Caregiving for an aging parent or a loved one with a disability is a journey with deep connection and meaning. It can also introduce real challenges. Many families are balancing caregiving with their job or other responsibilities and find that doing all of it at once is very difficult. Thankfully, Connecticut recognizes that great care can also happen in the comfort of home.

Through specific Connecticut Medicaid programs like Adult Family Living (AFL), loved ones can get the support they need to provide full-time care. These programs are designed to help residents remain safely at home, surrounded by the people who know them best, rather than transitioning into a long-term care facility. By giving caregivers the tools, education, and support they deserve, families can stay together.

How to Get Paid to Take Care of Family in CT

One of the most common questions we hear from families is: “Is it actually possible to get paid to take care of family?” The answer is yes, and Connecticut’s programs can help ease that worry. The state’s Adult Family Living (AFL) program helps eligible caregivers provide home-based care, offering compensation and support to families who meet the state’s guidelines.

The person receiving care must:

• Live in the same home as the caregiver
• Be 65 years of age or older
• Be approved for Medicaid or the Connecticut State Funded Program 
• Be eligible for the HCBS for Elders Waiver, the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Waiver, or the State-funded Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE)
• Require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), like bathing, dressing, and eating

Family Caregiver Programs in CT

Connecticut offers home-based support programs to help individuals remain in the home they’re comfortable in. These programs are most often navigated through Medicaid waivers, which serve as add-on benefits for those with specific care needs. Individuals with disabilities or older adults may have waivers that help them live at home with a trusted caregiver. For individuals who may not have the means to pay for private care, they can still stay where they are most comfortable. 

Skilled nursing is often an option, but many individuals prefer to receive care and support from someone they know. Family-directed programs help those receiving care pick someone they already trust to manage their care. Often, this is a relative or friend who lives with them.

What Is the Adult Family Living Program?

Connecticut’s AFL program helps people who need ongoing support with everyday activities to continue living at home. It is designed for individuals who need help with tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, or moving around safely. Instead of relying on facility-based care, the program makes it possible for a loved one to provide that support in a familiar home environment.

Through the AFL program, a family member or friend lives in the same home as the person receiving care and provides consistent support and advocacy. In return, the caregiver receives a tax-free stipend, caregiver education, and ongoing support. Caregivers also have guidance from a care team to help monitor their loved one’s health, follow their care plan, and navigate challenges as they arise, so they don’t have to manage everything on their own.

Connecticut Adult Family Living Program: How It Works

The Connecticut AFL program functions differently than traditional hourly care. Since the caregiver lives with the recipient, the state recognizes that care doesn’t happen in “shifts,” but rather it is part of everyday life. As a result, the AFL program uses a stipend payment structure rather than an hourly wage.

Once enrolled in the AFL program, the caregiver is responsible for their loved one’s daily well-being, from medication reminders to safety supervision. This arrangement is overseen by a provider to create structure and support for the family. When Careforth serves as the provider, we offer a dedicated care coach for education and guidance and a digital platform where caregivers can log health updates and provide status updates on their loved one’s symptoms. This oversight ensures that the care provided meets state standards while giving caregivers the ability to continue caring for their loved one with empathy and confidence.

Requirements for the Adult Family Living Program

If you’re providing care for a loved one at home, you may already be doing the work required to qualify for Connecticut’s AFL program. Take a few minutes to check your eligibility below.

The care recipient must:

• Be eligible for Medicaid, which may include submitting income and asset information
• Need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, hygiene care, and eating
• Live in the same home as the caregiver
• Be 65 years of age or older
  

The caregiver must:

• Be 18 years of age or older

• Pass a state-required background check 
• Complete an initial assessment

Most family members are eligible to serve as the paid caregiver, including adult children, siblings, and grandchildren. However, spouses and legal guardians are not eligible in Connecticut.

How to Become a Caregiver in Connecticut Through the Adult Family Living Program

Starting your caregiving journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are local resources, including organizations like Careforth, to help guide you through each step of the AFL program enrollment process:

How Careforth Supports Family Caregivers in Connecticut

We understand that to provide great care, the caregiver needs to be cared for, too. At Careforth, we provide the resources and connections that ensure caregivers feel supported during their caregiving journey. That includes expert guidance, clinical oversight, and a user-friendly mobile app to keep your day and goals on track.

From initial screening to long-term enrollment on our service, caregivers are paired with a dedicated care team. Through our secure app, you can message your coach for advice, access a library of caregiving resources, and track your loved one’s health updates. This comprehensive support system is designed to prevent caregiver burnout and preserve the independence and dignity for your loved one. Visit the Caregiver Support page on our site to learn more about how Careforth can help, or contact us for more information.