How to Age Well January 2022: A Special Feature Presented by Age Well

Happy New Year and welcome to Age Well’s regular feature in Vermont Maturity!

Age Well staff and volunteers have been busy as ever providing wraparound services to help older adults in Northwestern Vermont age with confidence and dignity. Keep reading to learn more about new offerings, health, and wellness tips, and much more:

Age Well’s FY 2021 Impact Report

With community support during difficult times, we were able to meet the emotional and physical needs of older Vermonters.

Our Meals on Wheels volunteers and staff delivered meals to 25% more clients.
Our Care Coordination team provided iPad tablets and technology training to those that are homebound to reduce loneliness and isolation.
Our Helpline staff were on the frontlines helping demystify the process of getting a vaccine and provided resources to help individuals stay happy and healthy in their home.

Now, we’re stepping forward to do even more. Vermonters are living longer, but far too many are being left behind without the resources to age with dignity. We hear it every day, from clients like Maria, older adults are lonely, hungry, and at-risk. Together, we are changing that story.

Over the next year, with our volunteers, donors, community partners, & dedicated staff, we hope to:

Improve health outcomes, social connection, and engagement of the thousands of people we are proud to serve
Strengthen our work with our community partners to meet the complex needs of our clients and improve population health outcomes
Work towards improving our outreach and services for vulnerable older populations, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, New Americans, and other diverse groups
Continue to address the growing issues of isolation & hunger

Community support keeps food on the table, helps provide much-needed care and services, and brings smiles to faces. Thank you for ensuring people receive the support they deserve to age well.

Click here to read the digital version of the full FY 2021 Impact Report or visit Agewellvt.org/about

Health & Wellness Tips

Navigating Daily Medications, Together.

Do you know about Age Well’s HomeMeds program? Medication-related problems can lead to many issues resulting in ER visits, re-hospitalization, and worse.

Adults 65 years or older are twice as likely as others to come to emergency departments for adverse drug events and nearly seven times more likely to be hospitalized after an emergency visit.

HomeMeds is an evidence-based, in-home, medication review and intervention that includes a computerized risk assessment and alert process, plus a pharmacist review and recommendation for improvement.

Call our Helpline to learn more: 1-800-642-5119 or learn more online.

Support finding Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Did you know that Age Well can help you to identify a licensed mental health counselor if you’d like more support with caregiving responsibilities? Call our Helpline to learn more: 1-800-642-5119.

Meet Some of Age Well’s Team

Chris, Jessica & Jillian

We would like to introduce you to Chris, Jessica, and Jillian, as we continue to highlight some of our amazing staff members here at Age Well! We have many team members that you may not see every day, but who are vitally important to our mission to support older Vermonters. Hear directly from these three Age Well staff members and learn more about their roles.

Chris Moldovan

Started at Age Well: September 2015

Job Title: Director of Nutrition & Wellness

Department: Nutrition & Wellness

What do you love about your job at Age Well?

I love that work we do every day supports older Vermonters and enables them to live a vibrant life supporting them in managing their own health.

What do you find challenging?

I find the most challenging thing is also the most interesting thing! Each day is different a filled with lots of intriguing possibilities!

How would you describe your approach to helping clients?

The Nutrition & Wellness Department’s approach to helping clients is one of collaboration. We work to meet them where they are to gain an understanding of their needs and offer supports that they feel comfortable with.

What would you like more people to know about the work you do?

I wish more people understood all that Age Well has to offer. I run into people often that may have heard of Age Well, but they do not fully understand the entire host of services and expertise we offer.

Where did you go to college?

I started in New York state and graduated from UVM in Nutrition and Dietetics, completing my internship with UVMMC. I have been active in my profession, serving three terms as president of our state association. I am honored to be a Fellow with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. I serve currently as Dietitian Consultant to the VT Office of Professional Regulation.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Wappingers Falls, NY and moved to VT in 1984 (yikes!) to attend UVM. I have lived in VT longer than I did in New York!

What are you doing when you’re not at work?

You will find me puttering around my houseplants or gardening outside, reading a good book or cooking up something tasty! Unless I am out in nature taking a walk, biking, or kayaking.

Jessica Owens

Started at Age Well: June 2021

Job Title: Executive Assistant

Department: Administration

What do you love about your job at Age Well?

I love coming to work knowing that we are empowering caregivers, supporting those who have limited means to do so themselves, and that we are warriors for our aging Vermont population.

What do you find challenging?

I can’t clone myself and help everyone!

How would you describe your approach to helping clients?

I would describe my style as hands on. I love getting to know the person and be on their level.

What would you like more people to know about the work you do?

I cater to the specific needs and game plan drawn up by the CEO, Board of Directors and The Department Directors. I’m a hub for communications, allowing the leadership team to do their best work and run the show. I’m the wizard behind the curtain!

Where did you go to college?

I graduated from Essex High School. I attended both Community College of VT & UVM Adult

Continuing Education majoring in Family Consumer Science, English and Business Administration.

Where did you grow up?

Essex Junction, VT

What are you doing when you’re not at work?

I’m a female mechanic/rally car driver who is an avid cosplayer and loves attending comic conventions. I’m also an aspiring DJ, video gamer/nerd, baker extraordinaire and love adventures with my corgi-Kaylee.

Jillian Brady

Started at Age Well: May 2018

Job Title: Associate Director of Volunteer Services

Department: Volunteer

What do you love about your job at Age Well?

I love getting to provide support to our volunteers. They’re such a caring and compassionate group of people. I feel deeply honored by all they do!

What do you find challenging?

I wish everyone knew about Age Well. I think that there are still so many older Vermonter’s who are in need of our services. I feel blessed to be able to help spread the word in our community.

How would you describe your approach to helping clients?

My approach is to treat our clients the way I want my parents to be treated. With kindness, empathy, and compassion, always!

What would you like more people to know about the work you do?

My job is to support our volunteers. We are very careful when we match a client and volunteer. We want it to develop into a strong bond and be enjoyable. Most of our volunteers tell me that the client becomes like family.

Where did you grow up?

Jericho, VT

What are you doing when you’re not at work?

When I’m not at work, I’m spending time with my husband and daughter! Age Well is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All our services are provided for free to older adults 60 years and older and their caregivers. Learn more at Agewellvt.org or call our Helpline: 1-800-642-5119.