Connecticut State Department of Aging and Disability Services

Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program

 
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).  The program may subsidize the cost of services not to exceed an amount up to $7,500 per year; however, this funding is contingent upon available funding and subject to the applicant’s level of need as determined by the Care Manager, 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 Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services - State Unit on Aging.   
 
The eligibility criteria are as follows: 

As of July 1st 2023, applicants (individuals with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia) must have an income of $55,561 a year or less, liquid assets of $147,715 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, veterans’ 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.

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.  
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. 
 
For more information on the CT Statewide Respite Program, call 1-800-994-9422 to be directed to your nearest Area Agency on Aging or contact the Care Manager directly:
 
Robin Brewer
Senior Resources (Eastern CT)
(860) 887-3561
 
Susan Shultz
Agency on Aging of South Central CT
(203) 785-8533
 
Lisa Kelleher
Southwestern CT Agency on Aging
(203) 333-9288   
 
Gina Greene
Western CT Area Agency on Aging
(203) 757-5449

Lee Morgan
North Central CT Area Agency on Aging
(860) 724-6443

 

For more information on Alzheimer's Disease, as well as counseling and support groups, call the Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association at 1-800-272-3900 or (860) 828-2828.

 

Additional links to Alzheimer’s Disease and supports:

 

  • The Alzheimer’s Association, National Office: www.alz.org
  • 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:
 
If you have any questions concerning this program or related services, feel free to contact Jodi Brazal at (860) 424-5286 or Jodi.Brazal@ct.gov