Giving Seniors the Freedom to Age Safely at Home

CT Homecare Agency Highlights State Program That Pays Family Caregivers

One of the most unfortunate consequences of growing older is a loss of independence. Physical and mental decline can make it difficult for seniors to take care of themselves or manage their own lives. The solution often involves assisted living or nursing home facilities. Assisted Living Services, Inc, an independent homecare agency in Cheshire and Westport, is ensuring that Connecticut seniors also have the option to age safely at home through a state program that pays family members to care for their elderly parent or loved one.  Named the CT Adult Family Living / Foster Caregiver – or AFL program, the caregiver can receive a tax-free stipend of over $500 per week, depending on the complexity of care.

“The #1 wish of most senior citizens is that they want to remain in their own homes throughout the aging process for as long as possible,” said Mario D’Aquila, MBA, Chief Operating Officer of Assisted Living Services. “The AFL program helps make this desire a reality by allowing a close friend or family member to administer the necessary care right in the elderly individual’s home, while getting compensated for their effort.  Home care is much more cost-effective than an in-patient care facility, so it’s a win-win-win scenario all around!”

The AFL program is part of the Department of Social Services’ Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE).  In order to qualify, applicants must be a Connecticut resident, 65 years of age or older, at risk of nursing home placement, meaning, the applicant needs assistance with critical personal care such as bathing, dressing, eating, taking medications, toileting or transferring, as well as meet the program’s financial eligibility criteria.

For a full listing of eligibility requirements, or to apply for an assessment, visit the Connecticut Department of Social Services website at https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/Health-And-Home-Care/Connecticut-Home-Care-Program-for-Elders/Connecticut-Home-Care-Program-for-Elders-CHCPE .

In its formal role as a credentialed provider of the program, Assisted Living Services provides approved caregivers with the “tools” necessary to be comfortable and successful at caregiving, such as: 

  • Conducting a free home assessment to ensure that fire alarms, life alert systems and other safety measures are up to date.
  • Guiding them through the application process.
  • Orientation, education and on-going support that’s only a phone call away and staffed with bi-lingual professionals able to translate and answer any questions.
  • Ensure that the home is properly maintained as required by the State.
  • Make sure the Caregiver is meeting the homecare and safety needs of the participant.
  • Pay the Caregiver weekly and offer direct deposit for convenience.
  • Enlist resources, such as a Certified Dementia Care Specialist, to assist in training for certain circumstances.
  • Utilize the company’s unique and innovative program called CarePlus that combines caregiving and technology to help address client needs at no additional cost. 

D'Aquila notes that the AFL Program offers four levels of compensation based on the total activities of daily living needed by the aging individual.  The family caregiver must work through an intermediary agency like ALS.  What’s more, the income is tax-free as a difficulty of care stipend.

Further, many caregivers are still working full-time jobs from home, or part-time jobs, while simultaneously managing their senior relative or friend under the same roof.  Here, the AFL Program can serve as a way to help deal with the nation’s rising inflation rates and ongoing turbulent economy by providing financial stability through additional income.

“Although the AFL program launched in 2013, it is not well known,” adds D’Aquila.  “As a credentialed provider, we encourage Connecticut residents caring for an elderly person to apply for this hidden jewel as it will truly be a life-changing experience.”

About Assisted Living Services, Inc.

Since 1996, award-winning home care agency Assisted Living Services, Inc. in Cheshire and Westport has provided quality care to residents across Connecticut with more than 700 caregivers.  ALS was ranked on the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies and recognized by Home Care Pulse® as a “Best of Home Care Leader In Excellence”, a designation given to the best home care providers in the nation. Learn more by visiting www.assistedlivingct.com or calling   For specific information about the Adult Family Caregiver Program, please call 203.774.5651.

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Submitted by Hartford, CT

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