110 years ago, the seeds of RVNAhealth were planted with a single nurse providing home healthcare to one community. We have maintained our community-based focus as we evolved into a non-profit organization that provides care for people of all ages, from birth through end of life. Today, we serve more than 5,000 people annually across 35+ Connecticut towns, with home healthcare, rehabilitation therapies, palliative and hospice care. Our donor-funded community programs for Chronic Care patients, underinsured children, and first-time, low-income mothers serve those who might not have access to care without our support.
Please make a gift to RVNAhealth today and know that every gift – no matter the size – is critical to upholding our mission and sustaining our important work. YOU make more possible.
Learn more about our commitment to your community and how you can donate to support those who might not otherwise have access to care. We invite you to get to know us better through Barbara’s story, an RVNAhealth patient…
Giving Tuesday is based on the premise, “together, we create the future we want to see.”
At RVNAhealth, we know the difference YOU can make by supporting us on Giving Tuesday and bettering the lives of those in your community.
The RVNAhealth Volunteer Program is often where the magic happens. Our volunteers are truly heroes without capes, and your gift will sustain their compassionate work and the companionship they provide to our patients. This Giving Tuesday, we are asking for your support of RVNAhealth’s Volunteer Program. Stephanie Peppe, RVNAhealth Manager of Volunteer Services, warmly notes that “our volunteers come to us generously with selfless intent, yet they make a profound difference in the lives of those they touch.”
Our volunteers contribute to everything from supporting the daily operations of the organization to changing the lives of our hospice patients and their families. In the words of Paulina, a 4-year RVNAhealth volunteer who visits with our hospice patients weekly, “you are not just building a relationship with your patients, but also building relationships with their families. I love that I get to provide so much relief for the families because a lot of them are 24-7 caretakers for their loved ones, and it’s just amazing how profound of an impact you can have during this tough time.”
Kristy, Reiki Master and RVNAhealth volunteer who also works with our hospice patients shares, “I love hearing the wisdom and stories the patients share. If I can make a connection with somebody, letting them be seen, heard, & valued, it fills my bucket, just by seeing a patient, putting a smile on their face, or helping them relax. It has given me a new perspective and sense of compassion for the aging, and I hope someday, somebody comes to visit me and make my last days better, too.”
RVNAhealth patient (and carpenter) works on a birdhouse kit provided by the Wishes program
The RVNAhealth Volunteer Program needs your support in many ways, including technology in the form of laptops and volunteer management software, background checks and fitness testing to safeguard the communities we serve, and support of our Wishes Program*, to name just a few. The Wishes Program works to grant hospice patients and their families special wishes, both large and small. These “wishes” are carried out in large part by the efforts of our dedicated volunteers with funding from donor gifts. Granting these “wishes” is especially impactful when the cost may be prohibitive for the family or the timing difficult, if not impossible, for friends and family to navigate.
Wishes may be as simple as a meal requested for a bedbound patient from their favorite restaurant, a flower arrangement, books & games to pass the time … or more complex like planting a tomato garden for a patient to continue his treasured tradition of doing so, building birdhouses with a carpenter struggling with dementia, purchasing an air conditioner for a patient to remain safe and comfortable during extreme summer heat, or needing ambulette transport to a special family gathering or a grandchild’s school concert.
In this season of gratitude and giving, please consider making a contribution to RVNAhealth in honor of Giving Tuesday, and give the precious gift of health, comfort and peace to the patients and families we serve. You may click here to donate: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/rvnahealthgivingtuesday2024
* In addition to the generous support of our donors, the RVNAhealth Wishes Program is partially funded by a grant from the Ridgefield Thrift Shop.
Each November, the healthcare industry pauses to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of hospice care, the benefits it offers, and the dedicated professionals who deliver compassionate support. For those unfamiliar with hospice, it is often perceived merely as medical assistance during an individual’s final days; however, its scope extends far beyond that. “We have a saying around here: ‘Hospice is for living,’” states Katie Quine, RVNAhealth Director of Hospice. “This reflects our daily mission to support both patients and families by providing comfort and facilitating meaningful moments.”
RVNAhealth provides a comprehensive range of hospice services, highlighting some lesser-known benefits that go beyond traditional notions of comfort.
Care in a Comfortable Setting
RVNAhealth accommodates patients in their homes as well as in facility-based care, allowing for personalized options. When patients choose to receive care at home, RVNAhealth ensures that medical supplies, medications, and professional staff are readily available there, often enhancing the overall comfort of the experience.
Respite Care and Companionship for Patients and Families
Recognizing that family caregivers often feel overwhelmed, hospice care includes respite services to provide them with essential breaks. This arrangement allows caregivers to recharge while ensuring that their loved ones receive quality care. Additionally, RVNAhealth’s team of hospice volunteers enriches the experience by offering companionship and joy—engaging in activities such as playing board games, documenting memories, shopping for meaningful gifts, or sharing in the enjoyment of reading together. This team-based approach fosters an environment that cultivates beauty and joy for the entire family.
Emotional and Spiritual Support
Music therapy and pet (Sophia) therapy during a hospice visit.
Hospice care encompasses holistic support, addressing emotional and spiritual needs for both patients and their families. RVNAhealth’s licensed clinical social workers and spiritual coordinators collaborate to guide families through grief, anxiety, and the search for peace during challenging times. Furthermore, RVNAhealth offers music and pet therapy options for those seeking additional comfort during hospice visits.
Bereavement Support
One often-overlooked aspect of hospice care is the ongoing support provided to families after the loss of a loved one. RVNAhealth’s hospice team offers grief counseling and support groups to assist family members in navigating their loss for up to 13 months following a patient’s passing. This includes an annual hospice memorial event and monthly bereavement support groups held in Ridgefield and New Milford.
In summary, hospice care is centered around comfort, compassion, and comprehensive support, aiding families as they navigate some of life’s most challenging moments with greater ease and peace. If you believe that hospice care could benefit your family, please contact RVNAhealth at 203.438.5555 or visit our hospice website for more information.
Many components of our hospice care, such as bereavement support, our annual hospice memorial event, and music and pet therapies, are only possible with financial support from our donors. If you would like to support RVNAhealth’s mission to deliver unmatched, compassionate healthcare when and where it is needed, please click here.
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.
This holiday season might mark the initial one following the loss of a loved one. The holidays can become hard for many as grief tends to cling to us. It doesn’t just affect us personally; it also becomes intertwined with specific moments and locations.
“Instead of the usual holiday traditions evoking feelings of ‘comfort and joy’ in us, they tend to resurface memories and emotions that can also bring forth feelings of sorrow and heartache,” says Garrett Walkup, RVNAhealth Manager of Bereavement, Social Work, and Pastoral Care Services.
Special Presentation: Grief, Healing and the Holidays
To provide additional support during this time of year, RVNAhealth will host two presentations on “Grief, Healing and the Holidays.” These lectures will include “how to cope with the emotions and feelings of the season, how to handle holiday traditions, and what to do differently – and the same,” says Walkup. Walkup will cover several suggestions to help you with coping and healing. Strategies such as mindset, being kind to yourself, asking for support, creating boundaries, and more will be covered.
These programs are open to all members of the community and are intended to offer support through the holiday season for those who have experienced a loss. You may contact Garrett Walkup, at 475-529-6118, or gwalkup@rvnahealth.org if you have any questions.
Ongoing Monthly Grief/Bereavement Support Groups Available
RVNAhealth also offers monthly support groups at both its Ridgefield and New Milford offices. These are open to anyone needing a space for comfort and guidance on grief and healing. Please see current dates available below. Check out the RVNAhealth calendar / support groups tab for the latest information and offerings.
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.
A great time was had by all, and we want to share this heartfelt thank you to all those who supported our 2024 Autumn Dinner.
It was a true celebration of mission and community at the annual RVNAhealth Autumn Dinner, held on September 26th at Le Chateau in South Salem, NY. Guests enjoyed cocktails & hors d’oeuvres, live music, dinner, dancing, our ever-popular “Date Night for a Year” raffle, and our new Golden Paddle opportunity to bid in a very exciting Live Auction! Thank you to our 250 guests, 47 sponsors, 41 advertisers, our incredibly dedicated volunteer Autumn Dinner Committee, and countless others who contributed in many ways for making the event a great success.
We were thrilled to recognize RVNAhealth President and CEO, Theresa Santoro, for her 25 years of service and visionary leadership. Joining the agency as a visiting nurse 25 years ago, she now 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.
RVNAhealth is proud to offer home health and hospice care, Well-Child Clinics and Nurse Family Partnership for children, young mothers and families in need, and a Chronic Care program to help our vulnerable uninsured and underinsured neighbors. Funds raised at the Autumn Dinner allow us to forward our mission of compassion and provide the best possible care to those we serve. If you weren’t able to attend the event, it’s never too late to help and make a meaningful impact.
Please enjoy this video which is a testament to “Why RVNAhealth?” and beautiful stories honoring Theresa’s special place in the hearts of the communities we serve.
As flu season nears, protecting seniors is essential, as they are more vulnerable to complications. A key step is getting the annual flu vaccine, which can significantly reduce risks.
Why Seniors Are at Higher Risk
Seniors, especially those over 65, have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to serious flu-related complications like pneumonia or worsening chronic conditions. Most flu-related hospitalizations and deaths occur in this age group.
The Flu Vaccine’s Benefits for Seniors
While not a guarantee against infection, the flu vaccine lowers the chance of getting the virus and reduces symptom severity. High-dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines are available for older adults, offering stronger protection.
When and Where to Get Vaccinated
Seniors should get vaccinated by late October to be protected as flu season begins. RVNAhealth is happy to provide several opportunities to check this task off your list!
Saturday, October 5th from 9am-12pm – RVNAhealth 49th Annual Wellness Fair – Yanity Gym, 60 Prospect Street, Ridgefield. Walk-in flu vaccines (high-dose and regular) are offered to all individuals 6 months and older. Vaccines are free for children through the age of 18. For adults, we accept the following insurance plans for flu vaccines: Medicare Part B, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Saturday, October 19th from 9am- 11am – RVNAhealth Drive-Thru Clinic, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield. As another convenient option, we offer our drive-thru clinic in the parking lot of RVNAhealth in Ridgefield. To expedite your process, please book a time slot HERE (1 slot per family/car) AND complete a consent form for EACH person to be vaccinated before you arrive. Vaccines are free for children 18 years and younger. For adults, we accept the following insurance plans for flu vaccines: Medicare Part B, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
At RVNAhealth By Appointment, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield – A limited number of appointments at our Ridgefield office will be available on Wednesdays and Fridays. Evening hours until 6pm will be available on Wednesdays. Available appointments may be booked HERE (1 slot per family). Please also complete a consent form for EACH person to be vaccinated before you arrive. Vaccines are free for children 18 years and younger. For adults, we accept the following insurance plans for flu vaccines: Medicare Part B, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Other Flu Prevention Tips
Practice hygiene: Wash hands frequently and use sanitizer.
Avoid sick people: Limit exposure to those who are ill.
Boost immunity: Eat healthily, stay hydrated, and rest.
Clean surfaces: Disinfect high-touch areas regularly.
Caregiver Vaccination: Caregivers should also get vaccinated to help shield seniors from the flu.
For More Information
Flu vaccines, paired with preventive measures, are crucial for protecting seniors during flu season. Contact RVNAhealth at 203.438.5555, or fill out our contact form with any questions. You can also visit our flu vaccine page for more information.
We are excited to celebrate Theresa Santoro’s 25th anniversary with RVNAhealth, and we invite you to join us on Thursday, September 26th, at Le Chateau in South Salem, NY.
Joining the agency as a visiting nurse 25 years ago, Theresa Santoro was appointed President & CEO in July 2007. Since then, she has led RVNAhealth through tremendous growth, including the addition of hospice and nonmedical caregiving services; community clinics and wellness programs; the construction of the 23,000 square foot RVNAhealth headquarters which houses offices, treatment rooms, a clinical training and resource center, and an outpatient therapy center; as well as a merger with the Bethel VNA and New Milford Visiting Nurse & Hospice. She also guided the agency as it navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, with nursing and hospice care in private homes and skilled nursing facilities, and public health vaccine administration. Called “the heart of communities throughout Connecticut” by the local press, Santoro’s tutelage has positioned the nonprofit as the premier healthcare resource for home and community-based care.
Theresa has received numerous awards that reflect the value of her trailblazing leadership and the respect she has earned from colleagues and highly regarded institutions alike. These include the Visiting Nurse Association of New England (VNANE) Innovator’s Award, which honors agencies that develop and implement innovations that improve cost, quality of care, and access, and the Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home (CAHCH) Judith Hriceniak Award for Excellence in Nursing Leadership. RVNAhealth has also been recognized with the Top Workplace Award from Hearst Connecticut Media eleven times since 2011.
More recently, RVNAhealth has designed and launched its unique and highly acclaimed Parkinson’s Center and expanded its Dementia Resources Program, not only to help those living with Parkinson’s Disease or Dementia, but to support caregivers along their journey, as well.
Now, with 500 employees serving more than 5,000 patients annually in their homes, across 35 CT towns, RVNAhealth is proud to have remained true and dedicated to its mission to provide unmatched, compassionate healthcare when and where it is needed.
So please join us as we celebrate RVNAhealth and Theresa’s past, present, and future success, driven by her 25 years of visionary leadership. TOGETHER, we can build stronger and healthier communities for all!
Click here for Ticket and Sponsorship Opportunities. Reach out to Debbie Campbell, dcampbell@rvnahealth.org / 203-438-5555 x1249 for more information.
October is National Physical Therapy Month, highlighting the vital role physical therapy (PT) plays in improving lives. Physical therapy aids recovery after surgery or injury, improves mobility and independence, helps manage chronic pain, and supports overall health.
RVNAhealth offers physical therapy, as well as occupational and speech therapies, in the home and at our RVNAhealth Therapy Center. While many understand the difference between in-home and outpatient therapy, here we highlight a unique in-home option that many are unaware of—Medicare Part B In-Home Therapy (sometimes referred to as “in-home-outpatient” therapy).
What is Medicare Part B In-Home Therapy?
Medicare Part B covers outpatient rehabilitative therapy services when they are medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor or qualified healthcare provider. However, these benefits extend beyond outpatient clinics, like our RVNAhealth Therapy Clinic—Part B can also cover therapy in the home.
Therapy at home (including physical, occupational, and speech therapies) may be provided for conditions such as post-surgery recovery, managing chronic conditions (e.g., arthritis, Parkinson’s), or improving mobility. The therapy must be medically necessary, meaning it is needed to diagnose or treat a condition, illness, or injury. Basic requirements for Medicare Part B In-Home Therapy include:
You have Medicare Part B coverage, and
Your doctor has certified the medical necessity of physical, occupational, or speech therapy, and
You are not eligible for Medicare Part A home health benefits
Situations where Part B In-Home Therapy Services may help:
Transitioning from Home Health to outpatient therapy care
Chronic conditions or continuation of care not covered by Medicare Part A
Transportation challenges or concerns about leaving home for appointments
Strength and conditioning support
Recovery from orthopedic injuries or surgeries
Neurological conditions
For More Information or to Inquire About Medicare Part B In-Home Therapy Services
Call RVNAhealth at 203.438.5555 and ask to speak with someone about Medicare Part B therapy or fill out our contact form here.
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.
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!
