Written & Reviewed by
Last updated: April 29, 2026
Information checked through April 30, 2026.
Bottom line: Connecticut has five Area Agencies on Aging. They are often the best first call for seniors, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers who need help with care at home, meals, Medicare questions, respite, rides, benefits, or local services. Call 1-800-994-9422 if you are not sure which office serves your town.
Urgent help first
Call 911 now if someone is in danger, has a medical emergency, or may be seriously harmed.
- Elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation: Call Protective Services for the Elderly at 1-888-385-4225 during state business hours. After hours, weekends, or state holidays, call 2-1-1. Connecticut explains this on its Protective Services page for older adults age 60 or older.
- Food, shelter, heating, or crisis help: Dial 2-1-1. The 2-1-1 Connecticut service is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
- Long-term care complaints: Call 1-866-388-1888 for the state Long Term Care Ombudsman. The ombudsman page says the program helps residents in nursing homes, residential care homes, and assisted living communities.
- Mental health crisis: Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Quick help: where to start
If you only make one call, call 1-800-994-9422. That number connects you with the AgingCT network and your local Area Agency on Aging. AgingCT also has an AgingCT map and an Aging Answers page with the five regional offices.
| Need | Best first step | Who it may help | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not sure where to begin | Call 1-800-994-9422 | Older adults, caregivers, and adults with disabilities | You may be sent to a local office after a short screening. |
| Medicare plan questions | Ask for CHOICES counseling | People on Medicare and family helpers | Counselors do not sell plans, but appointments can fill up during fall open enrollment. |
| Meals or food help | Ask for senior meals | Adults 60+, spouses, and some people with disabilities | Meal sites and delivery routes vary by town. |
| Help staying at home | Ask about CHCPE or CFC | People who need hands-on help with daily tasks | These programs need a care review and financial review. |
| Caregiver burnout | Ask for caregiver support | Family or unpaid caregivers | Respite funds and services may depend on need and local funds. |
Connecticut facts that matter for seniors
These numbers explain why the aging network matters in Connecticut. They also show why a local call is often better than guessing online.
| Fact | Why it matters | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut had an estimated 3,688,496 residents in July 2025. | Programs must serve a small state with many local rules and dense town borders. | Census QuickFacts |
| About 19.4% of residents were age 65 or older. | Demand for home care, meals, and Medicare help is high. | Census data |
| Connecticut has 169 towns. | Your town can affect transportation, senior center services, and local tax help. | towns and counties |
| A 2025 state report cited about 885,046 residents age 60 or older. | Area Agencies on Aging are not a small side program. They serve a large share of the state. | state program report |
Connecticut’s five Area Agencies on Aging
Use the state-wide number first if you are unsure of your region. County names can be a rough guide, but town lines matter. The AgingCT site is the safest place to confirm your town before you apply for local services.
| Area Agency on Aging | Main region | Phone | Best reason to call |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agency on Aging of South Central CT | Greater New Haven and lower Naugatuck Valley | 203-785-8533 | Meals, care planning, caregiver support, Medicare help, and local referrals. |
| North Central Area Agency on Aging | Hartford and Tolland Counties | 860-724-6443 | Caregiver help, CHOICES, benefits, wellness programs, and community support. |
| Senior Resources Agency on Aging | New London, Middlesex, and Windham Counties | 860-887-3561 | Rural and coastal support, meals, care options, and family caregiver help. |
| Southwestern CT Agency on Aging | Fairfield County | 203-333-9288 | High-cost area support, Medicare help, caregiver programs, and local services. |
| Western CT Area Agency on Aging | Litchfield, Fairfield, and New Haven Counties | 203-757-5449 | Home care links, benefits help, town referrals, and caregiver support. |
Practical tip: When you call, say your town first. That helps staff send you to the right office and avoids a second call.
What Connecticut AAAs can help with
Information and referral
What it helps with: This is the front door. Staff can point you to home care, meals, benefits, rides, Medicare help, caregiver support, senior centers, and town programs.
Who may qualify: Older adults, adults with disabilities, caregivers, and family members can ask questions. A first call does not mean you must qualify for a paid program.
Where to apply: Call 1-800-994-9422 or contact your regional office. The state ADS programs page also lists aging and disability support areas.
Reality check: The first person you speak with may not approve services. Their job is often to screen your need and send you to the right program.
CHOICES Medicare counseling
What it helps with: CHOICES is Connecticut’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program. It helps with Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D drug plans, Medigap, Medicare Savings Programs, appeals, and long-term care questions.
Who may qualify: People who are Medicare-eligible, their families, and caregivers can use it. The CHOICES brochure says help is free and unbiased.
Where to apply: Call 1-800-994-9422 and ask for CHOICES. You can also ask your local AAA for a Medicare counseling appointment.
Reality check: Call early before Medicare open enrollment. Appointments can be limited when many people are comparing drug plans.
Senior meals and home-delivered meals
What it helps with: Senior nutrition programs can offer meals at community sites and meals delivered to some homebound or isolated older adults.
Who may qualify: The 2-1-1 senior meal page says congregate meals serve people age 60 or older, spouses of any age, and certain people with disabilities.
Where to apply: Call your local AAA, your town senior center, or 2-1-1. If you need other food support, our Connecticut emergency help page may give more next steps.
Reality check: Meal delivery is not the same in every town. Some towns have waiting lists, delivery-day limits, or a need review.
Family caregiver support
What it helps with: Caregiver programs may offer help finding services, respite breaks, training, support groups, and help paying for certain items or services not covered elsewhere.
Who may qualify: Connecticut says the National Family Caregiver Support Program may help adults caring for someone 60 or older, adults caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or a similar condition, and some caregivers age 55 or older. See the caregiver support page for the state rules.
Where to apply: Call 1-800-994-9422 and ask for caregiver support. If you want to check whether a family member can be paid, read our paid family caregiver guide after you call.
Reality check: Respite does not always start right away. Staff may need to check need, caregiver status, and available local funds.
Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders
What it helps with: The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders, often called CHCPE, can help eligible older adults stay at home instead of moving to a nursing home. Services may include care management, adult day health, companion help, meals, homemaker services, adult family living, assistive technology, and other supports.
Who may qualify: Connecticut says applicants must be 65 or older, live in Connecticut, be at risk of nursing home placement, and meet financial rules. The CHCPE overview explains these basic rules.
Where to apply: Start with the CHCPE referral page or call 1-800-445-5394 and choose option 4 for referrals. The CHCPE contact page lists option 2 for financial questions.
Reality check: This is not instant home care. DSS must review care needs and money rules. Keep notes, send papers fast, and ask what is missing if you do not hear back.
Community First Choice
What it helps with: Community First Choice, also called CFC, can provide personal attendant care and other supports through Medicaid. It may help people who need an institutional level of care stay in the community.
Who may qualify: Connecticut says CFC is for eligible people who need help to remain in the community, and MyPlaceCT says a person must be an active Medicaid member, be able to self-direct services or have a representative, and meet level-of-care rules. Use the state CFC page and CFC details before you apply.
Where to apply: You can apply online through Connecticut’s CFC page or call 2-1-1 on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and choose option 3.
Reality check: Self-directed care means you may have employer-like tasks, such as finding, training, and supervising workers. Ask how payroll, backup care, and worker hours will work before services start.
Money Follows the Person
What it helps with: Money Follows the Person can help a Medicaid-eligible person move from a nursing home or other long-term care setting back to a home or community setting.
Who may qualify: This path is for people already in a long-term care facility who can return safely with the right supports. Connecticut’s MFP page says the program is meant to support choice, dignity, and long-term care options.
Where to apply: Ask the facility social worker, call DSS, or ask your AAA how to contact a transition coordinator.
Reality check: A safe move can take time. Housing, equipment, services, and a care plan must line up before discharge.
How to start without wasting time
- Write down your town. Many Connecticut services are town-based, even when the program is statewide.
- Pick your top problem. Say “meals,” “home care,” “Medicare,” “caregiver respite,” “rides,” or “housing” first.
- Call 1-800-994-9422. Ask which AAA serves your town and what program fits your need.
- Ask for the next step in writing. Get the form name, phone number, and deadline if there is one.
- Keep a call log. Write the date, staff name, phone number, and what they told you.
Phone scripts you can use
Script for finding your AAA
“Hello, my name is ____. I live in ____ Connecticut. I am calling for myself or for my family member. We need help with ____. Which Area Agency on Aging serves this town, and what should I do first?”
Script for Medicare counseling
“I need a free CHOICES appointment. I want to compare my Medicare plan, drug costs, and possible Medicare Savings Program help. What papers should I bring?”
Script for home care help
“I need help staying safely at home. I need help with bathing, dressing, meals, medicine, chores, or rides. Should I ask for CHCPE, Community First Choice, or another program?”
Script for caregiver respite
“I care for someone who is age ____ and needs help with ____. I need a break and help planning care. Can you screen me for caregiver support or respite?”
What to gather before you apply
Do not wait to call just because you do not have every paper. Still, these items can speed up the next steps.
| Item | Why it helps | Bring or ask about it |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance cards | Needed for CHOICES, home care, and benefits screening | Bring copies to appointments if asked. |
| Proof of income | May be needed for Medicaid, CHCPE, food, housing, or tax help | Use Social Security letters, pension statements, or pay stubs. |
| Bank and asset information | Some programs have asset rules | Ask which months or statements are needed. |
| Doctor and medicine list | Helps explain care needs and safety risks | Include diagnoses, falls, and daily help needed. |
| Rent, mortgage, utility, or tax bill | May help with housing, energy, or property tax referrals | Bring the latest bill and any shutoff or delinquent notice. |
Reality checks before you count on help
- Area Agencies do not pay every bill. They connect people to programs, screen needs, manage some services, and refer to local partners.
- Home care has rules. Needing help at home does not always mean a program can start care right away.
- Town programs differ. Senior centers, rides, tax relief, and local emergency funds can vary a lot by town.
- Medicare counseling is time-sensitive. Drug plan and Medicare Advantage choices may have set enrollment windows.
- Donations are not required for many aging services. Some meal or ride programs may ask for a donation, but ask staff what happens if you cannot pay.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Calling only one private home care agency before asking about public programs.
- Waiting until a hospital discharge day to ask about home care.
- Assuming Medicare pays for long-term personal care at home.
- Throwing away DSS letters before checking deadlines.
- Using your county name only and not giving your town.
- Picking a Medicare plan without checking drug and doctor coverage.
What to do if you are delayed, denied, or overwhelmed
If you are waiting: Call back and ask, “What is missing from my file?” Then ask for the best phone number and the date you should call again.
If you are denied: Ask for the denial reason in writing. Ask if there is an appeal, fair hearing, or a different program that fits your need.
If the issue is a nursing home or assisted living problem: Call the Long Term Care Ombudsman at 1-866-388-1888.
If the issue is abuse, neglect, or exploitation: Call Protective Services for the Elderly at 1-888-385-4225 during business hours, or call 2-1-1 after hours.
More Connecticut resources that may help
These GrantsForSeniors.org pages can help if your needs go beyond the Area Agency on Aging system. For a broad state page, start with our Connecticut benefits guide and then move to the most specific issue.
- Use Connecticut senior centers to find town-level places that may offer meals, events, rides, and local referrals.
- Use Connecticut housing help if rent, senior housing, or utility bills are the main problem.
- Use property tax help if you own a home and need town or state tax relief information.
- Use the disability benefits guide if disability rules, Medicaid, SNAP, or housing support are part of the problem.
- Use the transportation support guide if rides are the biggest barrier to care.
- Use the Medicare Medicaid guide if you may have both Medicare and Medicaid.
- Use prescription drug help if medicine costs are too high.
- Use home repair grants if the house needs safety repairs before care can work at home.
- Use senior tax help if tax filing, property tax relief, or credits are confusing.
Resumen en español
Connecticut tiene cinco Agencias del Área sobre el Envejecimiento. Estas agencias ayudan a personas mayores, personas con discapacidades y cuidadores familiares. Pueden ayudar con comidas, cuidado en el hogar, preguntas de Medicare, apoyo para cuidadores, transporte, beneficios y recursos locales.
Si no sabe a quién llamar, llame al 1-800-994-9422. Diga su pueblo o ciudad, su necesidad principal y si la situación es urgente. Para abuso, negligencia o explotación de una persona de 60 años o más, llame al 1-888-385-4225 durante horas laborales. Después de horas laborales, llame al 2-1-1.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first number to call?
Call 1-800-994-9422 if you need your local Area Agency on Aging or CHOICES Medicare help. Call 2-1-1 if you need urgent food, shelter, utility, or crisis referrals.
Do I have to be low-income to call an AAA?
No. You can call for information and referrals even if you are not sure you qualify for a program. Some services have income, asset, care-need, or funding rules.
Can an AAA help me get home care?
Yes, an AAA can help you understand home care paths and referrals. For paid long-term care at home, you may need CHCPE, Community First Choice, Medicaid, private pay, veterans benefits, or another program.
Does Medicare pay for long-term home care?
Medicare may pay for short-term skilled care when rules are met. It usually does not pay for long-term help with bathing, dressing, meals, or chores. Ask CHOICES before you choose a plan or pay out of pocket.
Who helps family caregivers in Connecticut?
Call 1-800-994-9422 and ask for caregiver support. Depending on your situation, staff may screen you for respite, support groups, training, or other help.
What should I do if a program says no?
Ask for the reason in writing, ask about appeal rights, and ask what other program might fit. Keep a call log with names, dates, and next steps.
About this guide
We check this guide against official government, local agency, and trusted nonprofit sources. GrantsForSeniors.org is independent and is not a government agency.
Program rules, funding, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply.
See something wrong or outdated? Email info@grantsforseniors.org so we can review it.
Last updated: April 29, 2026
Next review date: July 29, 2026
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