Resources

Click here to visit the official Thrive55+ Active Living Center website.

Enhanced Benefits Checkup Counseling is BACK!!

Senior Resources Enhanced Benefits Checkup Coordinator, Lori Napolitano will be taking appointments here at Groton Senior Center twice a month on Tuesdays the following dates:

  • Screenings are appropriate for those seeking State/Federal Program assistance as well as Medicare Counseling.
  • Clients can be scheduled regardless of where they live in CT.  If an appointment is not available at the town they reside, clients will can schedule at another location.
  • Clients must come prepared for their appointment. Failure to come prepared impacts the client negatively.

Call 860-441-6785 to schedule.

TRANSPORTATION

As a rider on the Thrive 55+ transportation, the center provides a low cost ride to medical appointments and shopping for recommended $2 donation.

Transportation Information page

 

 

 

 

    Enrollment is open for the Aging Mastery program® (AMP)

    Groton Senior Center invites area residents to  “Master Aging” With 8-Week Health and Wellness Progra

    The Groton Senior Center is pleased to announce that enrollment is open for the Aging Mastery program® (AMP). AMP is a nationally recognized, fun and interactive class for adults 50 and older that encourages developing sustainable behaviors that lead to health improvements, stronger economic security, enhanced well-being and increased participation in society. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) created AMP to develop new expectations, norms and pathways for people aged 50-100 to make the most of their gift of longevity. AMP is coordinated in Connecticut by the Connecticut Healthy Living Collective and Connecticut Community Care.

    Aging Mastery Program® classes explore navigating longer lives, physical activity, sleep, healthy eating and hydration, financial fitness, medication management, advanced planning, healthy relationships, falls prevention, and community engagement.  For each of the classes, basic educational materials developed by highly trusted sources are provided, along with a checklist of potential next steps and a system for tracking behaviors.  Participants will earn points for positive actions and rewards.

    “NCOA is delighted to see that the Aging Mastery Program® in Connecticut fully supports our national research and that participants find the program fun and beneficial to their health,” said James Firman, President & CEO of NCOA.  “It’s clear that residents here are taking their health care seriously and participating and recognizing that mastery of certain behaviors will lead to improved health, stronger financial security and overall well-being”.

    Preliminary results from across the country show that after taking the 8 sessions, AMP participants significantly increased their physical activity levels, had healthier eating habits, increased their use of advanced planning, stayed more socially connected and participated in evidence-based self-management programs.

    If you are interested in learning more about the program, please call the Groton Senior Center at 860-441-6623 or email colsen@groton.ct-gov.  This program will begin Tuesday, October 22 2019 at 5:00 pm located at 102 Newtown Road, Groton , CT 06340

    Pain Management Educational class Friday at 11

    Avalon Health Center at Stoneridge  presents

    Tips on Pain Management Educational Class

    Friday, October 11th at 11:00 am.

    Main topics for discussion will include the

    • use of heat vs cold
    • self-help tips
    • alternative pain management strategies

     

    What to know about Primary Care Provider- CONTENT BY JUDY

    Once upon a time the doctor we went to for everything was our family doctor but now they are called our PCP or Primary Care Providers. They can be MDs, Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner.   We go to them for a yearly exam, a cold, and other common medical problems. If you don’t have a PCP it can become very hard to get any other health care.

    We need a Primary Care Provider who fits into our insurance plan, will be available for the majority of our health issues and who we have trust in. Someone we feel comfortable talking to.

    The problem often is when our trusted doctor retires or moves. Our insurance no longer covers our doctor. And now we need to find someone new.

    Generally, we will ask our family and friends who they use. What they like and dislike about that provider and their practice. Then is the provider covered by our insurance. Are they part of that network? Are they taking new patients?

    You also can ask other doctors for recommendations. You can ask your dentist or pharmacist as well.

    Then the next step is… Are the Primary Care Providers you’re considering easy to get to? Do their office hours work for you? Again, double check that they are part of the network of health care you are in.

    Once you have narrowed it done to one, two or three Primary Care Providers, now is the time to schedule an appointment. Go for a visit and see if you like them. Did they take enough time with you? Did they seem interested in you as a person? Did they answer your questions? Was the office staff helpful and friendly?

    If the answer is yes to the questions that are important to you then you’re all set. Otherwise keep looking!

    Don’t settle. This is an important decision. Perhaps one of the most important decisions you make.

    Remember not everyone likes the same people or the same professionals. That’s why there are so many to choose from.

    Find the Doctor and the practice that fits you so that you are comfortable when you are the sickest knowing you are getting the best health care available.

    -Judy

    ACTIVE AGING WEEK Sept 30-Oct 4th

    It is ACTIVE AGING WEEK Sept 30-Oct 4th here at Groton Senior Center- we are so very active here regularly yet this week we have extra special programs to enhance your active life. All programs are free – Friday’s dinner to raise funds for the Groton Rotary Scholarship Fund is only $7 per person and open to the public!

    OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. 860-441-6785

     

    Your Veterans Benefits – CONTENT BY JUDY

    If you served in the military and have an honorable discharge your level of VA benefits varies according to a whole lot of factors. When you served. Where you served. How long you were in. Plus, other details.

    But the good news is there is someone out there waiting to help you figure out which benefits you are entitled to.

    And I used the word “entitled” because they are your benefits. You earned them by serving and you deserve them.

    And remember things are always changing. So, if you asked about your VA benefits when you first got out or five years ago. Even last year. Ask again because lots of factors have changed.

    I mentioned having an honorable discharge and even that has been relooked at.

    Also depending on your service, you might be entitled to things someone else doesn’t get. Or they get something you can’t get.

    And regardless there is help out there for all veterans.

    Depending on where you live is where you need to go. A great starting point is the VA website and it’s super easy to find. VA.gov. Go to the website and poke around. Its jam packed with information for you.

    Check with your Senior Center and Town Hall. They can point you in the right direction. Call your Senator and Representative they can help as well.

    Here in Connecticut each town has a Veteran Representative trained to help all veterans. There are VA clinics and VA hospitals. Plus, a growing number of Veterans Coffeehouses.

    Ask for guidance. Stop in talk with the folks. Share your story.

    Remember to visit VA.gov for the website.

    Make some phone calls!

    They are waiting to help you!!