Programs Available To Alzheimer’s Patients

On Wednesday, June 2, at 7:30 pm, Mary Ellen Girard will speak at the senior living community The Homesteads at Newtown about programs that are available through the Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging. Ms Girard is the respite coordinator for WCAAA.

The program is free and open to anyone dealing with early onset Alzheimer’s, or friends and relatives of those who have been stricken with the disease.

WCAAA develops, manages, and provides comprehensive services for seniors, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities in order to maintain their independence and quality of life. Its programs include the Connecticut Statewide Respite Program, the National Family Caregivers Support Program, the Information and Assistance Program, and others.

The agency also provides information on all aging issues to individuals, service providers, businesses and community groups throughout its 41-town region. Information and services include health insurance counseling on Medicare, Medigap and Medicaid, Medicare fraud, long-term care insurance, the Partnership for Long Term Care, eligibility screening through benefits check-up for state and federal programs, lectures, seminars, and individually tailed workshops such as the one Ms Girard will be presenting.

The Homesteads offers Alzheimer’s-related programs every other Wednesday evening. Programs can be attended as a series or on their own. For additional information contact The Homesteads at 426-8118.