Family Caregiver Resource Center – Guidance & Support for Connecticut Families
Whether you're just starting the caregiving journey or navigating Medicaid programs, Highland Caregivers has gathered trusted resources to help you and your loved ones.
Community First Choice (CFC)
Community First Choice is a Connecticut Medicaid program that helps eligible individuals receive personal care, homemaking, meal preparation, and mobility support at home instead of a nursing facility. Highland Caregivers participates in this program — families must apply through the state's Medicaid system before services begin. Available in Waterbury, Naugatuck, Bristol, Watertown, and surrounding towns.
The Connecticut Home Care Program (CHCP)
The Connecticut Home Care Program (CHCP) is a state program that helps older adults remain safely at home rather than entering a nursing facility. Services include personal care, homemaking, and daily living support. Highland Caregivers proudly offers services through CHCP — families must apply and be approved before care begins. Contact us with questions about the process.
MyPlaceCT – Connecticut's Aging & Disability Resource Portal
MyPlaceCT.org is a free statewide platform powered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services. It connects older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers to programs covering in-home care, housing, Medicaid guidance, meal programs, transportation, caregiver support, and more. A great first stop for families figuring out what help is available.
Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS)
The Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services helps older adults and individuals with disabilities remain independent. ADS provides referrals for home- and community-based programs, assistive technology information, and Medicaid waiver guidance. A valuable resource for families navigating state benefits alongside in-home care.
Connecticut Community Care (CCCI)
Connecticut Community Care Inc. is a statewide nonprofit based in Bristol that provides care management and assessments for seniors and individuals with disabilities. They connect families to in-home support, transportation, meal programs, and Medicaid or community programs — helping seniors across Waterbury, Naugatuck, Torrington, and Southington age in place.
Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging
The Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging serves older adults and caregivers in the western Connecticut region from its Waterbury office. Programs include meals, transportation, in-home care coordination, caregiver support, and benefits navigation. A key local resource for families in Waterbury, Watertown, Naugatuck, and surrounding communities.
Connecticut Elder Law and Assistance
CTLawHelp.org provides free self-help legal guides for adults 60+ and their caregivers. Topics include consumer rights, powers of attorney, government benefits, tenant protections, and financial abuse prevention. Connects users to local legal aid offices with downloadable resources and chat support.
AARP
AARP is one of the largest nonprofits supporting older adults in the U.S. For Connecticut families, AARP offers free caregiving guides, Medicare and retirement planning resources, and member discounts on healthcare. A practical starting point for families new to caregiving.
Home Care Association of America (HCAOA)
HCAOA is the leading trade association for home care providers nationwide. It sets quality standards, advocates for caregivers and seniors, and provides education on best practices in non-medical caregiving. Highland Caregivers is committed to the high standards HCAOA promotes.
National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC)
NAHC advocates for quality home care and hospice nationwide, offering education, policy updates, and industry research for providers and families alike. A reliable resource for understanding the standards and regulations that govern home care in Connecticut.
National Care Planning Council (NCPC)
NCPC provides education and tools for families planning long-term care. Resources include elder care checklists, eldercare articles, Medicaid eligibility guidance, veterans benefits information, and directories of legal and financial professionals. Helpful for families navigating the financial and legal side of caregiving.
National Transitions of Care Coalition (NTOCC)
NTOCC focuses on improving patient safety during transitions from hospital to home. Their caregiver toolkits help families manage medication changes, follow-up appointments, and care plans after discharge — reducing readmissions and easing the stress of coming home after a hospital stay.
Private Care Association (PCA)
PCA is the national voice for consumer-directed home care, supporting families who directly hire and manage caregivers. Offers guidance on employment responsibilities, payroll compliance, and advocacy for consumer rights in home care arrangements.
Alzheimer's Association – Connecticut Chapter
The Alzheimer's Association CT offers 24/7 helplines, caregiver education programs, local support groups, and community events for families affected by Alzheimer's and dementia. Provides safety planning guidance and resources for navigating memory loss at home. Highland Caregivers often works alongside families who rely on these resources for non-medical in-home support.
American Heart Association – Connecticut
The AHA Connecticut chapter supports families through education on managing high blood pressure, nutrition, physical activity, and cardiac recovery. Useful for caregivers supporting loved ones with heart disease or stroke.
Parkinson's Foundation
The Parkinson's Foundation offers a helpline, educational programs, local support groups, and a resource library for patients and caregivers. Covers symptom management, treatment options, and strategies for supporting a loved one with Parkinson's at home.
Mental Health America (MHA)
MHA provides mental health education, screenings, and peer support resources for caregivers and the people they care for. With affiliates in 41 states, MHA connects families to local resources for anxiety, depression, and other conditions — important for caregivers who often experience their own stress and burnout.
Health in Aging
HealthinAging.org is the public education portal of the American Geriatrics Society, offering medically reviewed guidance on dementia, fall prevention, hypertension, stroke, and more. Includes a searchable A–Z library and a directory for finding geriatrics professionals. A trusted complement to hands-on in-home care.
New England Cognitive Center (NECC)
NECC is a nonprofit based in New London, CT, offering research-based cognitive rehabilitation programs for older adults living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Programs like Mind Sharpener and Lively Mind consist of structured group sessions targeting memory, attention, language, and executive function.
Waterbury Hospital
Waterbury Hospital is a leading community health system in the Naugatuck Valley, recognized for cardiology, orthopedics, robotic surgery, and maternity care. Case managers help families navigate complex care needs and coordinate transitions home — making it a key partner for caregivers in Cheshire, Naugatuck, Southbury, and Wolcott.
Saint Mary's Hospital – Trinity Health of New England
Saint Mary's Hospital in Waterbury is a Level II Trauma Center and teaching hospital affiliated with Yale School of Medicine. Offers cardiac and stroke care, the region's only pediatric emergency unit, and satellite clinics in Wolcott, Cheshire, Naugatuck, Southbury, Prospect, and Watertown.
Griffin Hospital – Derby, CT
Griffin Hospital is nationally recognized for patient-centered care using the Planetree model. Serves Greater Waterbury and surrounding towns with geriatrics, rehabilitation, cardiology, and caregiver education programs. A strong circle of support for families who also use Highland Caregivers for in-home assistance.
Advanced Spine & Sports Care Center
Advanced Spine & Sports Care Center provides physical therapy, chiropractic care, and sports medicine in Connecticut — including Waterbury, Wolcott, and Bristol. Offers fall risk reduction, balance training, and recovery programs that pair well with daily in-home support from Highland Caregivers.
Waterbury Senior Center
The Waterbury Senior Center offers fitness classes, health screenings, case management, recreational activities, transportation assistance, and nutrition programs for older adults in Waterbury and surrounding towns including Wolcott, Prospect, and Middlebury.
Watertown CT Senior Center
The Watertown CT Senior Center (Falls Avenue Community Center) serves adults 55+ in Watertown and Oakville. Open Monday–Friday 8:30am–4:30pm. Offers daily lunch, mini-bus transportation, Zumba, art workshops, Meals on Wheels referrals, and case management connections.
Naugatuck Senior Center
The Naugatuck Senior Center at 300 Meadow Street serves adults 50+ with arts, educational classes, social programs, and health fairs. Provides free mini-bus transportation Monday–Friday for shopping, medical appointments, and errands within Naugatuck.
Meals on Wheels Connecticut
Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious meals to homebound seniors across Connecticut, including Cheshire, Naugatuck, Southington, and Watertown. Beyond food delivery, the program provides wellness checks — giving family caregivers peace of mind while reducing isolation.
Medicare.gov
Medicare.gov is the official federal portal for Medicare information — covering Parts A, B, C, and D. Includes plan comparison tools, cost estimators, and 24/7 support via phone (1-800-MEDICARE) or online chat. Essential for Connecticut families navigating Medicare enrollment, coverage changes, or Medigap options.
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