There are numerous state agencies, federal agencies and private organizations that provide information on elder care for Connecticut's senior citizens. Trying to find the appropriate agency or organization for a particular need may at times be difficult. CTHelpNet.org was created to help you navigate through the maze of information on elder care. In the table of contents below you will find elder care services that may be of interest to you. If you click on a particular item, you will be guided to a resource that may help you. CTHelpNet.org continually monitors the elder care field and updates this website as needed.

CTHelpNet is not affiliated with any of the agencies, organizations or businesses referenced on this website and does not profit in any way from your use of this site.

We welcome your comments. E-mail them to cthelpnet@cthelpnet.org.

Table Of Contents

When selecting an Adult Day Care Service facility, you should do some research to find the facility that best suits your needs. The National Adult Day Services Association can help you select an appropriate adult day care center by providing you with some basic guidelines. To visit their website click here.

The State of Connecticut has a search tool on its Long-Term Care website that allows you to locate Connecticut adult day care centers by town. To visit this website click here.

Connecticut's Aging Services Division has a list of adult day care centers on their website. You can view this list by clicking here.

Cthousingsearch.org is a new website which allows you to find affordable housing in Connecticut. To visit their site click here.

Your local housing authority provides income-based affordable housing for people who are capable of living independently and are sixty-two years of age or older, or under the age of sixty-two and certified as disabled. Each housing authority sets a maximum yearly income level that applicants must not exceed for admission. There is generally a waiting list. For information on maximum income levels and waiting list guidelines, contact your local housing authority. Many Connecticut housing authorities are members of Conn-Nahro (the Connecticut chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials). For a list of Conn-Nahro member housing authorities, visit their website by clicking here.

Connecticut's Department of Economic and Community Development has a complete list of Connecticut housing authorities listed on their website. To visit their site click here.

Your Municipal Agent on Aging will be able to help you locate a housing authority near you. To contact your Municipal Agent on Aging, call your town hall.

If you are a homeowner having financial difficulty maintaining your home or a person looking for affordable housing, Project Home Share may help you. Project Home Share matches up a homeowner with a person seeking affordable housing. The homeowner gains a tenant to ease the financial burden of home ownership, and the tenant benefits from an affordable living arrangement. To learn about this program and the requirements and compensation, contact your Area Agency on Aging. To locate the Agency that serves your town click here.

The Federal Government's Housing and Urban Development website has a search tool which allows you to find housing authorities nationwide. To access this search tool click here.

The Federal Government's Housing and Urban Development website also has a search tool which allows you to find subsidized housing for seniors in Connecticut and all other states. To access this search tool click here.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (section 8) provides rent subsidies to families with low incomes who find their own apartments and negotiate their own rents. To learn about this program and its qualifications, visit the Connecticut Department of Social Services' website by clicking here.

If you are a veteran or veteran's spouse and need help paying for care in your home, a nursing facility or an assisted living facility, the Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit may help you. To learn about this little known benefit, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs' website and scroll down to number seven. Click here.

Currently more than 4 million Americans are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's Association of Connecticut provides information on Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia. They also provide information about support groups, adult day care, respite care, hospice care, legal resources and the signs of stress. To visit their website click here.

The National Institute on Aging has a caregiver guide for people caring for a family member with Alzheimer's Disease. You will find the guide on their website by clicking here.

The Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program offers help to stressed caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementias. To learn about this program click here.

      Locator Devices

Individuals with dementia wander off all to frequently. There are now wrist band locator devices that can be worn by dementia patients that can locate them if they ever wander off. These devices provide the care giver with peace off mind, and safety for the person with dementia. Companies that make these devices are Care Trak International and Locator Systems. If you decide to use a locator device, you should check with your local police department to determine the type of locator support they provide before you purchase a specific locator system. To learn about the Care Trak International locator click here. To learn about the Locator Systems locator click here.

Your Area Agency on Aging is one of the most important resources for Connecticut's senior citizens. Their trained counselors can provide you with information on home care programs, housing options, senior centers, transportation, support for family caregivers, medical insurance, Medicare prescription drug plans, Medicaid, long term care insurance programs, etc. Their expertise is especially important to those who are trying to choose the best Medicare coverage. There are five Area Agencies on Aging in Connecticut. To locate the Agency that serves your town click here.

If an individual can no longer live independently at home but does not need nursing home care, an assisted living facility might be an option.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services has an assisted living fact sheet posted on their website which covers: what is assisted living; what services are provided; how to choose a facility; what is the cost for assisted living. To visit their website, click here.

The State of Connecticut's Long-Term Care website has a search tool which allows you to find assisted living facilities in Connecticut. To use this search tool, click here.

All Continuing Care Retirement Communities have assisted living facilities. To learn about Continuing Care Retirement Communities, go to our Continuing Care Retirement Community section by clicking here.

The Federal Government's Long-Term Care Insurance website can give you an idea of the average cost of an assisted living facility in any state. To visit their website, click here.

If you are 62 or older and have successfully completed an accident prevention course, you may be eligible for an auto insurance discount. For more information, visit the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles website by clicking here.

The National Council on the Aging has created a great screening tool to help seniors determine the benefits for which they may qualify. You will find this screening tool on the Connecticut Elderly Services Division's website by clicking here.

Many people are taking on the role of caregiver by helping an aging parent or relative maintain their health and independence. Connecticut's Aging Services Division has developed an online training video that helps you understand the role of a caregiver and the resources and services that are available for caregivers. To view this very helpful informational video, visit their website by clicking here.

The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders is State and Federally funded and helps people aged 65 or older remain at home rather than go to a nursing facility. The program offers help with chores such as cleaning and cooking. It can also help provide visiting nurses and home health aides. To learn if you qualify for the Connecticut Home Care Program and for application information, there are two websites you can visit. One is the Ct Elder Law Website. The other is the CT Department of Social Services Website.

The Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care is a joint effort of the State of Connecticut and a select group of insurance companies to provide Connecticut residents with affordable Long-Term Care insurance while protecting the insured's assets. Insurance companies that are not part of The Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care do not offer asset protection. The Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care started in 1992 and was the first in the nation. To learn about this innovative Long-Term Care Insurance, visit The Connecticut Partnership's website by clicking here.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities, also known as Life Care Facilities, offer independent living, assisted living care and skilled nursing care all on one campus. When you buy into a Continuing Care Retirement Community, it can be with the understanding that you will have the necessary care as you age. You may move from independent living to assisted living to skilled nursing care, depending on your needs. To gain a thorough understanding of how Continuing Care Retirement Communities are structured, visit HELPGUIDE.org by clicking here .

When selecting a Continuing Care Retirement Community, careful attention must be given to the CCRC's contract. There is usually a large deposit required and you should be aware of its disposition if you decide to move to another facility. You should also determine the financial health of a CCRC. Some Continuing Care Retirement Communities have filed for bankruptcy. Request a financial statement from the CCRC and have it evaluated by an accountant or an attorney. The National Senior Citizens Law Center has a series of questions on their website that can be used to help evaluate a CCRC. To visit their website click here.

If you wish to locate Continuing Care Retirement Communities nationwide, the Gilbert Guide has an excellent search tool on its website which you can access by clicking here.

Below you will find the Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Connecticut. If you click on the name of the facility, you will reach its website.

Arbors Manchester

Ashlar Village Wallingford

Covenant Village of Cromwell Cromwell

Duncaster Bloomfield

East Hill Woods Southbury

Edgehill Stamford

Elim Park Cheshire

Essex Meadows Essex

Evergreen Woods North Branford

Meadow Ridge Redding

McAuley Retirement Community West Hartford

Pomperaug Woods Southbury

Seabury Bloomfield

StoneRidge Mystic

3030 Park Bridgeport

Whitney Center Hamden

If you are planning on retiring to another part of the country, CNNMoney.com has a cost of living compare tool that will show you what your new costs will be for groceries, housing, utilities, transportation and healthcare. To use CNNMoney's cost of living compare tool, visit their website by clicking here.

The Connecticut Department of Social Services provides assistance to people with disabilities to help them maintain an independent life within their own home. For detailed information on available help, visit their website by clicking here.

Additionally, the non-profit Independent Living Centers in Connecticut provide programs for people with disabilities to help them reach their full potential. They also work to help communities develop better ways to fully integrate people with disabilities. The services they offer are advocacy, information, referral, peer counseling and skills training. The locations of the Independent Living Centers in Connecticut are:

Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County
80 Ferry Boulevard
Stratford, CT 06615
(203) 378-6977 (V); (203) 378-3248 (TDD)
website: www.drcfc.org

Center for Disability Rights
764A Campbell Avenue
West Haven, CT 06516
(203) 934-7077 (V)
(203) 934-7079 (TDD)

Independence Unlimited
151 New Park Avenue - Suite D
Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 523-5021 (V)
(860) 529-0436 (TDD)

Disabilities Network of Eastern Connecticut
238 West Town Street
Norwich, CT 06360
(860) 823-1898 (V/TDD)

Independence Northwest
1183 New Haven Road-Suite 200
Naugatuck, CT 06770
(203) 729-3299 (V)
(203) 729-1281 (TDD)

The Connecticut Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society provides information and assistance to help people with MS attain the highest quality of life. They provide physical health programs, emotional health programs, family support programs, accessibility-independent living programs and long-term care services. For detailed information on these programs visit their website by clicking here.

If you are 62 or older, you may take courses at Connecticut's universities and community colleges tuition free. To learn about this great program, visit Connecticut's Department of Higher Education's website by clicking here.

Very often conflict will develop in a family caring for an aging family member. Family members may argue about how to provide the best elder care. Frequently this leads to ill feelings, expensive legal counsel and court proceedings. The field of elder and family mediation is a relatively new service that can help family members overcome their differences and resolve disputes concerning elder care. To learn about elder and family mediation, the National Care Planning Council has detailed information about elder and family mediation services on their long-term care website. To visit their website click here.

Being prepared for any type of emergency or natural disaster is extremely important, especially for the elderly and disabled who live on their own. There are several resources that can help you with emergency preparedness. One is the Connecticut Community Care website. To visit it click here. Another is the Ready.gov website. To visit it click here. Connecticut's Aging Services Division has emergency preparedness information on their website. To visit it click here.

The financial abuse of the elderly is an extremely serious crime that is underreported and on the increase. The estimated financial loss from this crime is well above 2 billion dollars annually. The Mature Market Institute of Met Life has detailed information about this devastating crime and ways to prevent it on their website. To visit their website click here .

The Connecticut Money School offers free financial instruction to adults on topics such as: Debt, Saving, Credit, Loans, Home Ownership and Senior Issues. They will also be offering classes on Health Care and State Benefits. All instructors are volunteer professionals. To learn about this new program, visit the Connecticut Money School website by clicking here.

Some Connecticut libraries will deliver library material to the elderly without charge. Call your local library to inquire if they provide this free homebound delivery service.

The Connecticut Elder Law website has a listing of free legal services for elders. To visit this site click here.

The Center for Medicare Advocacy provides free legal advice and representation to those on Medicare who are denied medical coverage. Visit their website by clicking here or call 1-800-262-4414 or 1-860-456-7790.

If an elder appears to be having difficulty with the routine of daily living and may need assistance, a geriatric assessment should be considered to maximize the elder's quality of life. A geriatric assessment is generally conducted by a team of elder care specialists to determine the condition and specific needs of an elder. A care plan is then formulated to address those needs. The care plan is generally implemented by a geriatric care manager. An excellent resource to learn about the geriatric assessment process is the Helpguide website. To visit their website click here.

Your physician may be able to help you set up a geriatric assessment. A professional geriatric care manager may also help you with the geriatric assessment process. The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers has a search tool on its website allowing you to find a professional geriatric care manager near you. To use their search tool click here.

If you are setting up a healthcare environment for an elder, a credentialed, professional geriatric care manager could be a valuable resource. A professional geriatric care manager is multi-disciplined in the elder care field. They will evaluate an elder's condition, identify specific needs and prescribe and help establish a supportive environment. The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers has detailed information about care managers on their website. To visit their website click here.

The Helpguide website also has information about geriatric care managers. To visit their website click here.

The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers has a search tool on its website that allows you to find a professional geriatric care manager near you. To use their search tool click here.

AARP has information on their website about how the new health care reform law will effect people on Medicare and private health insurance. To visit their website click here.

If you are below 65 years of age and looking for affordable health insurance, Connecticut's new (July 2008) Charter Oak Health Insurance Plan may be for you. To learn about this new health insurance alternative, visit the Charter Oak Health Plan website by clicking here.

If you are caring for a child under 19 years of age, you may qualify for the State's Husky Health Insurance Program. To learn about this program, visit the Husky website by clicking here. For further detailed information, call toll free 1-877-284-8759 to speak with a Husky representative.

To learn about Medicare Insurance, visit our section on Medicare by clicking here.

To learn about Medicaid Insurance, visit our section on Medicaid by clicking here.

If you need help understanding health insurance options for seniors, your local Area Agency on Aging has trained counselors who can help you. To find your local Area Agency on Aging, click Here.

To reach the age of 90 and beyond is becoming common place. It is important that we work to maintain our good health in order to enjoy a vital life style in our later years. Fortunately, there is a wealth of information on healthy aging that we can all benefit from. The National Institutes of Health website has information on how to stay healthy, get good healthcare and manage lifestyle changes as you age. To visit their website, click here. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a guide to healthy living, current health news, personal health tools and locator services on their healthfinder.gov website. To visit it click here. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has health information for women on their womenshealth.gov website. To visit the site click here.

Thousands of Connecticut homeowners and renters are eligible for heating assistance for the winter season. The heating assistance program helps eligible households pay for heating sources like oil, natural gas, electricity, propane, kerosene, coal and wood. There are two components to the heating assistance program: the regular Connecticut Energy Assistance Program; and for homeowners and renters who are in a higher income level, the Contingency Heating Assistance Program. To determine whether you qualify and for application information, visit the Winter Heating Assistance Website.

If you are considering establishing a home care environment for someone, a comprehensive geriatric assessment of that person is a good place to start. The geriatric assessment will determine a person's specific care needs. Visit our section on Geriatric Assessment.

There are two approaches to establishing a supportive home care environment. One is to work with a professional geriatric care manager who will be able to evaluate your situation, identify any problems and find a solution for your home care needs. The other is to learn about the resources that are available to you by doing your own research.

If you would like to work with a professional geriatric care manager, visit our section on Geriatric Care Management.

If you would like to establish a homecare environment without the help of a professional care manager, it is important that you do some research before selecting a licensed, quality agency or individual. The following information may help you learn about the home care options that are available.

The Caring website is an excellent source of information on what you should know before hiring a home care agency or private caregiver. To visit their website, click here.

The Foundation for Health in Aging of the American Geriatrics Society has published a book entitled Eldercare at Home. The book gives advice and guidance to individuals caring for a loved one at home and can be viewed at their website by clicking here.

The National Institute on Aging has a caregiver guide for people caring for a family member with Alzheimer's Disease. You will find the guide on their website by clicking here.

The Connecticut Association for Home Care and Hospice can direct you to the home care agencies and visiting nurses associations that serve your town by clicking here.

Compare Home Care Agencies. The Medicare website has a tool that allows you to compare the home care agencies you are considering. To use the compare tool, visit their website by clicking here.

If you are caring for a terminally ill family member at home, go to our section on Hospice Care by clicking here.

To give you an idea of the costs of home care services, Connecticut's Office of Policy and Management has posted service rates on their website. To visit the site, click here.

The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders is State and Federally funded and helps people aged 65 or older remain at home rather than go to a nursing facility. The program offers help with chores such as cleaning and cooking. It can also help provide visiting nurses and home health aides. To learn if you qualify for the Connecticut Home Care Program and for application information, there are two websites you can visit. One is the Ct Elder Law Website. The other is the CT Department of Social Services Website.

The Administration on Aging has developed the National Family Caregiver Support Program to help individuals deal with the complexities of caring for a family member. The program offers training, counselling, support and respite care. To learn about this important program and its eligibility requirements, click here.

Your local Area Agency on Aging has trained counselors who can help you understand your home care options. To find your local Area Agency on Aging, click here.

Advancements in home care technology now allow for the monitoring of an individual living alone at home. There are a variety of systems on the market that use web cams and sensors in conjunction with computers and cell phones that enable you to keep track of a loved one's activities in their home from a distance. Below are listed some companies that supply these systems. Click on the name of the company to visit their website.

CaregiverTech

GrandCare

HealthSense

Intel Health Guide

QuietCare

      Technology For Dementia Patients

Individuals with dementia wander off all to frequently. There are now wrist band locator devices that can be worn by dementia patients that can locate them if they ever wander off. These devices provide the caregiver with peace off mind, and safety for the person with dementia. Companies that make these devices are Care Trak International and Locator Systems. If you decide to use a locator device, you should check with your local police department to determine the type of locator support they provide before you purchase a specific locator system. To learn about the Care Trak International locator click here. To learn about the Locator Systems locator click here.

End of life care is an especially difficult time for families. Care must be given to both the physical and emotional aspects of the passing of a life. The physical needs of the patient and the emotional needs of the family become intertwined. Because of their training, Hospice Care personnel are especially suited to deliver such inclusive care.

Connecticut Hospice, established in 1974, was the first Hospice in the country. They are a leader in the Hospice Care field and provide both inpatient care and home care for the terminally ill. For specific information on how they might help you, visit their website by clicking here.

The Connecticut Association for Homecare and Hospice has a list of Medicare certified and State licensed hospice facilities on their website. To visit their site, click here.

If you plan to relocate your household and would like assistance with the planning and coordination of your move, a senior move manager may be able to help you. A senior move manager is especially trained to help older adults move. The National Association of Senior Move Managers has information on their website that details the work of a senior move manager. To visit their website click here.

If you would like to get in touch with a senior move manager, The National Association of Senior Move Managers has a search tool that allows you to locate a senior move manager near you. To use their search tool, visit the National Association of Senior Move Managers website by clicking here.

Since people are living longer, it is inevitable that more of us will need some kind of Long-Term Care. The Medicare website is an excellent resource to learn about Long-Term Care and the options that are available to you. They explain what Long-Term Care is, the types of Long-Term Care, steps to choosing Long-Term Care, Medicare and Long-Term Care, paying for Long-Term Care etc. To access this Long-Term Care information, visit their website by clicking here.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has developed the National Clearing House for Long-Term Care Information which can also help you prepare for any possible Long-Term Care needs. To visit their website, click here.

Another excellent resource is the State of Connecticut's website on Long-Term Care. To visit the site, click here.

To give you an idea of the expenses you might be looking at if you ever need Long-Term Care, Medicare has a Long-Term Care planning tool on its website which can estimate your Long-Term Care costs. To access their Long-Term Care planning tool click here.

Connecticut's Office of Policy and Management has a list of rates for nursing home care, home health services and home and community based services on their website. To access the site, click here.

If you are interested in Long-Term Care rates in other states, you can find the information on the Federal Government's Long-Term Care Insurance website by clicking here.

The Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care is a joint effort of the State of Connecticut and a select group of insurance companies to provide Connecticut residents with affordable Long-Term Care insurance while protecting the insured's assets. Insurance companies that are not part of The Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care do not offer asset protection. The Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care started in 1992 and was the first in the nation. To learn about this innovative Long-Term Care Insurance, visit The Connecticut Partnership's website by clicking here.

If you are in your sixties or older and find that Long-Term Care insurance is costly, a Continuing Care Retirement Community might be an option for your Long-Term Care needs. Continuing Care Retirement Communities offer different fee schedules depending on the care you anticipate needing. To learn about this Long-Term Care option, go to our section on Continuing Care Retirement Communities by clicking here.

The Elderly Nutrition Project, funded by Connecticut's Aging Services Division, provides meals to individuals 60 years of age and older and their spouses at about 200 community cafe sites. Meals can also be delivered to the homebound who are eligible. To locate a community cafe site near you, visit Connecticut's Aging Services Division's website by clicking here.

A food pantry, which is generally operated by a church or community, provides food support for families in need. To locate a food pantry that serves your area, visit Connecticut's Long-Term Care website by clicking here.

Medicaid, also known as Title 19, is a safety net that can be used by the elderly and the disabled with lower incomes to help pay for their medical expenses and long-term care. To acquire Medicaid coverage, there are certain eligibility requirements that must be meet.

The Center For Medicare Advocacy has information about Connecticut's Medicaid program and eligibility requirements on their website. To visit their site, click here.

Your local Area Agency on Aging has trained counselors to help you understand Medicaid. To find your local Area Agency on Aging, click here.

If a person on Medicaid is residing in a nursing facility and would prefer to be cared for at home, there is a program called "Money Follows the Person" which might allow that person to move back to the community. To learn about this program, visit the AARP website by clicking here.

Medicaid for the Employed Disabled allows people with disabilities to work at a living wage without jeopardising their Medicaid coverage. For information on this vital program for the disabled, visit the Medicaid for the Employed Disabled Website by the clicking here.

Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage form the backbone of the present Medicare system. Original Medicare began in the mid 1960s to insure that retirees would be provided with adequate medical coverage. Original Medicare is government funded and government administered. The Medicare Advantage component began in the mid 1980s. Medicare Advantage consists of private health plans which are government funded and administered by private insurance companies. The main difference between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage is the rule of choice. With Medicare Advantage you are generally restricted to using medical providers that are within a defined network. With original Medicare you have unlimited choice of medical providers who accept Medicare. Choosing between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage can be confusing because of differing care and cost guidelines. Before signing up for retirement insurance, it is imperative that you have a thorough understanding of what the different Medicare Advantage plans offer and how they compare to Original Medicare. Only then can you decide which option is best for you.

      Original Medicare

To help you understand original Medicare, the Kaiser Family Foundation has easy to understand information about basic Medicare on its website. To visit their site click here.

For more detailed information on original Medicare, the Health Assistance Partnership is an excellent resource. To visit their website click here.

When enrolled in original Medicare, it is important to purchase a supplemental health insurance policy (Medigap) to help pay the deductibles and coinsurance costs not covered by original Medicare. The Kaiser Family Foundation is an excellent source of information on supplemental health insurance. To visit their website click here. When enrolled in Medicare Advantage, it is unnecessary to purchase supplemental health insurance.

To compare Medigap policies and pricing, go to Medicare's Options Compare webpage and click on Find & Compare Medigap Policies. To visit Medicare's Options Compare webpage click here.

When enrolled in original Medicare, it is also important to purchase a Medicare Part D drug plan to help pay for prescription drugs. The Kaiser Family Foundation is an excellent source of information on Medicare Part D drug coverage. To visit their website click here. Another excellent source is the Center for Medicare Advocacy. To visit their website click here.

For more detailed information on Medicare Part D, the Health Assistance Partnership is an excellent resource. To visit their website click here.

To compare Medicare Part D drug plans visit Medicare's prescription drug plan finder webpage by clicking here.

To get help understanding original Medicare, it might be wise to speak with someone trained in the complexities of the Medicare system. Your local Area Agency on Aging has trained counselors to help you understand your Medicare choices. To locate the Area Agency on Aging that serves your town click here.

      Medicare Advantage

The Kaiser Family Foundation is an excellent resource to help you understand Medicare Advantage and how it compares to original Medicare. You can visit their webpage on Medicare Advantage by clicking here.

For more detailed information on Medicare Advantage, the Health Assistance Partnership is an excellent resource. To visit their website click here.

Another excellent resource for understanding Medicare Advantage is The Center for Medicare Advocacy. Pay special attention to their GUIDELINES FOR CONSIDERING OPTIONS. To visit their website click here. The Center for Medicare Advocacy also provides free legal advice and representation to those on Medicare who are denied medical coverage.

Medicare's website has a webpage where the Medicare Advantage plans can be compared. To visit Medicare's website and use their comparison tool click here.

To get help understanding Medicare Advantage, it might be wise to speak with someone trained in the complexities of the Medicare system. Your local Area Agency on Aging has trained counselors to help you understand your Medicare choices. To locate the Area Agency on Aging that serves your town click here.

The official government handbook on Medicare, "Medicare & You 2010", can be viewed on Medicare's website by clicking here.

If you have been denied medical coverage under the Medicare system and have been unable to resolve the denial, there is an excellent resource available to Connecticut residents that can help you. The Center for Medicare Advocacy, located in Willimantic, Connecticut, has expertise in appealing Medicare denials. Their staff of highly qualified attorneys can provide you with free legal help to resolve a denial of Medicare services. To reach the Center for Medicare Advocacy call 1-800-262-4414 or 1-860-456-7790.

When you become enrolled in original Medicare, you do not automatically receive prescription drug coverage. You have to pro-actively choose a Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage plan. It would be wise to spend some time researching Medicare prescription drug coverage so you can select the best plan for your needs. To gain a thorough understanding of Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage and to learn about the guidelines for choosing a plan, there are two excellent sources you can reference. One is the Kaiser Family Foundation. To visit their website click here. The other is the Center for Medicare Advocacy. To visit their website click here.

For more detailed information on Medicare Part D, the Health Assistance Partnership is an excellent resource. To visit their website click here.

To compare Medicare Part D drug plans visit Medicare's prescription drug plan finder webpage by clicking here.

Your local Area Agency on Aging has trained counselors to help you understand your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage choices. To locate the Area Agency on Aging that serves your town click here.

If you qualify for Medicare and are having difficulty paying your Medicare premiums, there is help available. The Medicare Savings Programs assist eligible individuals with the payment of their Medicare premiums. The Center for Medicare Advocacy has detailed information on the Medicare Savings Programs on their website. To visit it click here.

Medicare's website has a brochure which explains eligibility requirements for the Medicare Savings Programs. To view their brochure click here.

When enrolled in original Medicare, it is important to purchase a supplemental health insurance policy (Medigap) to help pay the deductibles and coinsurance costs not covered by original Medicare. The Kaiser Family Foundation is an excellent source of information on supplemental health insurance. To visit their website click here. When enrolled in Medicare Advantage, it is unnecessary to purchase supplemental health insurance.

Another excellent source of information on Medigap is the Center for Medicare Advocacy. To visit their website click here.

To compare Medigap plans and pricing, go to Medicare's Options Compare webpage and click on Find & Compare Medigap Policies. To visit Medicare's Options Compare webpage click here.

Your local Area Agency on Aging has trained counselors to help you understand your Medigap options. To locate the Area Agency on Aging that serves your town click here.

Moving from a nursing facility back to the community can be a difficult task. "My Community Choices" is a program that is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and is managed by the CT Association of Centers for Independent Living. The program helps people prepare for a move back into the community. For information on options for moving from a nursing facility back to the community, visit the My Community Choices Website.

If a person residing in a nursing facility is on Medicaid and would prefer to be cared for at home, there is a program called "Money Follows the Person" which might allow that person to move back to the community. To learn about this program, visit the AARP website by clicking here.

Every Connecticut municipalty is required by federal law to have a Municipal Agent on Aging. The agent's job is to inform residents age 60-plus about elder care issues, and to help locate elder services and apply for benefits. To reach a town's Municipal Agent on Aging, contact the town hall.

There are two types of nursing home care: intermediate nursing care and skilled nursing care. Intermediate nursing home care provides round-the-clock 24-hour-a-day supportive care with the goal of rehabilitation for return to a home setting or assisted living facility. Skilled nursing home care provides round-the-clock 24-hour-a-day comprehensive care for individuals with chronic conditions who need constant supervision and for individuals who are in the convalescent stage of a serious illness or injury.

The State of Connecticut has search tools to help locate nursing facilities. To find an intermediate nursing home facility click here. To find a skilled nursing home facility click here.

To compare nursing homes, Medicare's website has comparison data that shows if a nursing home is for-profit or not-for-profit, the number of beds they have, whether they are part of a continuing care retirement community, plus more. To obtain this information click here.

Connecticut's Office of Policy and Management has posted average Connecticut nursing home fees on their website. To view these fees, click here.

To view the fees charged by nursing home in other states, visit the federal government's Long-Term Care Insurance website by clicking here.

Connecticut residents age 65 or older, or certified as disabled and age 18 or older, may be eligible for ConnPace. ConnPace is a State-administered program that helps with the cost of most prescription drugs, including insulin and insulin syringes and needles. For eligibilty guidelines and for application information, visit the ConnPace website by clicking here.

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance has a website to guide Connecticut residents who need assistance paying for prescription medication. For information on the many programs available, visit their website by clicking here or call 1-888-477-2669 from 8 AM to 10 PM.

Many pharmaceutical companies have set up programs that provides free and subsidized medication to people who cannot afford their medicine. To learn more, visit the Patient Assistance Program Center RxAssist website by clicking here.

Medicare recipients who have limited income may be eligible for financial assistance with medication purchases. To learn about eligibility guidelines for these funds, visit the Benefits Check-up webpage at Connecticut's Elderly Services website by clicking here.

The Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities is an investigative, referral and advocacy service for people with disabilities. They can provide help for those who are discriminated against because of a disability, and for those disabled individuals who experience abuse and neglect. To visit their website click here.

The Connecticut Department of Social Services has a program to help people age 60 and older who are the victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation. An abused victim's needs are assessed, and resultant services are provided. For detailed information on this program, visit the Protective Services website by clicking here .

Connecticut allows for property tax relief for homeowners age 65 and older and for totally disabled homeowners of any age. Additionally, some towns have established their own property tax relief program to augment the State's program. For income and eligibility guidelines for property tax relief and for application information, contact the municipal assessor at the town hall where the applicant resides.

The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services provides opportunities for people with disabilities to attain a life of independent living. The three main services the Bureau provides are: The Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Disability Determination Services and the Independent Living Program. For detailed information on these programs, visit their website by clicking here.

Connecticut allows for a "Partial state refund of rent and utility bills paid by certain renters aged 65 and older or renters under the age of 65 with permanent total disability." Income guidelines for this program and application information may be obtained by contacting the municipal assessor at the town hall where the applicant resides.

A reverse mortgage allows senior citizens to draw upon the equity in their home, to help with the expenses of later life. Reverse mortgages can be useful; however, they are not for everyone. Because a reverse mortgage is often the solution of last resort, a common concern is how to time the mortgage so that the funds last as long as the senior will benefit. When considering a reverse mortgage, be certain to thoroughly understand its structure and the fees involved before committing to its use.

Here are three excellent resources that offer detailed information on reverse mortgages.

To visit the AARP reverse mortgage webpage, click here.

To visit the HUD reverse mortgage webpage, click here.

To visit the Federal Trade Commission reverse mortgage webpage, click here.

The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) has established a reverse annuity mortgage program for the elderly with limited incomes and long-term care needs. To learn about this program, visit their website by clicking here.

For help making a decision about a reverse mortgage, it may be wise to speak with an attorney who specializes in this area.

Senior centers can be an excellent resource for older adults. It is a place to socialize and establish a sense of community with fellow seniors. Many centers host group-travel opportunities in addition to various activities. Senior centers may provide information and education on maintaining one's health and independence. To locate CT senior centers by geography, click here.

Giving up driving is often a difficult process for the elderly. Caring.com provides information to help evaluate the driving ability of an elder and to help manage the decision to stop driving. To visit their web site click here.

The Social Security Administration's website is an excellent tool to help address Social Security issues. Future Social Security recipients who have not yet started receiving retirement benefits and who would like to review their monthly benefits options can use the online calculator to estimate future retirement benefits. Additionally, a screening tool determines which Social Security programs an applicant may be eligible for. First-time applicants may complete the application process online. To reach the Social Security website click here.

This is a federally funded program that provides income for the basics of food, clothing and shelter. An applicant must be age 65 or older and have limited income and resources. Adults under age 65 who are certified as blind or disabled may also qualify for SSI. To learn more about SSI's eligibility requirements, benefits and how to apply, visit Social Security's Supplemental Security Income webpage by clicking here.

Rely on these three services to find transportation: local senior centers; municipal agents on aging; and local area agencies on aging.

To locate senior centers, visit Connecticut's long-term care website by clicking here.

To locate municipal agents on aging, contact the local town hall.

To find area agencies on aging, click here.

If you are having difficulty locating the information you need, try the INFO LINE website by clicking here or call INFO LINE toll free at 211. INFO LINE is supported by the State of Connecticut and Connecticut United Ways.