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A Healthier You: Upcoming Virtual Events for Seniors in August

July 22, 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 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 on Mondays, Aug. 2 through 30, 1:30 to 3:30 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.

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 Class: Building Better Bones & Joints

As people age, bones begin to weaken and deteriorate due to osteoporosis and other conditions. Exercise has shown to boost bone health. A free virtual class, “Building Better Bones & Joints,” will include information about the benefits of moving and the best exercises. This event will be held Wednesday, Aug. 4, 1 to 2 p.m., led by Julie Sopchak, exercise physiologist with Hartford HealthCare GoodLife Fitness, 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

Virtual Class: 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 Thursday, Aug. 5, 11 a.m. to noon. Presenter will be Michelle Boisvert, exercise physiologist with Hartford HealthCare GoodLife Fitness.

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.

Open House at Cedar Mountain Commons set for Aug. 7

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, Aug. 7, 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.

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, Aug. 11, 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.

Virtual Class: Funeral Trust Planning & Medicaid

Learn how to legally and ethically plan for your final expenses while protecting assets, if applying for state programs, giving you and your family financial peace of mind. The free virtual class, “Funeral Trust Planning & Medicaid,” on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 11 a.m. to noon, will provide information about funeral trust planning and Medicaid. Presenter will be James W. Cowan, Jr., life planning consultant, JG Advance Planning. Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and JG Advance Planning and sponsoring.

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 Class: Habits of a Lifetime

Consider the details and patterns of one’s life history to enhance providing care and engagement for a person with dementia and to help them, as well as you, for success. The free virtual class, “Habits of a Lifetime,” will cover topics on how to identify and enhance history, lifestyle and habits and incorporate them into their care and routine. This event will be held Tuesday, Aug. 17, 10 to 11 a.m. Presenter will be Kristine Johnson, dementia specialist, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging.

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 Class: It’s Time to Make Your Move

When maintaining a private home, indoor and outdoor tasks can become overwhelming. However, taking the next step in life can be daunting. Concerns may include: Is independent or assisted living the right choice? Is it safe – what precautions are being taken? What information needs to be provided? Is it affordable?

The free virtual series, “It’s Time to Make Your Move,” will be held Wednesdays, Aug. 18 through Sept. 1, noon to 1 p.m. Presenter will be Sarah Gerrish, BA, community services liaison at The Orchards at Southington. The Orchards at Southington will sponsor the series. Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions.

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 Class: Growing Older Can Bring New Purpose

Growing older changes not only the physical self but can impact a person’s outlook on life, wisdom and sometimes, reason for being. The free virtual class, “Growing Older Can Bring New Purpose,” on Thursday, Aug. 19, 11 a.m. to noon will feature information on physical and mental changes, how to handle changes that go along with aging and how to continue living an active and engaging life. Presenter will be Evan Gross, exercise physiologist with Hartford HealthCare GoodLife Fitness.

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 Class: Understanding Arthritis led by Exercise Physiologist

Arthritis has multiple causes including dietary factors, free radicals and trauma. The free virtual class, “Understanding Arthritis,” on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 11 a.m. to noon will feature information about these factors, how arthritis is diagnosed and prevention. Presenter will be Christine Solimini-Swift, exercise physiologist with Hartford HealthCare GoodLife Fitness.

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.

Open House at The Orchards at Southington set for Aug. 28

The Orchards at Southington, a beautiful independent and assisted living community located at 34 Hobart St., is hosting an open house on Saturday, Aug. 28, 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 Classes: Medicare 101 – Understanding Your Options

To navigate the mysteries of Medicare, Hartford HealthCare and Integrated Care Partners is offering the free virtual class, “Medicare 101 – Understanding Your Options,” led by Medicare educators Marissa Hiebel and Lisa Benton. 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: Aug. 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25 and 30. For convenience, the times vary.

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.

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, Aug. 5 through Sept. 2, 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;
  • Session 5: The Blue Zones – Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest.
  • Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions.

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 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 more people to participate.

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.

  • First Tuesday of every month (Aug. 3), 10 to 11 a.m., facilitated by Michelle Wyman, certified dementia specialist.
  • Second Wednesday of every month (Aug. 11), 10 to 11 a.m., facilitated by Adrianne DeVivo, certified dementia specialist.
  • Second Wednesday of every month (Aug. 11), 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 (Aug. 16), 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 (Aug. 18), 8 to 9 p.m., facilitated by Adrianne DeVivo, certified dementia specialist.
  • Last Monday of every month (Aug. 30), 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 provides socialization for people with memory loss

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.

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 meets bi-monthly

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 (Aug. 3 & 17), 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:

  • First and third Mondays of the month (Aug. 2 & 16), 1 to 2:30 p.m. Facilitator is Nichol Burris; email nichol.burris@hhchealth.org.
  • Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month (Aug. 11 & 25), 1 to 2:30 p.m. Facilitator is Bill Pilkington; email bill.pilkington@hhchealth.org.
  • Second and fourth Fridays of the month (Aug. 13 & 27), 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#.