Independence


May 2022

AOASCC News & Notes

You're Invited to our 10th Annual Art Exhibition!

Come wander through the virtual hallways and be inspired by the talent of these artists. 

The Art of Aging

Please sign our guest book and vote for your favorite artwork - People's Choice awards will be awarded!

Spotlight on Volunteers



Did you know there were Glaciers in South America?


Well, I didn’t, and I learned this and lots of other information about South America at a recent school-wide presentation at Slate School in North Haven.  Along with parents, RSVP volunteers were given the opportunity to visit classrooms and found every student engaged and sharing the information that they had gathered related to South America. As early as 1st grade these students’ explored interests that they selected and used books to research, no google here!

South America display.jpg

The school engages students in a variety of ways, putting an emphasis on curiosity and leading in a unique “lets learn together” process. From helping with the gardens or in the classrooms during project time to sharing skills in sewing, knitting, singing, etc. the opportunities are endless with the students leading the way.  


We are delighted that we have asked to gather volunteers to support learning at this project driven school, since we are always looking for intergenerational opportunities for our RSVP volunteers. This seems like a perfect fit for those who are open to alternative ways of teaching.


Find out more about volunteering with children through AOASCC.

Caregiver Corner - Men & Caregiving


Family caregiving is provided predominantly by women. However, in the past five years, the distribution of people providing care to family members has seen an increase in care given by men rise from 25% to 40%. Is the care provided different from the care provided by women? Maybe, it depends upon the man and his skills and style, but the weight of the work is no different whether the caregiving is provided by sons or daughters, grandmothers or grandfathers, sisters or brothers. The impact of providing care takes a toll on both genders, even if the particular issues are slightly different.

If you are a male caregiver, what should you know to make your caregiving tasks easier?

  • Know that you are not alone. Sixty-five million people provide care to a family member, twenty-six million of these caregivers are men.
  • Prepare yourself for the role. Get as much information as you can about the specific needs of the person for whom you provide care. Talk with the doctors and therapists who provide health care for your relative. Talk with your family about the other needs of your loved one, and talk with the person you care for to learn their preferences. It isn’t easy to provide care, but remember, it isn’t easy to receive care either. Being in a dependent position is hard for all of us.
  • Once you know what needs to be done, ask for help to get it all done. You don’t have to provide all the care, you need to be the person in charge who makes certain it all gets done. If there are things you must do, get the training you need to perform the tasks. 
  • Remember to take care of yourself. If you find yourself eating or drinking more than usual it might be a sign that your feel stressed. Don’t allow caregiving to jeopardize your health. It’s important to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and keep your doctor appointments. You can’t take care of anyone else if you don’t care for yourself first.

CHOICES - Social Security Benefits & Covid-19


The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently changed their rules about how pandemic-related financial assistance can affect an individual’s eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or monthly SSI benefit amount. Previously, SSA had been counting many types of assistance as income and resources for SSI purposes, resulting in individuals having their SSI benefits reduced or suspended, or having their applications for SSI benefits denied. However, due to the severity of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, SSA has decided they will not count most types of pandemic-related financial assistance against SSI eligibility or benefit amount. Examples of assistance that will not be counted are • Economic Impact Payments (EIP) • State Stimulus Payments • Unemployment Assistance (also includes regular state unemployment benefits,) Coronavirus Food Assistance Program—Direct Payments to Farmers and Ranchers • COVID-19 Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program • COVID-19 Funeral Assistance • Emergency Rental Assistance Fund. 


SSA is now reviewing SSI applications, redeterminations, appeals, and other records going back to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, to restore SSI payments for people whose SSI was affected by receiving any of the assistance listed above. In most cases, the individual will not need to do anything. If SSA does not need any additional information, they will restore the SSI benefits going forward and also send a lump sum of any “underpaid” benefits that were missing since March 2020.


 SSA will mail a letter explaining the payments to the most recent address they have on record for the individual. If the person has an appointed representative or a representative payee, SSA will also send this information to the representative. If SSA needs additional information from the person before they can restore their SSI benefits, or if they need to take a new SSI application, they will mail a letter. The letter will explain that SSA needs to talk with the person at a scheduled appointment.

CHOICES provides unbiased support to Medicare beneficiaries and their families so they can make informed decisions about their care and benefits .CHOICES is a CT program, administered in CT, by the State Unit on Aging, It is part of the larger, national SHIP (State Health Insurance Programs). Each area Agency on Aging in CT hosts the CHOICES program.



SNAP helps you eat healthy! Visit our website for more information & to find out how SNAP can make your grocery dollars go further!


Thank you!


We are so thankful for the generosity of those who donated to the annual campaign.  Together we are making a difference helping

individuals remain safely at home, supporting caregivers & providing opportunities to stay healthy and engaged.

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