January 2024

www.aoascc.org

Volunteering

Volunteering is a noble act that brings joy to the hearts of many. At AOASCC, we believe in the true essence of volunteering. Our Volunteer Department offers an opportunity for you to uplift local seniors and non-profit organizations. We are grateful to those who selflessly dedicate their time to making a difference in the community.

The AOASCC AmeriCorps Senior Program, RSVP, recognizes and celebrates inspiring volunteers. Our program is powered by a highly motivated group of volunteers who offer unparalleled companion support, telephone reassurance, financial literacy, medical chaperone assistance and engagement with local students through pen pal programs. Local non-profits and municipalities also benefit from our support, enhancing their ability to reach their missions. Click to read more.

CHOICES Corner:

Energy Assistance

The information below is shared from CT’s Official Government Website.

“The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) helps Connecticut residents afford to heat their homes. Applications for CEAP typically take 30-45 minutes. Basic benefits towards your heating bill range between $180 to $530 depending on your income level, household size and whether there is a vulnerable member in the household. These benefits are usually paid directly to your utility company or fuel supplier. Households that heat with deliverable fuels like oil or propane may be eligible for additional fuel deliveries.

CEAP recipients may also be eligible for matching payment plans, protection from shut offs, and replacement and/or repairs for heating equipment.

The program is administered by Connecticut’s Department of Social Services in partnership with local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) throughout the state. Income limits to qualify for the program are:

$41,553 per year, for a single person and $54,338 per year, for a couple. Click to read more.



Caregiver Corner:

New Year’s Resolution

New Year’s resolutions often become a source of something to feel guilty about. Research shows that most people fail to keep their resolutions beyond 2 weeks after New Year’s Day, and the result are feelings of guilt for failing to follow through on a promise. The last thing a family caregiver needs is something else to feel guilty about. Despite this fact, resolutions at the start of a fresh new year can be a useful method to make changes that will result in better quality of life for a caregiver. The important element to add to resolutions is a plan to increase the probability of success.

Caregivers tell us that they feel overwhelmed, tired, distracted, guilty, rushed. They find themselves eating things that are bad for them, missing medical appointments, not making time for exercise or relaxation. We know that this is a prescription for caregiver burnout. So, it is essential to make a promise to yourself to make changes. But change is hard for many of us, and the time needed for change is difficult for all caregivers.  Click to read more.