Resources to Help Maintain Independence and Engagement
Whether you need more support as you age or you have a disability, it’s important to find the resources you need to stay independent, feel safe, and enjoy connections with others. The resources provided here can help you and your caregivers know where to go for housing, transportation, health insurance, and opportunities for socializing. They can help you maintain your best quality of life.
Whether you need more support as you age or you have a disability, it’s important to find the resources you need to stay independent, feel safe, and enjoy connections with others. The resources provided here can help you and your caregivers know where to go for housing, transportation, health insurance, and opportunities for socializing. They can help you maintain your best quality of life. Community Health Worker (CHW) Support
HUSKY Health also offers support through our CHW Ambassador Program. Our CHWs listen to your individual needs and concerns. They can provide you with the best resources to navigate your situation.
To talk to one of our CHWs, call 1.800.859.9889, ext. 4326, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Availability of Assistive Technology
Technology Lending Programs: Some local nonprofit agencies and libraries loan out assistive devices. Through the CT Tech Act, older adults and disabled people can access equipment-lending libraries. They can also get low-interest loans to purchase Assistive Technology (AT) devices. Items include communication boards, adaptive keyboards, hearing aids, mobility aids, and more. Demonstrations and training are available through the CT Tech Act Project. Lending locations are listed below. (Click on the location to view in Google Maps.)
Lending locations include:
CREC AT Lending Library
111 Charter Oak Avenue, Hartford 06106
CT Library for Accessible Books
231 Capitol Avenue, 06106 CT 06106
CT SERC Library
175 Union Street, Waterbury, CT 06706
CT Tech Act Project
55 Farmington Avenue, 12th Floor, Hartford, CT 06105
EASTCONN Lending Library
376 Hartford Turnpike, Hampton, CT 06247
NEAT Lending Library
33 Coventry Street, Hartford, CT 06112
UCP Lending Library
42 Norwich Road, Quaker Hill, 06375
Source: Easier with AT
Loaning of Medical Equipment
Many communities operate Durable Medical Equipment (DME) loan closets. These allow seniors and disabled residents to borrow medical equipment at no cost. DME may include wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, and hospital beds. To find a loan closet near you, check with your local senior center, hospital, or nonprofit. You can also visit 211ct.org.
Local Resources
Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
Connecticut has five regional AAA offices. They provide caregiver support services, health and nutrition services, social services, and senior outreach. They can also help with advocacy, case management, benefits counseling, and training. For more information or to find services in your area, visit the CT ADS website. To find the agency for your specific town, click here.
United Way 2-1-1
Dial 2-1-1 (or visit 211ct.org) to reach this free statewide helpline. Specialists are available 24/7 to connect you with local health and human services. They can help you find housing, food assistance, transportation, or disability services in your community.
State Services and Programs
Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE)
This Department of Social Services (DSS) program offers home and community-based services. It’s for Connecticut residents aged 65+ who meet certain medical and financial criteria. CHCPE provides services to help seniors stay in their own homes. They can help with things like personal care, companion services, meal preparation, and more. For more information, visit https://www.myplacect.org/landing/chcpe.
Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS)
ADS and DSS work together to plan and coordinate services. ADS operates programs such as Service Navigators. These programs help guide you through housing, medical, and in-home care options for complex needs. For more information, click here.
Financial Assistance
Social Security Administration (SSA) Field Offices
Connecticut has 15 SSA offices where you can get help with benefit applications. Application types include retirement, disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You can also get answers to your eligibility questions. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly benefits to workers who become disabled, based on their past earnings. SSI provides cash support to low-income, disabled adults and seniors regardless of work history. Both programs also help cover recipients’ Medicare or Medicaid costs. To find an SSA office near you, click here. To see if you qualify for Social Security benefits and/or to apply for Medicare, visit a local SSA office. You can also visit their website here.
Transportation Services
ADA Paratransit Services
If your disability prevents you from using the Connecticut public transit bus service, you may be eligible for ADA Paratransit service. This is a ride share service requiring reservations. You’re picked up at your location and brought right to your destination.
Travel Training
Travel training is a free service that teaches people how to use the public bus. The Kennedy Collective Travel Training is a nationally acclaimed program. It teaches people with disabilities and seniors how to safely use the local bus and rail system.Training is done on a one-to-one basis. For more information on travel training, ADA Paratransit, or to apply for ADA Paratransit eligibility, click here.
Dial-A-Ride Programs
Many Connecticut towns and transit districts operate Dial-A-Ride shuttles for seniors and people with disabilities. You call ahead to schedule pickup for shopping, medical appointments, or senior center visits. Some programs offer door-to-door driver assistance and may charge a small fee. However, volunteer driver programs may also be available. Most shuttles run on weekdays during daytime hours. Each one has its own fees and services. Be sure to check with your town’s social services or senior center. For more information about Dial-A-Ride or to find one near you, click here.
Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Planning Resources
It’s very important to have an emergency plan. The Department of Public Health’s CT Ready! Personal Preparedness Guide includes special checklists for older adults and people with disabilities.
It includes tips such as:
- If you have home healthcare services, make sure they know your family’s emergency plan and your key contacts.
- Tell other family members where to find emergency supplies. Teach them how to use any special medical equipment.
- Put your name on special equipment like wheelchairs, canes, or walkers.
Review the complete guide here: “CT Ready! Personal Preparedness Guide”
The U.S. Ready.gov site also offers planning tips for both seniors and caregivers.
CT Emergency Alert System
Connecticut’s Emergency Notification System (CTAlert) sends urgent alerts for severe weather and other public safety notices. You can choose to receive them by text, email, or TTY (to cell/home phone, or other devices). To choose how you’d like to receive alerts, sign up at portal.ct.gov/ctalert.
Special Needs Registry
Many towns offer voluntary “Special Needs Registries.” Seniors and people with disabilities can register their household with local emergency management. This way, first responders know any specific needs (e.g., wheelchair-bound, hearing-impaired) you have during a disaster. Registration is confidential and helps ensure help arrives quickly when it’s needed. Contact your town’s local government to learn how to register. Or you can search under “Special Needs Registries” on 211.org.
Secure emails
We’ve begun using new software for our secure emails.
During your first time sending or receiving an email with this system you’ll need to create an account with a new password. You'll use this information to log in each time you want to send a secure email. You'll also use it to log in when you receive a secure email from HUSKY Health. When creating your new account, you’ll receive an email from Proofpoint. Enter the code from the email in the field provided to complete your registration.
When sending your email, address it to member@chnct.org. You can ask questions about your HUSKY Health coverage, such as what benefits are available. You can also find out how to a get a new blue and white HUSKY Health member ID card.
Address your email to websupport@chnct.org for help with:
- Resetting your password
- Signing in to your account
- Viewing your HUSKY Health member ID card
This portion of the HUSKY Health website is managed by Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc.®, the State of Connecticut’s Medical Administrative Services Organization for the HUSKY Health Program. For the general HUSKY Health website gateway, please visit portal.ct.gov/husky. HUSKY Health includes Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and is administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services.