Health & Wellness

For a list of all exercise related classes and activities, visit our Active Aging page

Veterans Disability Assistance at The Thompson

1:1 Appointments now available upon request. 

Do you need assistance navigating the Veterans Administration (VA) for a disability? Even though the PACT Act assistance has expired, a local veteran and Thompson volunteer can help you with the application process as benefits are still available. For example; If you served in the National Guard you are eligible and if your service did not include a military conflict you are still eligible. Veterans who served on ships containing asbestos, experienced loud noise from artillery or aircraft, or those who were firemen on aircraft carriers are encouraged to let us help you with benefits assistance.  Conditions such as heart disease related to hypertension or stent placement or those who were exposed to toxins and have cancer or asthma could qualify for benefits. Some veterans are receiving significant compensation each month for hearing loss. Could this be you? There is so much for you to learn if you are a veteran and we want to ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.

To schedule your appointment, contact Pam Butler at pbutler@thompsonseniorcenter.org or call 802-457-3277.

My Healthy Vermont

Tuesday, September 9, 1:30 PM

Join us for an informative presentation with Joanne Lemay from Community Health Improvement and Rene L. Greene from Lifeline.

Discover how MyHealthyVT.org offers six FREE evidence-based workshops to help you take charge of your health. Led by knowledgeable and compassionate facilitators, these workshops include:

• Diabetes Management
• Diabetes Prevention
• Chronic Disease Self-Management
• Chronic Pain Management
• High Blood Pressure Control
• Quit Smoking Support

These programs empower participants to manage their health, improve quality of life, and potentially reduce healthcare costs. Thousands of Vermonters have seen real improvements in their health and  overall well-being through these workshops.

You’ll also hear from Lifeline, a trusted medical alert service that provides 24/7 access to help at the push of a button. Whether you’re at home or on the go, a Trained Care Specialist is always available to assist—bringing peace of mind and supporting independent living.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about local resources designed to keep you healthy, safe, and       supported.

Medicare Talk with Zedaina Blanchard

Financial Professional and Insurance Representative with Bankers Life

Tuesday Sept 23, 1:30 PM, Please sign up ahead of time

In this session we will be educating you on Medicare. We will go over all the different parts and how they work. We will explain the differences between supplements (Medigap plans) and Advantage (Part C) plans and how they both work.

We will also go over the changes to Medicare for 2026. We will explain how the Part D will work next year. You will also have the opportunity to schedule a one on one to go over personalized options for yourself based on your doctors and medications if you would like to but there is no obligation.

Tech Appointments Are Back at The Thompson!

We’re excited to welcome back one-on-one tech help sessions, thanks to the generous support of  Emily Gibson from the Norman Williams Public Library.

Available Time Slots:

Thursday, September 11    

• 10:30 – 11:00 AM
• 11:00 – 11:30 AM

Thursday, September 25

• 2:00 – 2:30 PM
• 2:30 – 3:00 PM

Each session is 30 minutes long and space is limited — please call The Thompson to reserve your spot.

Caregiver Support Group

with Carla and Co-facilitator Anne Marinello

In-person 2nd Tuesday of each month at 12:00 pm

Virtual participation still available upon request

Support and education can make a critical difference for family members and caregivers of patients with memory loss or disorders such as Alzheimer’s. Please join our confidential monthly support group on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, and share ideas, concerns, and constructive feedback with others facing similar challenges. 

The Hub is here for you!

If you’ve had a setback or change in circumstances that make it difficult to pay your bills and live in Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading or Woodstock, we’re here to lend a hand. For more details and to apply, visit their website at https://apply.thehubneighbors.org/form, call 802-457-7214 or email at apply@thehubneighbors.org.

The HUB is a Project of Woodstock Community Trust, a non profit 501c3 organization. 

Advance Directive Assistance by Appointment

Would your loved ones know your wishes about medical care if you were unable to speak for yourself? An Advance Directive spells out your wishes and appoints someone to represent you if you are not able. A trained and caring volunteer will take the time to explain this simple process. Call Shari at 802-457-3277. 

HomeShare is working in our Community!

Homesharing is an innovative way for people to remain in their homes while receiving help and/or some additional income. The Thompson Aging at Home program’s collaboration with HomeShare Vermont is now entering its third year!  With our latest expansion into all of Windsor and Windham Counties, there will be even more opportunities to create compatible homeshare matches. Currently, HomeShare hosts receive an average of $380 in rent and 8½ hours of help each week from their guests. Contact Shari at sborz@thompsonseniorcenter.org or 802-457-3277 to learn more about homesharing or to schedule a presentation for your group or organization.