Caregivers often find the task of caring for another person to be overwhelming. The challenges of caregiving can even lead to the development of stress-related illnesses. An occasional break from caregiving can enable a weary caregiver to regroup both physically and emotionally. Respite care is a short-term option designed to provide this break.

 

TWO RESPITE PROGRAMS, ONE APPLICATION

 

Program #1: The National Family Caregiver Support Program can help caregivers in two ways – with RESPITE CARE and SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICES

 

Respite care can include in-home or community-based care that can include things like:

  • Homemaking
  • Shopping
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Adult Day Care
  • Short-term stays in a Skilled Nursing Facility or Assisted Living Facility.

Supplemental Services help defray the cost of caring by paying for items or supplies that are not covered by insurance; items that a caregiver might typically pay for out of pocket. Covered items may include:

  • Incontinence Supplies
  • Emergency Response Systems (ERS)
  • Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
  • In-home modifications
  • Decisions are based on needs as assessed

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • Is the person you are caring for over the age of 60, OR
  • Are they an adult child age 18-59 with disabilities? AND,
  • Is the person you are caring for in need of assistance with at least two (2) Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, transferring/walking?

 

PROGRAM #2 The CT Statewide Respite Care Program

Are you caring for an individual who has a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or any other related irreversible dementia such as Parkinson’s disease, Lewy Body dementia, Huntington’s disease, or Pick’s disease? This program is designed to assist you in your care giving journey.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • The care recipient must have a formal diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.
  • An income and asset test is placed on the person needing care, not the caregiver. The person needing care cannot be covered by Medicaid, must have an income of $58,772 a year or less, and liquid assets of $156,253 or less and cannot be enrolled in the Connecticut Homecare Program for Elders.

 

UNSURE? We’ll help you determine which Respite Care Program best fits your needs.

CLICK HERE FOR THE  ONLINE APPLICATION or email info@ncaaact.org for more information.

CLICK HERE FOR THE COVER SHEET – APPLICATION GUIDE 

  

WHEN SHORT-TERM RESPITE ISN’T ENOUGH

 

If long-term care is what is needed, the CT Home Care Program for Elders is the only long-term care program for people who want to remain at home. NCAAA Care Managers will automatically check to see if your loved one appears to be eligible for this Medicaid Waiver program.

 

CAREGIVER FAQs

Q:     How can I get paid to be a caregiver for a family member in CT?

A:      In order to be paid to be a caregiver for a family member in CT, the family member must be eligible for the CT Home Care Program for Elders or another Medicaid program called the PCA Waiver.

 

Q.     How do I hire my own home care provider?

A.     AARP has excellent resources on the topic.  Including how to foster the best possible home care relationship.

Also check out MyPlaceCT.org for more information.

 

Q.     I’d like to start planning for end-of-life are for my family member but I don’t know where to start.

A.     You’re not alone! Please check out the following resources:

 

Q.     I used to get more money for my loved one’s care plan. Why has the amount been reduced?

A.     Unfortunately, it comes down to dollars and cents. The state or federal funding that we are allocated, needs to last us all year. So, in order to serve more people, we sometimes need to reduce care plans.  Also, and not infrequently, it’s because the state of CT has increased the hourly rates for home-care providers. The more money paid to the workers per hour, the fewer hours that will be available for consumers. However, these updates to the hourly wages are important and necessary to attract and retain a workforce of sufficient skill and commitment.

 

Q:   Who can I contact to push for more funding for the program?

A.   Thank you for your advocacy! Feel free to contact:

Q.  How can I research home care providers in CT?  

A.   The following websites provide reviews.