“You are our Family”

One Couple’s Journey to Leaving a Legacy

Sal and Janet Cianci have shared a remarkable journey over their 43 years of marriage – one that has been interwoven with RVNAhealth for the past 11 years.  The beautiful realtor and charming dressmaker met while vacationing in Japan, and started a life together in Brooklyn, NY, before eventually settling in Fairfield County, CT.  Their bond and commitment to each other and their community is one we are fortunate to witness to this day.

We were first introduced to Sal and Janet in 2007, when they joined our team of dedicated volunteers.  As active residents of Redding for more than 20 years, they wished to remain living independently in their beautiful home.  They knew they weren’t alone, as many of their friends and neighbors had the same desire.  Sal and Janet were without any immediate family in the area. The question remained as to whether there were enough resources and support in place for them to do this safely.

At the same time, RVNAhealth was creating its Quality Living at Home Program (QLAH), a free aging-in-place outreach program that helps people remain in their homes in a safe, healthy and socially connected way.  Sal and Janet were QLAH Redding Committee members and encouraged the Town of Redding’s Commission on Aging to join forces with RVNAhealth to get this program off the ground. QLAH connects members with local programs and services, such as the police, ministry, pharmacy, grocery stores, senior centers, health clinics, recreational opportunities, medical professionals, home maintenance services and transportation to promote independent living as long as possible.

The program has helped seniors, including Sal and Janet, fulfill their dream to remain at home in their later years.  The Ciancis have also spent countless hours volunteering their time at our annual Health and Wellness Fair, flu clinics, and more. They believe in our mission so much that they expressed their desire to join our 1914 Legacy Society and leave a bequest to RVNAhealth as part of their estate plan.  We are honored and grateful for their generosity and dedication to protect our future.

Recently Sal and Janet moved to a wonderful assisted living facility in a neighboring town with which RVNAhealth has a strong relationship.  Although not an easy decision, they knew it would provide the care they need at this stage of life.  RVNAhealth will always remain part of their circle of support; and the Ciancis will always be part of our agency’s success thanks to the impact their gracious planned gift will make.

To date, there are more than 50 members of the 1914 Legacy Society who have made gifts that will help secure our future for another 103+ years, and enable us to provide exceptional care to thousands of people from birth to end of life.  If you believe in the mission of RVNA, or we have made an impact in your life or the life of someone you love, we ask that you  consider leaving a legacy gift like Janet and Sal have done, so we may continue to be the healthcare leader in your community.

“We are getting older and can’t do as much on our own; we need help. RVNAhealth is the vehicle. You are our family.”
– Sal Cianci, October 2017

To learn more about the 1914 Legacy Society and legacy gifts to RVNA, please contact Mary Jean Heller, director of philanthropy, at (203) 438-5555.

Balance Exercises to Keep You Steady

Every winter, RVNAhealth treats dozens of patients — both at home and at Rehab by RVNAhealth — who are recovering from winter falls. Falls can cause broken and fractured bones, head trauma, and other significant issues.

The following progression of balance exercises, recommended by RVNAhealth physical therapists, can help you improve your lower body strength and your ability to control your body’s center of gravity — which are both very important to avoiding slips and falls.  Start with the Single Leg Stance, and add the others as you improve.  In addition to the exercises below, fun activities like Tai-chi and yoga are great ways to improve balance for some people.  Everyone’s risk of slipping and falling increases with icy winter weather.  But exercising to improve balance is a smart year-round practice for us all.

RVNA’s physical and occupational therapists can adapt exercises to fit a patient’s needs and medical history. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a balance consultation, please contact RVNAhealth at 203-438-5555

1. Single Leg Stance
Stand on one leg and maintain your balance. (You can use a sturdy chair for support.) Then repeat with the other leg.

  • Repeat:            1 time
  • Hold:                10 seconds
  • Complete:       1 set
  • Perform:          Once a day

2. Single Leg Stance Variations
Forward
Stand on one leg and maintain your balance.  Next, hold your free leg out in front of your body.  Then return to original position.  Maintain a slightly bent knee on the standing leg.  Repeat with the other leg.

  • Repeat:            1 time
  • Hold:                10 seconds
  • Complete:       1 set
  • Perform:          Once a day

Lateral
Stand on one leg and maintain your balance.  Next, hold your free leg out to the side of your body.  Then return to original position.  Maintain a slightly bent knee on the standing leg.  Repeat with the other leg.

  • Repeat:            1 time
  • Hold:                10 seconds
  • Complete:       1 set
  • Perform:          Once a day

3. Tandem Stance and Walk
Stand with one foot directly in front of the other so that the toes of one foot touch the heel of the other.  Progress forward by taking steps with your heel touching your toes with each step.  (Use a counter for support.)  Maintain your balance.

  • Repeat:            3 times
  • Hold:                1 second
  • Complete:       1 set
  • Perform:          Once a day

4. Sit to Stand

Sit down in a firm chair.  Align your feet, knees, and hips so you’re sitting up tall with a small arch in your lower back.  Put your hands on your thighs.

Stand without moving your feet.  Engage your leg muscles and lift yourself up from the chair  in one fluid motion.  Once you’ve risen to the point that your knees are straight but your back is still arched, slowly lower yourself back down into your original seated position.

  • Repeat:            8-10 times
  • Hold:                3 seconds
  • Complete:       1 set
  • Perform:          Once a day

When Assistance is Needed, but Medical Care Might Not Be

With more and more seniors choosing to live at home in their later years, the logical question is how they can do so safely. Many will need medical care – such as nursing and rehabilitation therapies provided by RVNAhealth — at some point as they age. But what about the people who don’t need medical intervention, but do need help with the tasks of daily life? That’s where RVNAhealth comes in.

RVNAhealth offers caregiver services to seniors at home, improving their safety and comfort, while giving their families peace of mind.  Aide services run the gamut from simple companionship and errands to light housekeeping, meal preparation, dressing, and medication reminders.  RVNAhealth can provide whatever level of service and for whatever duration of time a client needs – whether it’s a few hours a week, full-time, or live-in care.  Family members can also benefit from these services.  People who are caring for their elderly parents or relatives can turn to RVNAhealth for respite, allowing them to take time for themselves to go to work, attend an event, or even take a vacation. And, unlike medical care, these services do not require a doctor’s prescription.

RVNAhealth allows seniors and families to take advantage of what they need now, and increase care as their needs increase.  And, with a nurse manager on staff providing supervision, the organization is able to determine if and when medical care might also be appropriate.

When navigating the array of services available to seniors, it can be difficult to determine what’s covered by insurance and what isn’t. Care that is medically necessary is usually covered by insurance, including  Medicare; aide services are typically not covered by insurance and are privately paid by the client. Caregiver services provided by an approved home care agency may qualify for reimbursement through a client’s long-term care insurance policy.

RVNAhealth provides the full spectrum of services that seniors may need.  Together, the organizations are a vital part of the plan of care for the elderly in our community. To learn more about how RVNAhealth might help you or a loved one, contact us at 203-894-5000