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.

The National Family Caregiver Support Program

–              Is the person you are caring for over the age of 60, OR

–              An adult child age 18-59 with disabilities?

–              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?

The National Family Caregiver Support Program –

Supplemental Services are designed to supplement and assist caregivers with services and/or supplies that are not covered by insurance. Supplemental Services help improve the quality of life for the care recipient and therefore alleviate strain on the caregiver. Covered items may include:

–              Incontinence Supplies

–              Emergency Response Systems (ERS)

–              Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

–              In-home modifications

Decisions regarding the appropriate supplemental services are based on needs as assessed.

The CT Statewide Respite Care Program

Are you caring for an individual who has a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, 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.

Need Help? We’ll Determine Which Respite Care Program That’s Right For You.

Caregiver Services Eligibility Requirements

Caregiver Services Respite Application (7/24)

The CT Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) is a long-term in-home care assistance program you may want to look into. For more information please visit…

https://www.ascendami.com/CTHomeCareForElders/default/

 

Seeking care on your own or researching other options? 

 

Difference between CT Home Companion Agencies and CT Home Health Care:

 

  • CT “Home Health Agencies”: services licensed and regulated by the CT Dept. of Public Health which provide skilled and trained individuals such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy and as such include nursing supervision. Medications can only be dispensed by RNs. For more information, please see CT Association of Healthcare at Home. CT’s membership association for in-home healthcare providers.

 

  • CT “Companion Services/Homemaker Services”: non-medical, basic supervision services to ensure the well-being and safety of a person in their home such as assistance with personal hygiene, cooking, household cleaning, laundry and other household chores. For more information please visit MyPlaceCT, CT’s virtual No Wrong Door.

 

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

 

Important 2023 Proposed Legislative action:

 

An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Homemaker Companion Agency Task Force.

 

Resources

 

  • CGA statutes and regulations which govern CT Home Companion Agencies:

 

  • Websites which provide online reviews: