Caring for CT's disabled and elderly

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Governor Dannel Malloy is out with a strategic plan to support the long-term needs of Connecticut  residents.

Decisions made in one room could drastically change the method of caring for Connecticut's disabled adults and elderly.

"We are pressed to find ways to make sure all of our citizens can live the kind of quality life that we would choose for ourselves," said Governor Malloy.

Basically, the goal is shifting from institutionalizing Medicaid patients in nursing homes to giving them more choices, primarily remaining at home.

This isn't just about having more options and it's about trying to control escalating costs.

"If we can't reign them in we will not be able to provide the support and services that people need," said Anne Foley, Office of Policy & Management.

And for the first time ever the social workers, nursing home operators, now have a town-by-town breakdown of exactly what kind of services communities will need. Including helping nursing homes diversify care, such as offering at home services and adult day care.

"Giving us a clear understanding of how the changing demographics and changing preferences in long term services and supports will impact our delivery system," said Commissioner Roderick Bremby, Dept. of Social Services.

The Governor is saying in next week's budget address he will call for 24 million more state dollars in this effort to re-balance long term care.