February 2025

Agency on Aging is thrilled to be participating in this FREE panel discussion developed and sponsored by Mary Wade. Experts will share their insights, encouraging both seniors and families to reflect on their own definitions of readiness. This is more than just a conversation!

PANEL DISCUSSION

SENIOR LIVING READINESS

Thursday, March 6, 2025

4:00-6:00 PM

138 Clinton Avenue

New Haven, CT 06513

Call for more information 475.405.1237

RSVP

This event is FREE

Registration is required

Spotlight on VOLUNTEERING

Recently, many of our Senior Companion clients participated in an art project titled "Aging with Grace." The project's purpose was to express their appreciation to the Agency on Aging for its support of the Senior Companion volunteer program. Clients wanted to give something back and show their gratitude for the love, companionship, and support they have received throughout the year.

Participants used watercolors to paint on small canvases provided to them. Each client chose to create an image that held special meaning and beauty for them. The artwork reflected the clients' feelings about their senior volunteer companions and the services they have received from the Agency on Aging. Unsurprisingly, many choose to paint things they love, such as various types of flowers, birds, trees, and animals. Others opted to depict nourishing items like fruits and the sun.

Click to read the full article and learn more about Volunteering.

CHOICES Corner

The cost of nursing home care in CT can be more than $8,000 per month. Such an expense can quickly wipe out the life savings of most couples. For many years it was necessary for a couple to spend all of their savings before they could qualify for Medicaid to help pay for nursing home care. In 1988, Congress enacted a law to protect some of the couples’ life savings when one of the partners needs nursing home care. The law, referred to as “spousal impoverishment act” attempts to ensure that the community dwelling spouse will be able to live with dignity in the community without being pushed into poverty to obtain nursing home care for a spouse.

Under the spousal impoverishment act, a portion of the couple’s savings is set aside for use by the community spouse and is not intended to be used to pay for nursing home care for the nursing home spouse. The community spouse is free to spend the money as he/she requires to maintain life in the community. In addition to life savings, a portion of the couple’s retirement income may also be given to the community spouse, depending on the amount of income the community spouse has, and the amount needed to maintain the couple’s home.

Click to read the full article .

This newsletter is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $577,233 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

CAREGIVER Corner:

Are you caring for someone with diabetes? Meal planning is most likely a part of your caregiving. Healthy eating is essential in managing diabetes. Determining what to serve and when is a big responsibility.

Here are some tips that may make it easier for you:

Provide 3-4 meals per day. Balanced meals throughout the day provide regular doses of energy.
Serve meals at the same time each day. Our bodies use the nutrients you provide and will be ready for the next dose when expected.
Serve about the same amount of food each day. Our body needs to know what to expect. Eating about the same amount of food on a regular basis allows medication to work correctly.
Limit sugary items. Sugar and simple carbohydrates are digested quickly. This causes a spike or jump in blood sugar and can cause complications associated with diabetes, such as poor circulation, decreased vision, and heart disease.
Choose Whole Grains. They provide complex carbohydrates along with multiple vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients which help to maintain a healthy weight.

Click to read the full article .

February is National Senior Independence Month. By staying active, with indoor exercises during the cold months, you can significantly improve overall health and independence during this special month!