Interview - Homes For Our Troops

Not only is Homes For Our Troops a great organization but they understand the importance of using a home's space wisely, for instance, they make sure kitchens are designed with pull-down cabinets. We spoke with Teresa about their mission and how you can help.

For the busy person what is Homes for our Troops?

Homes For Our Troops is a national nonprofit that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes to severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives.

What is the origin story for your organization?

Homes For Our Troops was started by a Massachusetts contractor in 2004 who built a home for an injured Veteran in Massachusetts. Since that time, HFOT has built over 250 homes in 42 states.

Who qualifies for a home and if so, how does the process start?

To qualify for a home, Veterans have to meet a few basic criteria including being injured in the theater post 9/11; retired or in the process of medical retirement from military service; qualify for the VA’s Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant Program. Learn more about our selection process here: hfotusa.org/help.

If someone wants to help, what can they do in addition to giving money?

There is plenty of ways to help! We hold events for each project across the country where the community is invited to attend and welcome the Veteran home. You can find out if there’s a build in your area by checking our interactive map at hfotusa.org/map. If there are no builds near you, holding a fundraiser is a great way to support our mission. We’re even happy with people spreading the word about our organization through social media and word of mouth. Learn more about how to get involved here: hfotusa.org/get-involved/support_our_mission.

What are some of the projects that stand out or gave you extra inspiration?

Everyone of our Veterans has an inspiring story. Read about some here: hfotusa.org/rebuilding-lives.

Interview - NasKart

Many of our clients ask us how to deal with the vast number of toys their kids accumulate. We suggest limiting the number that come into your space in the first place. We encourage a switch from toys towards experiences so we spoke with Cody of Montville, CT's NasKart SuperCharged Go Kart Racetrack.

What is the track's origin story? How long has it been around?

Naskart opened on January 1, 2017, only 11 months after its conception on a dinner napkin. It really is a unique concept that originated when one of the owners was on a family trip in Florida. As he sat watching his kids enjoy an indoor karting track he had two thoughts. 1. Why don’t we have anything like this closer to home, and 2. We can do this better. That is exactly what he set off to do with his business partners and 11 months later the doors open for the world’s largest indoor multi-level karting track.

What should a busy person know before walking in the door to race?

The first thing to understand when going to a facility like this, is that indoor karting isn’t like most entertainment venues. The system operates more like a airport than anything else, with a strict schedule of races with loading and departures times, always subject to delays based upon what is happening on the tracks during the races. Be sure to check online to better understand what to expect. What are the requirements to participate? What restrictions exist? What are the associated costs and hours of operation? All this and more can be found on our website NASKARTracing.com.

What are the different tracks and levels?

Naskart offers two distinct quarter mile tracks, Coca-Cola Raceway and Antonino Auto Group Speedway. On Thursdays we merge them both for Supertrack, a ½ mile per lap experience line no other. On either track you have two options for your speed setting, Semi-PRO, or PRO. For Semi-PRO the minimum requirement is that you are 58 inches or taller. For PRO you must also be 58 inches or taller, and also 15 years of age or older. Both tracks, and both speed settings use the same high performance electric go karts.

What are the age limits or height?

For our trampoline park we do not have any age or height limitations. Our policy is that you must be able to jump on your own without assistance and follow instructions. We are very strict on our safety rules.

Can someone drive a cart on the trampoline park?

In addition to our 80,000 sq. ft. track building we have our trampoline park, party spaces, Fuel Up café, and a full service sports bar. Be sure to JUMP & DRIVE before visiting the bar. For more information or to inquire about having a special event with us please email sales@NASKARTracing.com.

Interview - SWCAA

At House to Home Organizing,  we have helped many families in multi-generational homes who are either transitioning to the next life stage living situation or have loved ones who are downsizing. Often, our clients tell us they are overwhelmed and don't know how to begin. We spoke with Sharon Gesek, Director of Programs at The Southwestern CT Agency on Aging to help provide solutions to some of the challenges that older adults face.

For the busy person, what is the best description for Southwestern CT Agency on Aging?

SWCAA is a private, not-for-profit organization, designated by the federal government (according to the Older Americans Act of 1965) as an Area Agency on Aging, SWCAA is a funding source for federal and state dollars for the elderly in a fourteen town region of southwestern Connecticut.

Funding supports services such as in-home care, nutrition, legal, health, adult day care/respite, transportation, senior centers, outreach/social support and Information and Assistance.

What are the common challenges for older adults in Connecticut? 

Connecticut isn’t all that different than other states with one of the most challenging obstacles for adults as they age, navigating a complex, and at times confusing landscape of Long Term Services and Supports.

You offer numerous programs, what are the ones most in demand?

Access to In-Home Services and Supports to delay or prevent institutionalization, Caregiver Resources, Information and Assistance with Health Insurance Options and Medicare and Grant Opportunities to the Community.

For new caregivers of older parents, what areas should they focus on to get them started?

That’s a tough questions because each family situation is a bit different. I would start with calling a CHOICES counselor at one of five CT Area Agencies on Aging to get individual options that suit the caregiver and care recipient. An Information Specialist will need to get personal information and will then review available options to you and offer assistance in accessing the services you feel are suitable for your loved one. 

It could be connecting an individual with the VA, respite for the caregiver, or possibly in-home services through the CT Homecare Program for Elders.

You help older adults avoid scams, can you discuss the program?

SWCAA has an Informational Specialist who coordinates the Senior Medicare Patrol Program.  This is a nationwide program that provides one-on-one counseling and assistance to people on Medicare help them better understand their Medicare summary notices and understand billing and other paperwork that may be confusing or overwhelming. If there is a suspicious case or circumstances, the SMP Coordinator or a trained volunteer, can help beneficiaries report fraud to the proper state and federal authorities. Community SMP presentations  are offered at a whole host of area sites including libraries, Senior Centers, Community Centers, and faith based organizations. SWCAA will work with any organization that is willing to sponsor a community presentation to alert beneficiaries how to; Prevent, Detect and Report fraud and scams. 

Interview - Oasis Senior Advisors

A large percentage of our clients are caring for an older parent. Often we are called in to help make space for a parent to move in with their adult children or we help older adults downsize as they prepare for the next life stage. We spoke with Paul at Oasis Senior Advisors to provide additional options for caregivers because just like House to Home Organizing they don't believe there is a one size fits all solution for caregivers.

For the stressed caregiver what is Oasis?

We give the caregiver the information they need to have confidence that they are making the best decisions and creating the most appropriate plans for their loved one.

If someone wants your help, how do they begin?

Families can call us at 475.619.4123 or email at TheDoyles@YourOasisAdvisor.com to schedule a free consultation.

Finances are always an issue for the older adult, how much do you charge?

We are a free service. There is never a charge to the family for our services.

Do you help all seniors, despite the level of care required?

We offer solutions for all levels of care. We connect seniors with resources for whatever care needs they may have and make referrals to everything from medical equipment for the home, to home care, to Assisted Living and Memory care and to Skilled Nursing Facilities.

What happens when an older adult doesn't have family members who live close?

We are national company with 60+ franchises in 26 States. Working together seamlessly with our colleagues around the country we make sure that families are able to care for a loved one from wherever they may live.

In your experience what are the biggest challenges facing older adults in our community?

It’s very difficult for families and older adults to make plans and decisions on the best care without information about all of the resources available. We try to educate families on all the options available to them and the best practices in providing a safe and enriching environment for their loved one; whether that be at home, Assisted Living, Memory Care or Skilled Nursing.