The Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (RVNA) has announced that Director of Community Health & Wellness, Barbara Newland, is now one of a select group of professionals in the U.S. to earn the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) certification through the National Association of Home Builders. Aging-in-Place is an initiative to support the ability to live independently in one’s home as long as possible.
As a Certified Aging-in-Place specialist, Ms. Newland has been trained in the unique needs of the older adult population, aging-in-place home modifications, common remodeling projects, and creating solutions to common barriers and safety issues in the home. Home remodeling can be as simple as updating lighting or installing grab bars in the bathroom for safety, to more extensive changes like enlarging entryways and/or hallways for wheelchair access. This designation provides reassurance to seniors that they are working with someone who is trained in the strategies and techniques that will allow them to stay in their own home as they age.
At this time, there are only 66 Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists in the state of Connecticut among 3,000 nationwide. RVNA’s Eloise Barron, Home Health Navigator, is also a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist.
About Barbara Newland
Barbara Newland is Director of Community Health & Wellness for RVNA. She is responsible for RVNA’s annual health fair, volunteer program, Lifeline emergency medical service program, community education, Immunization and Resource Center [which includes Travel, Flu and Well Child clinics], Community Education and three RVNA aging-in-place programs in Ridgefield, Redding and New Fairfield called “Quality Living at Home”. Barbara has a degree in Business and Human Services with Certificates in Gerontology, Mental Health and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. She is a member of the CT Geriatrics Society, Chair of the Western CT Geriatrics Council, and on the Board of Commission on Aging in Danbury. In addition, she is on the Board of Directors for Rides for Ridgefield and is Chair of their Marketing Committee. She is a resident of Danbury, Connecticut.
Founded in 1914, RVNA is a fully-accredited Medicare-certified home health care agency that also supports public health and safety, and promotes the highest quality of life. Services include skilled nursing, rehabilitation therapies, social work services, disease management, an aging-in-place program, a travel health specialist, immunization and vaccination clinics, and educational and wellness programs.
To Contact RVNA
Call RVNA at 203-438-5555. Visit RVNA at www.ridgefieldvna.org