For a list of all exercise related classes and activities, visit our Active Aging page
Senior Solutions Offers Benefits Assistance Hours At The Thompson
- VPharm (prescription drug applications)
- 3Squares (money for food program)
- Fuel Assistance
- Green Mt. Power discount
Individual assistance is available at The Thompson every other Monday, 10-12pm by appointment with Senior Solutions Benefits Counselor, Liz Carey. Call 802-457-3277
MY HEALTHY VT Offers: Chronic Pain Management
A Virtual Class for Chronic Pain Management
Thursdays, Apr. 11, 2024 to May. 23, 2024 2:00 – 4:30PM
Join other senior center participants from around the state for this online workshop for guidance and support to build strength, increase energy and mobility, and manage ongoing or long-term pain and related issues like trouble sleeping or depression. Participate in the comfort of your own home or leave the technology to us and participate from the Thompson Senior Center.
Call or email the Thompson to register or sign up for any of the MyHealthyVT classes on their website: myhealthyvt.org
If signing up online, please note that you heard about this workshop from a senior center.
MY HEALTHY VT Offers: High Blood Pressure Workshop
A FREE Virtual Class, Tuesdays, May 7 – June 25, 5:00 – 6:30pm
Participants will learn the basics in managing high blood pressure such as: Healthy Eating, Physical Activity, Stress Management, Understanding Medications.
Please register with Sarah Doyle at (802) 289-0045 or sdoyle@northstarfqhc.org
MY HEALTHY VT Offers: Upcoming Diabetes Prevention Workshop
A FREE Virtual Class via Zoom,
Tuesdays, May 7, 2024-May 6, 2025, 5:30-6:30pm
What the Diabetes Prevention Program Offers
Education and support to help you adopt healthier eating and exercise habits that can lead to weight loss and reducing your risk of getting diabetes.
Timing
Participants meet once a week for the first 16 weeks.
Following thay they meet every other week, then monthly for a total of 25 sessions over a year.
Who it’s For
People at risk for developing type 2 diabetes
Register by emailing pbutler@thompsonseniorcenter.org.
How Medicare, Medicare Supplemental, and Medicare Advantage Plans Can Work For You
Presented by Andrew Hayward, Gateway Retirement Solutions
Thursday, May 16, 1:00 PM
If you are facing retirement and enrolling in Medicare, this presentation will cover the basics of Medicare and how Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage plans can work for you. All people turning 65 have 6 months to sign up for Medicare (3 months before and the three months after one turns 65) without a penalty in the future. Andy will also be discussing the Medicare prescription plans and how to choose the one that fits best for you.
Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors
Presented by The Vermont Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association
Tuesday, June 4, 1:00 PM
Behaviors are a form of communication. In this program, you will learn to identify, understand and respond to challenging behaviors such as agitation, confusion and more, exhibited by individuals living with dementia. Caregiver tips and strategies to respond to some of these common behaviors will be discussed. Please register in advance by calling The Thompson Center.
Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less
Contact The Thompson for details and availability
Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less is a 15-week ONLINE weight-management program based upon evidence-based strategies for weight loss and weight maintenance. Each hour-long weekly lesson includes: 1) discussion about behaviors important for weight loss or weight maintenance, 2) information on how friends and family can provide support, and 3) strategies for adopting the behavior. Planning, tracking and living mindfully are the key components of the program and are incorporated into each lesson.
The program is delivered ONLINE, live in real-time using the Zoom platform. Classes are delivered by a live Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) instructor, hired and trained by North Carolina State University. Participants can choose a time of the day that works best for them – evening and lunchtime classes are available. Participants attend the sessions remotely on individual computers or mobile devices and can see and hear their instructor. The real-time environment allows for discussion with others in the class. Outside of the live sessions, participants also have access to a secure, online portal whereby they track their weekly progress and communicate with their instructor.
This is $235 value that we’re able to offer for free because of a Wellness Grant through the Vermont Association of Senior Centers and Meal Providers from a Congressional Delegated funding to bring evidence-based programs to senior centers.
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 (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.
In-person Tech Support
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
April 18 & 30, May 16, 9:00 – 2:30 pm. Towels are supplied. Cost $35
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 is available at The Thompson
April 9 & 24, May 7 & 21
Enjoy Reflexology to Relax, Rejuvenate, & Reboot Your Body
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.
The Hub is here to help you during a crisis
The HUB is committed to ensuring everyone in our community is safe and cared for. 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 help. 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.
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. A trained and caring volunteer will be available by appointment. These volunteers will take the time to explain this simple process. Call The Thompson at 802-457-3277.
Homeshare
The Thompson Aging at Home program has partnered with HomeShare Vermont and can help facilitate homesharing in Central Vermont.
We’re actively looking for Homeshare host and guest applications.
To learn more about Thompson Homeshare, please visit our homeshare page or call Shari at 802-457-3277.
Faulkner Fund Offers Financial Help to Woodstock Residents
Need help with car payments, utility bills, medical bills, repair bills or other financial needs? The Faulkner Fund was established in 1959 from a bequest in the will of Marianne G. Faulkner to The American Red Cross. The purpose was to “help in the care, support and maintenance of needy and deserving persons living in Woodstock”. Grants are available to Woodstock residents via a confidential application. Contact Paula Audsley, vice chair of The Faulkner Fund via email: paudsley@thompsonseniorcenter.org or call 802-457-3277. Brochures (listing committee members and their contact information) and applications are available at The Thompson Senior Center and The Ottauquechee Health Foundation.