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A Healthier You: Upcoming Virtual Events for Seniors

May 25, 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.

Virtual 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 Thursdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 11 a.m. to noon. 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.

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

Virtual 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 Wednesdays, July 7, 14, 21, 28 and Aug. 4, 1 to 2 p.m. 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.

Virtual Class: How to Fall Safely

Sometimes there is no way to avoid falling. However, knowing how to fall correctly can reduce the risk and lessen the severity of injury. The free virtual class, “How to Fall Safely,” will be held Tuesday, July 6, 10 to 11 a.m., led by Mitchell Nyser, exercise physiologist with Hartford HealthCare’s GoodLife Fitness. Tips will include prevention and what to do if a fall is inevitable. GoodLife Fitness is the program sponsor.

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 class, “Understanding Lymphedema,” on Wednesday, July 7, 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.

Virtual Class: Bumps & Lumps – Skin Issues

The skin in the largest organ of the body measuring a total area of approximately 20 square feet. It provides protection from germs and the environment, regulates body temperature, and senses touch, cold and hot. It is not uncommon for the skin to suddenly develop a new bump or lump.

The key is knowing when a change in the skin is signaling something that requires medical attention. The virtual class, “Bumps & Lumps – Skin Issues,” will be held Thursday, July 8, noon to 1 p.m., with Aaron A. Bennett, DO, director, The Hospital of Central Connecticut Faculty Surgery Clinic, Hartford HealthCare Medical Group. Topics will include: common skin conditions, causes and symptoms, and treatment options. Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging is sponsoring.

Virtual Class: Blue Zones – Nine Lessons

Blue Zones are five regions in the world where a higher percentage of people than usual live to an older age than average. Although the locations are diverse, residents of these areas have shown to have commonality such as sense of purpose, higher level of physical activity, healthier diets, and a sense of belonging.

A free virtual class, “Blue Zones – Nine Lessons,” will examine these commonalities and small changes that can result in a longer, happier and healthier life. This evet will be held Thursday, July 8, 1 to 2 p.m., led by Michelle Wyman, dementia specialist with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. Program sponsor is Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging.

Virtual Class: How to Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Distracted driving can cause vehicular accidents. Distracted walking can also cause accidents, slips and falls. The free virtual class, “How to Be Aware of Your Surroundings,” will be held Thursday, July 8, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Presenter Lisa Murawski, an exercise physiologist with Hartford HealthCare’s GoodLife Fitness, will offer practical tips and strategies for avoiding tripping and possible injury. GoodLife Fitness is sponsoring.

Open House at Cedar Mountain Commons Set for July 10

Cedar Mountain Commons, a beautiful independent and assisted living community located at 3 John H. Stewart Drive, will be hosting an open house on Saturday, July 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 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 located at 3 John H. Stewart Drive in Newington. To learn more, visit http://cedarmountaincommons.org.

Open House at The Orchards at Southington Set for July 10

SOUTHINGTON –The Orchards at Southington, a beautiful independent and assisted living community located at 34 Hobart St., is hosting an open house on Saturday, July 10, 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.

The Orchards at Southington, a not for profit member of Hartford HealthCare Senior Services, offers independent and assisted living at 34 Hobart St., Southington. For more information about The Orchards at Southington, visit http://southingtonorchards.org.

Virtual Class: Let’s Talk About Preparing for the Older Years

A free virtual presentation will provide the answers to some of the more pressing legal questions that arise as people reach new stages of life. This class will be held Wednesday, July 14, noon to 1:15 p.m., featuring Daniel O. Tully, attorney, Kilborne & Tully PC. Topics will include: How to talk to your loved ones about: end-of-life; long-term care and asset protection issues; what legal documents are required to achieve your goals; and how to plan for a health care crisis. Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging is sponsoring.

Virtual Class: Focused Awareness Meditation

Focused Awareness Meditation is a simple, five-step technique that can help people feel more relaxed, focused and calm. A free virtual class about this topic will be held Tuesday, July 20, 11 a.m. to noon. Participants are asked to have a large towel or a small blanket for proper positioning in their chair. Presenter will be Christine Solimini-Swift, exercise physiologist with Hartford HealthCare’s GoodLife Fitness. This program is sponsored by GoodLife Fitness.

Virtual Class: Managing Chronic Back Pain

Guidelines from the American College of Physicians recommend that the first line of therapy for chronic back pain should be non-drug treatments. The free virtual class, “Managing Chronic Back Pain,” will cover topics including defining pain, risk factors and causes, and ways to manage back pain with various approaches including exercise and physical therapy. This event will be held Thursday, July 29, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Presenter will be Lisa Murawski, exercise physiologist with Hartford HealthCare’s GoodLife Fitness, the program sponsor.

Virtual Dementia Caregiver Support Groups ‘Meet’

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 people to participate.

First Tuesday of every month (July 6), 10 to 11 a.m., facilitated by Michelle Wyman, certified dementia specialist.
Second Wednesday of every month (July 14), 10 to 11 a.m., facilitated by Adrianne DeVivo, certified dementia specialist.
Second Wednesday of every month (July 14), 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 (July 19), 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.
Younger Onset Dementia Caregiver Support Group – Third Wednesday of every month (July 21), 8 to 9 p.m., facilitated by Adrianne DeVivo, certified dementia specialist.
Last Monday of every month except holidays (July 26), 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 – 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 Provides Socialization for People with Early Dementia

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.

Movement Disorders Group Meets Bimonthly

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 (July 6 & 20), 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 Available From Center for Healthy Aging

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 Hosts 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 except holidays (July 19), 1 to 2:30 p.m. Facilitator is Nichol Burris; email nichol.burris@hhchealth.org.
Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month (July 14 & 28), 1 to 2:30 p.m. Facilitator is Bill Pilkington; email bill.pilkington@hhchealth.org.
2nd and 4th Fridays of the month (July 9 & 23), 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#.