Respite Services

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. Caring for a person with dementia is a stressful and demanding job and the effects of care giving are overwhelming. Caregivers are more susceptible than the general population to depression, illness, physical exhaustion, and emotional burnout. An occasional break allows an exhausted caregiver to recoup both physically and emotionally, and to find the strength to carry on.

The program offers payment of up to a maximum of $3,500 for respite services per year. Applicants for the program must have documentation from a physician stating that the patient has a diagnosis of irreversible and deteriorating dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. In order to be eligible for the program, the individual with dementia cannot have an income of more than $41,000 a year, or have liquid assets of more than $100,000. Assets include checking accounts, savings accounts, individual retirement accounts, certificate of deposits, stocks, or bonds, anything that can be liquidated for cash within 20 days. The client’s home is not included in the assets.

The Respite Care Program is funded by the State Department of Social Services, Aging Services Division, and is operated in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, and the Connecticut Area Agencies on Aging.

How does one apply and qualify for the CT Statewide Respite Care Program?

·                     Health Status: The applicant must provide a completed “Physician Statement” form from a physician stating that the patient has Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. (Physician form is attached to the application below).

·                     Income: The care recipient must have an income of $41,000 a year or less and have liquid assets of $100,000 or less. Note: these amounts do not include the income or assets of the caregiver only the care recipient. A 20% co-payment of the cost of the service is requested.

For a program application, go to pdf/CombinedApplication.pdf

Mail application to WCAAA, 84 Progress Lane, Waterbury, CT 06705

To discuss your particular situation, learn more about which programs you may qualify for or to apply for services, please call our Respite Care Manager, Mary Ellen Girard at (800) 994-9422 or (203) 757-5449.