ElderHouse offers caregiver service

NORWALK— ElderHouse, a nonprofit senior day care center in Norwalk, became the latest health care provider to be sponsored by a state program that offers payment to people who are caregivers to seniors.

In October, ElderHouse was sponsored by the state’s Department of Social Services to offer the Adult Family Living (AFL) program. The program, also known as Caregiver Homes of Connecticut, offers a tax-free monthly stipend of up to $450 a week to primary caregivers in the state.

The program helps frail, elderly individuals remain in private homes instead of assisted living or nursing home facilities. Under AFL, a senior would move into a family member or friend’s home or the friend or family member would move into the elder’s home.

“We know there are a growing number of family members in our community taking on the role of caregiving for their aging loved ones,” said Denise Cesareo, executive director of Elder-House. “We also know that good care starts in the home, where it is essential for the well-being of older seniors.”

Connecticut is the seventh oldest state in the nation, according to the Connecticut State Department on Aging. Most seniors are cared for by family and friends, Cesareo said, and as the population of seniors grows, more individuals will take on a caregiver role.

Home Together Jewish Senior Services in Bridgeport, Juniper Homecare in West Hartford and Caring Households in Faifield are part of the 15 health care providers offering this service in Connecticut.