Find out more about upcoming programs in Connecticut.
Caregivers' Meeting
Can We Talk? Newly Diagnosed Teleconference Series
Strengthening Your Resilience
Kids Get MS Too - Old Sturbridge Village
Young People With MS Teleconference
Medicare, MS and You
Kids Get MS Too - Holiday Bowling Party
Moving Forward - Newly Diagnosed Program
Caregiver Learn-At-Home Program
Caregivers' Meeting
Saturday, Nov. 7
10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Village at South Farms
645 Saybrook Road
Middletown, CT
Multiple sclerosis brings many changes and challenges not only to the person with MS, but also to their family and friends. The chapter is organizing meetings for caregivers around the state. We’ll offer lunch in an informal setting and provide an opportunity for caregivers to share their struggles and solutions with one another. This fall, join other caregivers in Middletown to talk about the impact of MS on your life. A group will meet at the Village at South Farms on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
To attend the Middletown meeting or to request a meeting in your area, contact Amy Watkins at 800.344.4867, ext. 247 or e-mail programs@ctfightsMS.org.
Strengthening Your Resilience
Saturday, Nov. 14
9 to 11:30 a.m.
Hilton Garden Inn, Glastonbury
Resilience: One’s ability to face, overcome, and even be strengthened by challenging experiences.
David Rintell, Ed.D. a psychologist from Partners MS Center, leads this interactive workshop. Join us for a morning of information, humor and networking as you learn ways to strengthen your resilience while living with MS. Light breakfast is provided.
To register, contact the Programs Department at 800.344.4867 or e-mail programs@ctfightsMS.org.
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Medicare, MS and You
Thursday, Nov. 12
10 a.m. to 12 noon
Trumbull Main Library
Trumbull, Conn.
Approximately 25 to 30 percent of people with MS in the U.S. have Medicare as their primary health care coverage. Learn more about Medicare benefits, changes to the program for new and existing beneficiaries, how to apply, how to choose a Part D plan and more. Related State of Connecticut programs such as Conn PACE will also be discussed.
CHOICES, Connecticut’s program for Health insurance assistance, Outreach, Information and referral, Counseling, and Eligibility Screening, is partnering with the chapter on this program.
Special thanks to the CHOICES staff at Senior Resources in Norwich and at the Southwestern CT Agency on Aging in Bridgeport for their support and time.
To register, please e-mail programs@ctfightsms.org or call 860.913.2550.
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Caregiver Learn-At-Home Program
Family members of people with MS need support too, especially primary caregivers. Caregiving can be physically and emotionally exhausting, and the health and well-being of a caregiver is essential to enabling them to care for someone else.
The chapter has many copies of “Be Red Cross Ready Safety Series Vol. 1: Family Caregiving,” an at-home learning tool with a companion DVD created by the American Red Cross to assist individuals who care for a chronically ill loved one. The “Family Caregiving” program consists of nine individual topic-based modules that teach basic caregiving skills, tools for stress reduction and how to balance the demands of work and home.
Topics included in the guide:
- home safety
- caregiving skills
- body mechanics
- personal care
- healthy eating
- caring for the caregiver
- legal and financial issues
- dementia
- caregiving resources
“Family Caregiving” is a 128-page, full-color, spiral-bound book, tabbed to allow quick and easy access to critical information. It includes charts for recording vital signs and medications, as well as a tri-fold Emergency Contact Card to keep with a loved one in case of an emergency. Plus, the 1 hour and 49 minute DVD will help caregivers master skills such as positioning and transferring a loved one by watching healthcare experts in action. The DVD is closed captioned for the hearing impaired.
If you would like to receive a copy of the at-home learning program, “Family Caregiving”, created by the Red Cross, please contact Amy Watkins at 800.FIGHT MS or e-mail programs@ctfightsMS.org.