[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 45 (Thursday, April 21, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 21, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                HONORING THE MILFORD, CT, SENIOR CENTER

                                 ______


                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 21, 1994

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, as the Nation focuses on health care 
reform, it is important to recognize programs, organizations, and 
people who are working to obtain our national goals: Lowering costs of 
health care and broadening coverage so that all Americans can take 
advantage of the highest quality health care in the world. Through the 
leadership and initiative of residents of the Third Congressional 
District of Connecticut, south central Connecticut has many models of 
health care delivery worthy of recognition. Today, I want to honor one 
such program: The Pre-Day-Care Frail Program of the Milford Senior 
Center in Milford, CT.
  In a time of shrinking budgets and increased demands, many local 
governments find themselves cutting back on the critical programs that 
enhance daily life for their residents. But the city of Milford has 
refused to allow budgetary challenges to alter its role as a vital and 
responsible government. The Milford Senior Center stands as an example 
for all who are concerned with providing adequate care to our senior 
citizens.
  The senior center offers elderly residents of Milford an opportunity 
to share a good meal, go dancing, get exercise, play cards, or just 
visit with one another 5 days a week. With no cost to the participant, 
elderly residents can patronize the center as little or as often as 
possible, without having to worry about a financial burden or social 
stigma.
  Committed to assisting Milford's elderly in remaining active and 
independent, Executive Director Kathi McDonnell-Bissell, recognizes 
that the center has a responsibility to those residents whose fragile 
condition prevent them from visiting the center on their own. Equipped 
with coordinator, Betti Shey, several part-time nurses, and many, many 
committed volunteers, the program provides seniors' care-givers with 
auxiliary care and a much needed break. In many cases, the center gives 
family members an opportunity to work outside the home that they would 
not otherwise have. Because of the center, seniors can stay at home 
longer, and receive needed care and companionship. On any given weekday 
morning, staff arrive at the homes of over 95 seniors, to assist them 
in getting dressed and transport them to the center. They remain at the 
center until late afternoon, enjoying the company of others and 
participating in a variety of social activities.
  Mr. Speaker, the Milford Senior Center is a community response to a 
nationwide need. When an elderly parent or spouse needs special care 
and the company of others, but their caregiver must work outside the 
home, American families are often faced with a very difficult decision.
  Fortunately, for the residents of Milford, they have a choice, a 
choice that works. The Milford Senior Center answers the modern problem 
of spiraling health care costs with old fashioned community support. It 
is taking Connecticut residents one step closer to our national heath 
care objective by providing accessible and affordable care to its 
elderly. Seniors can stay in the homes that they love, remain 
independent longer, and receive the care and companionship that they 
need. I applaud the Milford Senior Center and its Pre-Day-Care Frail 
Program for presenting the families of Milford with an alternative to 
costly, institutionalized and antiseptic care for our seniors.

                          ____________________