Companions & Homemakers Marks National Senior Citizens Day

Companions & Homemakers, Connecticut’s leading home care agency, is noting the convergence of National Senior Citizen Day on August 21 and a newly released state report that reaffirms seniors’ preference to remain in their own homes to “age in place.” National Senior Citizens Day has been observed annually on August 21 since 1988.

Companions & Homemakers is Connecticut’s most trusted home care agency, having earned that reputation by providing quality in-home care to thousands of older residents in communities all across the state since the business was founded in Connecticut nearly three decades ago, in 1990.

A report released earlier this month from the state Department of Social Services confirmed the trend in Connecticut toward aging in place and community living. In releasing the report, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said “We are proud that Connecticut has long been a national leader in developing and providing home- and community-based services for our older adults and persons with disabilities. Surveys tell us that in most cases our residents are more satisfied with their care when it is received at home.”

With consistently high customer satisfaction ratings and numerous industry awards, Companions & Homemakers is Connecticut’s leader in homecare and companion services. Companions & Homemakers serves residents in every community in Connecticut, dedicated to assisting families in preserving dignity through independence and the comforts of home.

President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5847 declaring August 21 as National Senior Citizens Day back in 1988. The annual observance has continued since that first celebration honoring the nation’s seniors.

“Throughout our history, older people have achieved much for our families, our communities, and our country. That remains true today, and gives us ample reason this year to reserve a special day in honor of the senior citizens who mean so much to our land,” Reagan proclaimed.

“For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older — places in which older people can participate to the fullest and can find the encouragement, acceptance, assistance, and services they need to continue to lead lives of independence and dignity.”

Companions & Homemakers has offices operating in Avon, Berlin, Clinton, Danbury, Enfield, Farmington, Glastonbury, Hamden, Litchfield, Middlebury, and Norwich.

According to an AARP study, 90 percent of people age 65 and over would prefer to stay in their own homes as they get older — and not go to a nursing home or assisted living facility. Aging in place is defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as "the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level."

The number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to nearly double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060, and the 65-and-older age group’s share of the total population will rise from 16 percent to 23 percent, according to the Population Reference Bureau based on U.S. Census population projections.

Companions & Homemakers is a charter member of the Connecticut Chapter of the Home Care Association of America and an accredited member with an A+ rating of the Better Business Bureau. For information, visit www.companionsandhomemakers.com.