Resources

Commission on Aging

On May 15, 1985, the Town of East Lyme passed an ordinance that created the Commission on Aging.  The Commission is a 7 member Board consisting of interested residents of the Town which must have minority representation.

The purpose of the Commission is to:

  1. Review and analyze the needs and conditions of the elderly persons of the Town in relation to housing, nutrition, employment, health, recreation, social services, transportation, and other matters and problems within the jurisdiction of the Commission.
  2. Plan, coordinate, develop and implement programs to meet the needs and to improve the conditions of the elderly persons of the Town, upon the Board’s own initiative or on the recommendations of the Senior Citizen Administrator.
  3. Through the Senior Center Director and others, as necessary, provide coordination of such plans and programs among all related services.

The monthly meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of every month starting at 5pm. The meetings are held at the Senior Center and the public is welcome to attend. If a member of the public has a concern and wants to address the Board, there are two ways in which this can be handled. At the Board meeting, a person can address the Board during the Delegations section of the meeting. Or, a person can ask the Senior Center Director to add an item to the monthly meeting Agenda.

The current makeup of the Board is:

John Whritner            Chairperson

Michael Bekech          Vice-Chairperson

Ilene Harris                 Secretary/Treasurer

Marge Caste                Board Member

Margret Hughes         Board Member

Joan Bengston            Board Member

Joe Palazzo                 Board Member

Roseanne Hardy        Selectman and Ex-Officio

 

The East Lyme Senior Center can assist you or someone you know with regards to services available within our community. If you have questions, please call at 860-739-5859 for an appointment.

 

    Reflexology on Extended Leave

    Reflexology is on an extended leave. We will will keep you posted when she is able to return

    Alzheimer’s Respite Program

    If you are a caregiver of someone with the diagnosis of: Alzheimer’s Disease, Multi-infarct dementia,
    Parkinson’s Disease, Lewy Body Dementia, Huntington’s Disease, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, or Pick’s
    Disease, you may be able to purchase respite services designed to provide a break, or a limited time of
    caregiver relief, from the constant physical and emotional stress of caring for a person with Alzheimer’s
    disease or a related disorder.

    The program may subsidize the cost of services not to exceed an amount of up to $7,500 per year, however,
    this funding is contingent upon available funding and subject to the applicant’s level of need as determined
    by the Care Manager. Funding is available for respite services that include, but are not limited to: Adult Day
    Care, Home Health Aide, Personal Care Assistant, Homemaker, Companion, Nursing Care, Personal
    Emergency Response System or short term nursing home or assisted living care. Families may also choose a
    Self-Directed option that allows them to hire a private caregiver through a fiduciary.

    There are income and asset limits. For more information and/or to obtain an application, contact Senior
    Resources at 860-887-3561.

    Medicare Savings Program

    Are you on Medicare and paying for your Part B premium?

    If your monthly incomes is less than $2,786 (gross) as a single or $3,754 (gross) as a couple per month, you
    could be eligible for the Medicare Savings Program (MSP).

    Depending upon your income level, you could be eligible for 3 benefits.
    1. The MSP will pay for the Part Be premium for Medicare coverage.
    2. You would be eligible for the Low Income Subsidy which pays the full monthly premium of a Medicare Part
    D (prescription coverage) benchmark plan, or a portion of a non-benchmark plan, yearly deductibles and coinsurance, or co-pays. It also allows you to change your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plans
    outside of the open enrollment period.
    3. You may be eligible for the MSP to act as your supplemental health insurance.

    If you would like more information or would like to apply for this program,
    call the Senior Center office.

    Tax Relief for Elderly and Disabled Renters

    The Renter Rebate Program through the State of CT provides a rebate for renters who are elderly or
    disabled. Applications for the program are available until October 1st. Please call the Senior Center for an
    appointment.

    To be eligible:
    1. An applicant or the spouse must be 65 or older; or be 100% disabled (per Social Security); or be
    50 and a surviving spouse of a previous applicant.
    2. Must have lived in CT for 1 year.
    3. Total 2021 income which includes Social Security must not exceed:
    $38,100 for a single person
    $46,400 for a married couple
    4. 35% of of the applicant’s rent must exceed 5% of the applicant’s income
    5. If you received assistance from the UniteCT program, you must declare it.

    Proof of income received and rent and utility payments made in calendar year 2021 must be provided.
    For residents living at either Twin Haven or the AHEPA housing complexes, you will be contacted.

    Summer Session Registration

    Summer Session: July 5th – Sept 23rd
    Registration for fitness, music, arts, and games is now open.

    You can register in person or online through schedulesplus.com/eastlyme.
    If you register online, we must receive payment by the end of the next business day.
    Please do not call in your registration.
    Registrations are not guaranteed until we receive payment.