Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)

DSS coordinates and funds a variety of services that enhance the quality of life for the state’s elderly citizens. Services include the following: Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program: Provides respite services, information, and support for families caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. The person must have an income of $30,000 or less and liquid assets of $80,000 or less. The program is operated through the five Area Agencies on Aging in CT and pays up to $3,500 in respite care services per family per year.

Statewide Toll-free Telephone: 1-800-994-9422. Telephone: (860) 424-5279.

​

Connecticut Partnership for Long Term Care

Enables residents to pay for future long-term care without impoverishing themselves. They can buy a pre-approved private long-term care insurance policy from a company that is participating in the Partnership and protect a specified amount of assets from Medicaid spend-down. Toll-free Telephone: 1- 800-547-3443.

Connecticut’s National Family Caregiver Support Program

Provides information, assistance, support groups, counseling, training, respite and supplemental services to families caring for someone aged 60 and over and grandparents 60 and over raising children.

Toll-free Telephone: 1- 800-994-9422. Telephone: (860) 424-5199.

​

Conservators

DSS Social Workers act as Conservators of Estate for persons 60 years of age and older, when no other Conservator can be found by the Probate Court. Clients must meet income guidelines (assets of $1,500 or less). Financial management is provided to elders whose assets and welfare would be jeopardized without this service. DSS Social Workers also act as Conservator’s of Person for income-eligible people, over age 60, who have been determined by the probate court to be incapable of making sound decisions to assure their own health and welfare. This program enables substitute decision-making in areas such as housing, medical treatment, advanced directive planning and gives the DSS.

​

Commissioner legal responsibility for an elder’s care and wellbeing. Education: DSS, in partnership with Elderhostel Inc., provides financial assistance – hostelships – to low-income individuals who wish to attend an Elderhostel programs but cannot afford the cost. Individuals must provide proof of income for eligibility purposes.

Toll-free Telephone: 1-866-218-6631 | (860) 424-5293 | (860) 424-5241.

​​