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A Healthier You: Virtual Events for Seniors in May

April 09, 2021

Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, a not-for-profit member of Hartford HealthCare Senior Services, provides virtual classes on pertinent health and wellness topics.

For more information about Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, click here or call 1.877.424.4641.

Here are some upcoming events, all available by either phone or video conference. For people who have not used Zoom, the video or virtual “conference room,” click here to learn more about using the program.

The following are virtual classes and other services that will be offered in May:

Open House at The Orchards at Southington May 1

The Orchards at Southington, a beautiful independent and assisted living community located at 34 Hobart St., is hosting an open house on Saturday, May 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors will be able to learn more about how the concerns of a personal home can be put aside for the perks of a senior living community, safety precautions and supportive services.

Registration is recommended. COVID-19 safety protocols will be observed. To reserve a time, call Antoinette Ouellette, retirement counselor at The Orchards at Southington, 860.628.5656.

How to Fall Safely

Avoiding slips and falls isn’t always easy – sometimes they are inevitable. A free program, “How to Fall Safely,” will be held Tuesday, May 4, 10 to 11 a.m. Techniques will be demonstrated to show how to fall the correct way whether forwards or backwards and how to lessen the severity of injury. Presenter will be Mitchell Nyser, exercise physiologist with Hartford HealthCare’s GoodLife Fitness, the program sponsor.

Registration is required; call 1.855.HHC.HERE/1.855.442.4373 or visit www.HHCHealth.org/VirtualClasses.

Medicare 101 — Understanding Your Options

To navigate the mysteries of Medicare, Hartford HealthCare and Integrated Care Partners is offering “Medicare 101 – Understanding Your Options,” led by Medicare educators. Topics include: the basics, different components, when to enroll, how to choose a plan, and options including Medicare Advantage Plans, Supplement Plans and Prescription Drug Plans. Upcoming dates include: May 3, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 24, 26 and 27. For convenience, the times vary. Registration is required. Call 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.

Medicare 103 – Roadmap to Retirement

When considering retirement, it is important to have a plan. A virtual class, “Medicare 103 – Roadmap to Retirement” can provide the directions for this milestone on life’s journey. The free programs will be held Tuesdays, May 4, 11, 18 and 25. For convenience, various times are available. Information includes Medicare coverage options and valuable resources including checklists. Medicare educators Marissa Hiebel and Lisa Benton will present. Hartford HealthCare and Integrated Care Partners are sponsoring.

Registration is required: call 1.855.HHC.HERE/1.855.442.4373 or visit HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the virtual class.

Understanding Lymphedema

The World Health Organization estimates that over 250 million people worldwide live with lymphedema or chronic swelling. This disease, that affects the arms and legs, can cause pain, limit mobility and negatively affect the quality of life.

The free virtual program, “Understanding Lymphedema,” on Wednesday, May 5, 11 a.m. to noon, will provide information about the causes and effects of swelling, management techniques, and how skilled occupational and physical therapy can help. The presenter will be a certified lymphedema therapist with Hartford HealthCare Rehabilitation Network, the program sponsor.

Registration is required; call 1.855.HHC.HERE/1.855.442.4373 or visit www.HHCHealth.org/VirtualClasses. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the virtual class.

Dementia Caregiver Series Focuses on Strategies

A free virtual dementia caregiving series can provide the tips and strategies to gain greater insights into caring for a loved one with dementia. Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging is presenting the five-week series on Wednesdays, May 5 to 26 and June 2, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. A certified dementia specialist with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging will lead the programs.

Topics will include: Session 1: Overview of Dementia; Session 2: Basics of Good Communication and Understanding Behaviors; Session 3: Safety in the Environment and How to Structure a Day with Activities; Session 4: Taking Care of the Caregiver and Care Options; and Session 5: Overview of Community Resources that May Be Helpful. Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions. Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging is sponsoring the series.

Virtual Class: Stress Management

It is no secret that during the past year individuals have been feeling more stressed than ever – worried about health, jobs and family. However, there are ways to de-stress naturally with exercise and relaxation techniques. A free virtual class on stress management will be held Thursday, May 6, 11 a.m. to noon. The program will be led by Natasha Kloyzner, exercise physiologist with Hartford HealthCare’s GoodLife Fitness, the program sponsor.

Open House at Cedar Mountain Commons May 6

Cedar Mountain Commons, a beautiful independent and assisted living community located at 3 John H. Stewart Drive in Newington, will be hosting an open house on Thursday, May 6, from 3 to 7 p.m. Visitors will be able to learn more about how living at a senior community can be the most comfortable and safest choice while enjoying engaging activities, new friends and supportive services.

Registration is recommended. To reserve a time, call Marie Pugliese, retirement counselor at Cedar Mountain Commons, at 860.665.7901.

Cedar Mountain Commons, a member of Hartford HealthCare Senior Services, is a not for profit independent and assisted living community. To learn more, visit http://cedarmountaincommons.org.

Healthy Brain Series Examines Optimum Aging

Strategies and information on maintaining an active and engaged brain is the focus of a free five-part series presented by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. The Healthy Brain Series will be held Thursdays, May 6 to 27 and June 3, 11 a.m. to noon. A certified dementia specialist with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, the program sponsor, will present the series.

Topics will include: Session 1: Challenge Your Mind Daily – Activities To Keep Your Mind Sharp; Session 2: Feeding the Brain – The Importance of Diet and Hydration; Session 3: Benefits of a Purposeful Life: Finding Meaningful Engagement as You Age; Session 4: Good Sleep and Brain Power; and Session 5: The Blue Zones – Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest. Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions.

Navigating the ‘What-Ifs’ During the Golden Years

Life in general can be filled with the unexpected. The free virtual class, “Navigating the ‘What-Ifs’ in Your ‘Golden Years,’” will provide information about various topics pertaining to aging, resources available in the community, and ways to be proactive rather than reactive. The event will be held Tuesday, May 11, 11 a.m. to noon, led by Marc Levesque, resource coordinator with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, the program sponsor. Discussion will include the varying levels of care, types of housing and funding sources.

Understanding Arthritis

Arthritis has multiple causes including dietary factors, free radicals and trauma. The free virtual class, “Understanding Arthritis,” on Tuesday, May 11, 1 to 2 p.m., will feature information about these factors, how arthritis is diagnosed and prevention. Presenter will be Evan Gross, exercise physiologist with Hartford HealthCare’s GoodLife Fitness.

Advance Directives – Who Would Speak for You?

The time for people to make decisions about their health care is before they get seriously ill or are unable to indicate or understand treatment or care. Guidelines regarding advance options in Connecticut are available regarding making individualized plans so family members and their physicians are prepared.

The free program, “Advance Directives – Who Would Speak for You?” will be held Thursday, May 13, noon to 1 p.m. Topics will include palliative programs, advance directives guidelines and family planning. Colleen Mulkerin, MSW, director of Hartford HealthCare Palliative, Social Work and Spiritual Care programs, will facilitate.

Let’s Talk About the Brain

Insights into the function of the brain, keeping the brain healthy, age-related changes and symptoms of dementia are some of the topics that will be discussed at a free virtual class on Friday, May 14, 10 to 11 a.m. The presenter will be Michelle Wyman, certified dementia specialist with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, the program sponsor. A question and answer period will follow the program.

Exercise and Healthy Aging

Throughout the aging process, people’s bodies change as daily activities and habits also impact their overall health. Exercise can be a tool to help prevent and fight disease and age-related decline. A free virtual program, “Exercise and Healthy Aging,” will be held Friday, May 14, 1 to 2 p.m. Presenter will be Joanna Weir, exercise physiologist with Hartford HealthCare’s GoodLife Fitness.

Arbor Rose Open House on May 16

Arbor Rose at Jerome Home, located at 975 Corbin Ave. in New Britain, will host an open house on Sunday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors will be able to learn about the benefits of a senior living community, engaging activities and supportive services. Arbor Rose also has memory care available.

Registration is recommended. To reserve a time, call Ali Weber, retirement counselor at Arbor Rose, at 860.229.3707.

Men’s Health – Tips for Good Health Later in Life

Men are sometimes more hesitant than women to visit a physician or have recommended health screenings. Being proactive and understanding what routine healthcare and lifestyle habits are important can help individuals maintain good health and prevent future problems. A free virtual program, “Men’s Health – Tips for Good Health Later in Life,” will be held Tuesday, May 18, 1 to 2 p.m. Topics will include how to partner with the healthcare provider to live an optimum life. Presenter will be Nicholas Arsenault, transitional care nurse with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging.

Home Safety and Fall Reduction for the Older Adult

Many older adults value the comfort of living in their own home. From a clinician’s perspective, there are some aging considerations worth knowing in terms of environmental modification, fall prevention, and poly-pharmacy dangers to make home even safer. A free virtual class, “Home Safety and Fall Reduction for the Older Adult,” will be held Thursday, May 20, 1 to 2 p.m. Presenter will be Marc Levesque, resource coordinator with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, the program sponsor

Registration is required; call 1.855.HHC.HERE/ 1.855.442.4373 or visit www.HHCHealth.org/VirtualClasses. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the virtual class.

The Best Gift is You – Putting Yourself First

Making self-care a priority can be difficult for many people. However, self-care is important for physical, emotional and spiritual health. The free virtual program, “The Best Gift is You: Putting Yourself First,” will be held Wednesday, May 26, 2 to 3 p.m. Topics will include the causes and symptoms of stress and different creative self-care strategies. Presenter will be Amina Weiland, resource coordinator, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, the program sponsor.

Dementia Caregiver Support Groups

Caregivers often have overwhelming responsibilities assisting their loved ones in doing the most basic tasks while handling their own lives. To provide education and a venue to discuss challenges and helpful strategies, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging offers a variety of free virtual dementia caregiver support groups. Topics include: communication techniques, caregiver support, benefits of activities, family dynamics and safety issues. The groups meet at various times to make it easier for more people to participate.

One-time registration is required; call 1.855.HHC.HERE/1.855.442.4373. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the virtual group.

First Tuesday of every month (May 4), 10 to 11 a.m., facilitated by Michelle Wyman, certified dementia specialist.

Second Wednesday of every month (May 12), 10 to 11 a.m., facilitated by Adrianne DeVivo, certified dementia specialist.

Second Wednesday of every month (May 12), 6:30 to 8 p.m., facilitated by Patty O’Brian, CDP, certified dementia specialist. This group is associated with the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter and is sponsored by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and Southington Care Center.

Third Monday of every month except holidays (May 17), 1 to 2:30 p.m., facilitated by Patty O’Brian, CDP, certified dementia specialist. This group is coordinated with the Berlin-Peck Library and sponsored by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter.

New: Younger Onset Dementia Caregiver Support Group – Third Wednesday of every month (May 19), 8 to 9 p.m., facilitated by Adrianne DeVivo, certified dementia specialist.

Last Monday of every month (Not being held in May), 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., facilitated by Michelle Wyman, dementia specialist. This group is sponsored by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and Duncaster.

Call-in Dementia Caregivers Support Group: Held every Friday from 2 to 3 p.m., facilitated by a dementia specialist. Registration is not required. To join Hartford HealthCare’s Virtual Meeting Room, call: 860.972.6338 and when prompted, enter the access code 19623#.

Center for Healthy Aging offers Facebook Group for Caregivers

A Facebook group specifically for caregivers of older adults, including those with dementia, is available, facilitated by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. Concerns might include behavior changes, transition of care to assisted living, home healthcare, community services or end-of-life planning. Facebook Live sessions on important topics are also presented regularly. Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging professionals provide helpful answers and resources to support users in their caregiving roles.

For more information, call Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging at 877.424.4641 or search “Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging Support Group” on Facebook and request to join.

Memory Café

Memory Café, a free socialization group for people with memory loss, mild cognitive impairment and early dementia, virtually “meets” every Monday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This is intended to be a welcoming place for individuals and their families with a shared experience. A dementia specialist with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging leads the group.

One-time registration is required; call 1.855.HHC.HERE/1.855.442.4373 or visit www.HHCHealth.org/VirtualClasses. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the virtual class.

Movement Disorders Group

The Chase Family Movement Disorders Center and Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging are offering a caregiver support group for individuals who care for people with movement disorders and other neurodegenerative conditions. This free support group is offered on first and third Tuesdays (May 4 & 18), 10 to 11 a.m. Each session spotlights a different caregiver/care-partner topic and begins with a brief clinician-led presentation. Facilitators are Amanda Brill, LCSW, at the Chase Family Movement Disorder Center, and Jennifer McCaughey, MS, resource coordinator, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging.

For more information, call Amanda Brill at 860.696.4653, or Jennifer McCaughey at 860.696.4623.

Free Virtual Memory Screenings

Memory loss is not unusual as people age. And forgetting someone’s name or an appointment does not mean an individual has Alzheimer’s disease. There are other factors – including medications – that can contribute to memory loss or confusion.

Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging is offering free virtual memory screenings that can be scheduled at a person’s convenience. These confidential memory screenings average 20 minutes and consist of five questions to assess memory. These screenings are not a diagnosis but can indicate if someone should follow up with a full medical exam.

Memory screenings can be the first step to diagnosis for anyone concerned about memory loss or experiencing warning signs of dementia; whose family and friends have noticed changes in them; who believe they are at risk due to a family history of dementia; or who want to see how their memory is now and for future comparisons. Early detection of memory loss can help physicians more effectively treat cognitive impairment and possibly slow down changes in the brain.

For more information or to schedule a virtual memory screening, call Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, 1.877.424.4641.

Hartford HealthCare at Home Hospice Virtual Bereavement Groups

Due to the pandemic, Hartford HealthCare at Home Hospice transitioned its bereavement support groups to a virtual format. To participate, email the facilitator associated with the day and time and participants will receive the Zoom information for joining the meeting. Registration is only required once. There is also a call-in bereavement group.

Days and times available are:

First and third Mondays of the month (May 3 & 24), 1 to 2:30 p.m. Facilitator is Nichol Burris; email nichol.burris@hhchealth.org.

Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month (May 12 & 26), 1 to 2:30 p.m. Facilitator is Bill Pilkington; email bill.pilkington@hhchealth.org.

2nd and 4th Fridays of the month (May 14 & 28), 11 a.m. to noon. “Metamorphosis: Honoring the Sacred Journey of Grief.” Facilitator is Jennifer Johnson; email Jennifer.johnson@hhchealth.org.

Call-in bereavement group – Thursdays, 1 to 2:30 p.m. To join, call 860.972.6338 and when prompted, enter access code 22528#.