Money Available For

Alzheimer’s Disease Respite Services

KENSINGTON — The Alzheimer’s Association of Connecticut, in partnership with the Connecticut Area Agencies on Aging and the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services, has money available for daytime or overnight respite services for caregivers of eligible individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

The State of Connecticut will fund an array of respite services for caregivers through this program, including short-term nursing care, adult day care, home health aides, homemakers, assisted living, and live-in companions. These respite services offer primary caregivers, usually a spouse or adult child, a short break from caregiving, while offering caregivers assurances that their loved ones are being well cared for.

“Many caregivers spend countless hours caring for a parent or spouse with Alzheimer’s disease or some other dementia, often sacrificing their own needs,” said Nancy Leonard, senior director of programs and constituent relations at the Connecticut chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “What caregivers should know is that they can actually be more effective caregivers if they take a little time for themselves to ‘recharge their batteries,’ and that there are many qualified professional caregivers who can step in to provide a break for the primary caregiver.”

“Governor Rell’s declaration of the week of May 4 through May 10 as ‘Respite Awareness Week’ in Connecticut is very well timed,” said Christy Kovel, senior director, public policy and communications at the Connecticut chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “Mother’s Day is the perfect time for caregivers, many of whom are women, to treat themselves to a short break from caregiving, with funds provided by the state of Connecticut.”

In addition, the Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter will host its annual “Memory Walk” in two Connecticut locations in New Milford and Waterford on May 3, just prior to “Respite Awareness Week.”

Funding for respite services through this program is available until June 30, 2008. Caregivers may receive more information, check eligibility requirements or apply for respite funds by contacting the Area Agency on Aging toll free at 800-994-9422.