This program offers relief to stressed caregivers by providing information, support, the development of an appropriate plan of care, and services for the individual with Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementias. Clients may receive care through the delivery of services through agencies (traditional care option) or caregivers may hire someone of their choice to provide care (self-directed care option).  There is a maximum of seven thousand five hundred dollars in services available per year to each applicant (subject to the Care Manager’s discretion), and a maximum of 30 days of out of home respite care services (excluding Adult Day Care) available per year to each applicant. This program is a joint partnership between the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, the Area Agencies on Aging, and the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services, Aging Services Division.   

The eligibility criteria are as follows: 

1. An application must be completed which includes a Physician’s statement certifying the condition of the individual with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.
   
   
2. Applicants (individuals with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia) must have an income of $41,000 a year or less, liquid assets of $109,000 or less, and cannot be enrolled in 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, veteran’s 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.
   
   
3. A Co-payment of 20% of the cost of services is required unless waived by the Agency on Aging Care Manager due to financial hardship. 
   

Joan Marshall Senior Resources (Eastern CT) (860) 887-3561	Jessica Waite Agency on Aging of South Central CT (203) 785-8533
Katie Halligan Southwestern CT Agency on Aging  (203) 333-9288	Mary Ellen Girard  Western CT Area Agency on Aging (203) 757-5449
Karen Asheh North Central CT Area Agency on Aging (860) 724-6443

Follow this link to the map of Connecticut to find the Area Agency on Aging serving your town.

For information on the CT Nursing Home Diversion Modernization Project and how it works with the CT Statewide Respite Care Program please follow this link.

Please follow this link to view "Choices At Home" a video on self-directed care and an on-line training tool for Caregivers and Consumers.

Please follow this link to view the "Connections Project Partners Directory of Services."

For more information on Alzheimer's Disease, as well as counseling and support groups, call the Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association at 1-800-356-5502 or (860) 828-2828.

Additional links to Alzheimer’s Disease and supports:

The Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter: www.alz.org/ct

The Alzheimer’s Association, National Office: www.alz.org

The National Institute on Aging’s Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center: www.alzheimers.nia.nih.gov

The National Alzheimer’s Contact Center is a free tool for caregivers available 24 hours/day, 365 days/year.  It offers an integrated network of information specialists and clinicians who can provide you with free consultation and support by phone or online.  A senior housing finder, group calendars, message boards and other free online tools are accessible at the website:  http://www.alz.org/we_can_help_caresource.asp

Or call the 24-hour helpline toll free # at 1-800-272-3900.

For more information on caregiver supports, the following websites are available:

The National Alliance for Caregiving: www.caregiving.org

The National Family Caregiver Association: www.nfcacares.org

Administration on Aging Caregiver Resources: www.aoa.gov/prof/aoaprog/caregiver/caregiver.asp

If you have any questions concerning this program or related services, feel free to contact Cynthia Grant at (860) 424-5279 or Cynthia.grant@ct.gov.