RVNAhealth News - RVNAhealth for Lifelong Care and Wellness

Nutrition For All Seasons

Feeling late to the start of your nutrition goals this year?

Experiencing new or existing GI issues such bloating, nausea, or constipation?

Received a new diagnosis such as high cholesterol or diabetes?

Or maybe you have a new food allergy, or you have a picky eater at home for whom you worry about nutritional intake?

Whatever your nutritional concerns, RVNAhealth’s Dietitian and nutrition expert, Monica Marcello, is here when you need her.

Monica Marcello, RVNAhealth Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Educator

“Its never too late to start learning about and working on optimal nutrition to benefit your specific situation. Nutrition and pathways to better health are a progression – both in learning and in practice. It’s okay to start off small and work your way up. The important part starts with education and then learning what practices and techniques best fit your lifestyle to encourage long term success,” says Marcello.

If you have a new health concern, problems getting started or breaking through to a next level of nutritional wellness, or maintaining your nutritional success, RVNAhealth offers a variety of services that can help. For any questions or information on the below services, please visit our website or contact Monica Marcello.

RVNAhealth Nutrition Services

Individuals Nutrition Counseling: One-on-one comprehensive nutrition and wellness sessions tailored to your medical history, nutrient needs, and goals. Individualized counseling is perfect for someone who feels ready for, or in need of, a lifestyle change, usually involving one or more visits with our dietitian. Services include meal plans, recipes, education, motivational interviewing, nutrition prescription plan, and exercise prescription plan. First time 15-minute phone consultations are available free of charge. The price for formal service is $125 for an initial 1-hour visit; $85 for 45-minute follow-up visits. We do offer senior (65+) discounts on pricing. And RVNAhealth accepts Medicare B reimbursement for the following conditions: diabetes, renal disease, and kidney transplants.
NEW (for Existing or Past Clients) – Nutrition Maintenance Program: RVNAhealth is pleased to introduce a new Nutrition Maintenance program for only $19 per month. What’s included? One personalized nutrition prescription per month; One nutrient analysis report and emailed big-picture recommendations; Full access to EatLove nutrition software (meal planning, grocery list, recipe development, tracking, etc.). Email Monica for more information.
Interactive Cooking Classes: Learn practical ways to apply the knowledge we share during our visits, making it easier than ever to create delicious meals in your kitchen. Classes include demonstration on how to cook meals and the ability to prep/cook meals yourself, one meal to eat in the class or to take home (we usually have leftovers), 8-12 recipes, practical tool-kit of each topic discussed, and time with Monica to answer your individualized questions. Classes are typically on Friday’s 4:30-5:45 pm (see RVNAhealth nutrition webpage and calendar for the latest dates and topics). Price is $65 for each class, $8 off if you invite a friend (for you and them).
Free Nutrition Counseling for Ridgefield Kids 18 & Under: Thanks to the generous grant support of the Ridgefield Fresh Air Fund and the Barker Welfare Foundation, RVNAhealth is now able to offer free nutrition counseling for Ridgefield kids and teens. If your child or someone you know may benefit from working with a dietitian, call or email me and we can get them an appointment…for FREE! Three free nutrition appointments (or more depending on need). Any nutritional issues qualify (healthy eating, GI issues, picky eating, you name it). Sign your child up by clicking here!

nutrition

New Dementia Caregiver Support Group in Ridgefield

RVNAhealth, in coordination with the Alzheimer’s Association, is pleased to now 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.

*Melissa Wutke, CDP, RVNAhealth Home Health Aide Supervisor*

RVNAhealth’s own Melissa Wutke, CDP, will co-facilitate the monthly Alzheimer’s Association sessions. Melissa is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and currently works at RVNAhealth as a Home Health Aide Supervisor. Before joining RVNAhealth, she acquired extensive experience working with individuals affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias in private homes, assisted living, and memory care facilities. She previously facilitated the Newtown Alzheimer’s Support Group and has received numerous certifications through the Alzheimer’s Association.

Melissa’s experience and passion was instrumental in helping to establish this new Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Support Group at RVNAhealth in Ridgefield. She is passionate about promoting and participating in Alzheimer’s Association resources and is excited to help support the local community. “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 oved 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. Melissa will also co-facilitate Alzheimer’s Association monthly Dementia Support Groups in Bethel. 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.

Jan Brown vs. Parkinson’s … Score: 1-0

Nothing seems to stop 74 year old Newtown resident, Jan Brown – not even a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis! With a determined spirit and help from her doctors and the RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center, Jan is now back to playing national level softball and more! And to celebrate Jan’s completion of RVNAhealth’s LSVT Parkinson’s program, the team decided what better way to celebrate than a surprise game of softball after her final session with RVNAhealth therapists and staff (see photo gallery below). Before the game, we had a chance to catch up with Jan and Parkinson’s Center staff to learn a little more about Jan and her journey.

About Jan & Her Diagnosis

After searching for a reason for progressing physical symptoms, Jan’s neurologist finally ordered a DaTscan. When her Parkinson’s diagnosis was revealed Jan was prescribed a common Parkinson’s disease medication which made significant improvements to her tremors and function. Her medical team also quickly mentioned, “You should check out the new Parkinson’s Center happening at RVNAhealth.”

Kate Campbell DPT, LSVT BIG, RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center Program Manager, recalled meeting Jan and evaluating her symptoms and goals. “At the point of diagnosis, the symptoms of her disease had progressed to the point of making simple daily tasks such as getting dressed, washing hair, and putting in contacts difficult,” said Campbell. This sports enthusiast and winner of several National Senior Games in softball and basketball, believed it was time to turn in her sports equipment. But thankfully the active spark in Jan had not fully extinguished and she signed on to participate in RVNAhealth’s LSVT program.

What is LSVT?

LSVT stands for Lee Silverman Voice Treatment. It is a globally recognized therapy program developed in the late 1980s and designed to help individuals with Parkinson’s disease improve their vocal and physical movement abilities. While the acronym LSVT refers to treatment for the effects of diminished or difficult voice/speaking skills, it also refers to an exercise protocol dedicated to improving a person’s physical movements commonly becoming smaller and more tentative as disease progresses. The LSVT programs aim to retrain a patient’s brain so their perception of their speech and movement is BIGGER and more accurate and they become able to speak and move with more amplitude.

RVNAhealth offers LSVT therapy at its Parkinson’s Center in Ridgefield and also in the home. The program is an intensive commitment – 4 weeks, 4 days a week for 1 hour appointments with an LSVT certified therapist – but when done, the results are usually life changing. Graduates of the program will have new habits and exercises to incorporate and continue in their ongoing daily routines. If someone needs a little more ongoing encouragement or prefers a group exercise setting, RVNAhealth also offers ongoing LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD weekly drop in exercise classes at its Ridgefield office for graduates. “Our goal is to help you live your best life with Parkinson’s. And our new Parkinson’s Center aims to be a lifelong resource for those who need it,” says Campbell.

Jan’s Experience at the RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center

“I was determined to do what I needed to do to get back to my life. It was a commitment – 4 weeks, 4 days a week, 1 hour each day, plus homework – but with this program, I achieved my goals. I am so grateful!” says Jan. “And I am blown away by how much the RVNAhealth therapists know and have to know about Parkinson’s disease to help me and help other people. Megan [my RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center physical therapist assistant] listens to all of my questions and she is able to give me the correct answers. Everyone was just great.”

With Jan’s dedication to the LSVT program, its homework, and incorporating new skills and tools into her life to control symptoms, Jan is back to living her life to the fullest – including looking forward to the next softball National Senior Games in Arizona. And we didn’t mention her love of pickleball…or that she’s an instructor…or that she can beat her own grandchildren at the game!

What else can Jan Brown do with Parkinson’s disease? We’re betting on A LOT more! Way to go Jan – we are so proud of you!

For more information about the RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center, visit our website or call 203.438.5555 ext 1082 or email PCInfo@rvnahealth.org.

RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center staff with Jan Brown for celebration softball game

LSVT parkinson's disease RVNAhealth Parkinson's Center

Showcasing Leadership and Expertise in Health

RVNAhealth took center stage recently in two thought provoking discussions about the health care industry and the relationship between nutrition and mental illness.

TEDMED Conversations: “How to Create a Healthier Future for All”

Theresa Santoro, President & CEO of RVNAhealth had the privilege of interviewing Sandro Gale, physician, epidemiologist, author, dean and Robert A. Knox Professor at Boston University School of Public Health. The interview, “How to Create a Healthier Future for All,” was presented on TEDMED Conversations – an interview series with some of the world’s brightest minds discussing the hardest topics.

In this 12-minute segment, Santoro and Gale discuss topics ranging from the forces around us that generate good health; success of the healthcare system treating those already ill vs preventing illness; COVID-19 reflections and impacts; and the hope for a healthier future. Watch Now

“All Things Life” Podcast: Diet and Mental Illness with Monica Marcello

The idea that what you eat can heal your body is age-old, but is this true for mental illness? Dietitian Monica Marcello believes it can make a significant difference, now proven through clinical studies. It goes to show how integrated mental and physical health truly are. Learn what you can do to affect mood and mental health simply through diet in this informative episode. Listen Now.

coronavirus nutrition Theresa Santoro wellness

Living a Healthy Brain Lifestyle

June is recognized as Brain Health Awareness Month. It is a time to bring attention to the importance of maintaining good brain health and promoting awareness of brain-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and traumatic brain injury. It is also a time to encourage people to adopt healthy lifestyle habits that can benefit their brain health, such as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, staying mentally active, and getting enough restful sleep.

We caught up with RVNAhealth’s Susan DiGregorio, M.A CCC-SLP, and popular presenter for the RVNAhealth Wellness Academy’s “How to Live a Healthy Brain Lifestyle” talk, to get some practical tips on what we can all do – at any stage in our lives – to support our brains. Susan uses an easy acronym, “DANCERS,” to get you on track. DANCERS stands for Disease management – Activity – Nutrition – Cognitive stimulation – Engagement with others – Relaxation – and Sleep hygiene. Each of the DANCERS components is an important factor to maintaining brain health.

Susan elaborated for us on recommendations around “Cognitive stimulation” – small, simple (and often fun!) things we can do every day to boost our brain health. We often hear about brain games such as Sudoku, Wordle, and crossword puzzles. “The important thing is to find games and activities that are challenging and fun to you! Not everyone enjoys crossword puzzles, and that’s okay. The important thing is to find games or activities that encourage and engage several skills. When we can activate working memory, reasoning, and problem solving – we have a clear winner for brain health.

Some examples of good brain-health stimulators are Scrabble, word searches, word scrambles, chess, sudoku, concentration, and crosswords. And don’t forget (no pun intended!) that physical activity can be turned into a brain stimulator as well! Any activity where you are engaging multiple systems at once — such as walking while having a conversation with a friend, cleaning your house while you are mentally writing your grocery list, or going for a drive but first planning and thinking through your route before turning on a GPS – all help to promote cognitive stimulation.

If you are a family member or loved one looking to engage in simpler games with someone who has a more severe cognitive impairment, consider things like adult coloring books, memory boxes, balloon toss, flower arranging, gardening, and feeding birds. These activities can stimulate orientation to the seasons, attention, participation in routine, listening and conversation.

The RVNAhealth Wellness Academy offers ongoing educational programming that are open to the public, including “How to Live A Healthy Brain Lifestyle.” Please visit our calendar of events to view current upcoming programming.

RVNAhealth Hospice and Palliative Teams Win 2023 Florence Wald Award for Excellence in End-of-Life Care

2023 Florence Wald Award accepted by RVNAhealth Hospice and Palliative Care team

RVNAhealth’s Hospice and Palliative care teams won the 2023 Florence Wald Award for Excellence in End-of-Life Care.

Florence Wald Connecticut History

The Florence Wald Award for Excellence in End-of-Life Care was established to honor Florence Wald. Wald was a pioneer in improving the care of dying patients across the world. Her focus on an interdisciplinary approach to end-of-life care led her to open the first hospice in the United States (here in Connecticut) in 1971. A visionary leader with unwavering commitment to social justice and reverence for life, Wald valued patient, family, and team participation. She truly listened to their input which ultimately launched the hospice reform movement in this country. Thirty-seven years later at the time of her death in 2008, over 4,700 hospices had been instituted across the country. And today, in 2023, there are over 8,000 hospice and palliative care institutions!

RVNAhealth Acceptance of Award

2023 Florence Wald Award given to RVNAhealth Hospice and Palliative Care Teams — *2023 Florence Wald End-of-Life Care Award*

The award was presented on May 11th at the annual Statewide Hospice & Palliative Care Summit, hosted by the Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home. Theresa Santoro, President & CEO of RVNAhealth, and team members attended a ceremony to accept the award. “This award is a reflection not only of the incredible work of our Hospice and Palliative teams but of the work from everyone at RVNAhealth. It is performed naturally and with great compassion and has a tremendous impact on our patients,” said Santoro

Keri Linardi, RN, BSN, PHN, CHPCA, RVNAhealth Chief Clinical Officer, elaborated on how the RVNAhealth team exemplifies Wald’s commitment. “The key is meeting patients and families where they are in their illness trajectory. Our approach is quite different because we spend more time listening to what patients want. We educate them on the best approach to meet those needs, and provide the right care at the right time which includes many ancillary services. We hold ourselves, and each other, to higher standards because every patient and their loved ones deserve the best experience during such a monumental time. This is what makes this team so special.”

For more information on RVNAhealth’s hospice and palliative care services, please call 203.438.5555 or visit our website.

Music Therapy…Meeting Patients Where They Are

The American Music Therapy Association defines Music Therapy as “the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals.” In other words, it is the use of music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. It is based on the idea that music can have a powerful impact on the brain and can be used to enhance various therapeutic processes.

Music Therapy is delivered by credentialed professionals, such as RVNAhealth’s Sherrye Platt. Professionals such as Platt have completed an approved program and passed a national exam

offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Platt earned her master’s degree at world-renowned Berklee College of Music and notes that, “With music therapy, music is not the goal, rather the method used to reach it.” The certification preparation includes developing counseling knowledge and skill as well as neuroscience expertise to best understand the brain/body response.

Platt describes the effectiveness of music therapy as “meeting people where they are.” She describes a fundamental technique called the Iso-Principle, by which music is matched with the initial mood of a client, then the music is gradually altered to move a patient’s mood toward one that is healthy for their body.

Some of the larger goals of music therapy include promoting wellness, managing stress, alleviating pain, expressing feelings, enhancing memory, improving communication, promoting physical rehabilitation, and more. So, what specifically happens during a music therapy session? Hint: it’s not just people singing to you! It takes many different forms and there are many types of interventions. Individuals may engage in a variety of musical activities, such as playing an instrument, singing, songwriting, movement, or listening to music. The therapist uses music to support the individual’s therapeutic goals, such as improving communication skills, reducing stress, and enhancing self-esteem.

music therapy for a patient — Music therapy using patient’s favorite music and singing

While technically not “music therapy” unless working with a board certified professional – you can use music therapeutically on your own. The key is to use music in ways that make you feel good! Examples may include creating a playlist that makes you feel happy; finding songs that make you want to dance, sing, laugh, or cry; talking to your loved one about their favorite music and the memories attached to it; listening to music while doing everyday activities; or playing an instrument.

RVNAhealth currently offers Music Therapy to patients receiving RVNAhealth hospice services. Additionally, Sherrye Platt and other RVNAhealth Music Therapists offer regular community education events. Please see our calendar of upcoming events if you are interested in learning more.

When Caregivers and Clients Become More

StayingWELL senior caregivers for elderly home care

StayingWELL home care service clients often become more than just clients to our staff. And sometimes we become more than just daily caregivers to them. We were honored to witness the bonds of friendship and appreciation recently at a thank you lunch hosted by one of our clients!

StayingWELL client, Gene, hosted a special luncheon at his home to show appreciation for his care team. Two of his caregivers came on their time off, and one even brought his young son to visit with Gene too. “I appreciate RVNAhealth for putting together such a professional team of caregivers for me. Each of them is very good at what they do – they work together well, treat me with respect, and always have my best interests in mind.”

There was a great conversation around the table about the different paths that brought each person to work at RVNAhealth and how much they all enjoy caring for Gene who, at 94, is still running his Mergers & Acquisition business.

Thank you to our StayingWELL home care service caregivers, Bob, Greg, and Adler (aka “Gene’s Team”). And thank you to Gene for such a lovely gesture of appreciation!

Thank You for a Successful 2023 Spring Breakfast

At the RVNAhealth Spring Breakfast, the early bird was treated to quiche, coffee, convivial conversation, and possibly even a trip to Africa.

It’s amazing what 400 people can accomplish before 9:00am on a Friday morning. In 90 minutes on April 28th, the annual RVNAhealth Spring Breakfast raised $138,000 to support our programs and mission. And there were a lot of happy prize winners!

With lots of spring in their step, area business professionals, physicians, veterans, RVNAhealth supporters and staff filled the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury at 7:30am. Government officials from several communities were also in attendance, including the First Selectmen from Washington Depot (James L. Brinton), Bethel (Dan Carter), Warren (Gregory LaCava), Sherman (Don Lowe), Ridgefield (Rudy Marconi), Roxbury (Patrick Roy) as well as Danbury Mayor Dean Esposito, State Representative Farley Santos, and State Senator Julie Kushner.

A highlight of the morning was hearing firsthand the critical role RVNAhealth plays in the community, offering an enhanced continuum of care and meeting the needs of patients from birth to end-of-life. Impact speaker, Anita Wolter McElroy, could not have been more powerful, as she shared her heartfelt story as a dedicated and loving daughter, trying to find the best of care for her aging parents. She found it in RVNAhealth, where her family’s medical, physical, and emotional needs are being met under one umbrella – always carefully organized, orchestrated, and well communicated. Referring to RVNAhealth as “the glue,” she shared, “It’s not just the services they offer, but how they provide those services.”

Many, many thanks to all of our event sponsors; our gracious table hosts and guests; the local businesses who donated more than 60 raffle items; our friends at Rodier Flowers; our special speaker, Anita Wolter McElroy; our brilliant auctioneer, Allison Stockel; our extraordinary event chairpersons, Andrea Gartner and Cathy Moore, and our fabulous committee who all brought an early Friday morning to life for RVNAhealth.

If you missed the Spring Breakfast and still want to show your support, please click here to make a donation.

Thank you to Deborah O’Brien for these wonderful photos!