• Do I have to pay for WCAAA’s help with Medicare/Medicaid problems?

    No! However, we are very grateful for donations which are used to provide more services for seniors.

  • Is there a charge for receiving home delivered meals?

    If you are not receiving home delivered meals through the CT Home Care Program for Elders or other state program and are age 60+, there is no charge. All seniors are given an opportunity to donate toward the cost of meals.

  • I am caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Can you help me with services? Do I have to pay?

    Yes, we can usually help caregivers with services such as home health aide, adult day care, minor chore or short respite stay in a facility. Services provided through the state financed Alzheimer’s Respite Care Program are required to pay 20% of the cost of services unless very low income.

  • Is there a charge for services received through the CT Home Care Program for Elders?

    Will  services be stopped if I don’t pay? Yes, there is a charge of 9% of the cost of services and yes, the State of CT might issue an order to stop services if payment is not received.

  • Can your staff help me with completing a Title 19 application?

    Yes, we can help with general questions and in some situations, we can help  with the full application including filing.

  • Do you provide free legal services such as developing a will?

    The WCAAA does not provide any legal services or advice. We provide some funding to CT Legal Services to help seniors in certain situations but seniors who wish to develop a will should find an appropriate attorney.

  • English is not my first language. Can you still help me?

    We rely on “Language Line” as a translating service  to communicate in most languages other than English and Spanish.

  • I need a ramp to get in/out of my house/apartment and it’s expensive. Can you give me the money?

    In general, we do not provide cash to any person. However, through our partnerships with various agencies such as Independence Northwest or the VA, we might be able to help with partial financing of a ramp (if medically necessary). Consumers though, have to hire specialists to obtain ramp configurations and potential costs.

  • Where can I call to report nursing home abuse or neglect?

    Call the western area CT Nursing Home Ombudsman’s office at 203-597-4181 to report or discuss a situation.

  • I suspect that someone is taking my neighbor’s money; my parents money OR I suspect my Mom is being abused by my brother. What can I do?

    This is complicated since many seniors have appointed a Power of Attorney (POA) or Conservator.  We frequently receive these calls and discuss these fears with the caller to determine if the call should be transferred to Protective Services for the Elderly (PSE), local  Police Department or a complaint made to Probate Court. Sometimes we find that seniors have freely given money to one family members without fear of retribution. Since each case is different, we encourage calling the WCAAA or PSE directly at 1-888-385-4225 during regular business hours. After hour emergencies can be called into 211 or if necessary, your local Police Department.

  • Can you sell me one of those fancy telephones, watches, special lights, large print keyboards or alarm clocks that your office demonstrates at my senior center?

    No, as we do not sell any of these products. The CT Bureau of Rehab Services has provided us with a grant to purchase one of each new item that might be appropriate for individuals with certain handicaps and show these items so that seniors can decide if they wish to purchase them directly. We have a hospital bed, walker, cane or wheelchair. Can I donate them to the WCAAA? Maybe. Minor equipment such as canes, wheelchairs or walkers can be donated to the WCAAA but we cannot store hospital beds.  We have an arrangement with Hartford based NEAT, Inc. who picks up these items at our office, sanitizes all items and fixes those needing repair. Once that process is completed, items can be purchased from NEAT at a low cost. Yes, pick up and delivery may be arranged with NEAT. Call the WCAAA for specific information.

  • I am homeless; can you help me?

    Maybe. We receive many of these calls but cannot locate an appropriate apartment in 24 hours as most of our housing complexes have wait lists. Working with partner agencies, we generally refer callers who are homeless to  a safe environment such as homeless shelter, complete an intake to determine benefits and then shop around for appropriate housing depending on income and credit issues. This is a long term process.

  • Can you tell me if I am eligible for any benefits/services? Do I need an appointment?

    Yes, we can obtain information from the caller/visitor and make that determination so that options can be discussed and the senior make their own decisions regarding benefits/services. We can also help with actual applications if necessary. An appointment to talk with WCAAA staff is not necessary but is appreciated so that we do not waste anyone’s time.

  • Why is it taking so long to get me out of this nursing home?

    Consumers in nursing homes should plan on a minimum of six months for the entire process which involves lots of state agency approvals, finding appropriate and affordable housing and shopping for the person transitioning to the community. If applications need to be completed and filed for state or federal benefits, the process takes longer.

  • Can you tell me why the state sent me this letter and what it means?

    Generally, yes. We usually have advance word from state agencies that special letters are being mailed and are prepared to help consumers understand letter specifics and options.

  • What does the WCAAA do with the money you receive?

    We are happy to report that our management or administrative rate is a low 4%-5 % which means that 95% – 96% is used for  services or given out to other agencies who then provide programs or services in our 41 town area.

  • Can you use my services as a volunteer a few hours/week?

    We rely on volunteers and if a caller is not interested in working with the WCAAA directly, we can certainly discuss other volunteer opportunities in our area.

  • Do you provide training for other agencies’ staffs or consumer groups?

    We are happy to arrange training for any group.

  • Can you give me money for a security deposit for an apartment?

    Generally no.  However, we do have very limited resources that might be able to be used toward  a portion of a security deposit depending on involvement of a caregiver.