What Is the Adult Family Living Program?
The AFL program, introduced as part of the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) in 2013, enables a family member or close friend to become the primary caregiver for an aging loved one, allowing the loved one to “age in place” at home rather than move to a long-term care facility. These willing caregivers receive a tax-free stipend for their work, which is not considered taxable income, helping them focus on providing care without placing additional financial strain on the support family.
This program was modeled after the foster care system, designed to encourage individuals to care for family members or close friends who require assistance with daily living activities. At its core, the program was designed, in part, to help aging seniors avoid being forced to move into nursing home. By shifting some of the responsibility for caring for an aging loved one back on to a friend or family, there is considerable cost savings to the state, while the care delivered remains much “closer to home,” both figuratively and literally.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the AFL program:
1. The care recipient:
- Must be 65 years or older.
- Must meet financial eligibility for Medicaid under Title 19 or qualify for state-funded assistance.
- Must require assistance with daily living activities (ADL) as determined by a formal needs assessment.
The friend or family caregiver:
- Must live with the care recipient.
- Can be a family member or a friend but not a spouse.
- Does not need to meet financial requirements, as the program is focused solely on the care recipient’s financial eligibility.
How Does the Program Work?
The AFL program is managed through Connecticut’s Department of Social Services (DSS), with local agencies acting as intermediaries to coordinate services. Our agency was among the first to participate in the program and have remained so ever since. As caregivers, families are supported through:
- Financial Assistance: Caregivers are compensated for their time and dedication, with stipends determined by the level of care needed.
- Professional Guidance: Agencies provide regular nursing oversight and supervision of the care provided by the Adult Family Living Foster Care Provider.
- Flexibility: Participation in the AFL program doesn’t exclude the use of additional services like home health nursing or physical therapy, allowing for the senior to receive comprehensive care.
Why Consider the AFL Program?
Many families are unaware of this program’s existence. Its benefits include:
- Preserving Independence: Aging loved ones can remain in the comfort of their own homes.
- Reducing Financial Strain: The tax-free stipend provides financial relief for caregivers, who may have otherwise been forced to leave traditional employment to provide care for a loved one in need of assistance daily and ongoing.
- Emotional Support: Families can provide care with the guidance of professional support, easing the emotional burden and ensuring that Mom or Dad is under the supervision of trained, experienced home care professionals.
Getting Started
The first step is reaching out to a participating provider, such as our agency, which assists families with navigating the application process and helps coordinate the ongoing assistance needed in the home. From submitting the initial referral to the Department of Social Services to walking through the completion of the necessary paperwork, we like to ensure the process is as seamless as possible.
Connecticut’s Adult Family Living program can be a win-win for both families and the state. Families receive the financial and professional support they need to care for their loved ones, while the state saves on the higher costs associated with traditional home care and nursing facilities. If you are caring for an aging loved one, this program may be the key to ensuring their comfort and well-being at home.
