Governor Rell: State’s New Long-Term Care

Website Offers Residents Comprehensive Source

Easier Access to Information Can Foster More Independent Living

Governor M. Jodi Rell today reminded Connecticut residents that the state’s new consumer-friendly website--www.ct.gov/longtermcare--can help persons of all ages and health status, caregivers and professional providers locate critically needed services.

A recently completed comprehensive assessment of Connecticut’s long-term care needs by the Center on Aging at the UConn Health Center says the total demand for long-term services among those 40 and older will climb from 188,031 people in 2006 to 240,238 by 2030.

“Whether we require care ourselves or provide it for a loved one or friend, virtually all of us are likely to be touched by the need for long-term care at some point in our lives,” said Governor Rell. “The new website aims to help improve the lives of people needing long-term care now and to help those who will need it in the future—meaning most of us—plan ahead.”

The governor said the state recognized a growing need to provide easier access to comprehensive information on long-term care because most people erroneously believe it refers exclusively to institutional care, particularly for older adults.

“In reality, hundreds of thousands of residents of all ages require long-term care because it encompasses the array of services and supports needed for extended periods by people with physical or mental disabilities or those who are chronically ill,” Governor Rell said. “They may need or desire care in a variety of settings including their own home, an adult day care center, nursing home or assisted living facility.”

Thousands of people have visited the website since the governor officially announced its availability in July.

Connecticut’s 2007 Long-Term Care Plan defines long-term care as services needed to help people with basic functions such as eating, dressing or bathing or tasks necessary for independent community living such as shopping, managing finances or house cleaning. The needs are met at home, in the community, in congregate residences or in institutions.

According to government estimates, the number of Americans needing long-term care could soar from 15 million in 2000 to 27 million by 2050.

Nearly 7,000 residents responded to the survey portion of the UConn assessment. Respondents said that independence, choice and control are key long-term care needs when using any type of long-term care services.

Nearly 80 percent of survey respondents said they wish to remain in their own homes, using health or homemaker services to meet long-term care needs. Almost as many recognize that home modifications, such as a wheelchair ramp or modified first-floor bathroom, would let them stay at home and age there.

The long-term care website can help residents find the services and supports they need to fill these and many other needs.

  In addition to serving consumers who need long-term care, the website is a one-stop information source for the growing number of family and friend “informal” caregivers and for professional providers of long-term care services.

The General Assembly directed the state Office of Policy and Management to develop www.ct.gov/longtermcare in consultation with representatives from the Connecticut Commission on Aging, Office of Policy and Management, Long-Term Care Advisory Council and Infoline.

“We’re very pleased that this successful and very timely collaboration between the Executive and Legislative branches of government resulted in such a useful tool to serve our present and future generations,” Governor Rell said. 

The website utilizes the United Way’s 2-1-1 Infoline database and other sources to provide information under the following headings:

• What is long-term care?
• Determining needs
• Finding care and support
• Paying for your needs
• Places to live
• Planning for long-term care
• Rights and legal matters
• Directory of providers

“We know that the number of people needing long-term care is soaring today and will grow significantly over the next several decades,” said Connecticut Commission on Aging Executive Director Julia Evans Starr. 

“The demand is driven by the fact that the need for long-term care recognizes no age or disability boundary—it will affect nearly all of us someday. The Connecticut Long-Term Care website helps people find the information they need to help them lead more independent lives in the least restrictive setting—whenever possible in their own homes and communities,” she said.