It is an important service they provide for older adults and people with disabilities and it requires time, dedication and patience.
The level of care needed may change over time. This career often brings caregivers much joy, but it also comes with many challenges. It is important that the needs and concerns of both the person receiving care and the caregiver be addressed for this relationship to stay healthy.
Knowledge, support, communication and self-care will help the caregiving journey.
There are services and supports that could add to what you provide as a caregiver. Services such as home delivered meals and transportation can help with the amount of assistance needed. Refer to the Services & Supports section of MyPlaceCT to explore these options.
Respite, or relief, from caregiving responsibilities is often needed for caregivers to improve their well-being and avoid burnout. Not doing so could affect their ability to provide care.
Respite is most effective when used early and regularly. Temporary breaks can be scheduled by using adult day services, in-home care or short-term stays in a care facility. Visit the In-Home Care section to learn more about these services and supports. Caregivers can use this time in any way they choose. Taking this time for yourself helps the well-being of the caregiver and therefore the person who is being cared for.
National Family Caregiver Support Program
The National Family Caregiver Support Program offers several services to support family caregivers such as short-term relief, home safety modifications and connecting caregivers with support groups.
Connecticut Statewide Respite Program
The Connecticut Statewide Respite Program helps individuals living with Alzheimer’s, related disorders, and their families access respite care services and supports.
Emotional support can make a huge difference when dealing with the stresses of caregiving. Talking to other caregivers and professionals can provide comfort and help create new skills as you learn from and support each other.
Caregivers are able to connect with each other and with professionals in ways that meet their needs and preferences. This support can be provided through:
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Visit 2-1-1 to find in-person support groups near you.
Online communities help caregivers connect with each other. There are many different types of groups, including those for people with a disability or illness, and those for caregivers.
Note that this list of online communities is not a complete list. Do an internet search if you don’t find one that fits your specific needs.
The Goldstone Caregiver Center at Danbury Hospital is available to those who are providing care for a family member or friend. It offers services, programs and comfortable features to address the mental, physical, and spiritual health of the caregiver. Go here to learn more about the Goldstone Center.
The internet allows informal, or unpaid, caregivers access to many online websites and educational guides they can use as a resource.
Websites can connect caregivers to helpful services and supports. Here are a few of the leading informational sites for caregivers:
Family and Medical Leave Act
When caregiving starts to take up too much personal time, the caregiver may consider taking unpaid leave, or time off, from work. When thinking about this decision, it is important that people understand their rights under both Connecticut and federal law. Like employers in every state, Connecticut employers must follow the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which allows eligible employees to take unpaid leave, with the right to return to work, for certain reasons.
Under both state and federal FMLA, employees can take leave to care for a family member who has a serious illness. Employees can take leave to care for a parent or parent-in-law, child or spouse. Visit the CT Department of Labor website to learn more about FMLA.
See the Your Legal Rights section on My Place CT for other Legal Resources.
Connecticut Paid Leave
CT Paid Leave allows you to take time off of work to care for yourself or loved ones without worrying about lost pay. Funded through a small payroll deduction, this program is managed by the CT Paid Leave Authority.
MyPlaceCT.org is a free web-based resource designed to help older adults and people with disabilities live with optimal independence, health and well-being. MyPlaceCT.org is sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Social Services in collaboration with partner state agencies and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
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