also be found befriending and snuggling with children getting vaccines at our Well Child clinics. Her love and support is embraced by everyone she meets, most especially the more than 100 RVNAhealth patients she visits each year!
“Giving Tuesday reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity.”
In Support of Our Pet Therapy Program
This Giving Tuesday, we are asking for your support of our priceless Pet Therapy program and to help offset $5,000 in annual expenses that keep Sophia well-nourished, well-groomed, healthy and current with veterinarian visits. Your gift to Sophia and our ComfortWELL Hospice program will help us continue to deliver unmatched, compassionate healthcare when and where it is needed.
In this season of gratitude and giving, please consider making a contribution to RVNAhealth on Giving Tuesday, November 28, 2023, and give the gift of health, comfort and peace to the patients and families we serve.
On October 9th six brave Parkinson’s Warriors completed RVNAhealth’s first Parkinson’s disease (PD) Bootcamp program. These six clients spent eight weeks coming to our Ridgefield Center of Excellence twice a week to participate in our innovative PD Bootcamp. An intensive eight-week program, PD Bootcamp only takes six participants at a time, providing Parkinson’s patients with in-depth education about their disease, disease management, and exposing them to over sixteen different types of exercise. This first group of ‘bootcampers’ was funded by a grant from the Connecticut Chapter of the APDA. Graduates they are, but we like to call them “warriors!” Read on learn why…
About the RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Disease Center
Since the Parkinson’s Center launched in April of this year, the response from the Parkinson’s community has been overwhelmingly rewarding. “It’s been an amazing experience creating a formal program to provide vital Parkinson’s disease education, exercise programs, and support and resources. I am grateful to the entire Parkinson’s Center team for their tireless dedication. And of course, my congratulations go out to our first Bootcamp warriors who trusted in us and our program,” said Gigi Weiss, Director of RVNAhealth Rehabilitation Services and the Parkinson’s Center.
If you haven’t already heard about the Parkinson’s Center, check out our website and watch our spotlight video below!
PD Bootcamp…Dedication, Commitment, and Tools for Life
PD Bootcamp is designed as a small, intensive education and exercise program for those affected by Parkinson’s disease. Participants met together, with our RVNAhealth trained Parkinson’s specialists twice per week over the course of eight weeks. Our goal is to create relationships with our participants, deliver personalized education and plans, and equip them with the tools needed to live their best life.
Participants attended two exercise classes each week, with each class introducing them to a new type of exercise. Exercise classes included dance, boxing, Pilates, strength training, high intensity interval training, tai chi, and more! The goal in introducing so many different types of exercises is to help individuals find the exercise they enjoy most. “The only medically proven method of delaying the progression of Parkinson’s disease is exercise. So, what’s the best exercise to do? The one you enjoy and will keep up with!” says Kate Campbell, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Parkinson’s Center Program Manager. “Through our format, we really get to know these individuals and can best educate and guide them toward living their best life and taking control against their Parkinson’s.”
Bootcamp participants also attended a weekly educational session covering topics such as sleep, mental health, medication management, speech and cognition, and nutrition. PD Bootcamp workbooks provided reference materials and worksheets for individualized learning plans.
In the Words of Our Parkinson’s Disease Bootcamp “Warriors”
“Over the last year my PD has accelerated rapidly. Perhaps it is not noticed by others, but I can feel the loss of muscle, the exhaustion, each slur of words, every scuff of foot, forgetfulness, constant pain, and confused action. The only hope a Parkinson’s patient has to forestall a total and deliberate, debilitating decline into dependency is exercise. Fortunately, this RVNAhealth Bootcamp program addresses this and more! The RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center and its PD Bootcamp program demonstrates how to interweave exercise and information into your daily schedule. It is a lot to do – but it gives you control, and a confidence you cannot find elsewhere! This program helps guide those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease through the myriad of symptoms they must confront and gives them the knowledge and defensive tools needed to continue on and live a purposeful life.” – Barbara
“I just finished the PD Bootcamp at the RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center. What a great program and what a great experience for someone like me who is relatively newly diagnosed. Kate, Andrea, and Meg led a thorough program that kept me engaged for the entirety of the program. You were so visionary in designing and offering this program. I am now more aware of my disease what I can expect and the things I can do to help me cope with the Curveballs of Parkinson’s. I hope you are able to include this in your regular programming because it is so needed.” – Joe.
Congratulations again to all of our first Bootcamp Warriors!
This month, November, is Hospice and Palliative Care Month. In recognition, we strongly encourage all who haven’t initiated discussions about Advanced Care Planning to take advantage of November as a steppingstone. If you’ve already done your planning – congratulations on this important step – just be sure to review and update your directive to reflect any changes in your preferences or medical circumstances.
What is Advanced Care Planning?
Advanced care planning is a process that involves making decisions about your future healthcare preferences in advance, particularly if you become unable to make decisions for yourself due to illness or incapacity. The primary purpose of advanced care planning is to ensure that your medical care aligns with your values, beliefs, and personal preferences. It also helps reduce the emotional burden on your family and healthcare providers by providing clear guidance.
Key components of advanced care planning include:
Advanced Directive (also called Healthcare Directive or Living Will): This document allows you to specify your preferences for medical treatments, such as life-sustaining measures, resuscitation, and organ donation. It outlines the circumstances under which you want specific treatments or interventions and when you do not.
Appointment of a Healthcare Proxy or Agent: In some cases, you can designate a trusted individual to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. This person is often referred to as a healthcare proxy or agent.
Discussion and Communication: The process involves open and honest discussions with your loved ones, healthcare providers, and, if you’ve appointed one, your healthcare proxy. These conversations are crucial to ensure that your wishes are known and understood.
Resources for Advanced Care Planning
Creating an advanced directive is an important step in ensuring that your healthcare preferences are documented and followed when you cannot make decisions for yourself. There are various resources available to help you create an advanced directive:
State-Specific Forms: Most U.S. states have specific forms or templates for advanced directives that are legally recognized. These forms are usually available through state government websites, local hospitals, or legal aid organizations. They are designed to meet the legal requirements of your particular jurisdiction. Connecticut’s starting point webpage for Advanced Directives can be found here.
Online Resources: Numerous websites and organizations offer advanced directive forms and guides. Some popular resources include:
CaringInfo: This is a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) that provides free state-specific advanced directive forms and information.
Five Wishes: This is a user-friendly advanced directive document that is accepted in most U.S. states. It goes beyond medical decisions to address emotional and spiritual issues. You can purchase a copy online.
AARP: The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) offers advanced directive forms and information that can be customized to your needs.
Consult an Attorney: If you have complex medical preferences or want legal advice, consider consulting an attorney who specializes in healthcare or estate planning. They can provide guidance, answer your questions, and ensure that your advanced directive complies with your state’s laws.
Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (including RVNAhealth!): Many hospitals and healthcare providers have resources available to help you create an advanced directive. They may offer informational brochures, access to standard forms, or guidance from social workers or ethics committees.
Remember that creating an advanced directive is an important legal and healthcare document, and it’s essential to follow your state’s specific guidelines to ensure its validity. Be sure to share a copy of your advanced directive with your healthcare provider, family members, and your chosen healthcare proxy or agent, if applicable.
Contact RVNAhealth for More Information
Begin the dialogue regarding Advanced Care Planning by reaching out to our team at RVNAhealth. We’re here to assist you in starting these conversations proactively, without the urgency of a crisis. We provide informative materials to assist you, and our team members are available for discussions. Planning ahead is a choice that no one has ever regretted. In fact, it’s a precious gift you can give both to yourself and your loved ones. To learn more, contact us at 203-438-5555, or visit our website.
While former President Jimmy Carter has made headlines about his current journey on hospice care, the former First Lady, Rosalynn, has also been notably in the news. In May of this year, the family announced that Mrs. Carter has dementia. Like her husband’s hospice news, the former First Lady’s diagnosis shines a further light of awareness on the topic of dementia and, in particular, on caregivers. Carter has been a long-term advocate for mental health and caregiving issues, including dementia.
Understanding the Basics…Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s
Dementia is a broad term used to describe a group of cognitive impairments (including Alzheimer’s disease) that interfere with an individual’s daily life and functioning. It is not a specific disease itself, but rather a syndrome characterized by a decline in cognitive function beyond what might be expected as a result of normal aging. Common symptoms of dementia include memory loss, difficulties with problem-solving, language and communication problems, and changes in mood and behavior.
What Causes Dementia?
There are various underlying causes of dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common. The exact cause of dementia depends on the specific type, but in general, it often involves damage to brain cells or a decrease in the brain’s ability to function correctly. This can result from various factors, including:
Alzheimer’s disease: Abnormal protein deposits in the brain, such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles, contribute to cognitive decline.
Vascular dementia: Reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to strokes or small vessel disease, leads to cognitive impairments.
Lewy body dementia: Accumulation of abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in the brain.
Frontotemporal dementia: Degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in behavior and personality.
Other causes: Dementia can also result from conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, traumatic brain injury, or infections.
One in three of seniors, ages 65+, dies with a form of dementia.
It is the fifth leading cause of death for older adults in the U.S.
Specific to just Alzheimer’s, the lifetime risk at age 45 is 1 in 5 for women and 1 in 10 for men.
In 2023, all dementias will cost the nation $345 billion and by 2050, costs could rise to nearly $1 trillion.
Caregiving in the Dementia Equation
At the announcement of the former First Lady’s dementia diagnosis, the family stated “As the founder of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, Mrs. Carter often noted that there are only four kinds of people in this world: those who have been caregivers; those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”
The Alzheimer’s Association estimated that in 2022, unpaid caregivers (family, friends, neighbors) provided an estimated 18 billion hours of care (or an average of ~26 hours/week) for individuals with dementia. While the impact and care needs for individuals affected by dementia are multifaceted, we cannot forget the needs of dementia caregivers. Caring for a loved one with dementia can be an emotionally, physically, and mentally challenging experience, and it can take a significant toll. It’s crucial for caregivers to prioritize self-care and seek assistance when needed to maintain their own health and well-being.
RVNAhealth Dementia Services and Support
Dementia is a progressive condition, meaning that symptoms tend to worsen over time. There is no cure for most types of dementia, but some medications and therapies can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia. Caregiver support and appropriate healthcare are crucial for those affected by dementia.
Early diagnosis and intervention can make a significant difference in managing the condition and improving the well-being of both patients and their families. RVNAhealth offers a variety of patient and caregiver support services for dementia. Please see some of our patient and caregiver support services below. Click here if you would like to join our dementia-specific mailing list for updates on RVNAhealth dementia education, events and support offerings. Or, if you have any questions, please contact us by email: intake@rvnahealth.org, or phone: 203.438.5555.
RVNAhealth Dementia Support Services:
Dementia Caregiver Support Group: In support of the challenges and needs facing the caregiving population, RVNAhealth offers a Dementia Caregiver Support group monthly, in coordination with the Alzheimer’s Association. Held on the fourth Monday of every month from 11:00am-12:00pm at the RVNAhealth Ridgefield office, 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.
Personal Medical Alert Services: At the early stages of a dementia diagnosis, when round the clock care may not be necessary, a personal medical alert device can provide caregiver peace of mind for the health and well-being of a loved one. RVNAhealth offers a variety of in-home and on-the-go Lifeline device options.
Rehabilitation Services: Rehabilitation services help patients extend their independence in activities and speech. Occupational and Speech Therapists help to stimulate cognitive and fine motor skills while providing practical tools to maximize activity, safety, and enhance quality of life.
Nutrition Services: Nutrition services for dementia, offered by our Registered Dietitian, are aimed at promoting appetite, healthy body weight, and positive engagement with food, while balancing each patient’s unique nutritional needs.
Private Duty Caregivers: Available as hourly or live-in, our private duty caregivers can provide a variety of non-medical personal and house-hold assistance based upon a patient’s evolving need.
Private Duty Nursing: Providing immediate access to care for medical needs and treatments not covered by insurance. From medical care in the home, to medication preparation and administration, to peace of mind medical assessments and vital sign checks when getting to the doctor is too difficult – Private Duty Nurses provide immediate and customized care in coordination with a patient’s doctor.
Palliative & Hospice Care: For advanced dementia disease, palliative and hospice care with RVNAhealth provides in-home comfort care and peace to patient and family. An experienced team consisting of medical, social, spiritual, and family support volunteers bring their expertise and experience in dementia care to families and their loved ones.
Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) Program : RVNAhealth proudly offers Certified Dementia Practitioner training to its staff. CDPs are equipped with training and tools to help deliver appropriate and effective communications with patients. This additional expertise enables improved communication and assistance between our team, the caregiver, patient, and family.
Thank you to Fairfield County Bank for generously donating time on their billboard space again. Next time you are traveling on I95 South past Norwalk, be sure to look up! The Bank has been a loyal supporter of RVNAhealth for more than 25 years. Use of this billboard is another example of the many ways in which the Bank partners with RVNAhealth to support and help expand our services in the region.
RVNAhealth’s success has been gratefully supported over the years by the steadfast assistance by Fairfield County Bank, its dedicated staff, and board members. From financial services, insurance, and investments to invaluable counsel, guidance, and tireless volunteer efforts, Fairfield County Bank’s influence on RVNAhealth has been beyond measure. They are genuine allies and collaborators of our organization, and we deeply appreciate their unwavering dedication to our support of the well-being of the communities we serve.
On September 30th, RVNAhealth held its annual Autumn Dinner at Silver Spring Country Club. Great fun was had by all, enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, scotch tasting, dinner, our amazing “Date Night for a Year” raffle, an exciting live auction, and heartwarming generosity in support of our vital programs and services. We are proud to offer home health and hospice care, Well-Child Clinics for children and families in need, and our Chronic Care program to help vulnerable uninsured and underinsured neighbors.
Jeanette Rizzo, this year’s impact speaker, shared 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 highlights the very special bond that was created between her family and her mother’s RVNAhealth caregiver – a relationship which reflects the experience RVNAhealth strives to create for every patient and family member in their care.
Theresa Santoro, the President & CEO, delivered an inspiring address, underscoring RVNAhealth’s mission and both its commitment to and profound role it plays in the community’s well-being.
RVNAhealth serves a diverse range of people across 35+ Connecticut communities, from uninsured children to those in need of sports medicine, to elderly individuals with varying medical requirements, and those requiring end-of-life care. Mrs. Santoro highlighted the organization’s broad-reaching impact and its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all.
The evening’s program included a scotch tasting sponsored by Compass Box Whiskey, live musical entertainment by singer/songwriter Nick DePuy, and autumnal centerpieces generously donated by Mary Jones at Rodier Flowers. The charismatic Tom Pesce guided guests through an engaging live auction and paddle raise to raise funds in support of RVNAhealth’s mission.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the dedicated RVNAhealth staff, we extend our deepest gratitude to Jeanette Rizzo for her valuable contributions as the evening’s guest speaker, our sponsors and advertisers for their unwavering support, and every member of the Autumn Dinner committee for their tireless efforts, enthusiasm, and dedication in planning and organizing this unforgettable event.
Congratulations to RVNAhealth’s Laura Shulman Cordeira, MPH, on her receipt of the 2023 Tenacious Caregiver Award presented by the National Service Office at their National Symposium in Seattle on September 12th. Shulman Cordeira, RVNAhealth’s Community Health & Wellness Director, was recognized for her role as a program Administrator for her leadership in growing Nurse-Family Partnership at RVNAhealth.
About RVNAhealth’s Nurse Family Partnership
Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) is a national program offered through the National Service Office (NSO) that serves first-time pregnant people affected by economic inequality and their children. Each program participant is paired with a nurse home visitor from pregnancy until the child turns 2.
Nurse-Family Partnership at RVNAhealth launched in 2020 and is only the second NFP program in the state of Connecticut. Funded by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, the program has served 98 moms and 65 babies and celebrated 8 graduates from the 2.5-year-long program. This voluntary free program is for people pregnant with their first child, who meet income guidelines, and reside in Western Connecticut.
When combined with traditional medical care, national program statistics show that families participating experience a 48% reduction in child abuse and neglect, a 56% decrease in ER visits for accidents and poisonings, an 18% decrease in pre-term births, and an increase in breastfeeding initiation. There are also several long-term benefits to participants, including 67% reduction in behavioral/intellectual challenges at age 6, 61% fewer arrests of the mother, and 59% reduction in child arrests at age 15.
2023 Tenacious Caregiver Award for NFP Administrator
Shulman Cordeira, 4th from left, 2023 Tenacious Caregiver – NFP Administrator. National Symposium, Seattle, Washington
The Tenacious Caregiver Award for NFP Administrator is given to an exceptional Network Partner leader who advocates for Nurse-Family Partnership in their community and supports high performance from their team.
Shulman Cordeira has led the RVNAhealth NFP program since right after it launched in 2020. Despite the challenges that came with starting up during the pandemic, the program has grown impressively in a short time thanks to her dedication and leadership. She has been a steadfast advocate for NFP– using her voice to testify for increased funding and working to build a strong community of support behind NFP in her community and across Connecticut.
“Your selection is a testament to your passion for NFP’s mission and values and your commitment to your team. We have been so impressed by your dedication to the program – growing your implementation in the face of the pandemic; building strong relationships across your community and state in support of the program; and tirelessly advocating for sustainable funding streams,” said Charlotte Min-Harris, President & CEO of the National Service Office for Nurse-Family Partnership.
Congratulations to the Entire RVNAhealth NFP Team!
Congratulations again to Laura, as well as the entire NFP team. The successful growth of the NFP program is a testament to their collective hard work. One of our NFP moms best summed up the impact their work, “[They have provided] amazing support to help guide me through this journey to motherhood. The peace of mind this program provides is outstanding.”
“Minisa has made such a difference with my mom. She really connects with her and has been wonderful with helping take care of her dog!” – son of Ridgefield, CT client
“Mary is a very hardworking and caring aide. She has so much knowledge and she continually goes above and beyond to help improve her patient’s quality of life with the wealth of knowledge that she has. She Is very efficient with her time management and gets everything done during the time scheduled. I definitely would recommend Mary and her caring ways. RVNAhealth is fortunate to have a very experienced individual.” – M.P. – Brookfield, CT
“Bukky is perfect! My Dad loves having her here. She is so gentle and skilled with his shower. Knows his every move and need. She keeps everything so clean. Honestly she is perfect. I know at this point my Dads’ needs aren’t many but I’m hoping she will stay with us as he progresses with age and illness. I only pray she is as happy as we are.” – Cheryl, Southbury
