UCP of Eastern CT Expands to Meet Growing Needs in Disability Arena

UCP of Eastern Connecticut is expanding its programs, staffing and areas of service to meet the growing need for affordable, quality services and supports in the disability arena.

Caregivers and students pursuing a degree in the healthcare field are encouraged to contact the agency to take advantage of UCP’s Direct Support Professional (DSP’s) training program. To attract top quality DSP’s, the agency provides attractive benefits and a career path. As a UCP Direct Support Professional, healthcare students may also fulfill the requirement of having experience working with people with disabilities. UCP’s training program also offers deep experience with assistive and remote technology.

The direct care worker shortage is a global issue, stretching well beyond Connecticut. In the U.S., 3 out of every 4 agency providers has a wait list for caregiving services. According to the Global Coalition on Aging Report, 70% of Americans who reach age 65 will need long-term services and support. If nothing changes, the report predicts there will be a national shortage of 151,000 care workers by 2030, and a 355,000 caregiver shortfall by 2040.

To compound the situation, demand in the family caregiving market is increasing as well. Currently, 53 million Americans serve as family caregivers and the number is growing.

“When you consider the Pew Research, which states that one in four Americans live with a disability that interferes with activities of daily living, and a recent national survey that reports 90% of Americans age 50 and over want to ‘age in place,’ the problems of isolation and the quality caregiving that can help, cannot be ignored,” explained Jennifer Keatley, Executive Director of UCP of Eastern Connecticut. “Despite the overwhelming numbers, few people are aware of how to do that safely.”

UCP of Eastern CT is collaborating with the Department of Aging & Disability Services (ADS) and The CT Tech Act Project to develop innovative, new programming to help people cope with these growing concerns. One such collaboration is the “Bridging the Digital Divide“ Program, which is aimed at older adults and those with disabilities, to access the community and assistive technology. Assistive technology (like smart home devices, mobility equipment, iPads and specialized software for those with speech, low vision or hearing disabilities) boosts independence for people of all ages with disabilities. The program is designed to increase independence by accessing technology to strengthen connectivity to friends, family, , community, food, recreation, medicine and tele-health. This improves healthcare outcomes and reduces the stress on family caregivers.

UCP’s program expansion aligns with CT’s Department of Developmental Services (DDS) STEP Program, which provides supportive housing, individualized in-home supports, assistive and remote technology, employment and self-direction. All of these supports lead to greater access to independent living and less dependence on family caregivers.

To serve more people in the state, UCP expanded its assistive technology (AT) services into Fairfield County, while continuing to serve residents of New Haven, Middlesex, New London and Windham Counties.

An Executive Order from the White House signed in 2023 offers new resources to remedy the caregiver shortage crisis to meet increased need. It is the most sweeping set of executive actions to improve care in the nation’s history and takes immediate action to enhance job quality for the direct care workforce. Like many of UCP’s services, the Executive Order also provides resources for family caregivers that foster emotional well-being and stems the financial and health strain that caregiving has on a family.

ABOUT UCP

UCP’s programs for people with disabilities in Connecticut support adults and children with disabilities. Services are designed to build a more inclusive world through education, technology, health, residential and recreational programs. If you or a loved one needs services, contact Lyndsay Pratt lpratt@ucpect.org . If you are seeking a career in the disability or healthcare field, visit the UCP career page.