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AARP Connecticut held a press conference Tuesday, March 4, to promote HB 5791, a bill submitted by Sen. Jonathan Harris, D, and Rep. Peter Villano, D, chairmen of the Human Services Committee, that would give state residents a single place to go or call for more information on everything they need for long-term care.

Naugatuck resident Bonnie Veillette spoke at the AARP press conference in support of HB 5791. Mrs. Veillette cares for her husband, Bob Veillette, 63, who suffered a stroke two years ago and is paralyzed from the eyes down. Mrs. Veillette said it has taken her two "frustrating" years to find all the services she needs to care for her husband at home. She said passage of HB 5791 would help others avoid the long and confusing search for information on long-term care options available in the state.

AARP also testified at a hearing held by the Human Services Committee March 4 on several bills that would improve the state's long-term care system. HB 5791 was one of those bills that AARP supports. AARP recommended language for HB 5791 that would create a so-called "single point of entry" system for those seeking long-term care information and referrals.

HB 5791 was submitted after Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell eliminated $1 million from the state’s 2008-09 budget that would have helped create a single point of entry. The one-stop system was listed as a top priority in a 2007 long-term care needs assessment conducted by the University of Connecticut. Check back here to track the bill’s progress.