The caregiver project consists of seven workshops devoted to improving the knowledge base of family members taking care of an elder family member, usually a spouse, partner, or parent. We hope to be able to present each workshop free of charge by soliciting from our community. We also intend to provide sitters so caregivers are able to bring their loved one to the session. We also hope to provide coffee and water to attendees. Sessions will take place from 10 am to 12 noon on Saturday mornings on dates to be determined by the availability of space. We hope to use the educational space of new Hartford Health Care building on the Perkins Farm site.
The workshops are as follows:
1. Legal and Financial Co directors: Attorney Jean Ceddia and Matthew Spring, AIF
2. Social Co directors: Sue Hostnick, MSW , and Concetta Francetti, Recreation Therapist This session will focus on ways to avoid isolation and loneliness by integration of the family member into the community.
3. Physical Director: Linna Rouquayrol, RN This session will focus on the daily management of the elder person, including bathing, transfers, toileting, and avoidance of pressure ulcers.
4. Nutrition Director: Christopher Morren, MD, FACP This session will focus on the nutritional needs of the elder person, and ways to assess and improve their nutritional status.
5. Home Preparation Co directors: Attorney Sandra Sharr , and Nichole Bowski, OT This session will focus of making the home environment safe by avoiding falls and other mishaps, fire safety, safety in the kitchen, and maintaining up to date lists of emergency contacts
6. Medical Director: Dr. Michael Feltes, MD, Geriatrician This session will focus on how to assess the elder in an emergency and how to tend to minor injuries and illnesses
7. Care of the Caregiver Co directors: Robin Ely, RN and Father Mark Santucci This session will focus on the social and spiritual needs of the caregiver, and ways of avoiding caregiver burnout.
Mystic Geriatrics Institute (MGI) is working on a project that will help transform the way health care is delivered to elderly citizens, ensuring that they remain vital and vibrant as long as physically possible. The Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to improving the well-being and quality of life for seniors in Southeastern Connecticut. Our goal is to promote the region as a center of geriatric excellence.
We are developing a home-based program of primary care for the elderly To empower and inspire individuals to live a healthier, more active life.
Our hope is that the need for emergency care and hospital admissions will be reduced. It will keep our elderly healthy longer and result in an enormous savings to our healthcare system. According to U.S. Census Bureau projections, the number of Americans age 65 and older is expected to nearly double in the next 40 years – from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million in 2060. Additionally, life expectancies are pushing ahead – average life expectancy has increased from 68 years in 1950 to 78.6 years in 2017. At the risk of using a well-worn cliché, we believe this program is a “win-win” for all parties.
Check back soon for upcoming events and a series for our Seniors! Topics may include: