Eastern Connecticut Area Agency on Aging assistance programs.
The assistance provided by Senior Resources and the Eastern Connecticut Area Agency on Aging starts with a screening process. Based on the result of that, the applicant (whether they are a senior, caregiver, or disabled) will be directed to either government aid or resources available directly by the non-profit.
The Area Agency on Aging covers the counties and towns around Middlesex, New London, and Windham. Not only that, but they have information on dozens of assistance programs available in the community, such as Congregate Housing Services or Meals on Wheels.
Resource center at Eastern Connecticut Aging Office
Community Choices is the name of the regional Aging and Disability Resource Center, which makes use of our information specialists’ as well as the extensive knowledge from staff. The location will connect people to services that cover a number of needs. They include Short-Term Care Management, Options Counseling, Benefits Screening, Application Assistance, as well as Long-Term Care Planning.
Referrals are also given as part of Community Choices to older and/or disabled clients. This is done as there are dozens of other agencies in towns such as New London which offer help. They include Adult Day Care, free Legal Services, Job Centers that offer assistance with Employment or Equipment Needs, Transportation, as well as Elder Abuse Prevention.
Eastern Connecticut Area Agency on Aging provides preliminary screening to determine client eligibility, as noted above. Based on the results, staff will help people apply for energy bill assistance, Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders, pharmaceutical assistance, Medicare, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or Food Stamps), Medicaid (Title 19), property tax relief, and supplemental security income. A major focus is on offering information on property tax exemptions and rebates for the elderly. The screening for this process is done through Benefits Check Up, a nationwide online information service.
The Case Management Program provides access to programs and services, as well as coordination of care for caregivers as well as seniors who are dealing with diminished functioning capacities. There is also support for clients battling personal issues or other concerns requiring the services of a professional provider.
Specific case management activities from Senior Resources may include performing needs assessments. Then the team will help them with developing care plans; arranging, authorizing and coordinating social services provided by various agencies; and follow-up if and when needed.
Information is given by the Eastern Connecticut Area Agency on Aging Aging and Disability Resource Center. The non-profit will use all of their knowledge and resources. They will connect clients to the services and support they deserve. There are places in New London and Windham that offer benefits screening, information and assistance to decision support and follow-up.
Food and free meals for seniors
Eastern Connecticut Area Agency Meals on Wheels has volunteer drivers that deliver fresh, hot meals to homebound seniors in towns such as Middlesex or New London. There is help offered on a daily basis. In general, the food is delivered around noon, along with additional cold meals that can be heated for dinner or a holiday, when necessary.
Besides furnishing the meals, which will provide one-third of the Recommended Daily Intake of nutrients for seniors – including cardiac, low sodium diabetic, and many other dietary concerns – this service provides the opportunity for homebound seniors to benefit from daily contact with friendly as well as the specially trained volunteer drivers. In addition, each participant for this home delivery service is visited by one of the program’s registered dietitians once a year, for the purpose of providing an individualized in-home assessment.
Additional food aid is provided by Eastern Connecticut Area Agency on Aging. One key resource is known as the Congregate Meal Program. The Community Cafes at Aging on Aging in counties such as New London serve nutritious meals in a social setting that provides an opportunity for diners to gather for people their own age, have fun, eat well, and learn about other local resources. There are also partnerships with Salvation Army soup kitchens Anonymous donations are requested but not required.
Menus vary from month to month, but always meet one-third of the Recommended Daily Intake for seniors. Centers in Windham Connecticut may have whole-grain breads, low-fat milk and plenty of fruits and vegetables. The non-profit will offer additional food and meals around special events and occasions. This includes holidays, ethnic themes, and traditional favorites as menus are developed.
Free Eastern Connecticut education and financial assistance services
If and when needed, Senior Resources will offer education and counseling, both financial as well as health or nutrition. Additionally, the dietician from the Aging Center is able to determine whether other service needs are being met. In addition to federal government funded Meals on Wheels funding, the agency will request small dollar donations to help meet operational expenses.
The CHSP - Congregate Housing Services Program offers a number of supportive services to eligible seniors. There is also assistance for temporarily disabled individuals. The goal is to help them to continue to live independently in their own homes.
To qualify for Eastern Connecticut Area Agency on Aging CHSP services, an individual must reside at one of the following senior housing sites. In addition, they also need support in performing at least three daily living activities. This program is for residents of Willimantic, Moosup, Danielson, and other towns.
Senior Resources’ Energy Bill Related Assistance Program provides grants for low-income older adults in the Eastern Connecticut area who are having difficulty paying market prices for home heating fuel, oil or utilities. The program is federally funded. It makes payments for fuel delivery or utility service directly to suppliers based in New London or other areas on behalf of customers.
Alternatively, the Aging Center will arrange to have utilities provided a prices at or below the market price. The clients of any energy program are expected to share costs at levels determined according to their economic circumstances. Read more on Connecticut energy bill assistance for seniors.
The National Family Caregiver Support Program funds caregiver respite services. Eastern Connecticut Area Agency on Aging will help pay for adult day care, homemakers, and home health aides. Based on the results of an in-depth assessment, staff members determine the individual caregiver's needs and then provide services. After all, Respite Care is a vital service that temporarily relieves those of their care-giving responsibilities.
Supplemental services provided by the Senior Resources as well as the National Family Caregiver Support will partially fund items such as durable medical equipment not covered by insurance. There will also be help for medical needs or one-time emergency programs. The items covered by the program are based on the specific needs of individuals, but may be wheelchairs, crutches, and the like.
Alzheimer’s Respite is available through either private providers or community service organizations. Participating in a needs assessment as a basis for the development of a limited care plan for the caregiver is a third respite option.
Funding for the Alzheimer programs are provided by the State Department of Social Services, and covers, among others, the services of home health aide, personal care assistant, an adult day care, homemaker, nurse, personal emergency response system, or short term care in a nursing home or assisted living facility. Funds from the state may be used for daytime or overnight respite. These services are offered by Senior Resources in partnership with the Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and the statewide Connecticut Area Agencies on Aging.
Adult day care services provide care for dependent seniors in a protective, supervised, congregate setting during a given portion of a twenty-four hour day. Services provided in this setting may serving hot meals, social and recreational activities, training, and counseling.
The Senior resources Chronic Disease Management Service helps those with chronic diseases gain self-confidence in their ability to control their symptoms. This can be cancer, diabetes or other services. There is guidance given to them as they confront their health challenges, and maintain control of their lives.
Last, but not least, Senior Resources’ Continuing Education provides older adults in Eastern Connecticut with an opportunity to acquire and/or improve knowledge and skills. Learn about how to live on retirement savings, about pensions or retirement accounts and other key skills. There are many approaches to this. Support is given through a formal or informal combination of training sessions, meetings, seminars, and workshops.
Applying for senior help in Eastern Connecticut
The main office of Senior Resources – Eastern Connecticut Area Agency on Aging is as follows. 4 Broadway, 3rd Floor, Norwich, CT 06360. However there are some satellite offices too. Phone (860) 887-3561.
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