Fuel Assistance Program Reminder—Do not wait to apply!
It is time to sign up for Vermont’s Seasonal Heating Fuel Assistance Program (“LIHEAP”), which can offset winter heating costs from a few hundred to even a few thousand dollars. This program can help you lower your bills whether you heat with oil, kerosene, propane, electric, coal, wood pellets, or cordwood. More information and 1:1 application assistance is available on Fridays by appointment by calling The Thompson Center.
Free at-home COVID-19 tests
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Please use this link: https://www.covidtests.gov/. The Thompson also has a number of rapid tests available for participants and families.
Mobile Vaccination Clinics
10/1, 10/15, 10/29, 9:00 – 11:30 am
The Primary Series (Initial Doses) as well as the updated Bivalent Boosters will be available. For more information visit here. Located at the Woodstock HS/MS Parking Lot
Mark Your Calendars!
Seasonal Drive-Thru Flu Clinic Offered by VNH of Vermont and New Hampshire
Tuesday, October 11, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
We have been assured by the VNH that high-dose vaccine will be available.
Located behind The Thompson Center at Heritage Condos – no appointment necessary. The VNH requests that pets be left at home and not in the drive-thru.
VERMONT LEGAL AID PRESENTS:
A Free Virtual Legal Advice Clinic For VT Seniors (AGE 60+)
Thursday, September 29 & October 27, 9:00 am – 11:30 am
Vermont Legal Aid is hosting a virtual legal advice clinic by phone for free civil legal assistance to Vermont seniors, aged 60 and up, to answer legal questions about COVID-19 related assistance, federal and state benefits, housing, unemployment, debt, or other civil legal issues. Call and book your free 20-minute appointment!
To schedule an appointment, CALL: 1-802-318-4169 Leave a message with your name and number, and the best time to return your call. You can also book an appointment online at https://vtlawhelp.org/seniors.
The phone number above is just for the legal advice clinic. If you have an immediate legal problem, call our general phone number and leave a message: 1-800-889-2047 PLEASE NOTE: Our attorneys cannot help you with criminal issues. Your appointment must involve your own problem, and not a question about a family member or friend’s problem. All consultations are confidential. This clinic is by appointment only. The number of available appointments may be limited.
How Do I Find Reliable Health Information Online?
A Dartmouth Aging Resource Center Virtual Program
Thursday, September 29, 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
Leaders: Pamela Bagley, PhD, MSLIS and Elaina Vitale, MSLIS
Searching for health information online can be intimidating in the best of times–it is hard to know what to trust! This workshop will introduce sources for finding reliable health and wellness information online. You will also learn tips for evaluating online health information, and discuss how to apply these tips to the ever-changing (and overwhelming) amount of online information about COVID-19.
Register at https://events.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/event/virtual-how-do-i-find-reliable-health-information-online-6/.
You will receive a zoom link for this class 60 minutes before the class starts. The zoom link will be sent directly to the email you registered with.
Open Enrollment Period
1:1 Assistance Available at The Thompson by Appointment
October 20, November 3, 7, and December 1
October 15 through December 7, 2022 is the Open Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) and Prescription Drug Coverage Plans (Part D). During this time you are able to join a Medicare Part C or D plan. Your plan will take effect on January 1, 2023. If you already have a Medicare plan, this is the time to re-evaluate your health care needs and compare them to your current plan benefits. If you decide to stay with your current plan there is no further action required to renew it.
Thompson’s Annual Falls Prevention Awareness Program and Balance Screenings
Presented by MT. Ascutney Hospital Physical Therapists
Thursday, October 27, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
There are so many things you can do to stay steady and prevent a fall!
- Check your vision yearly
- Pick up clutter
- Review your medications
- Get physically active
Individual balance screenings by licensed Physical Therapists using the CDC-approved STEADI criteria are available by appointment. Participants can participate in a brief balance screen and receive recommendations based on the results. Pre-registration is needed to ensure that time is allotted for screening. For more information and to register, please call The Thompson. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
AARP Smart Driver Class
This 4.5 hour refresher course is open to all drivers 50 years & older
Friday, November 4, 8:45 am– 2:30 pm, Lunch Break 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Cost: $20 for AARP Members, $25 for Others (payable to AARP)
The curriculum addresses the normal physical changes brought on by the aging process, how these changes can affect driving ability and how to compensate for those changes. The course also addresses changes in vehicles, regulations and roads. Participants will also learn how to interact with other road users, including truckers, bikers, pedestrians and distracted drivers. The class will address Vermont driving regulations, many of which have changed over the years. Many insurance companies offer a discount to drivers who have completed the class. Drivers who have qualified for a discount by taking the course must take a refresher course every 3 years. There are no tests. Register in advance.
Carla Kamel and the Community Health Team
Friday Office Hours at The Thompson, 10 am – 12 pm
No office hours on Aug 19, Sept 16 & 23
Community Care Coordinator, Carla Kamel, is available for support in navigating resources and discussing community-based services. Carla expertly and compassionately can identify your needs and goals, and provide information, support and connection to resources to meet individual goals. She is available at the Ottauquechee Health Center (OHC) for a health and social wellness phone visit at 457-5414 or at carla.kamel@mahhc.org, even if it’s a five-minute phone conversation. While walk-ins are welcome, making an appointment is advised by calling The Thompson.
In-person Tech Support Returns to The Thompson
Appointments on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month, 12:30-2:30 pm
In collaboration with the Norman Williams Public Library, you can now get 1:1 tech support at The Thompson. Bring in your mobile phones, laptops, iPads and any other type of tablet device you need help with. Multiple devices can be brought to one appointment. Call Shari to book your 1 hour appointment, and don’t forget your passwords!
Foot Clinic at The Thompson Center with Beverly Sinclair, RN
October 20, 9:00 – 2:30 pm
Cost: $30 payable by cash or check. Towels are supplied.
Call for your appointment.
Beverly Sinclair has been a practicing registered nurse for 22 years with extensive experience as a staff nurse and in nurse management. She has been providing local foot care service for older Vermonters for the past 6 years.
Reflexology at The Thompson!
Enjoy Reflexology to Relax, Rejuvenate, & Reboot Your Body
2nd Tuesday, 10:30 am – 2 pm and 4th Tuesday, 9 am – 12 pm, Please call for availability
Certified Reflexologist Deborah Neuhof is offering appointments at The Thompson. Please call Shari to schedule your appointment on the second or fourth Tuesdays of the month. $35 for 30 minute hand or foot treatment or $65 for 60 minutes.
Please wear loose fitting clothing and arrive a few minutes early to complete a health & disclaimer form. All clients must be fully vaccinated. Face coverings are required during your treatment.
Advance Directive Assistance is Available
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. Trained and caring volunteer will be at the Thompson each month on a Monday afternoon. These volunteers will take the time to explain this simple process. Call The Thompson at 802-457-3277 to schedule an appointment.
The Thompson Aging at Home Program can facilitate Homesharing!
Homesharing is a simple idea where two or more people share a home for mutual benefit. A person offers a private bedroom and shared common space in exchange for rent, help around the home or a combination of the two. After conducting background and reference checks, we will work to find the most compatible match possible based on your interests, needs, and lifestyle. There are no age or income restrictions to be eligible for the program.
We’re wrapping up our pilot program and opening up our application process to the broader community. To apply visit our Homeshare page or contact Shari at the Thompson at 802-457-3277 or email at sborz@thompsonseniorcenter.org.
Caregiver Support Group with Complimentary Lunch
In-person 2nd Tuesday of each month at 12:00 pm
Virtual participation will still be 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 (with complimentary lunch) on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, and share ideas, concerns, and constructive feedback with others facing similar challenges. Pre-register for lunch.
Senior Solutions Tablet Program – A Great Opportunity to Get Connected
Are you yearning to connect to the internet for your telehealth appointments and connections with others but don’t have a device? Senior Solutions is assisting older Vermonters with obtaining devices (Fusion tablets) and offering technical support through instruction and training. Help is available for you to set up your computer, create an email address and train you on some of the programs. Comcast offers a low cost option called Internet Essentials for internet access and you don’t have to be a Comcast customer. Call Pam at The Thompson for more information on how to get connected or the Senior Helpline at 802-885-2669.