Caregiving

A guide to where, when and how to get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster

Connecticut passed the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act in 2019, which can pay workers up to $780 a week for 12 weeks when time off of work is required. Residents can access benefits starting January 1.

More than 4 out of 5 Americans say they want to receive care at home instead of in an institutional setting if they need long-term care services in the future, according to a recent AARP survey. As part of ongoing state and federal efforts to “rebalance” long-term services and supports, the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) included a 10% temporary enhancement to the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for home and community-based services (HCBS). This unprecedented investment in home and community-based services presents Connecticut with a tremendous opportunity to bolster the programs and services that allow individuals to safely remain in their homes as they age.

AARP Launches National Campaign Urging More Support for Family Caregivers, Passage of Bipartisan Credit for Caring Act

2021 was a very unusual year at the Connecticut General Assembly. The Connecticut Capitol may have been closed to the public because of COVID-19 restrictions, but AARP Connecticut staff and volunteers were still vocal and active, virtually advocating on behalf of older adults and submitting nearly 50 pieces of legislative testimony. Below is a summary of the AARP Connecticut-supported bills that successfully passed both the House and Senate and are expected to be signed into law.

AARP Connecticut issued the following comment in response to passage of Senate Bill 1030:

AARP is pleased with portions of Governor Lamont’s plan for ARPA Funds, but sees opportunities for additional investments in Home and Community-Based Services

AARP Connecticut State Director Nora Duncan provided the following statement in regards to the budget proposals of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee:

AARP Connecticut sent the below letter to Governor Ned Lamont calling for a continued focus on the need to equitably, safely and effectively distribute COVID-19 vaccines.

The following post was submitted by Phyllis Ayman, an eldercare advisor, author, family care strategist and mediator, advocate, speech/language pathologist, speaker and trainer for the public and private sector, and holds various certifications for dementia training. She’s worked with thousands of residents, families, and health care workers in almost 50 nursing homes during a career that spans 45+ years. Ayman brings informative conversations to the senior years of our lives as host and creator of the SeniorsSTRAIGHTTalk podcast, including with AARP Connecticut State Director Nora Duncan.