The Department of Elderly Services seeks to increase the quality of life of Danbury area citizens who are age 60 or better by developing a variety of comprehensive programs specifically designed to enrich the general well-being of Danbury’s more mature population.  With a special focus on reaching out to those most vulnerable and in need, the department provides the following resource and referral assistance services: the Municipal Agents Office for the Elderly, the Van Transportation Program and the SeniorNet Computer Learning Center, and a warm welcoming recreational and social environment at the Elmwood Hall Senior Center.

           The Municipal Agent’s Office provides information, referral and outreach, assistants to older citizens with up to date information on Medicare, Rent Rebate, Tax Credits, Senior Housing, Elder Abuse and a host of other important issues affecting older citizens. SeniorNet strives to build a community of computer literate adults.  The SeniorNet Technology Center provides a friendly, low-risk environment where students can learn to use a computer, get familiar with software and understand new and upcoming technology while sharing their experiences. 

           Elmwood Hall hosts a variety of programs in the areas of health and wellness, benefits and support, education, leisure time activities, fun and celebrations, and volunteerism.  A newsletter titled “The Elmwood Extra” is a bi-monthly publication that keeps all members up to date on what’s going on.  The Van Transportation Program provides rides to Elmwood Hall activities, for volunteer work, and special outings in the community.

           The Commission on Aging is a nine-member appointed council of volunteers.  The Commission offers guidance for the department and ensures that the department is enabled to provide the valuable services and programs it currently offers.  A “Friends of Danbury Seniors” group, “The Prime Timers, Inc.” continues to support the department’s many programs and large events.  Fund-raisers this year included our fourth annual Tag Sale our second Craft and Bake Sale

           The department consolidated into one building at Elmwood Hall, which now houses the Municipal Agent’s Office and our ceramics program including our kiln.  Elmwood Hall also now houses the department’s social/recreational/educational “club” and the Van Transportation Program.  The SeniorNet Technology center remains housed in the Old Jail building on Main Street.

           The Municipal Agent’s Office served 3,333 citizens throughout the year assisting with a variety of senior issues including: Medicare, Medicaid, CT Rent Rebate Program, changes in ConnPACE and the Medicare Savings Program, Elder Abuse, Home Care, Energy Assistance, Medigap Programs, Medicare Advantage Plans, Housing, Medical Equipment, Veterans Programs, Legal Services, and Property Tax Credit/Freeze Programs, just to list a few. 

           SeniorNet held 35 classes and welcomed 218 students adding a social networking class to its curriculum.  Plans for future classes will include a focus on smart phones and tablets.  Elmwood Hall also looks to be a Wi-Fi hotspot over the upcoming fiscal year as more boomers bring their wireless devices to the center. 

           Elmwood Hall was visited by countless older citizens and recorded consistent visits from 808 active seniors who stopped by 29,903 times throughout the fiscal year.  Most active seniors now receive a membership card to the center that tracks their participation.  Along with our 32 regular program offerings, some of the special programs offered this year included: Emergency Preparedness, Flu Shot Clinics, AARP Tax Assistance, Honoring Our Veterans, Wii Bowling Leagues, Casino Trips, Retirement Planning, Ask the Elder Law Attorney, Senior Transportation, Scams & Fraud Protection, Free Health Screenings, and the annual Holiday Party.  We also expanded our lunch program from 3 to 5 days per week.    

           Finally, fund-raising efforts continue either directly through the city or through The Prime Timers, Inc. a Friends of Danbury Seniors fund-raising group.  A variety of fundraisers and donations brought in a total of $7,414.  Fundraisers included: our annual tag sale, quilt raffle and sales, and a Craft & Bake Sale.  Revenues of $7,398 were collected in class fees to offset the cost of our instructor.  The Department of Elderly Services continues to take pride in serving each of Danbury’s older citizens and looks forward to meeting their upcoming needs in the future.