Brain Health and Dementia Resources in West Hartford
Whether you are caring for someone living with cognitive change, or thinking about your own brain health in your 40s, 50s or 60s, you do not have to figure it out alone. West Hartford has strong local services, and LiveWell’s brain health hub in Plantsville is about 25 minutes away, with many programs you can join from home.
This guide brings the town, regional, and LiveWell resources together in one place.
Older Adult Services and the Municipal Agent for the Elderly
The town’s Municipal Agent for the Elderly gives information and referrals to residents looking for programs or services. Call 860-561-7560.
Elmwood Senior Center
1106 New Britain Avenue, 2nd Floor, West Hartford, CT 06110. Phone 860-561-8180.
Bishops Corner Senior Center
15 Starkel Road, West Hartford, CT 06117. Phone 860-561-7583.
Both senior centers are open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and offer programs, fitness centers, trips and events.
Dial-A-Ride
Rides within West Hartford for medical appointments, shopping, the senior centers and more. Open to residents 60 and older, or 18 and older with a qualifying disability, who cannot use public transportation. Membership is $40 a year.
- Reservations for members: 860-561-7444
- Membership applications: West Hartford Social Services, 860-561-7561
Age-Friendly West Hartford
West Hartford has joined the Age-Friendly Community Network and is planning programs, services and spaces that help residents age safely, actively and with dignity.
Regional and statewide help
North Central Area Agency on Aging
Serves West Hartford and the surrounding 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
Helps families caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia take a break. The program can pay up to $7,500 a year, and families can use a home care agency or hire someone they trust. Call 1-800-994-9422.
Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter
The chapter office is in neighboring Farmington: 10 Executive Drive, Suite 202, Farmington, CT 06032. Phone 860-406-3040. The free 24/7 Helpline is 800-272-3900.
211 Connecticut
Dial 2-1-1 for help finding local services of every kind.
How LiveWell can help West Hartford families
LiveWell is a brain health hub in Plantsville, about 18 miles from West Hartford Center, most of it on I-84. Many of our programs are free, and many run online, so you can take part without making the drive.
We are part of the Dementia Positive movement: we believe people living with dementia can live life well, and that how we talk about dementia matters.
Free programs, online or in person
- Dementia Friends Connecticut. A free one-hour information session, virtual or in person, on what it is like to live with dementia and how to help. Become a Dementia Friend
- Social Café and Virtual Social Café. Free social time for people living with cognitive change and their care partners.
- Brain Fitness. Free, in person, for anyone who wants to improve brain health.
- Resilient Living Series On Demand. Free, online, whenever it suits you. Watch on demand
For your own brain health
Research shows that some risk factors for dementia can be changed, and that the best time to start is midlife. LiveWell’s Brain Health & Dementia Prevention Clinic helps you:
- Come curious. Understand, at a high level, what your risk is.
- Be inspired. Learn what can be done to improve your brain health and reduce your risk of dementia, through nutrition, sleep, cognitive training and fitness.
- Leave with a clear path forward. Sign up for a more in-depth risk assessment.
Semester to Thrive offers 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 people with mild to moderate cognitive change, delivered virtually by trained dementia specialists, so West Hartford residents can join from home. About CST
Support at home for care partners
LiveWell’s occupational therapy team offers in-home programs, including 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 West Hartford residents get help finding dementia services?
Start with the town’s Municipal Agent for the Elderly at 860-561-7560. The North Central Area Agency on Aging (860-724-6443) and the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) can also point you to services.
Is there help paying for respite care in Connecticut?
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.
Does West Hartford offer rides for older adults?
Yes. Dial-A-Ride serves residents 60 and older, or 18 and older with a qualifying disability, for a $40 yearly membership. Members book rides at 860-561-7444.
Can I join LiveWell programs without driving to Plantsville?
Yes. Dementia Friends Connecticut sessions, the Virtual Social Café, the Resilient Living Series On Demand and Cognitive Stimulation Therapy all run online.
How far is LiveWell from West Hartford?
About 18 miles, or roughly 25 minutes by car without traffic, mostly on I-84.
I’m in my 50s. Should I be thinking about brain health now?
Yes. Some risk factors for dementia can be changed, and midlife is the time to start. LiveWell’s Brain Health & Dementia Prevention Clinic can help you understand your risk and build a plan.
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.