Respite Services

Respite care provides short-term relief for individuals and families serving as caregivers to older adults and people with disabilities. It can be arranged for just an afternoon or for several days or weeks. Care may be provided at home, at an adult day center, at a Department of Developmental Services Center or at a healthcare facility.

Respite care can take place regularly or periodically and is a solution for caregivers to stay physically and emotionally healthy and prepared to resume caregiving.

Different eligibility criteria apply to different programs and payment options. Generally, respite care is for caregivers and their families who provide care to older adults or people with disabilities.

Short-term services may include:

• Adult day services
• Home health
• Homemaker/companion
• Emergency Response Systems
• Home delivered meals
• Respite care in a nursing facility or a Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDS) Respite Center for eligible individuals

Private Pay:
Private pay refers to using personal funds to cover all or a portion of an expense. There are different ways to acquire private pay resources.

DSS Waiver for Persons with Autism:
This Medicaid Waiver provides a range of home and community-based services for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Medicare:
This is the federal health insurance program for older adults, people with disabilities and people with End-Stage Renal (Kidney) Disease and ALS. Benefits can be received through different programs and policies either from the government or a private insurance company.

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver:
This waiver provides Services & Supports for individuals with an acquired brain injury who are receiving or otherwise would receive care in an institution.

CT Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE):
This program enables older adults to remain in their homes with Services & Supports instead of residing in a nursing facility or other institutional setting to receive care.

Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program:
This program helps individuals with Alzheimer’s and other related disorders and their families with a variety of respite care Services & Supports.

National Family Caregiver Support Program:
This program offers a range of services to support family caregivers such as short-term respite, home safety modifications, personal emergency response systems (PERS) and connecting caregivers with support groups.