At FreedomCare, we believe that everyone deserves to live comfortably at home, surrounded by familiarity and dignity—especially our aging loved ones. Our mission is to empower families and seniors with the knowledge and resources they need to maintain independence and quality of life. The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) aligns with these values, offering a Medicaid waiver option that helps older adults access the care they need to stay safely in their own homes, rather than moving into a nursing facility.
Below, we’ll walk you through the essentials of the CHCPE, including who qualifies, what services are available, how the self-directed option works, and how FreedomCare can assist you in navigating this valuable program. By understanding CHCPE, you can make informed decisions that ensure your loved ones receive the tailored support they deserve.
Want care from someone you know and trust? FreedomCare can help you access the support and financial assistance you deserve. Check if you qualify for the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE)
Click here if you would like more information on how to get paid as a family caregiver in Connecticut.
What Is the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders?
The CHCPE is a vital Medicaid waiver program designed to support Connecticut residents aged 65 and older who are at risk of nursing home placement. Instead of forcing seniors to move into institutional care, CHCPE provides an opportunity to “age in place,” allowing them to stay in their community and enjoy the comforts of home.
The primary goal of CHCPE is simple: help elders maintain independence while still receiving essential care and services. By connecting eligible participants with supports that address daily living needs—such as help with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, or managing medications—CHCPE ensures that seniors can live where they want, with the care they need, for as long as possible.
Eligibility Requirements for CHCPE
Qualifying for CHCPE starts with a few key criteria:
- Age and Residency:
You must be 65 years or older and a Connecticut resident. This ensures that the program’s benefits are available to those who have built their lives in the state and want to remain in their homes as they age. - At-Risk Status:
Applicants must be considered “at risk of nursing home placement,” meaning they require assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) or other critical tasks. This can include bathing, dressing, eating, medication management, or toileting. If these needs aren’t met, the individual could require nursing home care. - Financial Qualifications:
CHCPE considers both income and assets when determining eligibility.- Income: Gross monthly income—which includes wages, pensions, Social Security, Veterans benefits, and Supplemental Security Income—generally must meet certain thresholds. For the Medicaid waiver portion, income is typically limited to $2,742.00 per month or less.
- Assets: Some assets are exempt (like a primary residence and essential personal items), while other resources count toward asset limits. These limits vary depending on whether you’re single or married and on your living situation. Even if you have higher assets or income, state-funded CHCPE services may be available under different contribution arrangements.
For families, understanding these guidelines can be confusing. FreedomCare can help you navigate the complexity, ensuring you approach the application process fully informed and better prepared.
Services and Supports Available Under CHCPE
Adult Family Living: A Personalized Approach to Home Care
One of the most valuable options under the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) is the Adult Family Living (AFL) program, which allows seniors to receive daily care in a family home environment rather than moving into a nursing facility. At FreedomCare, we understand the importance of keeping loved ones at home, surrounded by comfort and familiarity. That’s why we help families navigate AFL eligibility requirements and ensure they receive the support they deserve.
In an AFL arrangement, a designated live-in caregiver—who may be a family member, close friend, or another qualified individual—provides hands-on assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medication management, and mobility support. This program allows seniors to remain in a safe and supportive home setting while receiving personalized care tailored to their needs.
How Does AFL Work?
Unlike traditional in-home care services that rely on visiting aides, Adult Family Living offers continuous, home-based care. The senior and caregiver live together, fostering a strong, familiar bond that enhances both physical and emotional well-being.
While CHCPE does not typically pay family members directly to provide care, the AFL program offers financial support to help cover essential services, caregiver training, and respite care. This assistance can significantly reduce the financial burden on families while ensuring their loved ones receive high-quality, personalized care at home.
FreedomCare Can Help You Through the AFL Process
Navigating the CHCPE application process can feel overwhelming, but FreedomCare is here to help every step of the way. Our team will:
- Check your loved one’s eligibility for CHCPE and AFL services.
- Guide you through the application process, ensuring all necessary documentation is in place.
- Explain your options so you can make the best decision for your family.
- Provide ongoing support as care needs evolve.
Why Choose the Adult Family Living Program?
- Aging in Place: Seniors remain in a familiar home setting rather than transitioning to a nursing facility.
- Personalized Care: The caregiver is dedicated to their needs, providing one-on-one support.
- Continuity and Comfort: Living with a consistent caregiver fosters trust, companionship, and emotional stability.
- Financial Assistance: While direct payment to family caregivers is not always available, AFL provides financial support to offset caregiving costs.
Flexibility and Control: Families can choose a caregiver they trust and have more input in the care plan.
The Self-Directed Option: Empowering Families to Shape Care
A notable feature of CHCPE is its self-directed option. Self-direction allows eligible participants to take a more active role in managing their care. Rather than simply accepting a predetermined set of services, participants with a self-directed model can decide how and where to allocate their care budgets.
This increased flexibility is especially valuable if your family has strong opinions about the type of care your loved one receives. Although CHCPE does not typically provide direct compensation for family members who serve as caregivers, the self-directed approach puts more decision-making power in your hands. You can choose preferred care providers, pick services that align with personal preferences, and tailor supports to better reflect your family’s values and circumstances.
In this way, while you may not receive direct financial compensation for providing hands-on care, you can shape the care plan to ensure that your loved one benefits from the highest quality assistance—perhaps supplementing the support you already offer. FreedomCare can guide you in understanding the self-directed model, helping you navigate budgeting, resource allocation, and service selection to ensure your family’s needs are met.
How FreedomCare Supports Families Navigating CHCPE
Understanding CHCPE’s rules, eligibility requirements, and services can feel overwhelming. This is where FreedomCare comes in. Our knowledgeable team is dedicated to helping families explore their options and make the best decisions for their aging loved ones.
- Expert Guidance and Clarification:
Our team can explain eligibility criteria, benefits, and next steps in plain language. We’ll help you understand income and asset limits, identify which services might be most beneficial, and walk you through the application process. - Support with the Self-Directed Option:
If you’re interested in the flexibility offered by self-direction, we can help you understand how this model works and what it means for your family. We’ll guide you as you consider how to distribute allocated budgets, hire providers, and ensure that care is delivered effectively and compassionately. - Personalized Recommendations:
Every family’s situation is different. We take the time to listen to your goals, your loved one’s medical and daily living needs, and any unique challenges you’re facing. With these insights, we can recommend a customized approach that helps your loved one thrive at home. - Ongoing Support and Resources:
The CHCPE journey doesn’t end once you’ve enrolled. Needs evolve over time. FreedomCare offers ongoing support, making it easy to adjust care plans or explore additional options as circumstances change.
With FreedomCare, you never have to navigate this process alone. We’re here as a partner, ensuring you feel confident, informed, and empowered every step of the way.
Practical Steps to Get Started
If you believe CHCPE might be right for your family, the first step is to confirm your loved one’s eligibility. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) for specifics on how to apply. You’ll likely need documentation of income, assets, and functional abilities. Preparing these materials in advance can streamline the process.
Here are a few tips as you move forward:
- Organize Financial Records: Gather statements for income sources and assets.
- Document Care Needs: Keep notes on what ADLs or IADLs your loved one struggles with. Include physician statements or medical records if available.
- Reach Out to FreedomCare: Before submitting applications or making decisions, connect with us. We’ll help you clarify your approach, decide which services matter most, and ensure you’re making the most of the program’s offerings.
Check Your Eligibility
The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders provides a powerful resource for seniors who wish to remain at home, maintaining their independence and comfort as they receive essential care. By offering a variety of services—ranging from homemaker tasks to adult day health programs—CHCPE makes it possible to tailor a supportive environment that meets individual needs.
For families looking to shape care arrangements even further, the self-directed option grants greater choice and control. Although direct payment to family caregivers is not typically available, you can still customize your loved one’s care to ensure they enjoy the best possible quality of life.
FreedomCare can help you access the support and financial assistance you deserve. Check if you qualify for the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE)
Click here if you would like more information on how to get paid as a family caregiver in Nevada.