Sen. Seminara: New Program to Keep CT Home Health Workers Safe

Sen. Lisa Seminara, Ranking Senator on the Aging Committee and the Human Services Committee, issued the following statement about a new state grant program aimed at enhancing the safety and security of home health care workers in Connecticut.

“Our home health workers really are unsung heroes in our communities,” Sen. Seminara said. “They are dedicated and skilled. They help our most vulnerable residents: The elderly and the disabled. They provide much-needed emotional and physical support. They enable people to remain in their homes and to remain independent. These caregivers deserve to be safe when doing their jobs. This funding will make our home health workers safer and will help prevent tragedies. It also sends a bipartisan message to our Connecticut caregivers: We support you, we appreciate you, and we want to keep you safe. Our bipartisan work on this essential care and safety issue will continue.”

Established by the enactment of Public Act 24-19 – which was approved by the Connecticut General Assembly during the 2024 regular legislative session and then signed into law by Governor Lamont – this program will provide grants to home health and access agencies to fund improved safety protocols and support services for their workers. This includes items such as emergency alert buttons, buddy escort systems, tracking devices, safety training, risk-scoring tools, safety consultants, and the establishment of dedicated phone lines for staff in the field to access immediate support.

Home health and access agencies interested in applying for grants can begin submitting applications to the Connecticut Department of Social Services starting August 7, 2024.

An online application form will be made available at portal.ct.gov/dss/common-elements/home-and-community-based-services.

Photo above: Sen. Lisa Seminara speaks at an Aug. 5 press conference at the State Capitol announcing a new state grant program aimed at enhancing the safety and security of home health care workers in Connecticut.