Additional Links:

Office of the Municipal Agent
Elmwood Hall
Connecticut Commission on Aging
Senior Center News Letter

 About Us:

The Department of Elderly Services seeks to increase the quality of life of Danbury area citizens who are age 60 or older by developing many 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 Computer & Technology Learning Center, in addition to a warm welcoming recreational and social environment at the Elmwood Hall Senior Center.

The municipal agent’s office provides information, referral and outreach, assisting 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.

Computer & 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 and share experiences.  The Computer & Tech Center strives to build a community of computer literate adults.

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 annual Tag Sale our annual Craft and Bake Sale.

Our Accomplishments:

The department maintains a focus on meeting the needs of both our more mature clients, as well as the new, aging, baby boomers.  With Connecticut being the 7th oldest state in the nation, we are working to maintain a more visual profile in the community so as to serve more seniors in need.

The Municipal Agent’s office served 3,375 citizens assisting with a variety of senior issues including: Medicare, Medicaid, CT Rent Rebate Program, 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. The Computer & Tech Center held 12 classes and welcomed 65 students. Plans for future classes will include a focus on smart phones (iPhone), tablets (iPad) and social networking (Facebook.) Elmwood Hall is now a Wi-Fi hotspot so as to encourage seniors to come by with their iPads and other wireless devices. The center received countless visits from older citizens and recorded consistent visits from 800 active seniors who stopped by 28,403 times throughout the fiscal year. Most active seniors now receive a membership card to the center that tracks their participation. Along with our 30 regular program offerings, some of the special programs offered this fiscal year include: Flu Shot Clinics, AARP Tax Assistance, Honoring Our Veterans, Wii Bowling Leagues, Casino Trips, Retirement Planning, Ask the Elder Law Attorney, Scams & Fraud Protection, Free Health Screenings, Golf Club, Brain Fit, Zumba Gold, Strength Training, Blood Pressure Screenings, and parties and celebrations. We continue to offer the Senior Nutrition Lunch Program five days a week. Our Van Transportation Program provided 3,309 one way rides for seniors to and from Elmwood Hall.

Finally, fund raising efforts continue either directly through the city or through The Prime Timers, Inc. Friends of Danbury Seniors fund raising group. A variety of fundraisers, donations and grants brought in a total of $5,000. Revenues of $4,716 were collected in class fees to offset the cost of our instructors. 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.