Many programs are offered that provide information, technical assistance, and direct community outreach. We are able to provide our programs through the generous support of Jefferson House.
We offer two ongoing programs for older adults in our community: Mature Driver Safety Program and A Matter of Balance.
We also have several community events including a Car Seat Clinic, The CarFit Program and a Gun Buyback Program.
Mature Driver Safety Program
The goal of the Mature Driver Safety Program is to assess the safe driving abilities of mature drivers (age 65+), identify impairments, and provide referrals and information about what can be done to ensure safe driving.
The program includes a self-assessment survey and a computer screening, administered by a program assistant. All results are confidential.
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Watch this Better Connecticut segment which aired March 26, 2012, that talks about the
Mature Driver Safety Program. |
Individual appointments are being scheduled at area senior centers.
For more information or to make an appointment, please call Lea Ann at (860) 249-1245.
A Matter of Balance
This initiative is an evidence-based falls prevention program for older adults endorsed by two nationally recognized groups: the Administration on Aging and the National Council on Aging. A Matter of Balance (MOB) acknowledges the risk of falling but emphasizes practical coping strategies to reduce this fear. These include: promoting a view of falls and fear of falling as controllable, setting realistic goals for increasing activity, changing the environment to reduce fall risks, and promoting exercise to increase strength and balance.
The program is presented in a small group format, which provides an opportunity for people with a common problem to learn from each other and to help each other deal with the shared problem of fear of falling. Classes will be offered at area senior centers.
Please call Lea Ann at (860) 249-1245 for more information regarding upcoming programs.
Check out the website at Maine Health Partnership for Healthy Aging for more information about A Matter of Balance.
www.mmc.org/mh_body.cfm?id=432
Car Seat Clinic
CT Safe Kids is pleased to present a Car Seat Clinic on Tuesday, May 28, 3pm 6pm, at the Injury Prevention Center, 12 Charter Oak Place, Hartford.
You can have your car seat inspected for proper installation.
This event is by appointment only. Please have the age, height and weight of your child available when you call. To schedule an appointment contact Olga Früster at 860-545-8815 or by email at ofruster@connecticutchildrens.org.
CarFit: Helping Mature Drivers Find Their Safest Fit
Many older drivers have difficulty in fitting into their own cars well. Whether it is adjusting mirrors in order to see the blind spot, positioning seats to be far enough away from the steering wheel yet with enough room to reach the gas pedal, or getting the seat belt to fit comfortably, there are many adjustments that can be made to find the safest fit. CarFit was developed to meet this need.
At a CarFit event, trained volunteers lead drivers through a 12 point checklist in their vehicle, recommend personal vehicle adjustments and adaptations, and offer community specific resources and activities that could make their personal vehicles “fit” better or enhance their safety. An occupational therapist is also on hand to provide information to older drivers on how to maintain and strengthen driving health. Individual appointments take approximately 30 minutes.
This free program is offered by the Injury Prevention Center of Hartford Hospital/CT Children’s Medical Center and works in collaboration with the local AARP, AAA, and American Occupational Therapy Association.
More information on events for Fall 2013 will be posted soon.
Gun Buyback Program
The Gun Buyback Program is a collaboration of Hartford Hospital, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, St. Francis Hospital, Community Renewal Team, the City of Hartford, the Hartford Police Department, the Office of the Hartford State's Attorney, and the Emergency Nurses Association.
The 4th Annual Gun Buyback was held on December 1, 2012 at the Community Renewal Team, 555 Windsor Street, in Hartford. The unofficial count for the 2012 gun buyback was 179 working firearms collected (145 handguns and 34 rifles/shotguns). Over $10,000 in gift cards were given to those turning in unwanted firearms. This single day Gun Buyback program has collected 464 firearms over the last four years.
The next gun buyback in Hartford is scheduled for May 18, 2013 at the Community Renewal Team, 555 Windsor Street, Hartford, CT from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
If you cannot wait until then, contact your local police for information on how to safely and legally turn in an unwanted firearm, or call our info line at (860) 249-1072. If you have an unwanted firearm in the home, this is your chance to remove the firearm by bringing it in. Those bringing in firearms will receive compensation in the form of gift cards:
- $25 gift card for a rifle, or shotgun.
- $75 gift card for a handgun, or assault weapon.
Call (860) 249-1072 for further information.
The Gun Buyback program seeks to raise awareness about responsible and safe ownership of firearms kept in the home. A gun in the home is 22 times more likely to kill a family member or friend than to kill an intruder. With gun ownership comes the responsibility of storing guns locked, unloaded and inaccessible to kids.
IMPORTANT: All guns must be brought in unloaded and wrapped in a bag.