Connecticut - Southern

The feisty generation of the 50s and 60s is now carrying AARP Creds. They have raised children and taken care of their moms and dads. Many of these new seniors have one thing in common with the greatest generation before them; they want to remain independent and living safely in their own homes. More open minded than earlier generations, they are exploring todays technologies to help them age comfortably in the homes they have enjoyed for so many years. This group has the internet at their fingertips to search for the latest products and ideas. No longer do they adapt to their homes, this group is adapting their home to them. It is no surprise that marketing has caught up to these seniors, with the size of the boomer generation, it was only a matter of time. Modifications can range from color coordinated grab bars to European style walk in showers. Ramps no longer have to have the bare wood look, they can be incorporated into the landscape. Not every modification needs to be large or expensive. A level door handle can work for anyone, but it is also a valuable aid to the arthritic hand. The choices are becoming endless to assist specific needs.Help and advice for current or future needs are also available now more than ever in the past. Many businesses and agencies offer help to seniors trying to remain at home. Solving a current situation or planning for the future can be done with the help of Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists, also known as CAPS. This certification is a cooperative effort by the AARP and National Association of Home Builders to certify specialists in the area of home modifications to help seniors make informed decisions. These people have the expertise to help seniors adapt their homes to meet their specific needs with design and build ideas. Creating a first floor living environment in your existing home or building an addition to include a bedroom and bathroom before you retire is forward thinking. Perhaps you already have a first floor bathroom but want a larger, barrier free one to make life easier as you age. Moving a laundry room from the basement to the first floor is always a great idea. Whatever you needs will be, it is not a bad time to become a senior.This article was submitted by Bruce Lawler, Lawler & Sons Design & Construction for Independent Living; a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. 203-985-8121

This is a question many older adults are asking themselves. Do I move into a senior living community? Some find an independent living community or Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) appealing, but many others would like to stay in their own homes. Some worry about their future health care needs or what will happen to their assets.Continuing Care at Home (CCAH) programs are expanding around the country for those wishing to stay in their own homes but wanting the assurance of health care coverage. In Fairfield and New Haven counties, Senior Choice at Home, a program of Jewish Senior Services, is a CCAH program licensed by the State of Connecticut.The program is the only one of its kind in Southern Connecticut. It is a comprehensive lifetime membership program that pays for, provides, and coordinates long-term care, as needed. The program offers 24-hour on-call services and communication with loved ones and support, navigation, and advocacy for members throughout a health event. In addition, personalized care plans are based on a members health needs and treatment preferences and implemented when needed. Concierge services, including referrals, are included.Care management and coordination, private duty (non-medical) home care, assisted living, and skilled nursing are covered, if needed. These services are coordinated in conjunction with existing Medicare benefits such as medical home care, short-term rehabilitation, and outpatient therapy, so there is a seamless care team in place for members. The program can stand alone or align with existing long-term care insurance policies as supplemental coverage. It can fill the long-term care insurance gap by supplementing the benefit amount, extending the benefit period, and lessening the elimination period, with no pre-approvals or claim forms.Members have found that care navigation support and home services are a vital resource for recovery following an illness or accident. They also enjoy the social and cultural events that support their desire for a full life of activities they enjoy.Because members stay in their own homes, the cost of the program is substantially less expensive than traditional CCRCs. Membership fees are considered prepaid medical expenses and therefore may have tax benefits.For a free no-obligation personalized consultation, please email [email protected] or call 203-365-6491

Welcome to Know How to Go, your one stop for information on all your travel needs in southwestern Connecticut. This program is designed to enhance peoples access to their communities by identifying the best transportation service to meet the unique needs of seniors, individuals with a disability, and veterans. Our purpose is to provide you with a host of valuable travel-related information about all transportation services in the southwestern region of Connecticut. From the public bus to accessible taxi service, we will let you know your transportation options along with special programs and discounts for each service. As the Regional Mobility Management team for southwest Connecticut, we are also tasked with gathering information about transportation challenges you face and helping to find solutions. Together with our community partners, the Regional Mobility Manager at The Kennedy Center will work with you to connect you with the best service available in your town and beyond.Funded by Federal Transit Administration and CT Department of Transportation dollars, the Regional Mobility Manager works closely with all local transportation providers including: Greater Bridgeport Transit; Norwalk Transit District; CTTRANSIT Stamford; Milford Transit District; Valley Transit District; CT rides; volunteer driver programs; taxi services; and rail transit providers to provide the most comprehensive service to meet your individual needs. We also collaborate closely with our network of human service agencies and other service providers in the region. The Regional Mobility Management programs service area includes the coastal towns between Greenwich and Milford and north to the Valley region. For a map of our service area, click on the Guidebook of Services on our website at www.knowhowtogoct.org, or contact the Regional Mobility Manager at the number below to request a hard copy of the Guidebook.The Kennedy Center, Inc., a non-profit agency that provides a wide array of services for people with disabilities, seniors and veterans, administers the Regional Mobility Management program. The program is guided by a Steering Committee whose members consist of a variety of stakeholders in the Bridgeport/Stamford Urbanized Area including representatives from the Western Connecticut Council of Governments, Greater Bridgeport Regional Council, Valley Council of Governments, Connecticut Department of Transportation, Greater Bridgeport Transit District, Norwalk Transit District, Valley Transit District, and others. Steering Committee membership is open and participation is welcomed and encouraged from all who are interested in improving transportation services and options for people with disabilities, seniors and veterans in southwest Connecticut.For more information about the Regional Mobility Management program or transportation services in your area, please contact Margaret Mixon at 203.365.8522 x. 263. Be sure to visit our website at www.knowhowtogoct.org, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/knowhowtogo, and follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/knowhowtogo

Love Your Heart: How the YMCA Can Help You ThriveFebruary is American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death for Americans. With over 600,000 lives lost each year, it's crucial to understand the risks and take proactive steps to protect our hearts. The good news is that a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk, and the YMCA is here to support you every step of the way. The Heart of the Matter: Understanding the RisksHeart disease doesn't discriminate. It affects people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Key risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and excessive alcohol use. While some risk factors are beyond our control, many are modifiable through healthy lifestyle choices. The American Heart Association's Winning Formula for Heart Health:The American Heart Association provides a clear roadmap for maintaining a healthy heart:Get Moving: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or a combination of both. Spread it out throughout the week for consistent benefits. Even more activity (up to 350 minutes per week) can provide additional health gains.Strength Training is Key: Incorporate moderate- to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activities at least three days a week.Group Exercise: Fitness and Community: Participating in group exercise classes is a fantastic way to boost endurance and build supportive relationships within your community. Connection is vital for a strong heart!Sit Less, Move More: Combat the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle by minimizing sitting time. Even light activity can make a difference.Fuel Your Body Wisely: Focus on conscious consumption. Choose nutrient-rich foods and limit processed sugars and refined carbs.Moderation is Your Friend: Reduce your intake of alcohol, tobacco, negative self-talk, social media, and television. While these can be enjoyed in moderation, daily overuse can negatively impact your heart health.Self-Love Through Healthy Choices: Making healthy choices is an act of self-love. Prioritize activities you enjoy that nurture both your body and mind, surrounded by people you cherish. You deserve it! How the YMCA Supports Your Heart Health Journey:The YMCA offers a wealth of resources and programs to help you achieve your heart health goals:Diverse Fitness Classes: From Zumba and spin to yoga and strength training, the Y offers a wide variety of group exercise classes to get your heart pumping and muscles working. Find a class you love and make it a regular part of your routine!State-of-the-Art Fitness Centers: Our well-equipped fitness centers provide everything you need for a great workout, including cardio machines, free weights, and strength training equipment.Personal Training: Need extra guidance and motivation? Our certified personal trainers can create a customized workout plan to help you reach your specific goals.Aquatic Programs: Swimming and water aerobics are excellent low-impact exercises that are gentle on the joints while providing a great cardiovascular workout.Community and Support: The Y is more than just a gym; it's a community. Connect with others who share your health and wellness goals and find the support you need to stay on track.Nutrition Resources: The Y offers nutrition workshops and guidance to help you make healthy food choices. The Benefits of a YMCA Membership:A YMCA membership provides access to all these incredible resources and more. Beyond the physical benefits, a Y membership fosters a sense of belonging and community, which is essential for overall well-being. Investing in your heart health is an investment in your future, and the YMCA is the perfect partner to guide you on your journey. Take the First Step:This February, make a commitment to prioritize your heart health. Visit www.ymcacollier.org to learn more about our programs and how we can help you live a longer, healthier life. Your heart will thank you for it!