Choices at Home Expands Caregiver Options

Source: AARP.org

Thanks to a federal grant, a new “cash and counseling” service delivery option is now available in the South Central (New Haven) and Northwestern (Litchfield and Northern Fairfield) regions of Connecticut to family caregivers who qualify for the CT Statewide Respite Care Program or the National Family Caregiver Support Program.  The new option, called “Choices at Home” gives family caregivers choice and flexibility in managing their daily lives by allowing them to hire someone they know to provide short term home-based care for them or a family member. 

In today’s tumultuous economic climate, family caregivers remain the backbone of our nation’s long-term care (LTC) system.  In Connecticut, it’s estimated that more than 380,000 family caregivers provide services with an estimated economic value of more than $4.8 billion.  

“Our Respite and Caregiver programs, administered through Connecticut’s State Unit on Aging, have long provided relief for caregivers,” said Pamela Giannini, MSW, Director, Connecticut State Unit on Aging, Department of Social Services.  “The addition of the cash and counseling option to these two programs allows greater flexibility and choice for individuals and their family caregivers by allowing them to hire the caregiver of their choosing such as a neighbor, adult child or friend and to set when and where that care is provided. This is an option that will help people stay at home longer.”    
 
Under the Choices at Home option, caregivers can hire a family member, friend or anyone else of their choosing, except for a spouse or conservator of the person who needs care.  Most importantly, they get to decide who to hire, when they work and what they do.  Care managers provide needs assessment, explain options, help with developing a plan of care, review and modify care plans and provide ongoing guidance and assistance.  Clients can receive up to $3500 per year for services depending on their needs.

Choices at Home also provides up to $4000 per family for home modifications such as ramps or stair glides, bath tub adaptations, doorway widening, or other health-related items that help improve safety. 

Find more information online about Choices at Home, including a downloadable brochure and an on-line video. 

To speak to a Respite Care Manager, call: 1-800-994-9422

Related Articles

Consumer-Directed Home and Community-Based Services
PPI Research Report, May 2006

Other Resources

Area Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut
Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging