Senior Solutions Offers Benefits Assistance Hours At The Thompson
Individual assistance is available at The Thompson by appointment every other Monday.
Let’s Get Moving!
Join our Free Walk with Ease Program facilitated by Linda Harvey, Ottauquechee Health Center Physical Therapist
Thursdays, beginning June 1, 10:30-11:30 am and Tuesdays beginning June 6, 4:30-5:30 PM
Meet twice weekly at East End Park at the picnic tables
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring water
- Walking sticks or canes are encouraged if needed
- Pre-register with The Thompson and pick up your free program guide book
- Contact Linda Harvey with any program questions at 802-355-0376 or llharvey56@gmail.com
The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk With Ease program is a multi-component program that also includes health education, stretching and strengthening exercises, and motivational strategies. Comprehensive studies demonstrate that Walk With Ease reduces pain, increases balance and strength and improves your overall health.
Prevent, Detect, Report: Protect Your Medicare Information
Presented by Community of Vermont Elders (COVE)
Thursday, June 15, 1:00 PM
Estimates put our country’s annual losses to Medicare fraud, errors and abuse at $65 billion. It’s everyone’s duty to protect this critical benefit by learning to recognize the signs of Medicare crime and stop the scams before they happen.
Prevent, Detect, Report is a short introduction to the basics of protecting your Medicare information, presented by the staff of Community of Vermont Elders, which administers the state’s chapter of Senior Medicare Patrol. From learning how to read your monthly statement to the importance of never giving out your Medicare number unsolicited, Prevent, Detect, Report is critical information for all Medicare beneficiaries.
Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less
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.
Call the Thompson for more information and to sign up for a free access code. Classes are beginning in June & August.
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.
PALS Virtual Support Group
In person PALS support group at Bugbee Senior Center on Thursdays, 1:30-3:30 pm. More information to follow if virtual programing will still be available. For additional information call VABVI’s Melinda Underwood at 802-254-8761.
Caregiver Support Group with Complimentary Lunch
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.
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.
The Hub is here to help you during a crisis
The Hub is a new program that makes it easier for you to get help during a time of need in the communities of Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading, and Woodstock. 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.
Help make products better for older adults!
Provide Feedback | Make a Difference | Earn for yourself and The Thompson
Get paid for your opinion and raise money for The Thompson! Join our product research group and participate in focus groups and interviews that allow you to directly influence the direction of products built for you. Projects are virtual or in-person and you only participate when you want to. There is no obligation and you’ll never be asked for money.
This innovative project is a partnership between The Thompson and SnowDay, a market research company specializing in products and services for older adults. Please reach out to Deanna with any questions or contact Shari to sign-up.
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!
Free Foot Clinic at The Thompson Center with Beverly Sinclair, RN
June 15, 9:00 – 2:30 pm. Towels are supplied.
Free foot clinics for one year are made possible by a congressionally directed grant to The Thompson. Please call to schedule your appointment in advance.
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 and 4th Tuesday, 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.
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.
Homesharing is working in our Community!
This past year we launched our pilot Homeshare program here at the Thompson, which has resulted in our first match! With a small pool of applicants, it takes time to find compatible housemates, but the more people who apply, the more likely we can facilitate a successful match.
Homesharing offers an alternative to traditional apartment rentals, especially in today’s tight housing market. A Host with a spare bedroom and willing to share common space can get some additional income and help around the house with chores, as well as companionship. A Guest looking for a place to live can trade some time helping out their Host in exchange for a reduced rent.
To learn more about Thompson Homeshare, please visit our Homeshare page or call Shari at 802-457-3277.