Waveny LifeCare Network Launches Certified Nurse & Home Health Aide School
Waveny LifeCare Network is excited to announce that it has launched a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) and Home Health Aide (HHA) Academy at 3 Farm Road in New Canaan. The goal of this new initiative is to recruit and train the next generation of nurse professionals.

The pandemic has highlighted the fact that there are not enough nurses or nurse aides to meet the increasing demands of our local communities. As the greatest generation ages out of these key roles, Waveny LifeCare Network has taken the first step forward to help fill that vacuum for healthcare providers.

The 2020 Workforce Strategic Plan published by the CT Governor’s Workforce Council identified Healthcare as the largest workforce sector in the State of Connecticut, employing 16% of the state’s workforce or 270,000 jobs. Furthermore, the 2020 Plan recognized the need to address the nurse shortage which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program has been developed to prepare qualifying candidates for careers in this high demand and well-paying healthcare industry.

“Our healthcare system is always seeking out public-private partnerships that address critical needs. This program brings together three highly respected organizations in Fairfield County – Waveny LifeCare Network, Inc.; Career Resources, Inc.; and, Open Doors – to deliver an innovative, employer-driven program designed to build career pathways in this technologically advanced healthcare industry,” said Russell Barksdale, President and CEO of Waveny LifeCare Network. 
Outpatient Rehabilitation Center Set to Welcome Back Patients

Waveny announces that it has reopened the Outpatient Rehabilitation Center after a pause of nearly 24 months due to COVID-19. Patients have been welcomed on the Farm Road campus as of February 14th on a limited schedule, as staffing returns to full capacity.

 “Outpatient rehab is an important part of our patients' recovery from illness, injury or surgery, and we are pleased to be able to provide these services in-person on our campus once again,” said Russell Barksdale, President and CEO of Waveny LifeCare Network.

Waveny offers a range of rehabilitative services to help patients achieve their most successful outcomes including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The New Canaan Community Foundation funded the The Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, which is staffed with trained and certified professionals to help patients reach their maximum potential and provide outstanding hands-on care. The Center is designed to treat individuals with a variety of diagnoses, and is outfitted with cardiovascular equipment including, a Nustep, treadmill, recumbent bicycle, and an elliptical machine, as well as other state-of-the-art training equipment. In addition, The Corbet Family Speech Therapy Facility provides evaluation and treatment of speech/language, swallowing/dysphagia and voice disorders, utilizing specialized equipment including VitalStim Therapy.

The Outpatient Rehabilitation Center is open to anyone age 16 and older. Private insurance and Medicare are accepted as well as self-pay patients.

For more information or to reach the Outpatient Therapy Department, please call 203-594-5340.
According to the American Medical Association (AMA) "telehealth is here to stay", and Waveny-Visiting Nurse is already providing this service! Last fiscal year, we performed 61 telehealth visits and a further 68 visits since September 15, 2021, demonstrating this growing trend. We look forward to offering this service to more patients as equipment and staffing allow.
Save the Date!

Please mark your calendars, we hope you will join us this spring for these upcoming events:

Volunteer Appreciation Week Coffee in the Courtyard, Tuesday April 19th. All Waveny volunteers who participate in service at Farm Rd, the Thrift Shop and Hospice are invited to join us at the Care Center Courtyard for specialty drinks including lattes, cappuccinos, herbal teas and more. We look forward to showing our appreciation to all our dedicated volunteers!

Celebration of Life Memorial Service, May. Join Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County and Waveny LifeCare Network to honor the patients and families we have served. The interfaith service will include poetry, readings, acts of remembrance and music as well as a candle-lighting ceremony conducted by our team of nurses, therapists, counselors and caregivers.

Look for more details about both events soon.
We’re so excited to be a part of Fairfield County's Giving Day! You can support our campaign by visiting fcgives.org and donating on February 24th. Your donation will support our continued mission and vision of excellence and compassionate care.
We are proud to announce that the New Canaan Thrift Shop has partnered with Planet New Canaan! In an effort to promote a greener and more sustainable future, we will be working together on new initiatives that support both our missions. Read more here.
Please click on the links below for more information and to register for our upcoming presentations and support groups. For Zoom events, you will receive a link via email upon registration.

All events are free of charge and open to the public and we hope you will join us!
Loss of Spouse - for those grieving the loss of a spouse
Tuesdays, March 15 – April 9, 1-2:30 pm in person with Laurie Petrasanta, MA
Tuesdays, March 8 – April 12, 7-8:30 pm via zoom with Sheila Russo, LCSW
Wednesdays, March 9 – April 13, 3-4:30 pm via zoom with Stephanie Shaughnessy, MSW
Wednesday, March 30 – May 4, 7-8:30 pm via zoom with Meghan Cioffi, MSW

Loss of a Parent - for those grieving the loss of a parent
Tuesdays, March 15 – April 19, 11:00am – 12:30 pm in person with Laurie Petrasanta, MA
Tuesdays, March 8- April 11, 3:00 – 4:30pm via zoom with Stephanie Shaughnessy, MSW

Loss of a Loved One - for those grieving the loss of a loved one
Wednesdays, March 2 – April 6, 2:00 – 3:30 pm via zoom and in person with Rabbi Daniel Sklar

Wednesdays, February 16 – March 23, 7:15-8:45 pm in person with Betsy Perry, RN
Would you like to become part of our volunteer team?

You can enrich the lives of our seniors throughout the Waveny-VNH continuum of healthcare services and residences!

As a Waveny-VNH volunteer, you will become part of a vibrant and caring team, welcomed and deeply appreciated by residents, patients, staff and fellow volunteers. We have opportunities for all ages and abilities with a flexible schedule.  Choose from a range of volunteer activities which will allow you to make the maximum impact with the time you would like to share. 

If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Stella Clarke, Executive Director of Community Engagement and Volunteering at sclarke@waveny.org or 203-594-5334.