Screenings, Flu Shots and More! Join Us October 5th

Do you have any overdue preventive health screenings or questions about your well-being that you’ve been putting off? Do you or your child(ren) need a flu shot? If so, why not take advantage of RVNAhealth’s Wellness Fair on Saturday, October 5th to get everything checked off your list! Join us for this beloved gathering to check in on your health, discover something new, and jumpstart your wellness journey. Enjoy complimentary health screenings, connect with experts from all our service lines, and don’t forget to take advantage of the opportunity to receive flu vaccines for both kids and adults. It’s a friendly and comprehensive experience for everyone.

One Place, One Day: The RVNAhealth Wellness Fair

We understand that scheduling multiple appointments for different screenings can be a hassle. That’s why, nearly 50 years ago, RVNAhealth started its Wellness Fair—an event designed to provide the most common health screenings in one day, at one location. We are proud to continue this tradition with our 49th Annual Wellness Fair, taking place on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Yanity Gym, 60 Prospect Street, in Ridgefield. This event is open to the community, and we encourage you to join us to take charge of your health, gain new insights, and access valuable resources.

Our Wellness Fair is led by RVNAhealth’s skilled clinical staff, covering a wide range of services such as nursing, rehabilitation, nutrition, hospice care, private caregiving, and social work. We also partner with local experts to offer various screenings, including:

  • Anemia
  • Blood pressure
  • Blood glucose
  • Carotid artery
  • Cholesterol
  • Balance + Strength tests
  • Foot exams
  • Lung Function
  • 3D Posture Scan
  • Car Seat Checks
  • Visit Sophia the Therapy Dog!
  • Kid’s Activities provided by Ridgefield Boys and Girls Club
  • PLUS! Flu Shots (both high-dose and regular) for ALL AGES. Flu vaccines for children (age 18 and under) are provided FREE of charge, through the CT State vaccine program. For adults, we accept the following insurance plans for flu vaccines: Medicare Part B, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Supporting Our Community

This year’s Wellness Fair is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors: Chef’s Warehouse, BMW of Ridgefield, Ridge Crest at Meadow Ridge, Liz and Steven Goldstone, The Greens at Cannondale/Wilton Meadows, Homecare Homebase, and Connecticut Relay. 

Stay Informed and Join Us

To keep up with the latest information about the Wellness Fair or to register for event reminders, visit our Wellness Fair event page. We look forward to seeing you on October 5th and helping you take a proactive step towards better health!

RVNAhealth CNA School Graduates Its First Class

Theresa Santoro with graduates of RVNAhealth's 1st CNA School 2024

Pictured: CNA Graduates, teaching staff, and Theresa Santoro, President & CEO, RVNAhealth

RVNAhealth is thrilled to announce the graduation of our inaugural CNA School class! Twelve dedicated students completed the program in August and passed the Connecticut State CNA exam, and we are excited to welcome them to the RVNAhealth team. Each of these graduates excelled in their studies, and we could not be prouder of their hard work and commitment.

Investing In Certified Nursing Assistants as an Integral Part of Healthcare
RVNAhealth CNA School 2024
CNA Students in the RVNAhealth Clinical Training Lab in Ridgefield, honing their skills before moving on to their hands-on clinical training.

Balancing the supply and demand for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) has been challenging at times, which is why we have long envisioned establishing a training program at RVNAhealth to support individuals aspiring to enter the healthcare field. Thanks to the generosity of dedicated donor, Linda Reddy, we are proud to offer a comprehensive training program that not only leads to certification but also provides employment opportunities within our organization. This program offers a valuable pathway for individuals to start or advance their careers, gain diverse experiences, and contribute meaningfully to the evolving healthcare industry. “My donation to RVNAhealth is in honor of my father who had a long-standing career in healthcare and nursing. I am delighted to support this critical initiative to enhance the future of healthcare and am thrilled with the success of the inaugural class,” says Reddy.

Over the past decade, the role of CNAs in the home setting at RVNAhealth has expanded significantly. This reflects the evolving landscape of healthcare, with a growing emphasis on aging in place while receiving high-quality, personalized, and technologically advanced care.

The CNA role serves as a vital entry point for those looking to learn the complexities of patient care in a home setting. CNAs are an integral part of the healthcare team, providing essential care services that help patients remain healthy and comfortable. They often have the most direct contact with patients and their families, and their dedication, compassion, and expertise have a profound impact on patient outcomes.

Congratulations to our CNA Graduates

“Establishing this program has been a longstanding dream of mine,” says Theresa Santoro, President and CEO of RVNAhealth, “and we are incredibly proud to have achieved this goal. This initiative is a testament to RVNAhealth’s commitment to fostering the future of healthcare. By investing in education, we are not only supporting our community but also strengthening our mission to deliver excellence in home healthcare.”

Celebrating successful completion of RVNAhealth’s CNA School 2024
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 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 join us for a presentation on 2024 Medicare enrollment options on October 22nd at RVNAhealth. Michael Bush, a specialist in Medicare education who guides individuals through their enrollment concerns annually, will lead the presentation.

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..

To attend RVNAhealth’s in-person event “Medicare Explained – Understanding Your Options” on October 22nd at RVNAhealth Ridgefield, please register HERE. Space is limited!

If you are interested in the type of information provided, please find a playback of our 2023 Medicare enrollment presentation HERE. NOTE – this information may no longer be up to date. Please attend our 2024 presentation to obtain the latest information and guidance.

 

Union Savings Bank Awards Grant to RVNAhealth’s Dementia Program

Union Savings Bank Foundation grant to RVNAhealth's dementia education programs

Jill Maguire, Senior Branch Manager, Union Savings Bank, Ridgefield CT (right) presents $7,500 Foundation Grant for Dementia Community Education and Training to RVNAhealth’s MJ Heller, Director of Philanthropy (left)

 

The Union Savings Bank Foundation (USBF) has generously awarded RVNAhealth with a $7,500 grant to support its Community Dementia Education and Training Program.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 3 seniors (age 65+) dies with a form of dementia, yet many facing the diagnosis of dementia find there are very few resources to turn to for education, care and support. RVNAhealth’s Dementia Program will help those diagnosed in the early stages of dementia, as well as family members or caregivers at any stage of caring for a loved one. The program has 3 components:

  • Staff Certification – All RVNAhealth clinicians will fulfill the requirements set by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners to earn the certified dementia practitioner credential (CDP). This will allow RVNAhealth to provide the highest quality of care to its patients, as well as deliver this knowledge to the communities it serves, where everyday people are caring for someone with some form of dementia, experiencing its many challenges.
  • Community Education – Led by a team of skilled professionals and discipline specialists, the program offers informative sessions designed to enhance one’s understanding of dementia and its many stages, from the importance of nutrition and exercise, to advanced caregiving techniques, to long-term planning and end-stage dementia care. Classes may be attended in-person or virtually.
  • Support Groups – In recognizing the profound impact that Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can have on individuals and their families, RVNAhealth will offer monthly Alzheimer’s Association approved support groups where individuals navigating the challenges of the disease can connect, share experiences, and find solace.

Newly diagnosed dementia patients and their families often discover a harsh and frustrating reality of scattered resources. Through regular education, therapeutic programs, and support groups, USBF’s grant will help RVNAhealth fill that resources gap and serve early to mid-stage people with dementia, their loved ones, and caregivers at all stages of the journey.

Click here to learn more about RVNAhealth’s Dementia Education and Resource Series.

Walking BIG for Parkinson’s Disease

Walking BIG for Parkinson's Disease Event

Join RVNAhealth for our first annual ‘Walking BIG for Parkinson’s’ walk on Saturday morning, September 7th in downtown Ridgefield.  We’ll be walking to raise money, spread awareness, and celebrate RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center’s first full year supporting individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s in our community.  Funds raised by the walk will help bring continued Parkinson’s education, therapy, and support to the community and help subsidize treatment and programs for those needing financial support.

This event is a great opportunity to honor and support those living with Parkinson’s disease and is a great outing for the whole family to participate in. Grab your friends, family, and co-workers, and come out to support a great cause.

Register by August 30th

Registration is $40 per adult, with kids ages 12 and under free. All participants will receive a T-shirt, lunch, refreshments, and dessert.  Music will be provided by Big Daddy.

Register by scanning or clicking on the QR code below:

Event Schedule

9:00 – 10:00am:            Check-in at RVNAhealth main parking lot and get your t-shirt

10:00 – 10:30am:         Opening ceremony

10:30am – 11:15am:    Walk begins!  Two options – a 0.5 mile and a 1.5 mile planned route through Ridgefield downtown

11:15 – 12:00pm:        Join us back at RVNAhealth’s parking lot for lunch, refreshments, meet with vendors, and enjoy our DJ

 

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.

Celebrating Theresa Santoro & 25 Years of Leadership

Autumn Dinner. Celebrating Theresa Santoro's 25 years of leadership.

The RVNAhealth Board of Directors, Leadership Team, and the Autumn Dinner Committee invite you to join us at the annual RVNAhealth Autumn Dinner on Thursday, September 26th.

The event, filled with fun and celebration of the meaningful impact RVNAhealth has on the communities it serves, will be held at Le Chateau in South Salem, NY. Each year, the funds raised at this event are critical to our delivery of compassionate healthcare, hospice care, public health services, and wellness programs that we provide across 35+ Connecticut communities.

We are excited for a special event this year, as we honor our President & CEO, Theresa Santoro, in recognizing her 25 years of service and visionary leadership. Joining the agency as a visiting nurse 25 years ago, she 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.

The evening will include cocktails and a gourmet dinner, our back-by-popular-demand “Date Night for a Year” raffle, fabulous live auction items, and more. Please see our 2023 Autumn Dinner recap and photo gallery here for a taste of the great evening that awaits you!

Tickets, Sponsorships, and Ads are available.  Click here to learn more about the many ways you can have an impact in supporting our mission and your community. YOU can make a difference!

Thank you to our Sponsors! There is still time for you to sponsor as well! To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Debbie Campbell, Development Manager, at 203.438.5555 x1249 or via email at dcampbell@RVNAhealth.org.

We look forward to seeing you on September 26th!

Private Nurse Services: When and Where You Need It

private nurse services

Many people are lucky to have health insurance covering most medical needs. However, there can be times when extra healthcare services are desired. For example, a loved one might need help understanding new medication or care routines, or they might need a blood draw but don’t feel comfortable venturing out of the house, or maybe you just want a peace of mind vitals check and someone who can speak directly to their doctor. In these situations, RVNAhealth’s StayingWELL division offers private pay nurse services from licensed RNs and LPNs, allowing patients to access a wide range of medical services, including hands-on care, consultations, advocacy, and training.

The Benefits of Private Nurse Services

Services from our private pay nurses include offerings such as medication management, pre-pours and administration, routine injections not covered by insurance, blood draws and lab delivery, diabetes care, and elective procedure recovery, to name just a few.

Private nurses can also assist patients ‘informationally.’  They can accompany patients to medical appointments — asking questions, collecting information, and providing feedback and guidance to families and loved ones.  They can provide education to patients and families, and train family caregivers on routine care needs.  For distant families, a private nurse can act as a central point of contact, providing ongoing health monitoring, managing physician communications, offering professional insights and affording peace of mind that a loved one is being well cared for and well looked after.

A significant benefit of private nursing is direct and convenient access to high-quality, personalized care when and where you need it. Because private nursing operates outside of the realm of insurance, access to services can be immediate and flexible, offered in-home or at a patient’s facility, with no limitations on time or length of service. StayingWELL’s private nurses work directly with patients’ physicians, ensuring a collaborative and individualized care plan.

Meet Corrine Muy-Cando, BSN, RN, NCPD, CFNC, Clinical Nurse Supervisor
Corrine Muy-Cando
Corrine Muy-Cando, BSN, RN, NCPD, CFNC, Clinical Nurse Supervisor

Corrine is a private nurse and Clinical Supervisor for StayingWELL’s Private Health Care Services. Corrine has 25 years of experience in the healthcare field, with experience working in both direct care and hospital settings. In particular, her years of experience caring for oncology patients, as well as the disability community and those with special needs, has driven her passion for personalized, patient-centric care.

When asked what she values most about her private nursing role, Corrine’s response was immediate, “Time for my patients!” Elaborating, she explained how fast-paced the traditional medical field has become, including the time healthcare workers have to spend with their patients. Patients and loved ones are often left feeling unsure or confused about their care routines and needs following changes to their health. “Many will only remember a portion of the instructions provided by their medical team and don’t know how to access what they’ve been instructed. This is just one example of where we help — by filling the gaps and giving patients and their loved ones as much time as needed to deliver the care and understanding they need.”

Contact Us For More Information

Private nurses are employed by RVNAhealth’s StayingWELL Services as either Registered Nurses or Licensed Practical Nurses and all have access to the entire RVNAhealth suite of services and team, ensuring seamless care and transition between services if needed. Private nursing services are available to patients in-home and at facilities located in western Connecticut. A more detailed information sheet on private nurse services can be found here. To inquire about private nurse services, please contact us at info@rvnahealth.org or 203.438.5555, option 2.

 

Wrapping Up RVNAhealth’s First Dementia Education Series

dementia education

As June came to a close, so did RVNAhealth’s first Dementia Education & Resources series. Thanks to a grant from Union Savings Bank and support from our donors, RVNAhealth introduced the program in February, a series of 7 educational presentations to bring much-needed education and awareness to those affected by dementia or interested in learning more. With statistics stating that one in three seniors, ages 65+, will develop some form of dementia, many are surprised to find that community resources and education specific to dementia are lacking. As RVNAhealth’s first educational-focused series on dementia, “Our goal was to help fill the resources gap and provide those impacted by dementia with tools, support, and a sense of community. This was a great first step in the dementia education space. We look forward to repeating these presentations and bringing new requested topics and content based upon our attendee feedback,” says Gigi Weiss, MSPT, RVNAhealth Senior Director of Rehabilitative Therapies and Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP). P.S. – Read through to the end to find our video library of dementia presentations! 

Dementia Resource Building

Adding dementia education to RVNAhealth’s community education programming calendar was a natural step. With numerous Certified Dementia Practitioners on staff, RVNAhealth offers a broad array of care and support services, delivered by employees with the expertise needed to deliver exceptional communication and assistance between our team, the caregiver, patient, and family. Some of those services include:

  • 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 household assistance based upon a patient’s evolving needs.
  • 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.
Stay in Touch for Dementia News and Programming

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.

Dementia Presentation Video Library

For those that may have missed our presentations, or would like to go back and review topics, we are pleased to provide our dementia video library of the following recorded presentations:

 

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.

 

Deep Dive Into … Water

RVNAhealth nutrition programs, fairfield county, ct

We know! We need to drink more water. Every single day without fail and a single cup won’t do. Correct?

Correct. For those of us who hydrate regularly, we know our bodies catch on. The more water we drink, the more we like it, the better we feel, the more we want it. When we’re low, we notice.

How Much Water?

A simple question but with no single answer. The CDC states that “daily water intake recommendations vary by age, sex, pregnancy status, activity level, and breastfeeding status.”

For the average, healthy individual, current studies suggest that men need 15.5 cups of water and women need 11.5 cups of water. “Whoa,” you may be thinking, “that’s a lot more than the old eight cups of water standard!” To put you at ease, these numbers include all sources of water from all drinks and food. In reality, many average individuals can get away with 4 to 6 cups of plain water and obtain their additional needed intake through other sources such as coffee, tea, juice, fruits, and vegetables.

“And it’s a myth that caffeinated beverages or those containing alcohol are dehydrating because they make you urinate. They do, but over the course of the day, the water from these beverages still leads to a net positive contribution to total fluid consumption,” says Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing.

But…How Much Water for Me?

Your doctor or dietitian is the best place to start for your situation. For most individuals, the two basic starting points to answering this question is your level of thirst and color of your urine. Feeling thirsty is a clear indicator that your body needs more water. And pale yellow or straw-colored urine typically indicates proper hydration, while darker urine may signal dehydration.

If you have a health condition that impacts your need for water – always follow the recommendations that your physician provides.

Are all waters created equal?

Mineral water is typically from a natural, spring-fed source that contains minerals from the rock/ground surrounding the area. Overall, mineral water can be a healthy addition to your diet, providing you with essential minerals and aiding in hydration. However, it’s important to consider your specific dietary needs and environmental impact when choosing mineral water. Be aware of sodium content (if that is important to you) and ensure water is sourced from a reputable company that guarantees purity and adheres to safety standards. 

Purified (including Distilled) water is a good choice for safe and clean drinking water. It removes harmful contaminants and improves taste and odor, making it suitable for daily hydration and other household uses. Purified water is obtained through various methods such as distillation, reverse osmosis, deionization, and carbon filtration. However, purified water may lack the natural minerals found in mineral or spring water. While this is generally not a concern for most people, some might prefer water with minerals for taste or health benefits.

Alkaline water is water that has minerals dissolved into it that raise the pH to a more alkaline level. Some studies have suggested that alkaline water can offer certain health benefits, particularly for hydration and acid neutralization. However, the scientific evidence is not conclusive, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects. Note on water pH, if your water is acidic or too alkaline (aka ‘hard water’), that could be a tad problematic for your teeth, stomach and appliances! We recommend alkaline water with a known pH of 7.1 – 9.5.

Seltzer water, also known as carbonated or sparkling water, can be a good choice for hydration and is generally safe to drink. Seltzer is a great alternative to sugary drinks and sodas when you have a taste for a bubbly treat with flavor. However, be mindful of potential dental effects (the carbonation creates carbonic acid which can potentially erode tooth enamel over time), gas and bloating (carbonation can cause gas and bloating in some individuals, and gastrointestinal issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), might find these symptoms more pronounced), can sodium content (check the labels to choose a low-sodium or sodium-free option if that is a concern for you).

And finally, Tap water. Tap water is cheap, safe, accessible, contains local minerals, and is environmentally friendly. To ensure the safety of your tap water, check local water quality reports, consider using a home filtration system, and stay informed about any local advisories or issues. If you have a well, be sure to test your water yearly.

The upshot: Drink water! Let your specific health and preferences dictate what will get and keep you hydrated.