Family Caregiver Resources for Connecticut

In English | Caregiving may be one of the most important, and challenging, roles you’ll ever take on. No matter where you are in your caregiving journey — starting to plan; taking care of a family member in your home, in a facility, or from a distance; or managing end-of-life caregiving responsibilities — having resources at your fingertips will make the process easier.

AARP developed this family caregiver guide with you, the caregiver, in mind and as a starting point to help you find the services and support you might need throughout your journey.

To order a print copy of this online guide, call the toll-free AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line at 877-333-5885 and indicate which state(s) you would like to receive. A copy will be mailed to you.

Connecticut National Family Caregiver Support Program (800-994-9422)
Provides a periodic break for caregivers to regroup both physically and emotionally. Funds are available for a variety of services to support family members and other unpaid caregivers caring for older individuals, grandparents and older relatives caring for grandchildren, or parents caring for an adult child with a disability.

Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program (800-994-9422)
Provides information and support to stressed caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia patients. Its main function is to help caregivers develop an appropriate plan of care.

Connecticut Association of Area Agencies on Aging (800-994-9422)
Provides social, nutritional, disease prevention, health promotion and family caregiver support services for older adults. North Central Connecticut: 860- 724-6443; Eastern Connecticut: 860-887-3561; South Central Connecticut: 203-785-8533; Southwestern Connecticut: 203-814-3698; Western Connecticut: 203-757-5449

Connecticut Community Action Agencies (860-832-9438)
Connects low-income people with resources like food, energy assistance, childcare and more.

ConneCT: CT Department of Social Services (855-626-6632)
Benefits assistance tool that provides ways to access federal and state programs, including health care programs, food assistance, long-term services/support and cash assistance.

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (800-842-1132)
Offers financial assistance to help residents afford to heat their homes. Weatherization resources may also be available.

End Hunger Connecticut! Eligible households receive food assistance through an Electronic Benefits Transfer card to cover a portion of their food budget.

The Connecticut Paid Leave Authority Provides tools and resources that help workers access paid time off family and medical leave benefits to attend to personal and family health needs without worrying about lost income.

Connecticut Legal Services Programs
Connecticut residents who are 60 or over and meet basic eligibility requirements receive free legal help on issues involving health care, finances, debt, housing, power of attorney, nursing homes, benefits and other social services, and more.
Bridgeport: 800-809-4434, 203-336-3851; Stamford: 203-348-9216; Waterbury: 800-413-7797
203-756-8074; Willimantic: 800-413-7796, 860-456-1761
Greater Hartford: 860-541-5000; New Haven: 203-946-4811; Statewide Legal Services Hotline:
800-453-3320; For consumer law issues: 800-296-1467

Connecticut Probate Courts: Conservators (860-231-2442)
Outlines the duties and responsibilities of a conservator, court-appointed to oversee the finances and/or personal care of adults unable to manage their affairs.

Protective Services for the Elderly (888-385-4225)
Provides education about and investigates allegations of abuse and neglect of people age 60 and over; after-hours emergency lines: 2-1-1 and 9-1-1.

Access Health (855-805-4325)
Official state health insurance marketplace to enroll in quality health care plans and check qualifications for financial help to lower costs.

Connecticut Health insurance assistance, Outreach, Information and referral, Counseling, Eligibility Screening (800-994-9422 | 860-424-5055)
Works to make sure older Alaskans Helps older adults and people with disabilities understand their Medicare coverage and health care options.

Office of the Healthcare Advocate (866-466-4446)
Aids consumers in making informed decisions in health plan selection; helps resolve problems with their health insurance plans; tracks trends of issues/problems; and advocates with industry, the public and other stakeholders

Avoiding Foreclosure — Connecticut Department of Banking (877-472-8313)
Provides information and advice to people who are falling behind on their monthly mortgage payments.

Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (800-445-5394)
Provides medical and nonmedical support services for people 65 and over, including visiting nurses, companions, home health aides, chore assistance, respite and adult day care, home-delivered meals, transportation, emergency response systems and other services to support independent living.

Connecticut Community Care (866-845-2224)
Works with individuals and family members to identify choices and provides services to help people of all ages, abilities and incomes to live at home safely and independently.

Connecticut’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (866-388-1888 | 860-424-5200)
Investigates and resolves complaints made by — or on behalf of — long-term care residents. Also offers education and assistance in obtaining needed services, information about resident rights and long-term care communities; coordinates efforts with service providers.

CT Housing Search (877-428-8844)
Free resource for finding and listing accessible, affordable and market- rate rental housing in Connecticut.

Money Follows the Person Program — Connecticut Department of Social Services (888-992-8637)
Medicaid program provides transition services to help people move from institutional settings—like nursing homes—back to home- and community-based settings.

Connecticut ADA Paratransit (203-365-8522, ext. 2061)
Offers advanced reservation transport services for persons with disabilities who are unable to use public bus systems due to their disability.

MyPlaceCT
Resource for older adults and people with disabilities provides information about in-home care, housing, assistive technologies and home modifications, meals and groceries, transportation, social engagement, veteran services, end-of-life planning and mental health services.

Veterans Affair Connecticut Healthcare System (800-698-2411)
Offers services and resources specifically for caregivers, homeless veterans, LGBT veterans, women veterans and more.

Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home (203-265-9931)
Healthcare at Home initiative clarifies home-based healthcare and the vital role home care and hospice services play in successful patient experiences.

Connecticut Hospice (203-315-7301)
Offers caregiver respite care, inpatient and outpatient palliative and hospice care services.

Hospice Compare (206-657-6496)
Find Medicare-certified hospices in your area and compare them based on the quality of care they provide.