Connecticut · Caregiver Support
Caring for an aging loved one is one of the hardest jobs there is — and you shouldn't have to do it alone. Below are 28 verified Connecticut programs offering emotional support, respite, training, financial help, peer groups, and legal planning — most of them completely free.
Last updated July 2026
Start here in Connecticut
National Family Caregiver Support Program — Respite
One call connects Connecticut family caregivers to free counseling, respite, training, and support groups through their local Area Agency on Aging.
Statewide — through 5 regional Area Agencies on Aging
Counseling, support groups, and caregiver training through the National Family Caregiver Support Program. Provides emotional support and connection to services for caregivers of adults 60+ or any age with Alzheimer's.
Toll-free covers all regions — ask for your local Area Agency on Aging
Statewide — office in Farmington (moved November 2025)
Around the clock emotional support, crisis assistance, and care consultations for dementia caregivers. Connecticut Chapter serves all 169 towns. Available in over 200 languages.
Chapter phone: 860-406-3040. New office: 10 Executive Drive Suite 202, Farmington CT 06032
Statewide
Connecticut's free online and phone resource connecting caregivers to the full range of support services statewide. Sponsored by Connecticut Department of Social Services. No wrong door for caregiver services.
Virtual home of Connecticut's No Wrong Door system — search by need or location
Statewide
Free 24/7 connection to local health and human services including emotional support, crisis intervention, and caregiver resource referrals. United Way and AARP CT partnered in 2025 to expand caregiver resources through 211.
Call, text, or search online — 300% increase in 211 calls since 2019 reflects growing caregiver need
Statewide
Free 24/7 confidential emotional support for caregivers experiencing burnout, distress, or crisis. Available by call or text anytime.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Statewide — through 5 Area Agencies on Aging
Respite for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. Provides care plan development, in-home assessments, and funded respite services. Mandatory 20% co-pay with hardship waiver available.
20% co-pay required — hardship waiver available. Operated in partnership with Alzheimer's Association CT Chapter
Statewide — through 5 regional AAAs
Up to $3,500 annually in respite and supplemental services for qualifying family caregivers. Traditional (agency-provided) or self-directed (caregiver selects provider) options available. Cost-share based on income.
Cost-share contribution requested based on income — donations accepted for those under poverty level
Statewide — 5 regional AAAs
Adult day centers providing supervised care, socialization, meals, and activities for care recipients while caregivers rest or work. Available through North Central, Eastern, South Central, Southwestern, and Western CT AAAs.
North Central: 860-724-6443 | Eastern: 860-887-3561 | South Central: 203-785-8533 | Southwestern: 203-814-3698 | Western: 203-757-5449
Statewide — search by Connecticut zip code
Searchable database of nearly 3,000 respite providers. Search by Connecticut zip code or county to find local and regional respite options.
Run by ARCH National Respite Network
Statewide — Veterans only
At least 30 days annual respite for caregivers of eligible veterans. West Haven VA Medical Center and Connecticut VA Healthcare System serve Connecticut veterans.
Must be caring for a veteran enrolled in VA healthcare
Statewide — in person and virtual
Free education programs including Family Training Seminars, care consultations, ALZ Talks webinars, and on-demand courses for dementia caregivers. Programs available throughout Connecticut and online.
Virtual options available to all Connecticut caregivers — call chapter for current schedule
Statewide — through Area Agencies on Aging
Evidence-based six-session self-care education workshop for family caregivers. Teaches practical tools and strategies for managing the unique challenges of caregiving. Offered through multiple AAAs across Connecticut.
Free six-week workshop series — contact your regional AAA for current schedule and registration
Statewide
Information and education for families navigating home care for elders 65+. Helps caregivers understand available services including visiting nurses, homemakers, and adult day services to support care at home.
Access through CT Department of Social Services — both state-funded and Medicaid-funded options
National — available to all Connecticut caregivers
Comprehensive library of caregiver education including fact sheets, online programs, and Connecticut-specific resource directory. Caregiving 101 and self-care programs available free.
No registration required for most online resources
Statewide
Free caregiver tools, guides, and education. AARP Connecticut reported 773,000 family caregivers in 2025 and is actively urging policymakers to expand support. AARP Care Guide and financial worksheets available.
AARP membership not required for most resources — new 2025 CT caregiver data available
Statewide
State program paying family members as Personal Care Attendants for elders 65+. Both state-funded (asset limit $47,375 individual/$63,168 couple, no income limit) and Medicaid-funded options available. PCA rate negotiated between caregiver and recipient.
One of few programs with no income limit on state-funded track — contact DSS at 800-445-5394
Statewide
Medicaid waiver enabling people with disabilities to employ personal care attendants including family members for bathing, dressing, transfers, and home chores. Friend or family member can be selected as PCA.
Administered by CT Dept. of Social Services — income and asset limits apply for Medicaid eligibility
Statewide — through 5 regional AAAs
Up to $3,500 annually in supplemental services including durable medical equipment, one-time emergency needs, and gap-filling items not covered by insurance. Available to qualifying family caregivers.
Cost-share contribution based on income — access through your regional Area Agency on Aging
Statewide — Veterans only
Monthly stipend for caregivers of eligible veterans with 70%+ service-connected disability. Also includes CHAMPVA health insurance. Connecticut veterans access through West Haven VA Medical Center.
Must be caring for veteran with 70%+ service-connected disability rating
Statewide — in person and virtual
Free caregiver support groups throughout Connecticut from Fairfield to Hartford to New London. Facilitated by trained volunteers. ALZConnected free online community available 24/7 for all Connecticut caregivers.
Call chapter or visit website to find group by town — virtual groups available statewide
Statewide — 5 regional AAAs
Caregiver support groups through Connecticut's five Area Agencies on Aging covering all 169 towns. Groups available for general caregiving and specialized populations including Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers.
Contact your regional AAA — call statewide number to be directed to local office
Statewide
Connecticut's No Wrong Door portal connects caregivers to peer support groups, social programs, and community connections statewide. Online resource finder helps match caregivers to appropriate local groups.
Free online portal — search by location and interest
National — available to all Connecticut caregivers
Free online peer community of 25,000+ caregivers active 24/7. Share experiences, practical tips, and emotional support with caregivers across the country.
AARP membership not required to join the Facebook group
Statewide — multiple regional offices
Free legal assistance to low-income Connecticut residents including elder law, advance directives, powers of attorney, Medicaid planning, and housing issues for caregivers and care recipients.
Income eligibility requirements apply — statewide intake: 800-453-3320
Statewide — through Area Agencies on Aging
Connecticut's State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Free, unbiased Medicare counseling and education for beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers. Helps navigate Medicare, supplements, and Part D plans.
Health insurance assistance, outreach, information, referral, counseling, and eligibility screening — no cost
Statewide
Free advocacy for caregivers with concerns about nursing home, residential care home, or assisted living quality of care. Protects residents' rights and investigates complaints across Connecticut.
Mandated by federal Older Americans Act and CT General Statute 17b-400 — free and confidential
Statewide
Free legal assistance for Connecticut residents with disabilities and their caregivers. Covers disability-related legal problems, public benefits, housing, education, and advocacy. Federally designated Protection and Advocacy agency.
Toll-free: 800-842-7303. Free services for people with disabilities and their family caregivers
Statewide
Connecticut Bar Association lawyer referral service connecting caregivers to elder law attorneys for advance directives, conservatorship, Medicaid planning, and estate matters.
Referral fee may apply — first consultation often free. Contact CT Bar Association for current referral process
Honest answers to what Connecticut family caregivers ask most.
Your care plan keeps every Connecticut caregiver resource — phone numbers, eligibility, and next steps — in one calm, organized place.
Always free — no credit card required.
Source: LTCareNav.com research, updated on July 2026. Programs, phone numbers, and eligibility rules change frequently — please verify contact information directly with each organization before referral. This page is informational and not legal, medical, or financial advice.