Gifted Hands Homecare Connecticut

Connecticut Programs for Senior Care at Home

At Gifted Hands Homecare, we make it possible to keep your loved one at home with dignity. Whether you choose a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) or become a paid family caregiver through Connecticut’s AFL program, we provide the payment and support families need to thrive.

Support at Home. Confidence for Families.

Connecticut programs for senior care at home are state-funded options designed to help seniors aged 65 and older receive the support they need without leaving the comfort of their own home. Whether you are a family member looking to get paid for the care you already provide, or a family searching for a trained caregiver to come in and help, Connecticut has a program that covers both situations at no cost to your family.

How Connecticut's Medicaid Program Makes It Possible

Connecticut’s Medicaid program is a state and federally funded healthcare program covering
low-income seniors and individuals living with disabilities. Beyond basic healthcare, it funds
a range of home-based care programs designed to help seniors aged 65 and older remain at home rather than moving into a costly nursing facility.

Through the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE), qualifying seniors can receive structured, professional care at home at no out-of-pocket cost to the family. This means the support your loved one needs is fully covered by the state.

As a DSS-authorized Connecticut home care agency, Gifted Hands Homecare helps families navigate eligibility, choose the right program, and get enrolled with confidence.

Our Services

Connecticut Senior Home Care Programs We Offer

Gifted Hands Homecare offers two state-funded home care programs for seniors in Connecticut.

Personal Care Attendant (PCA)

The PCA program connects seniors aged 65 and older with a trained personal care attendant who provides daily support at home, helping them remain independent and comfortable. Hours are approved by DSS based on need, ranging from 12 to 56 hours weekly.

Adult Family Living (AFL)

The Adult Family Living program allows a family member or close friend to become a paid caregiver for a senior aged 65 and older who needs daily support at home. The caregiver lives with the senior and receives a monthly tax-free stipend through Connecticut's Medicaid program.

Who Is Eligible for the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders?

Connecticut’s home care programs have eligibility requirements for both the senior receiving care and the caregiver providing it. Below is a breakdown of what each program requires.

The Senior Receiving Care

AFL Caregiver Requirements

Must be 18 years of age or older
Must live in the same home as the senior
Cannot be the spouse of the person receiving care
Cannot be a legal guardian or legally responsible person for the individual receiving care
Must enroll with a DSS-authorized home care provider

PCA Caregiver Requirements

Must be a trained personal care attendant
Does not need to live with the senior
Cannot be the spouse of the person receiving care
Cannot be an immediate relative of the person receiving care such as a son, daughter, grandchild, or sibling
Hours are determined by DSS based on the senior's level of need
Must enroll with a DSS-authorized home care provider

Our team will help you determine which program applies to your situation.

AFL Caregiver Pay in CT

AFL caregivers in Connecticut are compensated based on the level of care the senior requires. DSS determines the care level through an assessment of the senior’s needs. There are four assessable levels, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4, determined by the complexity of care required. Caregivers can receive a tax-free stipend of up to $2,700 per month.

5 Steps to Care

How to Get Started with a Connecticut Home Care Program

Whether you are looking into AFL or PCA, the process begins the same way. Here is what to expect:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

We review the care needs of your loved one, Medicaid enrollment status, and confirm that AFL is the right fit for your situation.

Step 2: Choose Your Program

Based on your loved one's needs and situation, we help you determine whether AFL or PCA is the right fit.

Step 3: Enrollment

We handle all the paperwork and guide you through the enrollment process from start to finish.

Step 4: Clinical Assessment

A care manager from the access agency conducts an in-home assessment to determine the level of care needed and approve services accordingly.

Step 5: Onboarding

Once services are approved, we reach out to initiate the start of care and ensure everything is in place before care begins.

Why Connecticut Families Choose Gifted Hands Homecare

Finding the right home care program for your loved one is not just a logistical decision. It is one of the most important decisions your family will make. We understand that and we take that responsibility seriously.

For the Caregiver:

We walk you through every step, from eligibility to your first payment
We handle the paperwork so you never feel lost in the process
We ensure you receive fair compensation based on your loved one’s assessed care level
We provide full training and orientation before caregiving begins
Our support does not stop at enrollment, we stay with you throughout the entire caregiving journey

For the Senior Receiving Care:

We match every senior with a caregiver or personal care attendant who meets their
specific needs
Professional nurse oversight ensures safety and quality of care at all times
We ensure every individual receives care that preserves their dignity and
independence at home

You should not have to figure this out alone. We are here to carry that weight with you.

Testimonials

What Connecticut Families Are Saying About Gifted Hands Homecare

Families across Connecticut trust Gifted Hands Homecare to guide them through the
process with compassion, clarity, and consistent support.

Maria R Daughter & Caregiver

“Gifted Hands made the process so easy.” They guided us through every step and helped us start care quickly and confidently

James T Son & Caregiver

“The care was respectful and professional.” My loved one felt comfortable at home, and we felt supported the entire time.

Angela P Family Caregiver

“Reliable help we can truly count on.” The caregivers are kind, consistent, and always show up with compassion.

David L Husband & Caregiver

“Peace of mind for our whole family.” Knowing someone is there to help has made a huge difference for all of us.

FAQs

Questions About Connecticut Programs for Senior Care at Home

Have questions about eligibility or getting started? Here are the answers to the most common questions families ask when calling Gifted Hands.

Can a family member get paid to care for a senior in Connecticut?

Yes. Through Connecticut's Adult Family Living program, a family member or close friend can be compensated for the care they provide to a senior aged 65 and older. However, a spouse or legally responsible person for example, a guardian, cannot serve as a paid caregiver under the program. The program is fully funded through Connecticut's Medicaid program at no cost to the family.

What is the difference between a caregiver and a personal care aide?

A caregiver under the Adult Family Living program is typically a family member or close friend who lives with the senior and provides daily care in exchange for a tax-free stipend. A personal care aide is a trained individual recruited by the agency to assist the senior with daily activities at home. Unlike AFL, the personal care aide does not live with the senior.

How many hours of home care can a senior get in Connecticut?

Hours of care under the PCA program are determined by DSS based on the senior's level of need. Some seniors receive as few as 12 hours per week while others receive up to 56 hours weekly. The assessment process determines exactly how many hours your loved one qualifies for.

Does the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders cover the full cost of care?

In most cases yes. The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders is fully funded through the state's Medicaid program with no enrollment fee and no out of pocket cost to the family. However, some individuals may be required to contribute toward the cost of care based on their monthly income. Our team will walk you through exactly what applies to your situation during the eligibility review.

Do I need medical training to become a paid caregiver in Connecticut?

No. You do not need any medical background, certification, or prior caregiving experience to qualify for the AFL program. At Gifted Hands Homecare, we provide full training and orientation for both the caregiver and the senior at the start of the program. A care manager from the access agency also conducts an in-home assessment to ensure everything is set up correctly from day one.

What is the difference between AFL and PCA in Connecticut?

Both programs serve seniors aged 65 and older and are fully funded through Connecticut's Medicaid program. AFL is designed for seniors who have a family member or close friend willing to move in and provide daily care. PCA is designed for seniors who need a trained attendant to come in and assist with daily activities without living in the home. Our team will help you determine which one fits your situation.

Can a family choose who provides PCA services for their loved one?

Families can share their preferences and we take those into account when recruiting and matching a personal care attendant. Gifted Hands Homecare handles the recruitment and selection process to ensure the attendant is the right fit for your loved one's specific needs and personality.

Ready to Get Started With the Connecticut Home Care Programs for Seniors?

Whether you are looking to get paid for the care you already provide or searching for the right support for your elderly loved one, Connecticut has a program that fits your situation. Let Gifted Hands Homecare guide you through every step so your family gets the support it deserves.