Adult Family Living (AFL) Program Support Services
When You Realize You’ve Become “The Caregiver”
Caring for a loved one often starts gradually — until one day, you realize you’ve become their caregiver. It can be meaningful, but also emotionally, physically, and financially overwhelming. Through Connecticut’s Adult Family Living (AFL) program, an eligible family member or friend living in the home can become a paid caregiver for their loved one.
At Guardian Home Care of Connecticut, we help families understand eligibility, work through the Department of Social Services (DSS), and get started with confidence.
Already Approved For Connecticut Medicaid or AFL?
If your loved one has already been approved for CHCPE, the PCA waiver, or AFL, our team can help you begin providing paid care or switch your caregiver services to Guardian Home Care of CT.
Who May Qualify for Paid Family Caregiving in Connecticut?
Eligibility Criteria For The Person Receiving Care
To qualify for care through the AFL program, the individual receiving care must typically meet several eligibility criteria and choose to receive care at home rather than in a facility. These criteria include:
Be a Connecticut resident.
Be eligible for CHCPE (ages 65+) or the PCA waiver (ages 18 to 64), the programs that offer AFL.
Require assistance with daily living activities due to age, disability, or medical needs.
Complete an application and assessment through the Connecticut Department of Social Services.
Eligibility Criteria For The Family or Household Caregiver
Depending on the situation and program guidelines, a family member or friend living in the same household may qualify to become a paid caregiver.
Caregivers typically must:
Live at the same address as the person receiving care — visiting caregivers who don't share a residence with the client don't qualify.
Be physically and mentally able to provide care.
Complete required onboarding paperwork and background screening.
Follow the individual's care plan and program requirements.
What Paid Family & Friend Caregivers Help With
Meal preparation
Medication reminders
Transportation to appointments
Personal hygiene assistance
Help with transfers (bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to toilet, etc.)
Light housekeeping
Helping with walking and mobility
Incontinence care
Help with daily routines
Errands and shopping
Safety supervision
Companionship and emotional support
How Guardian Home Care of CT Supports Family and Friend Caregivers
Guidance Through The Connecticut Medicaid and AFL Process
We help families understand the process, coordinate with case managers, and navigate the steps needed to begin services.
Caregiver Onboarding Support
We help caregivers complete onboarding requirements, including documentation, background screening, and training guidance.
Communication With Case Managers
We work closely with case managers and families to help keep services moving forward and everyone informed.
Ongoing Caregiver Support
Questions don't stop after orientation. Our team is here to provide ongoing guidance and support throughout your caregiving journey.
Reliable Compensation That's Non-Taxable
Eligible caregivers receive timely compensation for the care they provide, which is generally non-taxable under AFL — helping ease the financial strain of caregiving.
Professional Caregiver Backup When Needed
If additional coverage is needed, we can help coordinate a qualified caregiver so your loved one's care continues without interruption.
Steps to Become a Paid Family Caregiver in Connecticut
Apply for AFL
Complete The AFL Assessment
Once reviewed, a case manager evaluates care needs and discusses available in-home care and caregiver options, including AFL.
Choose a Household Caregiver
Complete Caregiver Onboarding
Guardian Home Care of CT helps coordinate onboarding requirements such as background checks, required training, and necessary documentation before services begin.
Compensation for Family Caregiving Begins
Once authorization and onboarding requirements are completed, approved caregivers can begin providing compensated care at home.
Become a Paid Family or Friend Caregiver — Start Here
Whether you’re hoping to become a paid family caregiver, already approved for Connecticut Medicaid or AFL, or interested in switching to Guardian Home Care of CT, we’re here to help. Complete the short form below, and a member of our team will contact you to discuss your situation, explain your available options, and guide you through the next steps.
