Hartford HealthCare Senior Services awarded grant to expand services at Center for Healthy Aging

Hartford HealthCare Senior Services (HHCSS), a Hartford HealthCare Partner, recently celebrated a $2.1 million grant received from the Department of Social Services through the state’s “Strategic Plan to Rebalance Long-Term Services and Supports.” The funding enables HHCSS to promote and develop the Connecticut Center for Healthy Aging (CTCHA), a resource and assessment center for older adults and their families and/ or caregivers. To acknowledge the grant, a ribbon-cutting was held Dec. 3 at the CTCHA office at The Hospital of Central Connecticut, Bradley campus, in Southington. 

The $9 million in first-time funding, which was awarded to seven skilled nursing providers, was announced on March 21 by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. “Simply put, many people are looking for greater choice about where and how they receive care,” Malloy said, in a press release. 

HHCSS received the funds to expand CTCHA’s service options at its three hospital-based locations. The center serves as the single point of entry for people seeking information about senior care and related services, and streamlines the process of evaluating needs to lead to the coordination of necessary programs and interventions. The initiative is funded by federal and state Medicaid funding as well as state bond funds. Last year, CTCHA served more than 5,000 older adults. 

Services offered through the Center for Healthy Aging include free resources and assessments; Geriatric Care Management— services provided by a Geriatric Care Manager to enhance care coordination; concierge services, such as connections to handyman services, lawn care, snow removal, pet walking, hair care and organizing services. 

“Hartford HealthCare Senior Services is very honored and excited to be selected for this opportunity to expand home and community-based services through the Connecticut Center for Healthy Aging. We are very grateful to be a part of this important initiative to provide the right care at the right time in the place of choice for all the seniors we serve within Hartford HealthCare,” said Trish Walden, executive vice president, Hartford HealthCare Senior Services.