AOASCC News & Notes
AOASCC is Meeting the Challenge

The Covid-19 crisis is a challenge for all of us and at AOASCC we have been trying to be as creative as possible in our response. We are not able to solve every problem but, working together with our many partners, we are meeting the challenge... Read more


If you are in need of long term care services and supports & want to know if you qualify for any public programs, contact the CHOICES program at 800-994-9422.
Make a Difference

From 8 a.m. on May 5 through 8 p.m. on May 6, your gift to AOASCC will be amplified through a giving campaign created by the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven.

Your donation  can help us provide meals to older adults, transportation to critical medical appointments, navigation support for critical health and social services, as well as opportunities for older adults to feel connected, supported and celebrated.

Your gift will also provide groceries for those who need them the most. We are thankful for generous funding from Griswold Home Care. We will receive part of of this donation based on the number of donors, which will will be used to buy groceries for people home bound due to the pandemic. 

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Delivering Groceries, Touching Lives

Kyle is a medical student in the School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University. He was looking forward to starting at his assigned clinical site when the coronavirus pandemic changed everything. Kyle, who is on the volunteer board for the school, knew that the university was looking for students to get involved in the community. He is pursuing medicine to make a difference and is looking at the possibility of studying geriatric medicine, so volunteering with AOASCC was the right fit.

One of his first assignments was buying and dropping off groceries for an older woman who could not shop for herself due to the pandemic. When he called to let her know the groceries were outside the door, he could hear the emotion in her voice. Kyle spoke about how meaningful it is to make a difference in this challenging time.

He knew that things are hard for everyone because of the pandemic, especially the most vulnerable. However, he said it is one thing knowing this and another seeing it firsthand. Shopping for him is not difficult – he has the supplies, the car and the time. Yet, when he looks at the list of the simple things people need, he said it brings a whole new level of empathy. He spoke of one person who asked for cans that didn’t need a can opener, since he can no longer operate one.  Kyle shared that volunteering has changed his perspective and he knows he will see his future patients differently because of this experience.

There are many older adults and individuals with a disability are home bound due to pandemic. Volunteer to deliver food/medications to their door or be a friendly voice on the phone making sure they stay engaged and connected. Respond Today
Caregiver Corner

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.
Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. How you respond to the outbreak can depend on your background, the things that make you different from other people, and the community you live in.
People who may respond more strongly to the stress of a crisis include:
  • Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions and might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19
  • Children and teens
  • People who are helping with the response to COVID-19, like doctors and other healthcare providers or first responders
  • People who have mental health conditions including problems with substance use
Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include:
  •  Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
  • Changes in sleep or eating patterns
  •  Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
  •  Worsening of chronic health problem
  •  Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger.

Things you can do to support yourself
  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
  • Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
  • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Source: CDC.gov

Virtual support groups are available - call 203-785-8533  ext 3163 for information.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we have come up with an innovative way to proceed with the 8th annual Art of Aging. The Art of Aging exhibition will be “hung” on our website in a special online gallery.
Mark your calendar:  The Art Show will go live on our website on May 25 at 12 noon . "Walk through" our exhibition and vote on your favorite artwork.

Please help us to spread the word! We still have room on the walls. All artists aged 60 and over are welcome to submit their paintings or photography. Registration and submission are completely online. Registration closes May 18, so don't wait!
Thank you to our sponsor.
Help with Groceries

Here are some tips to help you make healthful decisions and reduce your trips to the store - eatright.org

The State of Connecticut is still processing applications for benefit programs, including SNAP. V isit our website to find out more about SNAP or visit  BenefitsCheckUp.org/getSNAP.