Griffin Health, Agency on Aging to host stroke education programs

Griffin Health and the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut will host health education programs for Valley seniors about stroke awareness this September.

Griffin Health Stroke Coordinator Morgan D’Amore, RN, SCRN, will lead “Are You Stroke Aware?”, a free presentation on the importance of brain health, the different types of strokes, signs and symptoms, and risk factors. Griffin Health caregivers will also offer free blood pressure screenings and consultation. 

The presentations are scheduled for Sept. 3 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Ansonia Senior Center, Sept. 10 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Oxford Senior Center, Sept. 14 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Seymour Senior Center, Sept. 23 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Shelton Senior Center, and Sept. 24 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Derby Neck Library.

These offerings are part of the AgeWell program, which is co-sponsored by Griffin Health and the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut to increase access to care and prevent disease in the Valley senior community through a series of health screenings and healthy living education sessions each month. Periodically, this program provides nutritiously balanced and delicious foods for attendees.

Registration is required to attend the AgeWell events. 

To sign up, contact the location (Ansonia Senior Center: 203-736-5933; Derby Neck Library: 203-734-1492; Oxford Senior Center: 203-881-5231; Seymour Senior Center: 203- 888-0406 ext. 1; and Shelton Senior Center: 203-924-9324).

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Griffin Health, Agency on Aging to host neck health presentations

Griffin Health and the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut will host an interactive program designed to help Valley seniors care for their necks this May.

Caregivers from Griffin Health’s Physical Medicine will lead The Importance of Cervical Spine Health, a free presentation on the cervical spine anatomy, importance of maintaining neck health and proper posture, and tips for maintaining proper cervical position while performing everyday tasks. 

The presentation will include a demonstration of cervical stretches. Griffin Health caregivers will also offer free blood pressure screenings and consultation.
The presentations are scheduled for May 4 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Seymour Senior Center, May 7 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Ansonia Senior Center, May 14 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Oxford Senior Center, May 20 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Shelton Senior Center, and May 28 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Derby Neck Library.

These offerings are part of the AgeWell program, which is co-sponsored by Griffin Health and the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut to increase access to care and prevent disease in the Valley senior community through a series of health screenings and healthy living education sessions each month. 

Periodically, this program provides nutritiously balanced and delicious foods for attendees.

Registration is required to attend the AgeWell events. To sign up, contact the location (Ansonia Senior Center: 203-736-5933; Derby Neck Library: 203-734-1492; Oxford Senior Center: 203-881-5231; Seymour Senior Center: 203- 888-0406 ext. 1; and Shelton Senior Center: 203-924-9324).

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Derby Public Library to host session on online safety for seniors

 The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St., Derby.

Griffin, Agency on Aging to host heart-health bingo for seniors in February

Griffin Health and the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut will host fun and educational programs on heart health for Valley seniors this February.

Griffin Health Director of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Richard Le Pera, MPH, CCRP, will lead Boost Your Heart Health, a free discussion of the basics of heart health followed by games of heart-healthy bingo. 

Griffin Health caregivers will also offer free blood pressure screenings and consultation. 

The presentations are scheduled for Feb. 2 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Seymour Senior Center, Feb. 5 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Ansonia Senior Center, Feb. 25 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Shelton Senior Center, and Feb. 26 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Derby Neck Library.

These offerings are part of the AgeWell program, which is co-sponsored by Griffin Health and the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut to increase access to care and prevent disease in the Valley senior community through a series of health screenings and healthy living education sessions each month. Periodically, this program provides nutritiously balanced and delicious foods for attendees.

Registration is required to attend the AgeWell events. To sign up, contact the location (Ansonia Senior Center: 203-736-5933; Seymour Senior Center: 203- 888-0406 ext. 1; Shelton Senior Center: 203-924-9324; and Derby Neck Library: 203-734-1492).

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Derby-Shelton Rotary to deliver sand, salt to seniors, disabled; signups required

Senior Fair set for today at Warsaw Park in Ansonia

 

Griffin Health program to help Valley seniors conserve physical energy

Griffin Health and the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut are hosting a series of talks about physical energy conservation and free blood pressure screenings for seniors throughout the Valley in June.

Therapists from Griffin Health Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation will present “Following the Four Ps of Energy Conservation,” which will explore tips and strategies for seniors and those with a wide variety of physical conditions that can help them safely complete tasks and activities of daily living. There will also be a discussion of dizziness and fall risks and free blood pressure screenings and consultations.

The events are scheduled for June 2 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Seymour Senior Center; June 5 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Ansonia Senior Center; June 25 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Shelton Senior Center; and June 26 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Derby Neck Library.

These offerings are part of the AgeWell program which is co-sponsored by Griffin Health and the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut to increase access to care and prevent disease among the Valley senior community through a series of health screenings and healthy living education sessions each month. 

Periodically, this program provides nutritiously balanced and delicious foods for attendees.

Registration is required to attend the AgeWell events. To sign up, contact the location (Ansonia Senior Center: 203-736-5933; Seymour Senior Center: 203- 888-0406 ext. 1; Shelton Senior Center: 203-924-9324; and Derby Neck Library: 203-734-1492).

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

TEAM requests community support for Meals on Wheels in Valley

March is National Meals on Wheels month! 

For just $1, add your name to a list of community supporters for Meals on Wheels and vulnerable seniors in our community! https://givebutter.com/MOW25

In the last year alone, TEAM has served 411 seniors with our Meals on Wheels program, providing over 90,000 meals. Seventy-six percent of our Meals on Wheels clients are low income (at or below 200% of the federal poverty level), 58% live in isolation and 22% are at-risk for hospitalization.

Our Request: TEAM asks for you to show your support for our Meals on Wheels program which provides a daily, healthy meal to hundreds of homebound seniors in our community. For just $1, add your name to our wall of supporters of Meals on Wheels! Our display of Wheels will be in TEAM's lobby, and we will regularly post updates of how it grows.

Meals on Wheels is the key piece for many seniors allowing them to age in place at home, where they prefer to be. Being homebound can cause many challenges in a senior’s life, but they do not need to be institutionalized if they have access to proper care and services. Meals on Wheels provides two nutritionally balanced meals a day to homebound seniors, and the delivery of these meals also acts as a daily wellness check. There have been a few incidents in which our drivers have gone to meet a client at their door, only to hear the client plea from the floor for help after a fall. The peace of mind that comes with the predictability of a Meals on Wheels delivery is priceless for homebound seniors and their loved ones.
Shared from TEAM's Facebook page.

Holy Rosary Parish in Ansonia to host Food for the Soul luncheon

Holy Rosary Church is at 10 Father Salemi Drive, Ansonia.

My Sister's Place Thrift Store in Ansonia offers senior discount today

ANSONIA - My Sister's Place Thrift Store offers 20% off today for ages 55 and up.

My Sister's Place Thrift Store and Donation Center is located at 380 Main St., Ansonia. 

All purchases support BHcare's The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

Seymour seniors to have free admission to school events, performances

This is shared from Seymour Public Schools' Facebook page.

Derby Neck Library to host free Healthy Aging program

DERBY - Derby Neck Library will host Healthy Aging with Griffin Hospital tomorrow, May 25 and June 22 from 1:30-3 p.m.

On the fourth Thursday of each month, nurses from our stellar local hospital present a free program focused on living the senior years being proactive in regard to one’s health. 

Registration for these classes is strongly suggested. Join us for some or ALL of these FREE events and start 2023 in better health! 

Please register by calling 203-734-1492. The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Emmett O'Brien Tech in Ansonia to sponsor holiday dinner for seniors; RSVP required

This is shared from the Looking Around the Valley Facebook page.

 

Rochelle, Cabrera hail $1.5M grant to upgrade senior housing facility in Ansonia

ANSONIA - State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D- Ansonia/Derby, and state Sen.Jorge Cabrera, D-Hamden, today announced state approval of a $1.5 million grant to make renovations and upgrades to the James J. O'Donnell Elderly Housing facility.

This grant is provided through the Connecticut Department of Housing's Community Development Block Grant Program. 

Of the state's 169 municipalities, 6 communities were awarded a combined total of $9 million in grants for eligible projects.

This grant funding will be used to implement a series of repairs and modernize the 4-story, 40-unit building originally built in 1973. 

The funds were requested to make improvements that include the replacement of the building's elevator, repairs to the roof and interior ceilings to address leaks and water damage, and procurement of two emergency generators. Additional upgrades will include the replacement of windows and interior and exterior doors to improve insulation and security, updating the heating system and making energy enhancements, including energy efficient lighting.

"Our seniors are important. I am proud to play a part in securing this grant to meaningfully improve the lives of the residents at the James J. O'Donnell Apartments. I want to highlight and thank every party involved in securing this vital funding, it was truly a team effort. A warm thanks goes to state Department of Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno, Connecticut DOH Director of Government Affairs and Communications Aaron Turner, Governor Lamont and Senator Jorge Cabrera for recognizing the value of this project," said Rep. Rochelle. "I also want to thank Tom Foley, the grant specialist the city hired to write the application, for working with city officials like Mayor David Cassetti, Economic Development Director Sheila O'Malley, and Housing Authority Chair Joseph Pinto and his team to compile information for this application. When we work collaboratively, we can achieve great things for our community."

"Our seniors deserve the best. This community block grant for the James J. O'Donnell senior apartment building in Ansonia goes a long way in making sure we treat our seniors with the dignity and respect they have earned. I am proud to support it," said Cabrera.

On Aug. 11, the legislature's Commerce, Housing, and Appropriations committees, which have cognizance over the funds, held a joint public hearing followed by individual committee meetings to approve the use of federal funds for the grants. As Vice-Chair of the Commerce Committee, Rochelle served as a strong voice and advocate for the funds. Read more about her advocacy here in the CT Examiner.

Legislative Office Building ∙ Hartford, CT 06106-1591

In addition to this grant, Rochelle assisted in securing a $1 million block grant in 2019 to make improvements to Cicia Manor, a senior housing complex in Derby, and $400,000 in 2020 for the City of Ansonia to establish a housing rehabilitation program. 

This program helps low- and moderate-income residents make health and safety improvements to their homes. 

Additional information about the Ansonia Housing Rehabilitation program is available on the City of Ansonia website, here.

The State of Connecticut Small Cities Community Development Block Grant provides funding and support for projects that meet municipal goals for community and economic development. 

The program focuses on proposals that benefit low- and moderate-income residents. It is only available to Connecticut municipalities with less than 50,000 residents. 

Program funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and managed by the state legislature and Connecticut Department of Housing. Additional information is available on the Connecticut Department of Housing website at www.ct.gov/doh.

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Rochelle lauds legislation to support senior citizens

state Rep. Kara Rochelle State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby,  is highlighting critical legislation passed during the 2021 legislative session to help support seniors across the Valley and Connecticut.

Rochelle backed bills to cut taxes for seniors and increase funding for vital programs and services like Meals on Wheels and aging in place initiative. She advocated for legislation to strengthen the nursing home residents' Bill of Rights which also was made law this session. “Our older neighbors, friends, and loved ones deserve to age with dignity, independence, and support. The legislation we passed this session seeks to address gaps in care and improve seniors' overall quality of life. I'm proud to be a part of this effort and look forward to building on these measures in future sessions,” said Rep. Rochelle.

Here’s a closer look at the bills:

HB 6458, An Act Lowering the Age of Eligibility for Property Tax Relief for Senior Citizens and Establishing a Task Force to Protect Senior Citizens from Fraud, gives towns the ability to lower the age to provide property tax relief for seniors to 65, and as described, creates a task force to prevent seniors from fraud.

HB 6457, An Act Concerning Access to Recordings and Images from Technology Used by Nursing Home Residents for Virtual Visitation and Virtual Monitoring, expands the rights of nursing home residents and ensures their right to use technology to facilitate virtual visits with family and friends.

SB 975, An Act Strengthening the Bill of Rights for Long-Term Care Residents and Authorizing the Use of Resident Technology for Virtual Visitation and Virtual Monitoring, expands the nursing home patients' bill of rights to include a resident's right to treat their living quarters as their home, including purchasing and using virtual visitation and virtual monitoring technology.

SB 1046, An Act Concerning Long Term Care Insurance, puts in place strong consumer protections for long- term care insurance to prevent significant, unexpected rate increases and ensure affordable products are available.

The state budget continues to phase out the state income tax on pensions and annuities - exempting an additional 28 percent over the next 2 years, which will exempt in total 70 percent of this income from state taxes for most seniors.

The state budget also increases funding for nursing homes, aging in place initiative, Meals on Wheels and other services.

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Wesley Village in Shelton holds annual Day of Prayer event

Wesley Village residents and staff gather after leading an annual Day of Prayer event. Seated from left: Residents Marion Ramsey-Miller, Jenn Mortati, Doreen Muldoon. Standing: Resident John Meuser, Chaplain Cathy Nickse, Debra Samorajczyk, Administrator, Bishop Wicke Health Center./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Wesley Village residents and team members came together May 20 for “Wesley Village Prays,” a campus-wide Day of Prayer event modeled after National Day of Prayer events held earlier in May.  

This multi-faith gathering, coordinated by Chaplain Cathy Nickse, welcomed all who wished to pray.  This was the third year the campus held this event, a collaborative effort of residents and staff.

The outdoor event was well-attended at the community pavilion between the campus’ Crosby Commons and Wesley Heights buildings. Residents from both buildings were able to attend in-person and the event was also live-streamed to the Wesley Village internal TV channel for residents at Bishop Wicke Health Center and any others who were not able to attend in-person. 

Nickse, a Healthcare Chaplain, serves as the Director of Spiritual Life for the Shelton senior living campus, which is owned and managed by United Methodist Homes, a mission-based not-for-profit organization.

Nickse has oversight of the rich and broad spiritual life offerings at Wesley Village, and in her role as Chaplain she offers encouragement and spiritual care to residents, their families, and staff, as well as leading various religious events, including worship services. 

She also partners with residents and community volunteers to share in ministries such as worship services, Bible studies, Rosary gatherings, prayer services, hymn sings, and more, which uplift hearts and encourage spiritual growth.   

When involvement in a Day of Prayer event was discussed with residents, they accepted both the challenge and the invitation, grew in their confidence in leading in ministry, and were excited to be a part of this event.  

“I am so pleased, proud of, and gratified to see our residents step up, with great courage, to lead their fellow residents in prayer. This is truly faith in action,” said Nickse.

Wesley Village resident Marion Miller was one of the first to say yes to participating. 

Miller, aka “The Prayer Lady” leads prayer daily before meals and hosts a weekly prayer time on the campus’ internal TV channel. “Prayer is just a conversation with God, you know, and I just love to pray,” she said. “I can and do pray on and on, simply offering in prayer the words that come from my heart.”

Miller and Nickse were part of a six-person prayer team comprised of four residents and one other staff member, who led short prayers for a specific area of importance.  

Each section of prayer included a time of silence for individual prayers. Prayers were offered not only for the nation, but also for Wesley Village and its residents and families, team members, volunteers, leadership team, and Board of Directors. 

Resident John Meuser led prayer for government, leaders, and national concerns. He was followed by residents Doreen Muldoon and Marion Miller who led prayer for churches, families, and marriages, while Nickse offered prayer for children and youth. 

Debra Samorajczyk, Administrator of Bishop Wicke Health Center, led prayer for the Wesley Village community, and resident Jen Mortati offered a closing prayer. 

Resident Doreen Muldoon shared a special performance and led everyone in singing, “God Bless America” and Nickse gave a final blessing.

“It was a wonderful, community-building event,” said Samorajczyk. “Spirituality is one of our organization’s five core values and an important part of life for many of our residents. We’re proud to be able to offer the support of Chaplain Cathy and the personalized spiritual care that she provides.”

The legacy of spiritual care that is part of everyday life for residents at Wesley Village is largely what makes the campus unique and different from other senior living communities. This legacy began with the United Methodist Homes organization 140 years ago and it continues today as residents of all faiths are welcomed. Partnerships with residents, staff, families, and community volunteers provide an essential network of spiritual support.

“I am inspired when I see our residents living their faith,” said Marissa Salvesen, Manager of Mission Development for United Methodist Homes. “They have shown incredible resilience throughout this past year and I think their faith plays an important role in that.”

Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave., Shelton and is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. 

The Wesley Village campus offers independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support, skilled nursing and short-term rehab. 

To learn more, visit our website or contact us at 203-225-5024. 

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes. 

Ansonia shares COVID-19 vaccine registration information for senior citizens

Sharing info from the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

"Ansonia Residents:

If you or any of your friends or family are over 75 and a member of the Ansonia senior center, please be on the lookout for a phone call from our Senior Center staff in the coming days. They will be offering assistance on how to register for the COVID vaccine.

Please also let our elderly residents know to be on the lookout for any scams related to calls for the COVID vaccine. There is NO COST associated with the vaccine. Anyone calling requesting money or financial information is NOT LEGITIMATE!

Please note that you do need your own e-mail address to register for the vaccine. You cannot register for the vaccine using someone else’s e-mail address.

PLEASE, Ansonia community members: if you have an elderly family member or neighbor who may need assistance with the technology aspect of registering for this vaccine, please lend a hand.

This is the website that our residents should go to as the FIRST STEP:

https://dphsubmissions.ct.gov/OnlineVaccine

Once you do this, you will receive TWO e-mails. One confirming you did the first step, and the second will be from VAMS - the CDC’s website that allows you to register and schedule vaccination.

The e-mail from VAMS will ask that you follow a link to create an account password.

You will then be requested to log into the VAMS site with the e-mail and password you just created.

Once you log into VAMS you will need to provide health information, list medications, and enter insurance information (this last part can be left blank, the remainder does need to be inputted or ‘none’ selected).

Once this is done you will need to click on a link on the upper right hand side of the screen - that is not very obvious - to ‘make an appointment.’

Once you click on this, you can enter your zip code and locations offering the vaccine will pop up. Locally, Griffin Hospital, is offering the vaccine. They have appointments available the week of January 18.

We wish this was more straightforward for our residents. Griffin Hospital has set up a hotline you can reach at 203-204-1053 to assist with vaccine registration.

Please be patient, as we try to navigate these waters to ensure that our most vulnerable community members are vaccinated."

City offering transportation, Christmas meal to Ansonia seniors

 

Naugatuck Valley Health District reports 3 COVID-19 associated deaths

 

The Naugatuck Valley Health District Tuesday night reported three COVID-19 associated deaths among senior citizens in Ansonia and Shelton.  

Read the story in the Valley Independent Sentinel here.

Derby-Shelton Rotary Club to deliver sand, salt mixture to seniors, disabled

The Derby-Shelton Rotary Club will deliver five- gallon buckets of sand and salt mixture to seniors, 65 and over, and disabled individuals who are Derby and Shelton residents Dec. 5-8. The mixture is for spreading on icy walkways and driveways during the winter. 

If you are interested in receiving a bucket, please sign up at the Derby or Shelton Senior Centers or contact Kim Ryan at Curtiss Ryan Honda, 203-929-1484 ×227 or kim@curtissryan.com. Residents of housing developments that already provide sand are not eligible.

Deadline for signup is Nov. 27.

The Rotary motto is Service Above Self. Locally the club members are involved in projects such as providing a dictionary to every third grader in Derby and Shelton.

Website: www.Derby-SheltonRotary.org
email: derbysheltonrotary@yahoo.com