The Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging administers two programs that provide funding for family caregivers:

• The National Family Caregiver Program — for families caring for a person 60 and over;
• The Statewide Respite Care Program for those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. www.alz.org

This year they are providing assistance to over 150 families in our 41-town area.

Respite care under both of these programs is intended to give a break to family members caring for someone who either lives alone but who requires regular assistance, or for those caring for someone who lives in the same household. Our families have used respite funds in a variety of ways, all of which provide a break for the caregiver:

Adult Day Care Programs

Having a parent or spouse attend an adult day program gives the family caregiver a “day off” to do errands, clean house, or just have some time alone. Day care provides stimulation for the person you care for, often relieving some boredom and depression. Day care staff also can usually do showers and hair care, which can be a real help to caregivers for whom this is becoming difficult. More information and application by going to: www.wcaaa.org