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 being offered in January.
Dimensions of Wellness Examines All Aspects of Self
An interactive and engaging virtual presentation on Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 10 to 11 a.m., provides insights into a wellness model incorporating the physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, vocational and environmental aspects of life. Participants will be encouraged to review, recognize and celebrate their unique triumphs and what they are already doing to live their best lives and what they might like to change. Presenter will be Nicholas Arsenault, transitional care nurse with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. This free event is sponsored by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and West Hartford Senior Center.
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.
Using Non-Drug Treatments for 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. Various approaches — including physical therapy — to minimize lower back pain will be discussed at a free virtual program on Thursday, Jan. 7, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Presenter will be Lisa Murawski, exercise physiologist, GoodLife Fitness of Hartford HealthCare. This event is sponsored by GoodLife Fitness and Cheshire Senior Center.
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.
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 providing a five-week series Thursdays, Jan. 7 to Feb. 4, 6 to 7:30 p.m. A certified dementia specialist with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging will lead the series.
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.
- Session 5: Overview of Community Resources that May Be Helpful.
Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions.
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.
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 Fridays, Jan. 8 through Feb. 5, 11 a.m. to noon. A certified dementia specialist with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging will present the program.
Topics will include:
- Challenge Your Mind Daily – Activities To Keep Your Mind Sharp.
- Feeding the Brain – The Importance of Diet and Hydration.
- Benefits of a Purposeful Life: Finding Meaningful Engagement as You Age.
- Good Sleep and Brain Power.
- 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 1.855.442.4373 or click here. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Health Screenings for Older Adults
Older adults can live stronger and longer by making sure they get all the health screenings recommended by their doctor – the best protection is early detection. A free virtual class on Wednesday, Jan. 13, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., will review what health screenings are recommended for the older population to find medical conditions or diseases early while they are easier to treat. Presenter will be Nicholas Arsenault, transitional care nurse with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, which is sponsoring the event.
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..
How Early Breast Cancer Detection Saves Lives
Studies have shown that early breast cancer detection saves lives. A free virtual class on Thursday, Jan. 14, from noon to 1 p.m., will focus on this topic presented by Dr. Camelia Lawrence, director of Breast Surgery, Central Region, Hartford HealthCare. Topics include learning when to get a mammogram; managing screening with dense breasts; risk factors and the role of genetics in breast cancer; the dangers of skipping annual screening; and a question and answer period.
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..
Navigating the ‘What-Ifs’ during the Golden Years
“Navigating the ‘What-Ifs’ in Your Golden Years,” will provide information about various topics pertaining to aging and ways to be proactive rather than reactive. The event will be held Thursday, Jan. 14, from 2 to 3 p.m., led by Michelle Lavoie, resource coordinator with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. Discussion will include the varying levels of care, types of housing, funding sources and community resources. Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and Cromwell Senior Center are sponsoring.
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..
Making the Most of Your Telemedicine Visit
This year, telemedicine visits have been in high demand due to physical distancing measures and expansion of insurance coverage. With this technology, people are able to “meet” with their medical providers without entering the physical office. A free virtual class, “Making the Most of Your Telemedicine Visit,” is being offered Wednesday, Jan. 20, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. A transitional care nurse with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging will provide information about different types of virtual services, pros and cons, tips for setting up, use of technology and preparation. Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and Bristol Senior Center are sponsoring.
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..
Keys to Consider – Driving and Dementia
It is never easy to tell an older loved one that they should no longer be driving. A free virtual class, “Keys to Consider – Driving and Dementia,” on Monday, Jan. 25, 2 to 3 p.m., will cover a variety of topics including the progression of dementia; how dementia affects the skills needed to drive; safety concerns; and a question and answer session. Kristine Johnson, resource coordinator with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, will present the program. Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging is sponsoring.
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..
Understanding Sepsis
Sepsis, an extreme reaction to an infection that can be deadly if left untreated, is the focus of the free virtual class “Understanding Sepsis,” on Thursday, Jan. 28, from 10 to 11 a.m. Nicholas Arsenault, transitional care nurse with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, will present on various topics including: the signs to look for, prevention and care. Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and Plainville Senior Center are sponsoring.
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..
Virtual 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.
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.
Second Wednesday of every month (Jan. 13), 10 to 11 a.m., facilitated by Adrianne DeVivo, dementia specialist.
Second Wednesday of every month (Jan. 13) 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 HHC Center for Healthy Aging and Southington Care Center.
Third Monday of every month (Jan. 18) except holidays, 1 to 2:30 p.m., facilitated by Patty O’Brian, CDP, dementia specialist. This group is coordinated with the Berlin-Peck Library and sponsored by HHC Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter.
New: Younger Onset Dementia Caregiver Support Group. Third Wednesday of every month (Jan. 20), from 8 to 9 p.m., facilitated by Adrianne DeVivo, dementia specialist.
Last Monday of every month (Jan. 25), 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., facilitated by Michelle Wyman, dementia specialist. This group is sponsored by HHC Center for Healthy Aging and Duncaster.
Call-in Dementia Caregivers Support Group: Meets 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#.
Facebook Caregivers Support Group
A new Facebook page for families and caregivers who have questions or comments pertaining to caregiving has been launched by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. People are welcome to join the “Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging Support Group.” Concerns might include behavior changes, transition of care to assisted living, home healthcare, community services or end-of-life planning. A Center for Healthy Aging professional will oversee the Facebook page to provide helpful answers and resources to support users in their caregiving roles.
For more information, call the Center for Healthy Aging at 877.424.4641.
Memory Café: Socialization for People with Memory Loss
Memory Café, a new socialization group for people with memory loss, mild cognitive impairment and early dementia, 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 will lead the group.
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.
Movement Disorders Group (bi-monthly)
The Chase Family Movement Disorders Center and Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging are offering a caregiver support group for those who care for people with movement disorders and other neurodegenerative conditions. This free support group is offered on first and third Tuesdays (Jan. 5 and 19), from 10 to 11 a.m. Each session spotlights a different caregiver/care-partner topic and begin 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.