BROOKFIELD –– Connecticut VNA, Masonicare’s home health care affiliate, has expanded its “Living with Memory Loss” program to the greater Danbury community through its Brookfield office.

The program provides professional guidance through expert medical and psychiatric assessment, education, and future planning to allow dementia patients to remain at home with loved ones.

 Launched as a pilot last summer in the greater Hartford and southeast Connecticut communities, the Living with Memory Loss program has been well-received by health care professionals and families, and will now be accessible through Connecticut VNA’s Brookfield, as well as Norwalk and Wallingford service offices.

“There are over 70,000 individuals in Connecticut diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, and we recognize that resources for caregivers of dementia patients are difficult to find,” said Francine Hunter, RN, director of patient services, Connecticut VNA.

 “Connecticut VNA’s Living with Memory Loss program provides assistance from health care providers specially trained in memory loss and geriatrics who can help meet the complex needs and challenges involved with preserving independence for the dementia patient,” she said. 

 Connecticut VNA’s interdisciplinary approach draws upon the expertise of RNs, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and medical social workers to conduct in-home interviews/assessments, prepare written plans of care, and provide educational materials and access to follow-up community resources. Clinical staff helps families establish a plan that enables their loved ones to live with the greatest degree of comfort, independence. and safety in the home. This consultative program includes two-to-three home visits, monthly phone contact to reinforce teachings and coping skills, and coordination with the patient’s primary care physician. It can also be used as an information resource.

 For further information on the Living with Memory Loss Program, contact Connecticut VNA, 800-528-6664. Connecticut VNA is an affiliate of Wallingford-based Masonicare, which offers retirement communities and an umbrella of health care services statewide.