Directors’ Welcome

Holiday Greetings from AgingCT

AgingCT wishes our partners and clients a joyful holiday season! For those of us working in community services, we also acknowledge that the holidays can bring challenges, including families struggling with loss; issues related to caregiving; financial insecurity; and physical and mental health challenges. The Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are here to offer support and connect people to critical services. Our service navigators can direct clients and their family members to the resources we offer that can address what can often feel like overwhelming challenges. We are grateful for our community partnerships, a network of aging industry providers that work closely with us as we deliver these services. This extended family of providers recently gathered on November 19, 2024, for the second annual AgingCT Summit, an event that brought hundreds of leading members of the aging and disability network to learn, grow, and explore best practices to serve older and vulnerable adults. This issue and future AgingCT newsletters will feature important information shared at the Summit. Remember that you can learn about connecting to helpful services and quickly find information on how to reach a navigator at one of the Area Agencies on Aging by visiting the AgingCT website. May peace, health, and joy be yours.

AgingCT: Advocacy in Action

As thought leaders in the field of aging and pursuant to the responsibilities entrusted to us by the Older Americans Act, AgingCT educates legislators and policymakers on the issues impacting their older constituents, and advocates for Connecticut’s seniors and those who support them. By any measure, last year’s session was noteworthy for its support of older adults, and advocacy was on full display at this year’s AgingCT Aging & Disability Summit.

In 2024, the Aging Committee successfully sought legislative remedy for numerous priorities which received substantial bipartisan support. Issues included Aging in Place (Public Act 24-39); Elderly Nutrition (Public Act 24-99); Home Health Care Safety; and Social Isolation and Loneliness (Public Act 24-19). 

Earlier this fall, as an opportunity to maintain momentum and to inform future legislative activities, the Aging Committee of the CT General Assembly convened a series of multi-disciplinary task forces to facilitate deeper discussion into the issues related to older adults. The topics included: Expanding Access to Residential Care Homes; Preventing Elder Abuse; Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease; and Strengthening Adult Day Care Centers. AgingCT members were honored to be included on these task forces and to participate in the dialogue surrounding these important issues. 

Looking ahead, AgingCT extends our warm congratulations to all returning representatives and senators, and we welcome all new members to the State’s General Assembly. We look forward to making your acquaintance and introducing you the work of AgingCT, our member agencies, and the elder network at large. 

Here’s a preview of our likely issues of focus for the 2024-2025 legislative session:

AgingCT supports increasing the asset limit for recipients of HUSKY C. Older adults and individuals with disabilities are the only segment of Medicaid recipients in CT who are subject to this overly restrictive asset limit which leaves them unable to plan for financial emergencies such as home and vehicle repairs, funerals, rent increases, and other hardships.

AgingCT supports equitable and competitive funding for community-based services. The infrastructure tasked with caring for people in their homes continues to experience a labor shortage. Low pay, unpredictable hours, and transportation costs are creating a disincentive for people interested in entering the field at a time when the need is increasing exponentially. Watch for AgingCT to weigh in favorably on issues of workforce development, avenues for promotion, and valuing the home care workforce. 

AgingCT will also support proposals that address health-related social needs that create barriers to community living, contribute to poor health outcomes, and exacerbate systemic health disparities. These issues will include food insecurity, housing access and affordability, transportation, and social isolation and loneliness. 

AgingCT will further seek opportunities to lend our voice in support of our colleagues on cross-cutting issues such as dementia services, health care equity, and bridging aging and disability networks.

At the federal level, AgingCT along with our national organization and other stakeholders, will await further indication of the incoming Administration’s plans and priorities regarding older adults and individuals with disabilities. We will continue to work with and through our federal contingent to monitor and pursue priorities such as, but not limited to, the renewal of the Medicare Improved Payment for Providers Act (MIPPA), the protection of Medicare and Medicaid, and other programs designed to support CT residents as they age. 

If you are interested in receiving Advocacy Alerts from AgingCT or our member agencies, please subscribe to and share this newsletter within your networks.

Partners in the Aging Network

AgingCT Celebrates the Success of its Second Annual Aging & Disability Summit!

Over 400 aging and disability professionals gathered at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville on November 19, 2024, for the AgingCT Summit, an annual conference uniting people and systems that address the challenges of aging and disabilities in Connecticut. The event kicked off with a rousing commitment to advocacy on behalf of older and disabled residents of the State. Social issues including housing, transportation, economic security, and loneliness were examined through the lens of support for older residents and persons with disabilities. The afternoon sessions provided a recap of the morning workshops along with helpful services and suggestions on how to mitigate damaging social influences on a person’s health and wellbeing. Real-life experiences from panelists were riveting and provided the catalyst for on-going discussions and continued collaboration among clients and partners. 

Event attendees heard from numerous subject matter experts including Commissioner Amy Porter from the CT Department of Aging and Disability Services, and Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno of the CT Department of Housing. The day also included a visit from Connecticut State Comptroller Sean Scanlon, who discussed the Administration’s commitment to fostering healthy communities where people can grow up and grow old.

In addition, Judith Stein, the founder and 38-year Executive Director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy (CMA), was honored for her unprecedented advocacy and leadership in making Medicare accessible and effective for all. Attendees shared experiences touched by Ms. Stein’s work, particularly through the Area Agencies on Aging CHOICES program. CHOICES offers unbiased, person-centered guidance to Medicare beneficiaries so they can get the most out of their Medicare benefit. Summit organizers also announced the creation of the Judith A. Stein Advocate Award to be given to the person or persons who embody Ms. Stein’s tireless advocacy, passion, and protection of the basic human rights of older adults and individuals with disabilities.

State demographics confirm the tremendous increase in the older cohort of the population. Aging and disability services are catching the attention of the Connecticut legislature. The solidarity and commitment to enhancing resources for all residents to age with dignity in the setting of their choice was palpable. This will carry through to the legislative session. In the words of Judith Stein, onward!

Economic Security: A Critical Factor for the Health of Older Adults and Individuals with Disabilities

The AgingCT Summit session, held on November 19, 2024, titled “Stuck in the Middle without Enough Money,” featured attorney Carl Glad, an elder law expert and member of the Stratford Commission on Aging. The session focused on the challenges families face when navigating the complex process of spending down assets to qualify for Medicaid. Attendees received practical guidance on managing the Medicaid spend-down process, optimizing resources, and exploring innovative financial strategies to help family members remain in their communities. The session aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary for informed decision-making regarding long-term care and financial planning amidst Medicaid eligibility challenges.

Economic security plays a pivotal role in the health and well-being of older adults and individuals with disabilities. Financial stability impacts access to essentials such as healthcare, housing, nutrition, and transportation. Conversely, economic insecurity can lead to severe health challenges, making this issue a critical determinant of overall well-being.

Many older adults rely on fixed incomes from Social Security, pensions, or disability benefits, which often fall short of covering the rising costs of living, medical care, and unexpected expenses. Employment opportunities for older adults and individuals with disabilities remain limited due to ageism, discrimination, and inadequate workplace accommodations, further exacerbating financial struggles.

Certain groups, including women, minorities, and those living in rural areas, face even higher poverty rates. These populations are more likely to deplete their savings due to caregiving responsibilities, medical expenses, or the high costs of long-term care. Rising housing costs add to the burden, with some individuals at risk of eviction or homelessness. A shortage of affordable and accessible housing options worsens health outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

Access to healthcare and medications remains a significant concern. While Medicare provides essential coverage, it does not address all needs, such as long-term care, assistive devices, or specialized therapies, leading to additional financial strain. Limited resources for nutritious food often result in malnutrition, especially for those requiring specific dietary accommodations. Transportation barriers, including affordability and accessibility issues, further restrict mobility and independence.

Structural inequities like systemic racism and insufficient funding for essential programs compound economic insecurity for marginalized groups. Additionally, many individuals struggle to access available benefits due to a lack of awareness, digital literacy, or technological access, leaving them unable to tap into critical resources.

Economic security is a cornerstone of health and independence for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach, including policy reforms, increased community support, and improved access to resources to ensure financial stability and enhance quality of life.


Ruth’s Story: A Journey of Resilience

Ruth, a 72-year-old widow in a rural community, faced financial strain after her husband’s passing. Her Social Security benefits and modest pension were no match for rising medical bills from a hip replacement and increasing medication costs. She was forced to sell her home, which was no longer accessible, and move into a small rental without modifications like grab bars or ramps. Limited public transportation made it hard for Ruth to attend medical appointments, and she often prioritized rent and medications over nutritious meals, leading to malnutrition.

With the help of a Service Navigator from the Area Agency on Aging, Ruth accessed resources like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and a local food pantry to ease her financial stress. She also enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) to reduce healthcare costs, though navigating these programs was challenging due to the complex application processes and her limited internet skills.

Ruth’s story highlights the critical role of economic security in maintaining health, and the barriers many older adults face. Rising costs, inadequate income, and systemic challenges impact access to housing, healthcare, nutrition, and transportation. Addressing these issues requires expanding programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and MSP; developing affordable and accessible housing; and empowering individuals through financial literacy and employment opportunities.

Investing in equitable policies and community-driven solutions fosters independence and dignity for older adults and individuals with disabilities. AgingCT welcomes partners and providers to collaboratively strengthen resources and advocate for systemic change, so together we can build a society that supports all members of our community.

The Pandemic of Loneliness: Keeping Company with Social Isolation

The Aging CT Summit session “Just Looking for a Friend,” held on November 19, 2024, addressed the pervasive issue of loneliness and isolation among older adults, described as a “pandemic within a pandemic.” Organized by the CT Collaborative to End Loneliness, the session explored the concepts of social health, loneliness, and isolation, highlighting their distinct impacts on mental and physical well-being. Attendees heard personal stories from panelists of varying ages, abilities, and backgrounds, illustrating how isolation affects physical health, mental health, and behavior. The session also provided practical strategies and resources to combat loneliness across the lifespan.

Summit speakers included Deb Bibbins, JD, MBA, founder and CEO of For All Ages and leader of The CT Collaborative to End Loneliness, who shared insights on fostering social connection and combating ageism through intergenerational interaction. Kristen Cusato, Director of Communications for the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, shared her caregiving experiences and advocacy work to raise awareness about dementia. Gary Sekorski, Co-founder and COO of For All Ages, emphasized intergenerational friendships and leveraging human connections to enhance health. Emily Ball, a self-advocate and disability specialist, contributed her perspective on empowering youth and fostering self-advocacy.

Loneliness and isolation pose serious risks to health, increasing the likelihood of depression, anxiety, dementia, and chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. They can lead to reduced physical activity, mobility challenges, and delayed healthcare, ultimately threatening independence. However, the session highlighted solutions such as community programs, technology training, pet companionship, volunteering, and home visits. These approaches promote connection, improve quality of life, and restore a sense of belonging for older adults.

By addressing loneliness through collaborative efforts, practical interventions, and personal connection, the summit reinforced the importance of helping older adults and those living with disabilities feel valued and supported, ensuring no one faces isolation alone.


Eleanor’s Story: Rediscovering Joy

Eleanor, a 78-year-old retired teacher, lived alone after losing her husband and close friends. With her children living out of state and limited mobility, she rarely left the house, spending her days watching TV. Isolation took a toll on her health, leading to fatigue, despair, and depression. Her doctor referred her to the local Area Agency on Aging for help.

A Service Navigator connected Eleanor to a senior center, where she joined a painting class and rediscovered joy and friendship. She learned to use technology to video-call her grandchildren and reconnect with old friends. Drawing on her teaching background, Eleanor mentored high school students, finding renewed purpose. Transportation services helped her attend activities and appointments, while therapy and a companionship program offered emotional support.

Within a year, Eleanor’s life transformed. She regained confidence, built meaningful relationships, and rediscovered happiness. Her doctor noted significant improvements in her health, and Eleanor felt her days were fuller and more rewarding than ever.Aging Answers is a trusted companion to link those in need. Contact any of Connecticut’s five Area Agencies on Aging to learn more by visiting the AgingCT website.

AgingCT September 2024 Newsletter

Happy 50th Anniversary to our Five Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)!

Connecticut’s five AAAs are the Agency on Aging of South Central CT, North Central CT Agency on Aging, Senior Resources Eastern CT Agency on Aging, South Western CT Agency on Aging, and Western CT Agency on Aging. We are five agencies with one vision, collectively known as AgingCT.

At 50, we have seen plenty of challenges faced by those we serve. We know their stories. We are their voices. We advocate fiercely on their behalf to address aging and disability issues. We have successfully leveraged partnerships and funding that allow us to provide a full range of services including service navigation, in-home care, case management, transportation, meals, health and wellness programs, elder abuse prevention, health insurance and Medicare counseling, caregiver and family supports, and many other programs that sustain independent living. 

Here’s to 50 beautiful years and counting. Especially, counting on us. AgingCT will continue to lead the way to support the residents of Connecticut as we age…together!

Partners in the Aging Network

Summit Spotlight: Calling all Aging and Disability Professionals!

On November 19, the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, CT will host the second annual AgingCT Summit. This exciting event brings together leading members of the aging and disability network to learn, grow and explore best practices to serve older and vulnerable adults. AgingCT recognizes the fragmentation of the long-term care system and the frustration of individuals and caregivers in their attempt to access services. Through greater network communication and streamlined access, Connecticut can be a leader in the coordination of community services for vulnerable adults. The success of last year’s Summit showed us that we are on the right track.

This year’s conference will focus on transportation, housing, social isolation, and economic security and will provide resources, navigation, and information designed to support our clients. Innovative approaches to the health-related social determinants will strengthen the network’s knowledge and help to build a strong infrastructure.

You are a most important partner in this work. Your voice matters in conversations that will evolve into action. Your unique work in this complex system will provide perspective on the challenges we face and inspiration for the solutions we will shape together. Success for our communities of older and vulnerable adults begins with us. Plan to join us for networking beginning at 8:30 am in the lovely Aqua Turf ballroom. Judith Stein, the founder of the Center for Medicare Advocacy will be recognized along with special guests from Connecticut’s legislative leadership. The Summit offers a chance to galvanize aging and disability providers to envision a new, improved quality of life for all! 

To register, visit the AgingCT website.

It’s been 235 years since electors cast their votes for George Washington in the first U.S. presidential election held in 1789. There was important work to do in America’s infancy and today, we take up the privilege and responsibility that our forefathers and ancestors worked so hard to enshrine…the right to vote. Your vote is your voice…the opportunity afforded to you every two and four years to influence life in your local communities and policies that impact life for everyone in our greying country. Standing in a small space in your voting district or checking off your choices on an absentee ballot upholds over two centuries of American citizens using their voices to say what matters to them. 

AgingCT is proud to partner with AARP Connecticut to promote the Get Out the Vote 2024 campaign that provides citizens with important election guide information about how to vote in Connecticut’s 2024 elections. AARP has also produced a short Why We Vote video.

Important highlights include information about:

  • Absentee voting: Only certain voters can request an absentee ballot, including those who cannot appear at their assigned polling place on Election Day due to absence, sickness, physical disability or another approved reason.
  • Early in-person voting: Connecticut now offers early in-person voting. Voters get four days of early voting for the presidential primary, seven days for the state primary and 14 days for the general election. Any registered voter may cast their ballot early during the early voting period, Monday, Oct. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 3.
  • Voting at the polls: Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. You won’t need to show an ID unless you are a first-time voter.

In March of this year, AARP President and CEO Jo Ann Jenkins wrote in an AARP advocacy article, 

The Best Reason to Keep Voting A chance to shape the future for older Americans, “At the top of the list of issues that will be shaped by the November vote are two that AARP believes are of critical importance: (1) protecting Social Security and (2) making sure that family caregivers who sacrifice so much get much-deserved assistance.”

Do these issues resonate with you? We all support causes that matter to us. It’s vitally important to know where candidates stand on your issues. So, in these next few months, let’s ask the important questions of those who seek to represent our best interests. What do they support? What are their priorities? Who are they listening to? Will they take a moment to listen to you? Especially for voters aged 50 and over, it adds up to this: your voice + your vote = your health. 

As the voice for Connecticut’s seniors, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers, AgingCT is tasked with ensuring that these vulnerable populations know where to find programs and how to access them.  Through our various grants and direct service programs, AgingCT advocates for funding for necessary services to keep people in their homes for as long as they would like to be there.

Funding decisions made at every level of government require lawmakers to fully understand the implications of aging in Connecticut, yet this is not always the case. Decisions made at the federal level include spending on Older Americans Act programs such as elderly nutrition, in-home, and access programs through the Administration for Community Living; anti-poverty, and anti-hunger programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the United States Department of Agriculture; and health care coverage and policy setting by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. 

Decisions at the state level include setting state budget priorities for the next biennium, and at the municipal level, decisions include local zoning regulations, budgeting for town services, and education. Our collective input at each level of government is critical to our experience as constituents in a democracy and to our health and well-being as citizens and neighbors. 

Turns out that exercising your right to vote is an exercise with additional health benefits. Civic engagement, which is frequently measured by voter turnout, has been proven to be good for your health, citing a number of evidence-based health indicators such as self-rated health and mental health, adults receiving disability benefits, and chronic disease prevalence among others.

According to the Health & Democracy Index, states with the most inclusive voting policies also enjoy higher measures of these health indicators. Whereas, states with exclusive voting policies report lower rates of voter turnout and lower scores on those same measures. In addition to restrictive voting policies, barriers such as poverty, transportation, family caregiving, language, and literacy affect communities of color at much higher rates. This increases the prevalence of health disparities within these communities relative to their neighbors living in different zip codes. Yes, the ballot box is directly linked to your bread box, and issues ranging from health inequities to hunger can be addressed by voting.

Remember that your voice and vote MATTERS…whether you vote for President of the United States or your local Board of Education. When you stand in that voting booth, vote early, or mail in your absentee ballot, you are taking your profoundly personal place in American history for the public good. Good for you. Good for all of us.

Learn more at AARP.org/CTVotes.

Aging Answers the Call: A Valuable Community Resource for First Responders

“9-1-1, What is your emergency?” Undoubtedly, most people in the United States have had the occasion to use the national 9-1-1 system. The three-digit telephone number was designated in 1968 as an easy-to-remember universal emergency number that connects callers to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) to request emergency assistance. According to the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), a non-profit organization that focuses on improving 9-1-1 services and emergency communications systems, approximately 96% of the geographic US is covered by some type of 9-1-1.

To give a sense of volume, 106 PSAPs operating under Connecticut’s Division of Statewide Emergency Telecommunications logged 2,075,165 calls to the state’s 9-1-1 system in 2023. To learn more about use of 9-1-1 in Connecticut, visit the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection 9-1-1 Education webpage.

This year marks 56 years of 9-1-1 service in America. In a similar way, as Connecticut’s five Area Agencies on Aging celebrates 50 years of service to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers, we remind our constituents and community partners of the life-changing and potentially life-saving services available through AgingCT’s Aging Answers network of providers.

Aging Answers can help with many of the questions that challenge adults with physical, mental, or financial concerns living in the community. Often, these challenges are noted by community first responders such as police, emergency medical services, mail carriers, delivery personnel or even a neighbor. If emergency responders have been called and the situation is not considered an emergency, the responders have a valuable tool in Aging Answers to help struggling community members.

Instead of “What is your emergency?” Aging Answers responds with “How can we help?” 

How can we help when:

  • Someone cannot afford their medication? 
  • When a person is physically not able to maintain their home?
  • When someone is not eating adequately?
  • When an individual needs education related to home safety, fall prevention or chronic disease management?
  • How can we help caregivers or family members who are stressed out with the care they are providing? 
  • How can we help when a person is showing signs of dementia?

Aging Answers works through AgingCT’s regional Agencies on Aging and ALL our community partners to provide free unbiased assistance with many of these situations in every Connecticut town and for people of any income level. Our trained specialists collaborate with each individual to make a plan that meets their needs, helping with applications to appropriate programs, and connecting with the available resources in their area. 

Agencies on Aging work in close connections with Municipal Agents and Senior Centers, often providing training, support, and referral. Senior Centers provide tremendous community support and opportunity for socialization, exercise and more if the older adult will connect to them. In many situations, help needs to be provided in the home.

Aging Answers is preventive intervention intended to help support the independence and dignity of people as they age in their home and community before their situations elevate to a critical state. We keep a robust partnership with a tremendous variety of businesses and organizations that provide care and support to aging adults throughout Connecticut.

In abusive case situations, Aging Answers also connects with first responders through Elder Justice programs such as the Coalition for Elder Justice in Connecticut, M-Teams (Interdisciplinary teams), and the Elder Justice Hotline.

Connecticut’s Mandatory Reporters may find a beneficial solution by simply connecting with Aging Answers to help a struggling older adult navigate the opportunities available to them to maintain a healthy and independent way to stay in their home.

Of course, for true medical emergencies, individuals, caregivers, witnesses, and other Good Samaritans should instinctively call 9-1-1. For a myriad of other non-life-threatening, but challenging situations, Aging Answers may be just the call.

Visit us online at https://agingct.org/get-help/ or call 1-800-994-9422.

Step Out with September Falls Prevention Strategies

Falls among older adults continue to be a major public health concern, but we have the power to make a difference. This year, AgingCT is excited to partner with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and the Administration for Community Living (ACL) for Falls Prevention Awareness Week (FPAW), September 23-27, 2024.

Why It Matters

Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, but many falls can be prevented with the right strategies. FPAW is more than just a series of events—it’s a nationwide movement aimed at raising awareness, reducing fall risks, and supporting older adults to live confidently and safely.

What’s Happening

How You Can Get Involved

  1. Download the Toolkits: Get all the resources you need to promote and support Falls Prevention Awareness Week by downloading NCOA’s FPAW Toolkit, FPAW Social Media Best Practices and Toolkit, and the FPAW Public Relations Toolkit
  2. Spread the Word: Use social media, newsletters, and local outreach to inform your community about the events and importance of fall prevention.
  3. Host an Event: Plan and execute your own activities using the toolkits. Whether it’s a workshop, seminar, or community gathering, your efforts will contribute to this nationwide cause.

Evidence-Based Strategies for Fall Prevention

Implementing evidence-based strategies can significantly reduce the risk of falls. Here are some key approaches:

  • Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programs: Engage in Tai Chi, strength, and balance training to improve stability. Programs like A Matter of Balance, CAPABLE, Otago, Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance and many other programs offer structured interventions to enhance strength and reduce fall risk.
  • Home Modifications: Make your home safer by removing tripping hazards, improving lighting, and installing grab bars. The Home Hazards Removal Program (HARP) can help identify and address fall hazards in your home.
  • Medication Management: Regularly review medications with a healthcare provider or pharmacist to manage those that may increase your fall risk.
  • Vision and Hearing Care: Regular eye exams and addressing hearing loss can improve response to environmental cues and reduce falls.
  • Footwear and Orthotics: Wear well-fitting, non-slip shoes and consider custom orthotics for better stability.
  • Education and Training: Participate in and promote community-based falls prevention programs and education to increase awareness and safety.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Falls Prevention Awareness Week is a call to action. By raising awareness, adopting evidence-based strategies, and supporting our older adults, we can collectively work towards a safer and fall-free future.

For more information about falls prevention and many other important topics, visit the NCOA website.

AgingCT June 2024 Newsletter

Warm Greetings

The five leaders of Connecticut’s independent Area Agencies on Aging are proud to debut AgingCT News. While we address the unique challenges of our different service regions, we are privileged to serve as the collective voice for Connecticut’s seniors, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers. Thank you for your partnership as we celebrate our successes and address the challenges of aging and disability in Connecticut.

Imagine returning home from a hospitalization unable to bathe and dress yourself, or no longer able to manage household tasks. Some of us may have family who can help with daily chores and caregiving; others might have money to pay for assistance. Do you have the resources for much-needed in-home care to remain safe in your own home? New legislation called presumptive eligibility may help.

Presumptive eligibility, a concept voted into law this session will make immediate in-home care available for residents likely to qualify for the Connecticut Home Care Program. This program offers an alternative to nursing home placement and reassuring peace of mind for older adults and their families who are often thrust into the lengthy, complicated Medicaid system following hospital discharge.

Medicaid is the primary payer of long-term care services but eligibility can take 90+ days, leaving patients and families to scramble for financial resources to private pay for in-home care. Despite a strong desire to return to their own home to recuperate, many patients are ultimately placed in nursing homes because these facilities are better prepared to absorb the cost of care while a patient awaits Medicaid eligibility. For many, a short-term stay turns into long-term placement. 

Presumptive eligibility is a game-changer, allowing people faster access to Medicaid so they can receive in-home care. Plans call for the creation of a presumptive eligibility program, with new screening tools and financial information available to quickly determine Medicaid eligibility. Case managers and social workers will help to facilitate the process and services. 

There is substantial evidence of the savings associated with presumptive eligibility, with a 2021 AARP report citing that “on average, states can provide care for approximately three individuals at home for the cost of one in a nursing home.” Still, the state is allowed to discontinue the bill after two years if it does not prove cost effective.

AgingCT has been a driving force behind in-home care to support a client’s independence and quality of life in their own home and is well-positioned to lead the presumptive eligibility effort. 

Allowing a person the dignity and comfort to age in the place they call home seems like a good idea to just about everyone. In a sweeping show of bi-partisan support, Substitute for Raised House Bill No. 5001 An Act Supporting Connecticut Seniors and the Improvement of Nursing and Home-Based Care passed 143 to 3 in the House and unanimously in the Senate. It was signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont on May 21, 2024.

In more good news, HB5523 An Act Concerning Federal American Rescue Plan Act included funds to assist AgingCT with information and outreach as well as additional funds for a variety of transportation initiatives – perennial high-priority items for older adults. Special thanks for the bi-partisan support and leadership of Representative Matthew Ritter, D-Hartford; Senator Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford; and Representative Jane Garibay, D-Windsor.

Partners in the Aging Network

Embracing Partnerships: The Vital Role of the Aging Network in Community Leadership

Together, as the five Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) navigate the complexities of an aging population, one thing has become increasingly clear: collaboration is key. Within the vast tapestry of services and support systems, the Aging Network stands as a beacon of unity bringing together diverse partners to champion the well-being of our seniors, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers. 

Together, the AAA’s distribute over $40 million throughout the Aging Network to aid older adults and individuals with disabilities. Serving as thought leaders, we engage in advocacy and education efforts, targeting legislators, policymakers, and Connecticut residents to address issues crucial to aging constituents and their supporters.

Unified under AgingCT, we advocate for policy reforms like Presumptive Eligibility, which swiftly provides temporary healthcare coverage to eligible individuals while their full eligibility is determined. AgingCT also champions fair compensation for health and human services, ensuring nonprofit providers have the resources necessary to support Connecticut’s vulnerable residents.

Together, we urge legislators to sustain their backing for community-based navigators, essential for guiding older adults, caregivers, and municipalities through a complex support system. Additionally, AgingCT supports the Nutrition Task Force’s initiatives to modernize contracting and payment systems, facilitating older adult enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to mitigate nutritional risks.

Recognizing the transportation challenges faced by low-income residents, particularly those residing far from public transit routes, AgingCT advocates for innovative transportation solutions. Through our multifaceted advocacy efforts, AgingCT strives to enhance the quality of life for aging individuals and promote inclusive, supportive communities across Connecticut.

At the heart of this network lies the profound recognition of the interdependence between community stakeholders. Whether it’s government agencies, healthcare providers, non-profit organizations, or volunteers, each entity plays a vital role in crafting holistic solutions for the aging population.

Why is this intersection so crucial? It’s because no single entity possesses all the answers or resources needed to address the multifaceted challenges of aging. By fostering partnerships, the Aging Network cultivates a synergistic environment where expertise, resources, and perspectives converge to form comprehensive strategies.

Our commitment to partnership extends beyond mere rhetoric; it’s woven into the fabric of our operations. Through strategic alliances, we maximize efficiency, minimize duplication of efforts, and amplify the impact of our interventions. Together, we create a ripple effect of positive change that resonates far beyond the confines of our immediate sphere.

In embracing our role as leaders within the Aging Network, we embrace a future where aging is not just a challenge to overcome but an opportunity to flourish. By standing shoulder to shoulder with our partners, we affirm our dedication to empowering seniors, enriching communities, and shaping a legacy of compassion and inclusion.

Please join us, Tuesday, November 19, 2024, for the AgingCT/Summit as we continue this journey of collaboration, innovation, and transformation. Together, we’ll navigate the currents of change and emerge stronger, more resilient, and more united than ever before.

Summer signals fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables bursting with color and flavor, and the hometown hustle and bustle of lively local farmers markets. Many older adults eagerly sign up for the CT Department of Agriculture (DoAG) Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) that provides low-income seniors with seasonal access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs. Why then, do those same seniors stop short of participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) which provides funding for a variety of healthy foods purchased at many locations year-round…especially when both programs have the same income guidelines? Here’s some food for thought.

According to 2022 data on food insecurity in Connecticut by Feeding America, the largest charity working to end hunger in the United States, 468,150 CT residents don’t know where their next meal will come from, making them food insecure. That’s 12.9% of the population, or 1 out of every 8 people in our state. Chances are that your neighbor is hungry. Chances are you don’t realize it.

This article found Senior Resources Executive Director Alison Dvorak literally out in the field coordinating the SFMNP with DoAG. The program runs from June 1 to November 30th and is open to seniors over 60 and disabled individuals meeting income and housing guidelines. Benefits can be redeemed at Connecticut farmers’ markets and select farmstands throughout the state.

Dvorak said that participation is always high for the farmers market program, which provides a seasonal stipend, but people are hesitant to sign up for SNAP benefits, which provide monthly food stipends. She shared a story of a client who called her agency about the farmers market program, learned that she also qualified for SNAP, and began receiving almost $100 a month more for nutrition.

“It was a huge help for her,” said Dvorak. “We want more people to learn about SNAP and enjoy the nutritional and financial benefits.”

According to the Administration for Community Living, for older adults, nutrition services to promote the general health and well-being of people age 60 and older are authorized under Title III-C of the Older Americans Act, which funds local senior nutrition programs. These nutrition services include heathy home-delivered meals and meals served in group settings, such as senior centers and faith-based locations. 

Senior nutrition programs are managed by Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). The programs provide a range of services including nutrition screening, assessment, education, and counseling. SNAP is a state-funded program that gives people in Connecticut help to buy food. So metaphorically speaking, when it comes to these programs, AgingCT is involved from soup to nuts.

Connecticut legislators recently unanimously passed Senate Bill 396, now Public Act 24-99, An Act Implementing Task Force Recommendations for the Elderly Nutrition Program. Many of the provisions in this bill came from the task force formed in response to a drop in federal funding as well as rising food costs. The bill calls for the development of a plan to maximize SNAP benefits to support the elderly nutrition program.

“Food security is one of the biggest challenges of aging due to rising food costs, reduced ability to use transportation, and even the physical challenges of carrying groceries,” explained Dvorak, who is also a registered dietitian and was involved with the task force recommendations. “Senior nutrition programs are woven into service navigation provided by AgingCT. Another benefit of our association is that we have streamlined some activities of managing the program by working together and sharing best practices. We encourage older adults, their caregivers, and anyone who works directly with older adults to connect with us to learn more. The need to eat is everywhere…and AgingCT has solutions to keep our aging population from experiencing hunger.”

An Initiative to Improve the Experience of Aging

AgingCT combines the power of five nonprofit Area Agencies on Aging to create a collaborative statewide network of coordinated information, resources, and referrals to better assist Connecticut residents with aging-related issues. This professional association serves as more than just a hub for collaboration; it embodies leadership in action as we develop innovative approaches to aging issues through advocacy, legislation, and research.

In 2022, AgingCT sponsored The Great AAAsk, a statewide survey that asked all Connecticut residents ages 60 and older to offer their insights on the aging and caregiving experience. The data from this survey was used to inform AgingCT’s key areas of focus as well as legislative priorities. In short, your voices gave rise to our collective voice, and we continue to raise it on federal, state, and local levels to champion for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers.

While we are five separate agencies, leveraging our common strengths and experiences has shown us that we’re not just adapting to change – we’re driving it.

Thanks to ground-breaking support and multi-year funding from the Point32 Health Foundation, we’re improving services by asking better questions and working together to advance our Aging Answers initiative.

Aging Answers connects Connecticut’s older adults and their caregivers to long-term care services and supportive services to help maximize their independence. We assist clients with private home care and the many programs associated with in-home care; provide Medicare and Supplemental Insurance guidance; care supports; respite services; and health, wellness, and nutrition programs.

Programs won’t succeed unless you have people behind them dedicated to improving the lives of others. Each of the five Area Agencies on Aging work with Service Navigators who assist older adults and caregivers with complex benefit enrollment and program applications and offer person-centered planning to empower informed decision-making.

The impact of a Service Navigator extends beyond individual assistance as they also collaborate with municipalities to identify community needs and develop targeted solutions, fostering a more supportive environment for seniors and caregivers alike.

The increasing demand for services is evident in the statistics. With the senior population growing rapidly, especially those aged 60 and above, and the 85 and older demographic witnessing remarkable expansion, the need for additional support is undeniable. Our 2022 GreatAAAsk survey revealed that half of the state’s residents are uncertain about where to seek long-term care support and services. Thanks to initiatives like Aging Answers, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers can find reassurance in knowing they are not alone on their journey towards maximizing independence and quality of life. Find your Area Agency on Aging and many other helpful resources on the AgingCT website.