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Adult Day Center
Respite care provides a break, or a time of caregiver relief, from the constant physical and emotional stress of caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder. The task of caring for a person with dementia is overwhelming. Family caregivers often develop stress-related illnesses such as heart disease, hypertension or ulcers. An occasional break allows an exhausted caregiver to regroup both physically and emotionally, and to find the strength to carry on.
Respite truly saves caregiver's lives. With financial assistance, many family caregivers that would not otherwise use this service will have the opportunity to obtain temporary relief for themselves. As a result, the individual with dementia may remain at home for much longer than would otherwise be possible.
What is The Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program?
The Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program is funded by the State Department of Social Services and is operated in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association Chapters of Connecticut and the Connecticut Area Agencies on Aging. Eligible families may apply for daytime or overnight respite care services including: Adult day care, home health aide, homemaker/companion, skilled nursing care or short term nursing home placement. Contact the Area Agencies on Aging for an application: 1-800-994-9422
Program Eligibility and Guidelines:
The applicant or authorized agent must provide a Physician's statement declaring that the patient has Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder such as: Multi-Infarct dementia, Parkinson's Disease, Lewy Body Dementia, Huntington's disease, Pick's disease or Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. The applicant cannot be covered by Medicaid (Title 19), must have an income of no more than $30,000 per year and liquid assets of $80,000 or less. The program pays for up to $3,500 in respite care services per family per year. A 20% co-payment of the cost of the service is required.
What is the Home Care Program for Elders?
The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders may help you to continue living at home instead of going to a nursing home. The program is state and federally funded and administered by the State Department of Social Services. Under the program, a review is made of each elderly applicant (applicants must be at least 65 years of age).
The purpose of the review is to find out if you can remain in your home with the help of home care services. If you qualify, the Home Care Program for Elders can offer you help with daily living activities like cleaning, cooking and other chores. The Home Care Program for Elders can also help you with certain medical needs by providing visiting nurses or home health aides.
Who Qualifies for the Home Care Program for Elders?
You can qualify if: you are 65 or older, you are a Connecticut resident, you are at risk of institutional placement, and you meet the program's income and asset guidelines (You must meet all of these requirements to qualify.)
For a free health screen by phone and to request an application call the Department of Social Services Alternate Care Unit at 1-800-445-5394.
ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION RESPITE FUND
Purpose of the Fund
The Alzheimer's Association Respite Fund, subsidized from individual and corporate donations to the Association, is a financial reimbursement program designed to assist caregiving families in accessing respite care services. It provides up to $500 per family per year.
Eligible families may purchase any of the following respite care services: adult day care, home health aide, adult foster care, homemaker/companion, skilled nursing care or short term nursing home care. Funds may be used for daytime or overnight respite. It is the family's responsibility to arrange for respite care services.
Resource lists of providers are available from the Chapter. Reimbursement will be made directly to the service provider after receipt of purchase is submitted to the Chapter. At the present time there is a waiting list.
The Need for Respite
Respite care is a service designed to provide a break, or a time of caregiver relief, from the constant physical and emotional stress of caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder.
Family caregivers generally find that the task of caring for a person with dementia is overwhelming. They often develop stress-related illnesses such as heart disease, hypertension, or ulcers. An occasional break from caregiving enables an exhausted caregiver to regroup, both physically and emotionally, and find the strength to carry on.
Respite care is an invaluable service that truly saves caregiver lives. With financial assistance, many family caregivers who would not otherwise use this service will have the opportunity to obtain temporary relief for themselves, and may be able to care for their Alzheimer's loved ones at home much longer than would otherwise be possible.
How to Qualify
There are no income requirements for program eligibility. In order to qualify for financial assistance, the primary caregiver must:
- reside with the person with dementia;
- live in Connecticut;
- complete an application form;
- provide a statement from a physician that the patient has Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder;
- utilize a respite service;
- the individual with dementia can not be on Title XIX/Medicaid;
- Preference is given to applicants who are not accessing other respite services.
Download Respite Application
Click to download an application for the Alzheimer's Association, Connecticut Chapter Respite Program. Contact the Chapter for more information.
Connecticut Chapter Respite Application (PDF)
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