AgingCT

8:30AM – 9:00AM

Doors Open

9:15AM – 10:30AM

Panel One/Three

Home is Where our Heart Is

A comprehensive discussion on housing in Connecticut, particularly focusing on affordable and accessible options for older adults and persons with disabilities. Overall, the session aims to empower attendees with knowledge and resources necessary to navigate the complex landscape of affordable and accessible housing in Connecticut. It combines insights from government officials driving policy changes with practical advice from industry leaders who specialize in housing solutions for older adults and persons with disabilities. Attendees can expect a blend of policy updates, educational content, and actionable steps to enhance housing accessibility and affordability for vulnerable populations.

Room: Kay’s Pier North

Speakers:

• Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno
• Kelly McDermott

If Money Makes the World Go Round, Why Don’t I have Any?

The Economic Security session will cover a comprehensive range of topics crucial to understanding the financial challenges faced by older adults and persons with disabilities in Connecticut. Overall, the session aims to educate attendees on the economic realities faced by adults, explore policy implications, and provide practical information on accessing essential services and support. It should be a valuable opportunity for learning and discussion on crucial issues impacting the elderly population in Connecticut.

Room: Kay’s Pier South

Speaker:

• Richard Fortinsky
• Paul Chase
• Thomas Wade

10:45AM – 12:00PM

Panel Two/Four

Just Looking for a Friend

This session will deal with the unfortunate “pandemic within a pandemic” of loneliness and isolation. Representatives of the CT Coalition to End Loneliness will start by introducing the concept of social health and highlight the conceptual differences between Loneliness and Isolation.  They will then discuss the detrimental mental and physical health impact of loneliness.  Illustration of these points will be provided by individuals who will share powerful personal stories. Representing a variety of ages, abilities, and backgrounds, panelists will illustrate the physical, mental, and behavioral impact of loneliness and isolation.  In solution, panelists will share the people, programs, and services that supported them or made a difference in their lives and will provide attendees with a multitude of service options and strategies available across the lifespan through practical, logistical, and behavioral means.

Room: Kay’s Pier North

Speakers:

• Emily Ball
• Deb Bibbins
• Kristen Cusato
• Gary Sekorski

How Do You Get There from Here?

The panel on transportation needs in Connecticut promises to be insightful and practical, addressing a range of challenges and solutions related to public transportation accessibility. Overall, the session aims to share best practices, alternative ideas, and successful solutions that have been implemented across different regions of Connecticut. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on improving transportation accessibility, navigating funding challenges, and enhancing service delivery to meet the diverse transportation needs of communities throughout the state.

Room: Kay’s Pier North

Speakers:

• Sandra Roberts
• Joe Comerford
• Eric Protulis
• Dagmar Ridgway

1:00PM – 1:20PM

AgingCT is so pleased to honor Attorney Judith Stein

AgingCT is thrilled to celebrate one of the nation’s most influential advocates for Medicare Beneficiaries.

Judith Stein founded the Center for Medicare Advocacy (“CMA” or “the Center”) in 1986, where she has served as its Executive Director for 38 years. Prior to founding CMA, Ms. Stein was the Co-Director of Legal Assistance to Medicare Patients (LAMP) where she managed the first Medicare advocacy program in the country.

Under Judy’s leadership, the Center would become an integral community partner within CT’s elder network by developing the curriculum and delivering the Medicare training for the CHOICES program which was in its infancy circa 1994. Since then, hundreds of counselors have been trained and certified, and thousands of consumers across every CT town have had their health insurance and benefits questions answered by local, trusted, and un-biased professionals and volunteers.

In an impressive career spanning decades and including the halls of Congress and trips to the White House, Judy has fought tirelessly to ensure access to care for people with longer-term and chronic conditions. One of the most well-known is the case of Jimmo vs. Sebelius, which directly refuted the faulty application of the “improvement standard” when determining Medicare coverage vs discharge. In so doing, consumers with long-term skilled needs can continue to receive the care they require even though they may reach a “plateau” in their functional ability.

As Judy transitions from her leadership position at the Center, AgingCT and those assembled at this Summit wish to congratulate her on a most distinguished career spent fighting for the rights of Medicare beneficiaries of all ages. We expect that the Center will continue in the tradition of its founder, and as a community we are all the better for it.

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1:45PM – 2:10PM

Transportation

This session featuring Meg Haffner and Laurie McElwee from The Kennedy Collective’s Mobility Services promises to be insightful, focusing on transportation challenges and solutions for older adults and persons with disabilities in Connecticut. Overall, the session aims to provide a comprehensive view of transportation issues, highlight successful regional approaches, and offer practical resources and strategies for improving transportation accessibility for older adults and persons with disabilities. It combines insights from experts with interactive elements to foster learning and discussion on effective solutions in transportation assistance.

Room: Kay’s Pier North

Speaker:

• Meg Haffner
• Laurie McElwee

2:35PM – 3:00PM

Loneliness and Isolation

The session demonstrates the role of volunteerism in combating loneliness, an unfortunate and insidious by-product of social isolation.  The session features Nora Duncan, AARP; Michelle Puzzo, UR Community Cares; and Yvette Huyghue-Pannell, Marilyn Michaelson Senior Center in Bloomfield in a robust discussion of volunteerism and connection. Representatives from three types of volunteer programs will provide an overview of their organizations and volunteer activities.  Each panelist will highlight a favorite or especially timely program, identify obstacles they’ve encountered, and share valuable lessons learned.

 Attendees will learn about different types of volunteer-based programs, be inspired to begin or invest in volunteer experiences, and identify where to find and utilize existing volunteer opportunities and programs for the benefit of our constituents.

Room: Kay’s Pier North

Speakers:

• Nora Duncan, AARP
• Michelle Puzzo
• Yvette Huyghue-Pannell