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Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program

Help for Family Caregivers

Family members caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia at home can receive limited financial assistance through the Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program. The program subsidizes the cost of services that can be used for a wide range of respite services available during the day or overnight.

In addition to providing relief to caregivers, the Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program may also assist in developing a plan of care, and offer information and access to support caregivers. Individuals enrolled in the program have the choice to receive care through an agency or to hire someone directly.

Assistance for Family Caregivers

For the Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program, eligibility is determined by the individual receiving care, not the caregiver. They must meet the following requirements:

  • Provide a Physician’s statement declaring that the individual has a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or an irreversible dementia such as that which may result from: Multi infarct dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Lewy Body Dementia, Huntington’s disease, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, or Pick’s disease.
  • Must be a legal resident of Connecticut.

Applicants cannot enroll in the Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program if they are currently receiving services from the Connecticut Homecare Program for Elders.

Income is considered to be Social Security (minus the Medicare Part B premiums), Supplemental Security Income, Railroad Retirement Income, veterans’ benefits and any other payments received on a one-time or recurring basis. Liquid assets include checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, IRAs, certificates of deposit or other holdings that can be converted into cash.

Caregivers, paid through the program, must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a spouse or conservator of the individual with dementia.

Types of Services & Supports

Once enrolled in the program, a respite care manager from a local Area Agency on Aging will consult with the family to assess the services needed. Together, a care plan will be developed that best meets the needs of the care receiver and the family. Eligible families may receive up to a maximum of $7,500 a year in respite services based on available funding. Respite care services may include:

  • Adult day services
  • Home health aides
  • Homemaker services such as cooking and cleaning
  • Friendly Companions
  • Skilled nursing care or short-term nursing care

Funds may be used for daytime or overnight respite. No more than 30 days of care outside of the home will be covered, except adult day services which have no limit. A co-payment of 20% of the cost of services is required. The Agency on Aging respite care manager may waive the co-pay based on financial hardship if the family cannot afford it. See Respite Services.

Apply

Call toll-free or visit the Department of Aging and Disability Services website to be directed to the Area Agency on Aging in your region.

Visit Department of Aging and Disability Services
Call toll-free 1-800-944-9422

Or you can call the 24-hour Alzheimer’s Association Helpline.

Call 1-800-272-3900
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