FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The best place to start is at your local Senior Center. There you will find many exercise classes, from Aerobics to Zumba and everything in between! Visit the “Select Your Town” page to find your local senior center and view their health and wellness classes.

You can start by finding a wellness program in your area that will help you. You can follow the link to Wellness Programs on the ”Health & Wellness” page. Also, “Live Well with Diabetes” is a program offered throughout Connecticut. You can find workshops in your area by visiting the “CT Healthy Living” website on the Health & Wellness page.

Home care is non-medical care. Home health care is medical care provided in your home for the treatment of an injury or an illness. In order to receive home health care, your doctor must determine that you need medical care in your home and typically you must be homebound. In most cases, your doctor will make a plan for these services.

Many local pharmacies provide delivery service. You can contact them directly to find out. You can also contact your local Senior Center to find out about volunteer services in your town that will be able to help.

See the “Community Clinics” link on the ”Health & Wellness” page to find a health clinic in your area that provide free or subsidized health care services.

You can start by using the “Benefits Checkup” Tools on the ”Health Insurance & Benefits” page to see what benefits you qualify for. You can also have a CHOICES counselor work with you one on one to determine your benefits. A link to information about the CHOICES program is also on the ”Health Insurance & Benefits” page.

Thank you for your service! The veterans’ benefits listed in the “For Veterans” sections on the ”Health Insurance & Benefits” page will help you determine what health care and other benefits are available to you as a veteran.

You can start by reviewing the links listed in the “Prescription Assistance” sections on the ”Health Insurance & Benefits” page for prescription assistance and discounts. Many pharmaceuticals provide Patient Assistance Programs that can help with prescription drug costs. You can find out about these programs on the “Patient Assistance Drug Programs” on the ”Health Insurance & Benefits” page.

The best place to start is to speak with a CHOICES counselor. CHOICES is Connecticut's program for Health insurance assistance, Outreach, Information and referral, Counseling, Eligibility Screening. The program provides information and assistance about Medicare and other related health insurance options. You can find out about this program at the CHOICES PROGRAM on the ”Health Insurance & Benefits” page.

You can start by visiting the My Place CT website to see what programs and services you may qualify for to live independently at home. See the link on the ”Health Insurance & Benefits” page to “My Place CT Service Assessment”.

You can find out if you qualify for state and federal programs and services to live independently on the My Place CT website at the links on the Aging in Place page. for “My Place CT Service Assessment”. You can also speak with a “Care Through Community Partners” on the Aging in Place page.

Aging in Place page provides an overview of programs and services. If you need in-person help to learn about long-term care, services and supports in your community, you can reach out to a “Care Through Community Partners” representative at the link on the ”Aging in Place” page.

The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) helps eligible applicants over 65 years old to continue living at home instead of going to a nursing home. See the link on the ”Aging in Place” page to find more information about this program.

You can visit our “Safety & Protection” page within the Senior Resources section to find out about services, programs and products that can help you. You can also find out about programs he may qualify for to get assistance at home in the “Programs for Aging in Place” section on the ”Aging in Place” page.

Home care is non-medical care. Home health care is medical care provided in your home for the treatment of an injury or an illness. In order to receive home health care, your doctor must determine that you need medical care in your home and typically you must be homebound. In most cases, your doctor will make a plan for these services.

The main decision that must be made by you, your mother and other family members is whether your mother should remain living at home with in-home support, or would be better off in another type of senior housing. You can begin the process by reviewing the resources on the "Senior Housing" page to explore what options are available and what is best for your particular situation. Then you can visit our “Aging in Place” page in Senior Resources to explore programs and services that help seniors stay living in their own home.

There are many programs in Connecticut that help families with the resources they need to “age in place”, or to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level. For more information about Aging in Place, you can visit our “Aging in Place” page in Senior Resources.

Assisted living is a long-term care option for elders who need a level of assistance higher than that of a retirement community, but not as extensive as a medical or nursing home or hospital. Assisted living facilities provide an independent lifestyle with customized assistance, such as preparing meals, facilitating transportation, managing medication and other assistance in their daily lives.

Assisted living is a housing option for seniors who cannot live independently and need help with medications and daily living activities, such as bathing, grooming, eating and dressing. Continuing Care Retirement Communities offer several levels of assistance, including independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing care that can be offered as the needs of the resident changes over time.

The “Home Repairs” section on the "Support Services" page contains links programs that can help with home repairs. Also, you can contact your local Senior Center to find out about local services and programs that can help you with your home repairs.

There are several bereavement and counseling programs that can help you as you find your way during this difficult time. Please see the links in the “Mental Health” section on the ”Support Services” page to find a program near you.

There are several programs in Connecticut that can help with friendly visits by volunteers, as well as visits and in-home care by professionals. You will find links to such programs in the “In Home Support” and “In Home Assistance” section on the ”Support Services” page.

The first step is to determine what types of support your grandmother needs. You can browse through all ten category sections of this Resource Center to get an overview of services. The Caregiver Center will also provide direction for planning and getting the support you need.

There are several organizations that focus on the needs of LGBT seniors and offer programs, services and advocacy. We have listed links to some of these organizations in the “LGBT Senior Programs” sections on the ”Support Services” page.

The links in the “Tax Assistance” section on the ”Financial & Legal Services” page will provide information for AARP and other tax return services that assist seniors. Each town in Connecticut has programs to assist with tax returns as well and they can be found at the “Local Tax Assistance Program” on the ”Financial & Legal Services” page, or by calling your local Senior Center.

Yes, it is advisable to consult with an attorney who specializes in Elder Care to find out about Aging in Place programs, how to qualify and how to apply for benefits. You can also visit the “Aging in Place” page on this website to learn about programs and benefits that can assist with resources to live independently in your own home & community.

We thank you for your service! There are several programs in Connecticut that can provide assistance for veterans. We have listed those programs in the “For Veterans” section on the ”Financial & Legal Services” page. You can also follow the link to the “Property Tax Exemptions for Veterans” program on the ”Financial & Legal Services” page.

There are tax credit programs in Connecticut that provide rebates for property tax for seniors. You can follow the links on the ”Financial & Legal Services” page under “Tax Assistance” sections to find out how to apply for tax rebates. Also, you can contact your local Senior Center to find out about local programs that may also help you on this topic.

The Meals on Wheels program will deliver nutritious daily meals right to your aunt’s home if she qualifies for this program. There are other programs in Connecticut that will also deliver meals to the homebound. Please review the links on the ”Food & Nutrition” page to visit the websites of local food programs to learn more about their services and how to qualify.

There are several programs available in Connecticut that provide assistance with getting you the nutritious meals you need to stay healthy. Programs such as Meals on Wheels will deliver nutritious meals right to your home. The SNAP program provides monthly benefits to help you buy the food you need. Many local Senior Centers have Senior Cafés, which provide low-cost, nutritious meals five days a week in the company of your peers. Please review the links on the ”Food & Nutrition” page to learn about these and other programs that can help you.

Eating right is very important to staying healthy well into your senior years. Our local Senior Centers provide nutritious meals through the “Senior Cafés” program, where you can have lunch with your peers. Many Senior Centers offer classes and seminars about diet and nutrition. You can also check out Connecticut’s “Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program” listed on the ”Food & Nutrition” page to help you incorporate seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables into your diet. You can also visit our “What’s New” section to view Health & Wellness articles that offer tips for healthy eating.

Federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps eligible individuals and families afford the cost of food at supermarkets, grocery stores and farmers’ markets. Individuals can apply for these benefits by completing a state application form. This form can be done online, or mailed, faxed, or dropped off at a local DSS Regional Office. Please see the “SNAP Program” link on the ”Food & Nutrition” page to learn more.

There are many opportunities for volunteering, which helps you to stay active and connected with your community while helping others! You can find volunteering opportunities in your local area in the “Volunteer Programs” section on the” Activities & Work” page. There are also many ways to get involved at your local Senior Center – from classes, to seminars to fun field trips. You can find your local Senior Center on the “Select Your Town” page on this website. Also, every town has continuing education programs and our area YMCA’s offer many recreational programs. All of these learning and recreational opportunities are listed on the ”Activities & Work” page.

You can find your local Senior Center on the “Select Your Town” page on this website. A list of Senior Centers is also provided under “Social Activities” on the ”Activities & Work” page.

You can contact the “Senior Community Service Employment Program” listed on the ”Activities & Work” page to find out about training and part-time employment at nonprofits and public agencies. This program is for lower income seniors. You can also contact Encore to find out about second career opportunities. Other online job boards to check out are Indeed and Linkedin.

There are many opportunities for volunteering, which will help you to stay active and connected with your community while helping others! You can find volunteering opportunities in your area in the “Volunteer Programs” sections on the ”Activities & Work” page. Your local Senior Center also can fill you in on ways you can volunteer your time, either with programs at the Center or in your local community.

There are several options for seniors who no longer drive. Please see the lists on the ”Transportation” page for assistance.

There are several programs in Connecticut that will help you get where you need to go and accommodate your wheelchair. Please see the links on the ”Transportation” page in the “Transportation Services” sections to find programs in your area that provide wheelchair accessible transportation.

It is very important that people of any age, but especially seniors, stop driving when it is no longer safe for them to drive. It is important to discuss this with your family to make the right decision to protect everyone involved. The AARP Driver Safety Program listed in the “Additional Resources” section on the ”Transportation” page is a good place to start. On their website, you will also find articles and seminars which will help you determine when it is time to stop driving.

Yes, you can check with your local Senior Center to find additional resources that are specific to your town. To find your local Senior Center, go to the “Select your Town” page on this website.

You can begin by reviewing the links in the “Emergency Medical Response Services” section on the ”Safety & Protection” page to learn about systems that alert emergency services and your family if you fall. Also, your local Senior Center may have classes and seminars that focus on balance and fall prevention. You can find your local Senior Center on the “Select your Town” page on this website. Also, you should review the resources listed on the “Aging in Place” page on this website to learn about programs and in-home services that can help you live in your own home safely and securely.

Connecticut has programs that assist seniors with paying their heating and fuel bills. Please see the links in the “Fuel and Utilities Assistance” section on the ”Safety & Protection” page to learn about these programs.

It is important to discuss this with your mother as soon as possible to make the right decision to protect everyone involved. The AARP Driver Safety Program listed in the “Additional Resources” section on the ”Safety & Protection” page is a good place to start. On their website, you will also find articles and seminars which will help you determine when it is time for your mother to stop driving, as well as tips for discussing this with her.

Our area Senior Centers offer seminars about fraud and safety, often in partnership with local police departments. You can contact your local Senior Center to find out about upcoming events such as these. You can find your local Senior Center on the “Select your Town” page on this website. You can also review the resources on the ”Safety & Protection” page in the “Fraud Prevention and Protective Services” for more information about preventing fraud.

The best place to start is to visit the “Aging in Place” page on this website, from the link at the top of this page. You can find out if your mother qualifies for state and federal programs and services to live independently on the My Place CT website at the links listed on the "Caregiver Planning" page. These and other planning resources are available on the “Aging in Place” page.

The best place to start is to visit the “Benefits Checkup” link to the National Council on Aging Benefits Calculator. You can find a link to this website in the “Additional Resources” on the "Caregiver Planning" page. Also, you can visit the My Place CT website for as guidance for preparing for your future health care needs. That link is also listed on the "Caregiver Planning" page. You can also visit our “Health Insurance & Benefits” page in this resource center to learn about how to qualify and apply for assistance.

There are many housing options for seniors depending on their specific needs and resources. These options range from “Aging in Place” programs which can help them to remain living safely and independently at home, to housing facilities such as Assisted Living Communities, Continuing Care Communities, Skilled Nursing Facilities and other settings. Visit the “Senior Housing” Resources page on this website to learn about different housing options.

Medicare is a health insurance program administered by the U.S. government covering people who are either age 65 and over or who meet other special criteria. It can cover hospital, medical, and prescription drug expenses. Medicaid is the largest source of funding for medical and health-related services for individuals and families with limited income. It is jointly funded by the states and federal government and managed by the states. Among those served are eligible low-income parents, children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Home care is non-medical care. Home health care is medical care provided in your home for the treatment of an injury or an illness. In order to receive home health care, your doctor must determine that you need medical care in your home and typically you must be homebound. In most cases, your doctor will make a plan for these services.

You can visit our “Safety & Protection” page within the Senior Resources section to find out about services, programs and products that can help you. You can also find out about programs he may qualify for to get assistance at home on the “Aging in Place” Resources page on this website.

There are several programs in Connecticut that can help with friendly visits by volunteers, as well as visits and in-home care by professionals. You will find links to such programs on the “Support Services” Resources page on this website.

The Meals on Wheels program will deliver nutritious daily meals right to your aunt’s home if she qualifies for this program. There are other programs in Connecticut that will also deliver meals to the homebound. Please review the links on the “Food & Nutrition” Resources page to visit the websites of local food programs to learn more about their services and how to qualify.

Please see the links on the "Caring for Yourself" page to find a caregiver support group that meets in your area. Also, you can visit the Caregiver forums and websites listed on the "Caring for Yourself" page to find a supportive online community that will help you cope as a caregiver.

You can visit the links on the "Caring for Yourself" page for Adult Day Care programs, which provide day programs that your mother can attend, and Respite Care Programs, which provide longer periods of relief for caregivers. Also, visit the “Aging in Place” Resources page on this website to learn about homecare services and programs that may be able to assist you financially with affording homecare.

There are many resources that can help you. You can start by joining a caregiver support group in your area. The links on the "Caring for Yourself" page will take you to websites that have information about when and where these groups meet in your area and how to join. In addition, there are several online support communities where you can share and learn from others. Links to these websites are listed on the "Caring for Yourself" page. You can also visit our “What’s New” section on this website where you can find relevant articles tagged as “Caregiveing”.