AARP Connecticut

AARP Connecticut will donate $3000 on behalf of the Andrus Award recipient to an eligible non-profit organization of their choosingNomination deadline is August 1

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.

Be Aware of P2P Risks When Paying for Groceries, Other Services During Pandemic

AARP Connecticut has recently met virtually with federal lawmakers to urge more help for older Americans and their families as they face growing health and economic challenges due to the coronavirus crisis. Residents in nursing homes, those who are food-insecure, and people who have lost their jobs are particularly in need.

This guest post was written and submitted by Bernie Weiss, President, Seniors Job Bank

On April 30, 2020, AARP Connecticut State Director Nora Duncan sent the letter below to Governor Ned Lamont strongly recommending immediate actions related to the August 11, 2020, and November 3, 2020, elections that will provide Connecticut’s older adults and those at most risk from COVID-19 access to voting while ensuring their health protection.

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.

On April 1, 2020, AARP Connecticut sent the letter below to Governor Ned Lamont strongly recommending immediate actions related to the rescheduled June 2, 2020, Connecticut Primary that will provide older adults and those at most risk from COVID-19 access to voting while ensuring their health protection.

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.

While convening and supporting events is a core part of AARP’s mission, we have changed our approach in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and canceled/postponed events managed by AARP. We are also closely monitoring postponing or suspending our involvement and participation of public events managed by outside organizations.