<p><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">-CT Eldercare Experts Explain Subtle Symptoms that Signal the Need for Assistance-</em></p><p><br></p><p><strong>(Cheshire, Conn)</strong><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;</strong><em>– December 5, 2024</em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;</span>–&nbsp;It’s the time of year for joyous <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">holiday visits with elderly parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. It’s also the time to be on alert for signs of decline in your elderly loved ones that may indicate a need for in-home assistance to keep them aging safely in place. </span><a href="http://www.assistedlivingct.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Assisted Living Services, Inc</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">., a non-medical senior homecare agency with offices in Cheshire, Westport and Putnam, Connecticut, offers tips on what families should look for this holiday season,</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">“</span>Every January we experience a spike in phone calls inquiring about in-home care<span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);"> because most people have recently gathered with families and have noticed a physical or mental impairment impacting their elderly loved one’s daily life and safety both in and outside of the home,” said Mario D’Aquila,&nbsp;</span><span style="color: rgb(64, 63, 66);">chief operating officer</span><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">&nbsp;at Assisted Living Services. </span>“Age-related decline can happen quickly, so even if you see a loved one frequently, subtle changes are easy to overlook.”</p><p>He notes that the first step should be a visit to the senior’s primary care physician for a check-up to rule out any underlying causes, review all medications and help determine if professional home health care, such as nursing care, or physical therapy is necessary.</p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Some</span> warning signs that may indicate an elderly person needs additional help around the house or increased personal care include:</p><p>Forgetfulness/confusion</p><p>Neglect of physical appearance or basic hygiene</p><p>Neglect of medical needs</p><p>Trouble performing routine tasks or chores</p><p>Personality changes</p><p>Inability to handle finances, pay bills</p><p>Unsteadiness, clumsiness or recent history of falling</p>

<p><strong><em>-PACT Presents $500 Check to AMERICAN LEGION in THOMASTON-</em></strong></p><p><strong>(Thomaston, CT)</strong> –<em> November 20, 2024</em>– Thanksgiving marks the start of holiday giving, and one Connecticut manufacturing company has been giving back to those who served our country all year long! Specifically, Watertown-based <a href="http://www.pactww.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Packaging and Crating Technologies (PACT</a>), recently presented a $500 check to the American Legion organization in Thomaston based on a charitable campaign that it launched in November for National Military Appreciation Month. The local non-profit is the leading <span style="color: rgb(32, 33, 34);">advocate for healthcare and earned benefits for veterans, servicemembers and their families. </span></p><p><br></p><p>“Although we, as an American company, are always patriotically minded, we consider it a privilege to highlight key military holidays and commemorative milestones like Memorial Day, Veterans Day and most recently, Military Appreciation Month,” said Rodger Mort, COO of PACT. “In doing so, we are raising both awareness and financial donations for our heroes and their families.”</p><p><span style="color: rgb(32, 33, 34);">Mort notes that PACT has </span>strong ties to the military which uses its various shipping and packaging container line when individual soldiers are moved from station to station, including its </p><p>patented LiftVan, <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">PleatWrap, J-Crate, Spiral Foot, MP40, Sofa Crate and Motorcycle Crate. Each item</span> is made from a durable and sustainable corrugated cardboard material and is capable of being reused for hundreds of moves. </p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Further, the company is a preferred vendor for the US Department of Defense and has been awarded a special permit from the US Department of Transportation for the shipping of lithium-ion batteries, as </span>well as passed the proposed SAE-G-27 test standard for shipping lithium-ion batteries.</p><p>“PACT benefits the military through both its innovative product line, as well as in its generous charitable programs,” said David Lauretano, commander of the Thomaston CT American Legion Post 22. “We are extremely grateful for the company’s ongoing efforts in helping to ensure that the sacrifice of our servicemen and women is never forgotten.”</p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">PHOTO</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">: (from left): David Laurentano, commander of the Thomaston CT American Legion Post 22 is presented with a $500 check from Rodger Mort, chief operating officer at </span><a href="http://www.pactww.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Packaging and Crating Technologies (PACT)</a> in Watertown, Conn. for its fundraising campaign in honor of National Military Appreciation Month during November.</p><p><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Photo Courtesy of: PACT, LLC</em></p>

<p><em style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">GIRL SCOUTS OF CONNECTICUT OFFERS HOLIDAY DISCOUNT FOR EARLY SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION-</em></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">(</span><strong style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">Hartford, Connecticut</strong><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">) –&nbsp;</span><em style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">November 21, 2024</em><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">&nbsp;–Girl Scouts have always been a force of nature and now, families can give their favorite troop member an early taste of outdoor adventure by gifting them a weeklong summer camp experience this holiday season. Specifically, Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT) is offering a $75 per week discount to any of its five summer camps for people who register between December 4th, 2024 and April 15, 2025. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);"> </span>“Girl Scouts wouldn't be Girl Scouts without the great outdoors - it’s one of our four primary pillars where girls make new friends, build campfires and hike trails,” said <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Elicia Pegues Spearman, Esq., chief executive officer at Girl Scouts of Connecticut. “Our annual holiday discount program is a fantastic</span> opportunity for parents, grandparents and other family members to ‘gift’ a fun and fulfilling week of camp to their excited outdoor enthusiast.”</p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">Spearman notes that the $75 discount applies to all four day camps, which include </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">Camp An-Se-Ox in Oxford, Camp Aspetuck in Weston, Camp Clatter Valley in New Milford and Camp Merrie-Wood in Manchester, as well as the organization’s overnight camp- Camp Laurel in Lebanon. Typical prices range from $385 to $625 per week.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">Additionally, GSOFCT offers a special Adventure Camp, which offers girls entering 6th to 12th grade </span>an immersive week of learning and exciting adventures, including climbing, canoeing and day trips. Costs range from $1,275 to $1,675 per week.</p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">As an extra bonus, </span>early registrants will also receive an official Girl Scouts water bottle and custom stickers.</p><p>“All of our summer camps provide a unique variety of engaging camp activities that allow our Girl Scouts to expand their horizons, while enjoying the adventure of learning and connecting with the world around them,” adds Spearman. </p><p>GSOFCT summer properties are also available to rent for private or corporate functions.</p><p>For more information, please visit <a href="https://www.gsofct.org/en/programs/camp-and-outdoors/summer-camps.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.gsofct.org/en/programs/camp-and-outdoors/summer-camps.html</a>.</p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">Girl Scouts of Connecticut is offering a $75 discount for each week of summer camp between December 4, 2204 and April 15, 2025 as part of its annual holiday program, a great gift idea for families and friends. </span></p><p><em style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">Credit: Girl Scouts of Connecticut</em></p>

<p><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">-GIFTS OF LOVE ATTRACTS 90 ATTENDEES TO SPEAKEASY FUNDRAISING EVENT-</em></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">(AVON, CONN)&nbsp;</strong><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">–&nbsp;</span><em style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">October 30, 2024 –</em><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">&nbsp;If Farmington Valley looked like an old Hollywood movie set, it wasn’t a new production, but rather, a “Roaring 20’s” costume ball hosted by </span><a href="http://www.giftsoflovect.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gifts of Love</a><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">a </span>non-profit organization that provides food, clothing and housewares to Connecticut individuals and families facing a financial crisis. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The “Club 35” fundraising event, which took place on Friday, October 25, 2024 at Farmington Gardens, attracted 90 registrants, and ten sponsors, raising money that </span><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">directly helps </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">residents in over 40 towns with vital, basic needs. </span></p><p>“With the monies raised from this successful event, combined with the continuous goodwill of Connecticut residents, we know that we’ll help our clients get through the upcoming winter season warm and well-fed,” said Lisa Gray, Executive Director of Gifts of Love. “We look forward to hosting more fun-themed events in the coming months.”</p><p>Gray notes that another highly anticipated fundraiser is the non-profit’s spring golf tournament each May with this year’s event netting revenues close to $70,000.</p><p>Sponsors included Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Carmon Funeral Homes, Liberty Bank, and People’s Bank <span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">and attendees </span>enjoyed a roaming magician, tarot card reader, caricaturist, samples from Litchfield Distillery, wine pull and specialty cocktails. </p><p>A major highlight of the event was a live auction emceed by Eric Hummel of Hummel Bros Inc. with such items as a $200 dinner voucher at Millwright’s Restaurant, tickets to the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, dinner for 8 people from New England Pasta Company, and a private wine class for up to 20 guests. Attendees also enjoyed live entertainment by the Simsbury High School Jazz Band.</p><p>Gifts of Love services more than 40 towns across Connecticut by offering a fully-stocked grocery pantry consisting of non-perishable items, paper goods, personal hygiene items, meats, and&nbsp;fresh produce and dairy products, a housewares and small appliances pantry and a clothing boutique, where clients can come and shop once a month. The organization has locations in Avon and in Hartford to make it easy for those in need to access necessary goods and services. It is also on the front lines of fighting childhood hunger with its Weekend Food Backpack Program, during which it distributes backpacks stuffed with easy-to-prepare meals and drinks to more than 300 students each week who are receiving free or reduced-cost lunches throughout the school year.</p><p>Gray notes that Connecticut residents who could not attend the “Roaring 20’s” event can still help the organization on Giving Tuesday and through its end-of-year appeal. To donate, please visit <a href="http://www.giftsoflove.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.giftsoflove.org</a>. </p><p><em>Photo Credit: Gifts of Love</em></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>The Votes are In and Girl Scout Cookies Always Win!</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">(CONNECTICUT) – </span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">October 30, 2024 </em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">– </span>No matter what your political party affiliation, all people can agree that Girl Scout Cookies get the top vote as the tastiest treat! Now, during Election Week, <a href="http://www.gsofct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Girl Scouts of Connecticut</a> (GSOFCT) are giving people a delicious reason to come out to the polls and local businesses by hosting cookie booths at various voting locations throughout the state. More than 300 booths will be available from Friday, November 1– Sunday, November 10, 2024. </p><p><br></p><p>“The Girl Scout Cookie Program is our most popular initiative to date and the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world,” said Elicia Pegues Spearman, CEO of Girl Scouts of Connecticut. “What’s more, when consumers purchase the delicious cookies from a Girl Scout, they’re also giving back to their community since many troops put a portion of their cookie proceeds toward service projects in their local regions.”</p><p>The cookie varieties available during the Election Week program include Thin Mints®, Samoas®, Tagalongs®, Do-si-dos®, Trefoils®, Lemon-Ups®, S’mores® Adventurefuls® and Girl Scout S’mores®. All cookies are $6 per package.</p><p>Girl Scouts are participating in Election Week cookie sales in a variety of ways, including direct sales to friends and family, walking about their neighborhood with their troop and in-person cookie booths. For a listing of booths, please visit: <a href="http://www.gsofct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.gsofct.org</a>. </p><p>Additionally, many Girl Scouts host virtual booths on social media as an engaging way to reach more customers. Girls, with adult supervision, can create a social media event or schedule a live stream on Facebook or Instagram and invite potential customers through social media, email, and text.</p><p>“The Girl Scout Cookie Program helps girls develop the five distinct skills of goal setting, decision making, business ethics, managing money, and people skills,” </p><p>adds Spearman. “In addition, all proceeds from cookie sales stay in Connecticut to fund GSOFCT programming, leadership development opportunities, and trainings for girls and adults throughout the state.”</p><p>Last season which ended in April, GSOFCT sold more than 1.7million packages of cookies.</p><p>Many Girl Scouts are also participating in GSOFCT’s Gift of Caring Service Project, Cookies for Heroes in which customers can purchase packages of cookies, which are then delivered to active military men and women, veterans, and local community heroes. Last year, over 125,000 packages of cookies were sold for this cause.</p><p>To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit <a href="http://www.gsofct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.gsofct.org</a>. </p>

<p><em>October 30, 2024</em> –According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 8.1 million retired veterans over the age of 65. Many of these patriotic heroes, having survived wars, now need to endure the aging process and are finding that they need help in staying safe within their own homes. <a href="http://www.assistedlivingct.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Assisted Living Services</a>, an award-winning non-medical homecare agency in Connecticut, is assisting military service personnel and their families access the maximum benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) during National Caregivers Month and Veterans Day<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> in November.</span></p><p>“Along with the work and stress of ensuring that aging loved ones are receiving the best possible care at home, families are also faced with the challenge of figuring out how to pay for quality, in-home senior care,” said Mario D’Aquila, MBA and COO of family-owned Assisted Living Services, Inc. “Many veteran families come to us not knowing that they qualify for VA coverage, but after some education and research on our part, they discover that they do, which offers much financial relief!” </p><p>D’Aquila emphasizes that Veterans Affairs offers two key programs that can help</p><p>cover the cost of home care for veterans and their spouses:</p><p><strong>Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension Program</strong>: This program provides a monthly stipend to veterans and their spouses who meet specific income, asset and service criteria. The funds can be used for non-medical home care services, helping veterans</p><p>access care without using up personal savings.</p><p><strong>VA-Sponsored Home Care</strong>: This program is available for veterans who may have been injured during service or meet certain income qualifications. Unlike the Aid and Attendance Pension, where the funds go to the veteran, VA-sponsored home care allows agencies to bill the VA directly for services. This often results in higher reimbursement rates, allowing for more comprehensive care.</p><p>D'Aquila notes that many veterans also qualify for The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE), a state-specific Medicaid waiver program administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS), designed for seniors with limited income and assets who require home care services. To qualify, individuals must meet certain criteria based on income, assets, age, and health conditions. The CHCPE covers a wide range of services, including personal care assistance, homemaking, 24-hour live-in care, nursing services, and even programs like Meals on Wheels and adult daycare. </p><p>D’Aquila also discusses using Medicare to defray the cost of in-home senior care: “though Medicare does not typically cover non-medical home care, some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited benefits for in-home services. This option is still in its infancy and not widely available, but it’s worth asking about if you or your loved one are on a Medicare Advantage plan.”</p><p>Additionally, families may choose to use Long-Term Care Insurance to offset the cost of home care services. Not to be confused with traditional health insurance, long-term care insurance is designed specifically to cover expenses related to non-medical home care, assisted living, and other senior care services. D’Aquila notes that some seniors even discover they have policies through former employers that they may have forgotten about and that many of these older policies offer an unlimited benefit, meaning they can cover services indefinitely, a financial lifesaver for families facing caregiving costs.</p><p>Lastly, D’Aquila notes that the most straightforward way to pay for in-home care services is through private, direct billing to the senior. Although this is a common method, many families explore other options to alleviate the financial burden that comes with caring for their elderly loved one.</p><p>“At our agency, we become partners with the families in helping them navigate the various funding options, including conducting research and identifying any means possible to help them cover the costs of eldercare,” concludes D’Aquila. “Understanding the various resources available to families, even if they qualify for government or other benefits down the road, can make a significant difference in the quality and affordability of care that their loved one receives.”</p><p>Learn more by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.assistedlivingct.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">www.assistedlivingct.com</a>&nbsp;or calling 203-634-8668.</p>