3 Respite Programs So You Can Take a Break

If you’re a caregiver, you need some time for yourself. Away from the juggling of your family’s needs, medical appointments, and responsibilities of work. You need respite care.

Respite care is substitute care given to your loved one so you can take a break and get some relief from the burden of care giving.

It can be for an hour, a day, a weekend, on a regular basis or just one time.

Studies have shown that caregivers are at increased risk of depression and other health problems. By taking care of yourself, with adequate sleep, nutritious meals and exercise, you will increase your energy, your well-being, your morale, and your ability to provide that care. Reaching out for help from a respite program can be just what you need.

To help you pay for taking a break, here are 3 respite care programs available in Connecticut (see below). They each cover services such as adult day care, home health aide, homemaker/companion, skilled nursing care or short-term nursing home care.

PROGRAM	REQUIREMENTS	BENEFIT
CT Alzheimer’s Association Chapter Respite Fund	Any age/no income or asset limits	Up to $500/family per year(Reimbursement will be made to the service provider)
AREA AGENCIES ON AGING*:
The CT Statewide Respite Care Program	Any age/income less than $47,647/liquid assets $126,674 or less	Up to $7500/family per year (20% co-payment of the cost of the service required, but may be waived based on financial hardship)
The National Family Caregiver Support Programs	Specific populations including age 60+, or with Alzheimer’s or related disorder	Contact the Area Agency on Aging in your area or call 1-800-994-9422 (in CT)
*2 programs, one application

As long as your loved one is not receiving benefits from any Medicaid programs, and you get a doctor’s statement declaring your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder, you can apply to one or more of these programs.

So make a plan – for a day at the spa, a lunch out with a friend, even a vacation. You know you deserve it!