“I like it when people remember that I’m a person, not just a person with Alzheimer’s.” – Sally Hepworth
Caring for a loved one can be life fulfilling but also challenging.
Whoever you’re a caregiver for, here are resources that may help support you on this caregiving journey while your loved one is at home.
Home Safety
Creating a safe environment for loved ones still living at home or with you is extremely important. The Alzheimer’s Association has safety tips and a checklist you can use.
Azhiemer’s Association Safety Checklist
Durable Medical Equipment
Safe daily living may require accommodations and aids such as walkers, wheel chairs, commodes, shower chairs. The Grants for Seniors web site is a good place to find organizations that supply or loan equipment for free or at low cost.
Help Getting Medical Equipment
Home Care Services
A time may come when your loved one needs help with the activities of daily living. The Connecticut Care Planning Council has a list of non-medical care service providers in Connecticut.
About the National Care Planning Council
Medical Care Services
Many elderly need specialized medical care focused on aging issues. Some elderly are homebound and need medical services in the home.
Below are several links to a several medical providers that offer these services. They are not the only one available so you should look around if you need geriatric services.
Hartford Health Care Geriatrics
Hartford Health Care Reach Program
Northeast Medical Group Geriatrcs
The Connecticut Care Planning Council has a list of physicians specializing in geriatric medicine; many are practicing in the programs listed above.
The Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home may also be a resource for you if your loved one is home bound.
Mental Health Care
As we age, our mental and behavioral health is affected by a mix of psychiatric, cognitive, and medical illnesses. This is particularly true for those with dementia. Ensuring the mental health of your loved one and you is a key component to good caregiving..
Below are some resources you may find useful in seeking geriatric mental health services.
Psychology Today. List of Connecticut Psychiatric Service Providers
CMMI GUIDE Program (a Medicare Program)
The GUIDE Model provides:
• Medicare coverage for a comprehensive package of care coordination and care management for people with dementia
• Support for qualifying caregivers including education and respite services.
The model’s interventions help people with dementia to remain in their homes and communities while supporting caregiver health and wellbeing.
In Connecticut, UCONN Health Center provides GUIDE services. For more information on GUIDE, see:
Transitioning to a Long Term Care Facility
Moving to a facility may not be needed for every loved one. Those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia may get to a point where they are no longer safe in a home environment. It helps to be prepared since waiting lists can be long at the better rated facilities.
Below is a checklist that can be used to evaluate and compare facilities.
Long Term Care Facility Checklist
The Connecticut Care Planning Council has a list of Long Term Care Facilities as well as a list of Alzheimer’s Facilities.
About the National Care Planning Council
Alzheimer’s / Memory Care Facilities
For Loved ones in a Care Facility
The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) is a state program that works to improve the quality of life and quality of care of Connecticut citizens residing in nursing homes, residential care home and assisted living communities.