Information & Referral/Assistance

The Right Information. The Right Resource. The Right Connection.

Not sure where to turn for help?

WCAAA's Information, Referral & Assistance (I&R/A) team is a first point of contact for older adults, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, families, and professionals seeking information about programs, services, and resources throughout Western Connecticut.

Our I&R/A Specialists listen to your question or concern, conduct a brief screening when appropriate, provide accurate information, and connect you with the resources that may best meet your needs.

We can help you find information and referrals related to:

  • Housing and housing resources
  • Transportation
  • Food and nutrition resources
  • Financial assistance
  • Medicaid and Medicare
  • Medicare Savings Programs
  • In-home services
  • Long-term services and supports
  • Caregiver resources
  • Legal services
  • Home modification and safety resources
  • Community programs
  • Disability services
  • Employment resources
  • Protective services
  • Senior centers and community organizations
  • Other aging and disability-related resources

What Can I&R/A Help With?

You do not need to know the name of a program before contacting us.

You can simply tell us what is happening.

For example:

“I can no longer afford my rent.”

“I need help caring for my mother.”

“I need transportation to my medical appointments.”

“I think I may qualify for Medicaid.”

“I need help finding services for my disability.”

Our I&R/A team will help identify information and resources that may be available and explain how to take the next step.

When More Support Is Needed

Some situations involve multiple or more complex needs. When appropriate, an individual may be connected with WCAAA Service Navigation for more comprehensive, person-centered support.

Public Education

WCAAA also provides community education and presentations throughout Western Connecticut on aging, disability, benefits, long-term services and supports, caregiver issues, and other topics affecting older adults and individuals with disabilities.

For information or assistance, contact WCAAA at 203-757-5449 or 800-994-9422.

 

Service Navigation

Helping You Navigate Complex Needs and Find the Right Path Forward

WCAAA Service Navigators provide person-centered support to older adults age 60 and older, individuals with disabilities ages 18–59, and their caregivers throughout Western Connecticut.

When an individual or caregiver is facing multiple or complex challenges, knowing where to start can be overwhelming. A Service Navigator helps individuals understand their options, identify available resources, and determine the next steps that best support their goals and preferences.

Service Navigation may include:

  • Person-centered planning and options counseling
  • Benefits screening and assistance understanding available programs
  • Assistance completing applications and connecting with appropriate programs
  • Referrals to community, state, and federal resources
  • Assistance navigating complex service systems
  • Housing planning and connections to appropriate housing resources
  • Connections to in-home services and long-term services and supports
  • Assistance identifying financial and food resources
  • Connections to transportation, legal, healthcare, and community resources
  • Home modification and home safety resources
  • Caregiver support and resource navigation
  • Advocacy and assistance understanding available options
  • Follow-up to help clarify next steps and address barriers to accessing services

Service Navigators work collaboratively with individuals, caregivers, healthcare providers, community organizations, and other partners to help connect people with appropriate resources and supports.

Person-Centered Support

Service Navigation begins with the individual. We listen to what matters most to the person, identify their strengths and existing supports, discuss available options, and support informed decision-making.

Our goal is not to make decisions for you. Our goal is to help you understand your options so you can make the decisions that are right for you.

Service Navigation is not ongoing case management or direct service provision. Rather, Service Navigators help individuals understand available resources, connect with appropriate programs and providers, and take meaningful next steps toward addressing their needs.

Services may be provided by telephone, email, in person, at community locations, or through other appropriate methods based on the individual's needs.

I&R/A and Service Navigation work together to help ensure individuals are connected to the appropriate level of assistance.

To speak with a Service Navigator, or the I&R/A team, contact WCAAA at 203-757-5449 or 800-994-9422.