Paid Family Caregiver Program in Connecticut for Seniors
Already caring for a loved one at home? Connecticut’s AFL program may allow eligible family caregivers to receive compensation while providing the care their loved one needs.
See If You Qualify
Takes less than 2 minutes. No commitment.
Free eligibility review · DSS-Authorized Provider
Tax-Free Monthly Pay
Earn up to $2,700/month through Connecticut's Medicaid program at no cost to your family.
Expert Care Team
A registered nurse and care manager support you from day one — and stay with you throughout.
Full Enrollment Support
We handle every document, requirement, and step so nothing stalls the process.
Program Overivew
What Is the Paid Family Caregiver Program in Connecticut for Seniors?
The Adult Family Living program is part of the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders, a state-funded initiative that allows seniors aged 65 and older to receive care at home instead of moving into a nursing facility.
A family member or close friend can become a paid caregiver by living in the same home as the senior and providing daily support. In return, the caregiver receives a tax-free stipend through Connecticut’s Medicaid program at no cost to the family.
Connecticut’s Medicaid program funds AFL through the CHCPE. Once a senior is approved, Medicaid covers the caregiver’s tax-free stipend, with the amount determined through an assessment of the senior’s level of need. As a DSS-authorized provider, Gifted Hands Homecare helps families understand eligibility, complete every required step, and get enrolled so care can begin as smoothly as possible.
Daily responsibilites
What Does an AFL Caregiver Do in Connecticut?
Personal care services
- Bathing and personal hygiene
- Dressing and grooming
- Feeding assistance
- Assistance with mobility, transfers, and exercise
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
- Meal preparation
- Laundry and housekeeping
- Shopping and errands
- Medication reminders
Because AFL caregivers live in the home, they are able to provide consistent, familiar support that goes beyond scheduled visits, giving both the senior and the family peace of mind.
CT Requirements
Adult Family Living Program: Do I Qualify?
To qualify for the paid family caregiver program in Connecticut for seniors through Adult Family Living, both the senior receiving care and the caregiver providing it must meet the following requirements.
The Senior Receiving Care
- Must be 65 years of age or older
- Must be a Connecticut resident
- Must meet the program's financial eligibility criteria
- List Must require assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, or mobility
The AFL Caregiver
- 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
Our team will walk you through exactly what apllies to your situation
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Levels of Care
The Four Levels of Care in Connecticut's AFL Program
DSS determines the care level through an assessment of the senior’s needs. The level assigned directly determines the caregiver’s monthly stipend.
Level 1
Cueing & Supervision
Individuals who require cueing or supervision to perform Activities of Daily Living, and who may also require management of cognitive or behavioral challenges.
Level 2
Hands-On (2+ ADLs)
Individuals who require hands-on assistance with two or more Activities of Daily Living on a daily basis.
Level 3
Hands-On (3+ ADLs)
Individuals who require hands-on assistance to perform three or more ADLs, or two ADLs and management of co-occurring challenging behaviors or cognitive deficits.
Level 4
Intensive Care (4+ ADLs)
Individuals who require hands-on assistance to perform four or more ADLs, or three ADLs and management of challenging co-occurring behaviors or cognitive deficits.
Compensation
How Much Is the Adult Family Living Stipend in CT?
An AFL caregiver provides day-to-day support to a senior living in the same home, helping them remain safe, comfortable, and independent.
There are four assessable levels. A senior requiring cueing and supervision qualifies at Level 1, while a senior needing hands-on assistance with multiple Activities of Daily Living and management of behavioral challenges qualifies at the higher levels. The more complex the care, the higher the stipend, up to $2,700 per month.
Because the level is assigned by DSS through the access agency assessment, families do not determine it themselves. Our team will help you understand what to expect from the assessment and how to ensure the senior’s needs are accurately captured.
5 Steps to Care
How to Apply for Adult Family Living in Connecticut
Getting started is more straightforward than most families expect. Here is what to expect when you work with Gifted Hands Homecare.
01
Check Eligibility
We review your loved one’s care needs, Medicaid status, and confirm AFL is the right fit.
02
Choose Your Program
We confirm AFL as the right path and begin the process based on your loved one’s living situation.
03
Enrollment
We handle all the paperwork and guide you through enrollment from start to finish.
04
Clinical Assessment
A care manager conducts an in-home assessment that determines the senior’s care level and the caregiver’s monthly stipend.
05
Onboarding
Once approved, we initiate care and ensure everything is in place before caregiving begins.
Not yet enrolled in Connecticut Medicaid? We will help with that too.
Ready to See If Your Family Qualifies?
Free eligibility review. No commitment. We’ll handle everything from here.
Why Gifted Hands
Why Connecticut Families Choose Gifted Hands Homecare
Finding the right agency to guide you through Connecticut’s family caregiver program is just as important as finding the right caregiver.
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 who meets their specific needs and is someone they already know and trust
- The senior receives training and orientation at the start of the program
- Professional oversight ensures safety and quality of care at all times
- We conduct bi-monthly home visits to ensure everything is going well
- 24/7 support is available with after-hours emergency resources whenever you need them
- We ensure every individual receives care that preserves their dignity and independence at home
From your first conversation with us to long after care begins, we are with you every step of the way.
Testimonials
What Families Are Saying
Families across Connecticut trust Gifted Hands Homecare to guide them through the process with compassion, clarity, and consistent support.
"Gifted Hands made the process so easy."
They guided us through every step and helped us start care quickly and confidently.
Maria R
"The care was respectful and professional."
My loved one felt comfortable at home, and we felt supported the entire time.
James T
"Reliable help we can truly count on."
Angela P.
"Peace of mind for our whole family."
David L.
FAQs
Questions About the Paid Family Caregiver Program in Connecticut for Seniors
If you are looking to get paid to care for an elderly parent in Connecticut through the Adult Family Living program, here are the questions we hear most often.
Can a spouse be a paid caregiver under the AFL program?
Does the caregiver need to pass a background check?
Yes. As part of the enrollment process, caregivers are required to complete a background screening. Gifted Hands Homecare will walk you through exactly what is involved and what to expect.
Can an adult be paid to care for an aging parent in Connecticut?
What happens if the senior's care needs change after enrollment?
How long does it take to get approved for AFL program in Connecticut?
Is the AFL caregiver stipend taxable income?
Our team will walk you through exactly what apllies to your situation
Ready to Get Started with Connecticut's Paid Family Caregiver Program?
Your loved one deserves to be cared for by someone who already knows them, loves them, and shows up every single day.
That kind of care should not go unsupported. Let us help you make it official.