Caregiving

AARP Connecticut is pleased that the State has convened a Nursing Home and Assisted Living Oversight Working Group to discuss the impact of COVID-19 and how to protect residents moving forward. However, we are very disappointed that this working group, despite having 34 members, does not include a single person who resides in a nursing home or assisted living facility, or who receives long-term supports and services in a community setting.

AARP Connecticut commends Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut General Assembly on the decision to address four urgent issues during an upcoming special session: expanding absentee voting for the November election, making telehealth more accessible, capping the cost of insulin, and police accountability. AARP Connecticut recognizes the importance of these topics and supports their inclusion in a special session, but the state’s legislative leaders missed an opportunity to tackle the critical issues impacting those in nursing home and residential care facilities.

The significant and unprecedented challenges nursing homes and other residential care facilities are facing due to the pandemic has created an urgent and vital need for increased accountability to ensure the safety and health of their residents. The June 8 Washington Post article (As nursing home residents died, new covid-19 protections shielded companies from lawsuits. Families say that hides the truth.) illustrates the urgent need for policy changes.

AARP is providing information and resources about COVID-19 to help older Connecticut residents, and their families protect themselves from the virus and prevent it from spreading to others.

AARP Connecticut has called on policy makers to take action to ensure the 22,000 nursing home residents in Connecticut and their loved ones can safely stay in contact during the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 20, 2020, AARP Connecticut sent a letter to the state’s Governor and Commissioner of Public Health strongly recommending modifications to a March 13, 2020, Public Health Order banning visitors to nursing homes, including residents’ immediate family and caregivers. For example, requiring nursing homes to offer and facilitate virtual video visitation, as well as other enhanced communications, will help prevent social isolation, reduce anxiety, and promote safety, among other benefits. In addition, AARP Connecticut provided testimony to the Human Services Committee of the Connecticut General Assembly strongly recommending allowing passive video monitoring in nursing homes. AARP Connecticut followed this with an email to every member of the Connecticut General Assembly on March 23, 2020, asking that any legislative action in response to COVID-19 codify these recommendations.

Do you know ways to help keep your aging loved ones from losing money to scams and fraud? We’ll share important information that could help you keep them safe during our free webinar.

Every day, nearly half a million Connecticut family caregivers help their loved ones live independently at home. Whether it’s dropping off a meal or calling to say “hello,” t here are many ways to appreciate and support family caregivers, but sometimes it’s hard to know how. Whether you provide or receive care, knowing the resources available in your community can be helpful. Here are a few tips from AARP volunteers who have been family caregivers and a comprehensive collection of available resources in Connecticut.

AARP Connecticut is in communities across the state working with residents and elected officials to make our state a great place for people of all ages to call home. We are advocates on legislative issues that impact families such as caregiving, financial security, independent living, healthcare, utilities and prescription prices. We provide valuable educational resources and information to help people protect themselves from fraud and scams; take charge of their life so they can live their best life now and in the future; in their job search or transition to a new career; and more.

Attend AARP’s free, two-part webinar to find out how.

AARP Connecticut State Director Nora Duncan provided an additional comment in regards to Governor Ned Lamont’s budget proposal: