Introducing AgingCT.org, a New Information Hub for Resources on Aging in Connecticut

Five regional human service organizations have joined efforts to give older residents centralized access to assistance and resources

middle aged man assisting senior woman on a laptop computer

CONNECTICUT —
Five Connecticut organizations have joined forces to launch AgingCT and agingct.org, a statewide network of coordinated information, resources and referrals to help Connecticut residents get assistance with aging-related issues.

AgingCT seeks to eliminate the ‘dead ends’ residents may encounter when seeking help. To this end, AgingCT has developed a unique triage model that facilitates connections to resources at the state and federal levels, as well as the network of community providers, resident service coordinators, municipal agents, and senior center directors across the state.

AgingCT comprises the five Area Agencies on Aging that serve all eight counties in Connecticut — Agency on Aging of South Central CT; North Central Area Agency on Aging; Senior Resources Agency on Aging; Southwestern CT Agency on Aging; and Western CT Area Agency on Aging.

“There is strength in numbers,” said Melissa Lang, president and CEO of Agency on Aging of South Central CT. “AgingCT allows more coordinated support for residents with complex issues and needs.”

Unlike other existing hotlines, AgingCT provides information in addition to referral services — allowing residents to make appropriate decisions about where to seek help based on their care preferences, needs, and financial situations. 

The coalition of agencies is also committed to promoting more equity among Connecticut communities. 

“Not all communities receive equal access to care and long-term supports,” said Mike Hebert, executive director of the Western CT Area Agency on Aging. “Plans are in the works for a data mining system that will help us identify gaps in services, allowing us to do more focused outreach work in underserved areas.”

In 2022, AgingCT sponsored The Great AAAsk (https://www.thegreataaask.org), 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 the survey, residents revealed:

  • Older adults are interested in having a resource such as the Area Agencies on Aging but are not aware that the agencies can be utilized to obtain care information and services. 
  • Older adults and caregivers frequently have low levels of awareness on housing information, legal assistance, local services, and assistance with state and federal benefits. However, older adults and caregivers rate these programs and services as very important. 
  • 82% of respondents said they would utilize a mobile application that functions as a care services information hub.  
  • 40% indicated they looked or would look for care information and services online
  • Participants were insistent regarding the importance of legal assistance, personal care, in-home supports, food security, and local services.  

As a result of these and other findings, AgingCT has assembled a set of legislative priorities that target the most consequential issues facing Connecticut’s 60+ population. The cost of housing and utilities are the top two economic issues for more than 85% of low-, moderate- and middle-income respondents. 

“Scarcity of housing and affordability of housing are equally problematic,” Alison Dvorak, director of education and training at Senior Resources Agency on Aging. “In most areas, the Public Housing Authority’s Maximum Allowable Rent (MAR) is far above the Medicaid income limit and represents more than half of the wages earned by minimum wage earners.”

To that end, AgingCT proposes to increase the Medicaid Waiver asset limit to $10,000 and the Medicaid income limit to 138% of the federal poverty level. This would allow residents to strategically plan for financial emergencies, including home repairs, car repairs, rent increases, and other emergencies while qualifying for long-term and other medical care services in the community. 

Another pressing issue is fair and equitable reimbursement for Medicaid Providers. According to AgingCT, this is needed in order to reach the state’s goal of rebalancing the Medicaid system toward home and community services and away from more expensive skilled nursing facility care.

The Great AAAsk and other surveys also indicate that nearly half of Connecticut residents need help accessing long-term care or support. 

“The staggering growth in the age cohort 60 and older as well as 85 and older demands additional support for application and enrollment services in long-term care services and supports,” said Maureen McIntyre, chief executive director of North Central Area Agency on Aging.

For more information, visit agingct.org. If you are unsure of your region, please call 800-994-9422 for assistance.

About the Areas on Aging

Agency on Aging of South Central CT (Greater New Haven and lower Naugatuck Valley)
The Agency on Aging of South Central CT (AOASCC) is an independent non-profit organization serving older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers in greater New Haven and the lower Valley. Our mission is to empower adults to remain as independent and engaged as possible within their communities through advocacy, information, and services.

North Central Area Agency on Aging (Hartford and Tolland Counties)
The North Central Area Agency on Aging is a regional non-profit organization based in Hartford, CT, that provides planning, management of funding and advocacy services to older persons and their caregivers.

Senior Resources Agency on Aging (New London, Middlesex and Windham Counties)
Senior Resources Agency on Aging (SRAA) is a strong voice for eastern Connecticut’s aging population. Through SRAA’s involvement at the federal, state and local level we work to enhance the quality of life for older persons. In addition to advocating legislatively, our continuing work with volunteer and citizen groups increases public awareness of senior issues.

Southwestern CT Agency on Aging (Fairfield County)
The Southwestern CT Agency on Aging and Independent Living (SWCAA) is here to help you maintain and improve the quality of your life in the community. SWCAA can help you navigate options to help you or your loved one remain in the community regardless of age.

Western CT Area Agency on Aging (Litchfield, Fairfield, and New Haven Counties)
The mission of the Western CT Area Agency on Aging, Inc., is to develop, manage and provide comprehensive services for seniors, caregivers and individuals with disabilities through person-centered planning in order to maintain their independence and quality of life.

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