Brain Health and Dementia Resources in Bristol, CT
LiveWell is about 15 minutes from Bristol, so for many Bristol families we are simply part of the neighborhood. This guide brings together what the City of Bristol offers, regional and statewide help, and LiveWell’s brain health programs in Plantsville, for anyone caring for someone living with cognitive change or thinking about their own brain health.
Services from the City of Bristol
Bristol Senior Center
240 Stafford Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010. Call 860-584-7895. Open weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Health screenings, including hearing, balance and memory screenings. Call for dates.
- Medicare help: Medicare Part D counseling and forms assistance, benefits check-ups and the Medicare Savings Program.
- Social Security video service at the center.
- Health clinics: a wellness foot clinic, dental clinic, blood pressure screening and reflexology.
- Meals: a Grab and Go congregate meals program and Meals on Wheels.
- Classes and help such as the AAA Roadwise driver class and AARP tax assistance.
Dial-A-Ride
Run by HRA of New Britain from its Bristol office at 55 South Street. Rides for Bristol residents 55 and older, or with a disability, to medical appointments first, then grocery stores, social outings, and the Bristol and Plainville senior centers. Pickups run weekdays from 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., with return trips until 3 p.m. Book 24 to 48 hours ahead, and by 11 a.m. the day before at the latest. Call 860-589-6968.
Regional and statewide help
North Central Area Agency on Aging
The Area Agency on Aging for Bristol and the Hartford region, helping older adults, people with disabilities and their families find services. 151 New Park Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106. Phone 860-724-6443.
Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program
For families caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, the program can pay up to $7,500 a year toward a break, through a home care agency or someone you trust. Call 1-800-994-9422.
Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter
Free 24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900. Chapter office in Farmington: 860-406-3040.
211 Connecticut
Dial 2-1-1 for local services.
How LiveWell can help Bristol families
LiveWell is a brain health hub at 1261 South Main Street in Plantsville, about 9 miles from Bristol. Most Bristol families can reach us in about 15 minutes, which makes regular classes and visits easy. Many of our programs are free.
LiveWell is part of the Dementia Positive movement. People living with dementia can live life well, and the way we all talk about dementia helps make that possible.
From a memory screening to a brain health plan
If a screening at the Bristol Senior Center raises questions, or you simply want to know where you stand, LiveWell’s Brain Health & Dementia Prevention Clinic is the next step. Some risk factors for dementia can be changed, and midlife is the time to start.
- Come curious. Understand, at a high level, what your risk is.
- Be inspired. Learn how nutrition, sleep, cognitive training and fitness can improve your brain health and reduce your risk of dementia.
- Leave with a clear path forward. Sign up for a more in-depth risk assessment.
Programs on campus
- Brain Fitness. Free and in person, for anyone who wants a healthier brain.
- Social Café. Free and in person, for people living with cognitive change and their care partners.
- Dementia Friends Connecticut. A free one-hour session, in person or online, on understanding dementia and how to help. Become a Dementia Friend
- Semester to Thrive. Brain health and wellness classes, in person and online. Call 860-628-3004 to register.
For people living with cognitive change
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is an evidence-based program for mild to moderate cognitive change, delivered online by trained dementia specialists. About CST
Help at home
Because Bristol is so close, LiveWell’s occupational therapists can also help at home through Home Based Memory Rehabilitation, COPE-CT and Skills to Care. Occupational therapy consultations accept Medicare Part B and commercial insurance. See dementia support services
LiveWell also has residences on our Plantsville campus.
Frequently asked questions
Where can Bristol residents get a memory screening?
The Bristol Senior Center offers health screenings, including memory screenings. Call 860-584-7895 for dates. For a fuller look at your brain health and risk, LiveWell’s Brain Health & Dementia Prevention Clinic in Plantsville is about 15 minutes away.
Does Bristol offer rides for older adults?
Yes. Dial-A-Ride, run by HRA of New Britain, serves Bristol residents 55 and older or with a disability. Book 24 to 48 hours ahead at 860-589-6968.
Who helps Bristol residents with Medicare questions?
The Bristol Senior Center offers Medicare Part D counseling, forms assistance and benefits check-ups. Call 860-584-7895.
Is there help paying for respite care?
Yes. The Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program can pay up to $7,500 a year for families caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Call 1-800-994-9422.
How far is LiveWell from Bristol?
About 9 miles, or roughly 15 minutes by car without traffic, via Route 229 and I-84.
Do LiveWell’s programs cost anything?
Plenty of them are free, including Brain Fitness, the Social Café and Dementia Friends Connecticut sessions. Semester to Thrive classes and occupational therapy services are paid, and therapy consultations accept Medicare Part B and commercial insurance.
Talk to us
Call LiveWell at 860-628-9000, email info@livewell.org, or contact us online.
LiveWell, 1261 South Main Street, Plantsville, CT 06479.