Important News !!
CT Alzheimers Respite Care Program Re-Opens !
The CT Alzheimers Respite Care Program has re-opened and applications are being accepted! If you are a caregiver caring for a loved one with Alzheimers or a related dementia, you may qualify for financial assistance to provide you with some respite from the stressors of day to day caregiving. For more information contact our Respite Care Manager, Katie Regan at (203) 333-9288 or email her at kregan@swcaa.org
For an application click here
Live Well! A New Health Promotion Program
The Live Well Program, a chronic disease self management program, is a workshop given for 2 1/2 hours once a week for six weeks. People with different chronic health conditions attend the program together. Workshops are facilitated by two trained leaders, one or both of whome may be peers with a chronic health condition of their own. Participants will learn:
- techniques to deal with problems such as fatigue, pain and isolation
- appropriate exercises for maintaining and improving strength and endurance
- appropriate use of medications
- communicating effectively with family and health care professionals
- nutrition
- making informed treatment decisions
For more information inlcuding a list of upcoming workshops, click here.
Health Reform and What it Means for Seniors
On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law. There is a great deal of information in the press and TV media about what this new law looks like and how it affects individuals and families. However, there is also a great deal of misinformation which is creating a great deal of panic and confusion. Below are links to several non partisan publications that present you with simple facts on what this new Health Reform law is, when different parts of it will be implemented and how it affects seniors and Medicare beneficiaries. We will continue to add and update information as it becomes available.
Health Care Reform and it's impact on Medicare Beneficiaries (PPT)
Straight Talk for Seniors on Health Reform by The National Council on Aging
Fact Sheet on Health Reform by The Medicare Rights Center
Questions and Answers on Health Reform by The Medicare Rights Center
Closing the Donut Hole by The Medicare Rights Center
The Community Freedom Fund
The Community Freedom Fund was established in partnership with the five Centers for Indpendent Living and the five Area Agencies on Aging in CT to assist older adults and people with disabilities in transitioning from nursing homes back into the community. The fund is to assist individuals in acquiring neccesseties such as furniture, bedding, food and other needed items. Donations are tax deductible and all monies raised go directly to assist the individual transitioning out of the nursing home. Donations can be made by clicking here: Community Freedom Fund.