There are people in this world who are driven to help make a difference in the lives of others. Sometimes these care givers can lose sight of what is right in front of them, their own health and wellbeing. Whether you’re a peer in recovery working in the mental health and addiction services system, a professional clinician, or a caring family member helping a loved one in need, it is important to remember to take time for ourselves. Burnout is real, and it can happen to anyone.
This page will list programs and agencies that provide supportive services for care givers, services that can potentially lighten the load of daily tasks.
Recovery Innovations for Pursuing Peer Leadership and Empowerment (RIPPLE): One of our Community Conversations is Helping the Healers; this conversation talks about what is needed to maintain a healthy balance between work and relaxation. As we mentioned above, burnout is real; it eventually happens to everyone when they are overwhelmed and overworked. It is possible to work shorter hours and be more productive. When you are well-rested and better focused, you will work more efficiently. By coming together, sharing ideas and coping skills, it is our hope we all leave better prepared for tomorrow.
Location: Statewide / Hosted by your organization, presented by Ripple.
Healthcare Professional Burnout, Depression and Suicide Prevention: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers a verity of postvention and prevention resources and can be found in their Healthcare Professional Burnout, Depression and Suicide Prevention. Placing a priority on mental health enables healthcare professionals to better take care of themselves and their patients.
Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut (BIAC): We sponsor approximately 18 support groups throughout Connecticut, giving individuals with brain injuries and their caregivers the opportunity to connect and share their stories. Facilitated by both an individual with a brain injury or a family member, and a professional, the support groups are extremely fluid in responding to the interests of their attendees.
Locations: Click Here for current listing of the support groups in Connecticut
Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is the nation’s leading family caregiver organization working to improve the quality of life for the more than 90 million Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age. CAN serves a broad spectrum of family caregivers ranging from the parents of children with significant health needs, to the families and friends of wounded soldiers; from a young couple dealing with a diagnosis of MS, to adult children caring for parents with Alzheimer’s disease. CAN (the National Family Caregivers Association) is a non-profit organization providing education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers across the country free of charge.
Location: Online
Caregiver Help Desk – It’s Free!
Contact our Care Support Team, staffed by caregiving experts, to help you find the right information you need to help you navigate your complex caregiving challenges. Caregiving experts are available 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM ET.
Caregiver Help Desk – 855-227-3640
State of Connecticut Department of Rehabilitation Services: Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program – This program offers relief to stressed caregivers by providing information, support, the development of an appropriate plan of care, and services for the individual with Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementias. Clients may receive care through the delivery of services through agencies (traditional care option) or caregivers may hire someone of their choice to provide care (self-directed care option). The program may subsidize the cost of services not to exceed an amount up to $7,500 per year; however, this funding is contingent upon available funding and subject to the applicant’s level of need as determined by the Care Manager, and a maximum of 30 days of out of home respite care services (excluding Adult Day Care) available per year to each applicant. This program is a joint partnership between the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, the Area Agencies on Aging, and the Connecticut State Unit on Aging.
Location: Statewide
State of Connecticut Department of Rehabilitation Services: The National Family Caregiver Support Program provides a periodic break for caregivers to regroup both physically and emotionally. Funds are available for a variety of services to support family members and other unpaid caregivers caring for older individuals as well as grandparents and older relatives caring for grandchildren, or parents caring for an adult child with a disability.
Location: Statewide
MyPlaceCT.org is a free, web-based resource designed to help older adults and people with disabilities live at home or in the community with optimal independence, health and wellbeing.
There are formal services and supports that could potentially complement what you provide as a caregiver. Services such as home delivered meals and transportation might help with the range of assistance needed. Refer to the Services and Supports section of My Place CT to explore the options.
Location: Statewide
NAMI Family Members And Caregivers Information: NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
Location: Statewide
