Welcome to Seniors Blue Book's new home page for Southern Connecticut. Here you will find the latest information on senior care, housing, resources and local events for your community. This site compliments our local Seniors Blue Book and our edition for professionals, the Discharge Planners Resource Notebook. Feel free to email us and let us know how we can help you. We look forward to hearing from you soon! Carol Raitanen, Publisher
Browse through the most recent copy of your local SBB!
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Click to viewJoin us for one ore all of our interactive, educational presentations and open discussions. We hope you can join us for any and all of these valuable presentations - And we will send you home with dinner!
Join us for a morning of networking and collaboration on how we can better serve the senior citizens of the Greater Milford Area.
The Estuary promotes independent healthy aging through supportive programs, services, and advocacy for older adults in Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Killingworth, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook.We offer both Meals on Wheels for Home-bound clients as well as Grab & Go service for our mobile clients.
The Stratford Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) is the regions most innovative, non-profit, and independent homecare agency, serving the needs of patients and families throughout Fairfield and New Haven counties since 1919.At the Stratford VNA, we practice Technology with Touch. This means we combine Mobile Health Technology (MHT) with personal care. With MHT we offer high-tech support right at home. At the same time, we know that technologyno matter how advancedcannot take the place of experienced, caring health specialists whose only goal is to assist in the patients successful recovery.
The University of Bridgeport's Chiropractic Clinic offers a conservative, drugless, non-surgical approach to healthcare. We treat a wide range of conditions and injuries (those that involve interactions between nerves, muscles and the skeleton), including wellness, preventive, and health education services. Patient-centered care is provided by Chiropractic interns working under the supervision of licensed and experienced chiropractic physicians. Services include:Manual manipulation to restore normal joint motionHands-on soft tissue and muscle therapiesPhysiotherapy modalitiesExercise and rehabilitation servicesSpinal stabilization and balance therapiesErgonomic consultationStress managementPersonalized nutritional and dietary counselingCommunity health education and healthy lifestyle counselingScientific evidence supports the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for many conditions including low back and neck pain, headache, sprain/strain injuries, postural imbalances and others.Our holistic model of care that combines the best available evidence, the clinical expertise of the practitioner and the needs/desires of the patient. Your customized care management plan is formulated from an appropriate diagnosis that includes measurable goals to reduce/eliminate pain, restore function, and decrease future re-occurrence. Clinic services are provided for adults and children. Same day and next day appointments are available.Open to General Public.
The University of Bridgeport's Naturopathic Medicine Clinic offers team-based medical care with a focus on patient education and the use of natural and preventive diagnostics and therapeutics. Clinical supervisors are Connecticut-licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs) who, with the assistance of student interns, provide patients with comprehensive naturopathic care. Naturopathic doctors are trained in medical sciences, naturopathic philosophy, and the prescription of natural medicines, and are licensed to diagnose and treat disease. Naturopathic medicine is optimal for the treatment of common health complaints, specializing in disease prevention as well as treatment of chronic illnesses. A naturopathic assessment will take into account the physical as well as mental, emotional, social, dietary, and environmental aspects of your health. Treatments are safe, evidence-based, and designed to meet each patient's unique needs. The naturopathic team will take into account any relevant medical and pharmaceutical care and can collaborate with other health care providers as necessary. Services include:Botanical (herbal) medicineClinical nutritionHomeopathyLaboratory diagnosticsPhysical medicineMind/Body medicineHydrotherapyClinic services are provided for adults and children. Same day and next day appointments are available.Open to General Public.
Navigating transformative transitions, especially for seniors, can be a complex process, encompassing emotional, logistical, and organizational challenges. A Call to Order Professional Organizer specializes in Senior Move Management, providing invaluable assistance during these pivotal moments. The key lies in their comprehensive approach, blending empathy with efficiency. They work closely with seniors and their families to understand unique needs and preferences, ensuring a smooth transition while minimizing stress. From decluttering and downsizing to coordinating logistics and setting up the new space, A Call to Order Professional Organizer brings a personalized touch to every step. Their expertise extends beyond mere physical organization; they also offer emotional support, recognizing the sentimental value attached to belongings and guiding clients through thoughtful decision-making. With A Call to Order Professional Organizer, transformative transitions become a positive experience, promoting a sense of order, comfort, and a seamless move to the next chapter of life.Tips for a successful senior move management experience with A Call to Order Professional Organizer include early planning and open communication. Begin the process well in advance to allow ample time for decision-making and avoid unnecessary stress. Communicate openly about preferences, sentimental items, and concerns to ensure a personalized approach. Take advantage of the expert guidance provided by A Call to Order, allowing them to tailor their services to meet specific needs. Embrace the opportunity to declutter and downsize, focusing on creating a living space that aligns with the senior's current lifestyle. Finally, trust the process and lean on the support of A Call to Order Professional Organizer to turn what could be a daunting task into a positive and organized transition
Read MoreExploring options for an assisted living facility can be daunting. Potential residents and families often become overwhelmed with all the options that are becoming available. One may wonder what the differences are between a retirement community, an assisted living community, enriched housing, a memory care community and a skilled nursing facility. What do they all mean?A Continuum of Care community is one that partners with levels of care on their campus as people age or become more compromised. It often begins, but not exclusively, with a retirement community. Within the community will be an Assisted Living component and a skilled nursing component. As the resident needs more help, they are moving within the community with the support of a comprehensive healthcare team that knows them well. This has become the trend in long term health care.The advantage to living in such a community is the promise of caring for your loved one through their elder years. The care team is always available to provide help and support not only to the family and the resident, but to one another, so as to offer the best possible person centered care. Another advantage is that the residents care community remains the same. This is convenient for them as well as their family members.Many assisted living facilities that are not a part of a continuum or campus of care refer to particular skilled nursing facilities. Be sure to ask what their policies are in terms of criteria for discharge and support during the process. Do not be afraid to ask these questions as they pertain to the care and well being of your loved one. Most facilities arevery helpful and have staff that specifically help with transitioning.A Campus of Care or a Continuum of Care Community is the most convenient and often the best option when looking for a residence for your loved one. As people are living longer and healthier into their elder years, this safety net may be just what most offers the security families need.This article was submitted by Maria Scaros-Mercado, Executive Director at The Greens at Greenwich, 203-531-5500 and Ship Hajdari, Community Outreach Nurse Liaison at Greenwich Woods Rehabilitation & Health Center, 203-531-1335.
Read MoreRemaining independent doesnt mean you have to be totally self-sufficient or do everything yourself. Knowing when to accept or ask for help is often the key to retaining your quality of life and even preventing injury.In fact, many adults need only a small number of services, such as light housekeeping, laundry, a ride to the doctors, or meal preparation to keep functioning independently as they age. Assistance with these daily routines, and with such activities as bathing, dressing, and grooming, can help them maintain independence and remain at home.But such assistance is not always easy to find and manage. Thats where home care comes in. Experienced caregivers provided by solid home care companies offer the helping hands needed to make continued independence possible for many seniors.I saw this when my father was caring for my mother, said FirstLight HomeCare owner, John Richards. My Dads health suffered because he was trying to do too much. When he accepted a little help from a caregiver at home, his heath improved and best of all, so did the quality of time he spent with Mom.FirstLight HomeCare owner Pat Risko agrees: Seniors deserve to live independent lives and to receive the very best care available. Home care helps make both possible.When selecting caregivers Risko and Richards agree that it is important to ensure that caregivers are direct employees of their company, that they are insured, and that the company has conducted pre-employment screening. Some companies, such as FirstLight, even use personality tests to better match caregivers to the needs of their clients, and then they closely monitor client satisfaction after care begins.One misconception that many people have regarding home care is the price. We committed to delivering compassionate, experienced caregivers at the best value, making caregivers more affordable than many first believe, especially versus alternatives that often involve leaving home, Richards said.Home care can be the key to aging independently. Asking for assistance can be hard to do. It takes a lot of courage and wisdom to take this step, but as millions of seniors and their families have discovered, it can be a step well worth taking.Editors Note: This article submitted by John Richards, Owner, FirstLight HomeCare Of Fairfield County, 203-636-0991 and Patrick Risko, Owner, FirstLight HomeCare Of Shoreline East, 203-449-7514
Read MoreWith the Medicare annual election period right around the corner its that time again when your mailboxes will be filled with fliers and ads from every insurance company you have heard of and some you may not have heard of; but the question is? What do I need to know?Oct. 1st - This is the time when brokers and insurance company representatives can tell you about their plans details, but no selling allowed!Oct. 15th thru Dec. 7th AEP, is the election period in which a Medicare beneficiary may shop around and make a change to their current MAPD plan, which stands for Medicare Advantage plan (HMO or PPO type Plan) with Prescription Drugs, or they may elect a plan for the first time if they hadnt done so previously. If a beneficiary is on a Medicare supplement and a stand-alone Part D drug plan, they may change their plan to a MAPD plan and vice-versa. It is important to know that the last plan you enroll in is the plan that will be in affect for Jan. 1st.Jan. 1st thru Feb. 14th is also an election period called the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment period. This period is a time where a beneficiary who has a MAPD plan can switch from the MAPD and go back to Original Medicare with a Medicare supplement and a Part D Rx Plan. Coverage would start on the first of the following month.How to pick a plan? What company? $100 vs $0 premiums?Words of advice: Be sure to find a plan your doctors accept, and make sure all your prescriptions are covered. Find a broker who represents all the companies who offer MAPD plans, and multiple Medicare Supp. plans so you can have choices.When shopping for MAPD plans take careful notice of your Out Of Pocket Maximum, this is the part where during one calendar year it is the most you are responsible for paying in co-payments and co-insurances for the medical expenses covered by your plan. Prescription co-pays and co-insurances have their own guidelines. Supplement or Medigap Plans vs. MAPD plans?Medigap supplement plans are going to run around $220 a month in premium but have little or no co-pays or coinsurance during the year for qualified Medicare expenses not fully covered by Original Medicare.Medigap plans do not have prescription coverage but must be purchased separately for around $25 to $45 a month.MAPD plans will have a co-pays for doctors and hospital visits and typically will have a network, so it is very important that you check with your doctors to make sure they except the plans. A plan that has no premium will have a larger out of pocket maximum, and a MAPD plan that has a $100 premium will have less of an out of pocket maximum.Can I get some help paying for all this?The answer is YES: Its called the Medicare Savings Program.If you are married and make under $3266 a month in income, or $2413 as a single, you will no longer have to pay the Part B premium that is deducted from your Social Security Check every month, and you will also get Prescription help.Paying less than $7 dollars a month for brand named drugs, and about $2 dollars for generics.If you make below 2,069.11 as a single and $2,802.08 as a couple, you are also entitled to extra benefits that will help you with co-payments and co-insurances in hospitals and doctor visits.More info can be found on the following information on Www.figlarinsurance.com, www.medicare.gov, and www.ct.govThis article was submitted byMarc Figlar, Certified Senior AdvisorMarc can be reached at 203-394-3447
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