House Republican Press Release

 

 

 

July 30, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

 

A VIEW FROM THE INSIDE

State Representative Ruth Fahrbach

 

New state Web site details long-term care options

 

In response to a growing need in our state, a new Web site – www.ct.gov/longtermcare - has been launched to assist caregivers and providers looking for information regarding services and long-term care options that are available through state entities.

 

It is probably safe to say that no one wants to end up in a nursing home and that most people would prefer to spent their entire life healthy and in their own home. Sometimes a nursing home may be the only place that can provide the round-the-clock care that is necessary and/or appropriate. Living a long healthy life in one’s own home is ideal, but when an individual’s health begins to fail to the point that assistance is needed, living in one’s own home with support services may be the next best option.

 

Planning is important whether for yourself or a loved one. Too many people wait until the need arises to assess the options available. The long-term care Web site can help individuals to plan ahead whether for themselves or a loved one. Even if you are not ready to make any specific decisions at this time, reviewing the Web site information can help you understand the options that are available

 

The new Web site is geared toward the needs of people of all ages and all manner of health. The site was put together through the collaborative efforts of the Long Term Advisory Council, the Connecticut Commission on Aging, the Office of Policy and Management and 2-1-1 Infoline. Among the topics covered in detail on the new site are:

 

 

In 2000, a report compiled by the Office of Legislative Research (OLR), summarized the growing need for long-term care options, and some ideas to help assist those seeking information about what kinds of long-term care options are available in Connecticut.

 

 According to the OLR report, a long-term care planning committee was setup by the legislature in the late 1990s. The committee developed a preliminary plan which included pilot programs, and studies in areas including nursing home staffing standards and staff shortages, a personal care assistant program, and assisted living programs. Many of the findings in those studies helped lead to the creation this new Web site.

 

If you do not have access to the Internet, or would like more information regarding long-term care options in our state, contact my office at 240-8700.

 

Rep. Ruth Fahrbach represents the 61st District, including Suffield, and parts of Windsor and East Granby, in the General Assembly.