CAREGIVERS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE BENEFIT FROM PAID LEAVE INCOME REPLACEMENT

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

Hartford CT — In recognition of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority reminded Connecticut workers today that paid leave benefits are available to caregivers of those who are living with Alzheimer’s Disease. Alzheimer’s, a brain disorder, is the most common form of dementia, accounting for over half of dementia cases. Those living with Alzheimer’s can experience a loss of memory and other mental abilities and altered thinking and behavior severe enough to interfere with their daily life. Early-onset Alzheimer’s occurs between a person’s 30s and mid-60s and is very rare. However, for most people with the disease — those with the late-onset type — symptoms first appear in their mid-60s. While the symptoms can vary from person to person, they generally worsen over time, making independent living impossible and making the need for a caregiver essential. CT Paid Leave allows residents to access income replacement so they can take care of those who need to seek treatment.

“Many of us probably know someone who has had some form of dementia or has cared for someone with the disease,” said Erin Choquette, CEO of the CT Paid Leave Authority. “Caregivers of Patients experiencing symptoms of dementia benefit from the security of paid leave because it allows them to make necessary adjustments to their daily life without losing vital income.”

According to the Connecticut Alzheimer’s Association, approximately 80,000 people in Connecticut are living with Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia, and they expect that number to grow to 91,000 in 2025. In addition, 143,000 caregivers in Connecticut are caring for this population every day. Nationally, Alzheimer’s kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

“The CT Paid Leave Program is vitally important, which is why we were part of the coalition advocating for the law in 2019” said Christy Kovel, Director of Public Policy, and Carolyn Derocco, VP of Programs and Education with the CT Alzheimer’s Association. “We know that caregivers really struggle, particularly if they have children at home or are still in the workplace. Income replacement via CT Paid Leave provides flexibility for caregivers to make a plan that addresses their loved one’s critical needs and provides an improved quality of life. It is absolutely beneficial.”

To apply for CT Paid Leave benefits online, workers will first need to create an account with CT.gov. This will provide the applicant with a single identity and will take approximately 10 minutes. The applicant can then submit their claim online. Claims may also be filed by phone by calling (877) 499–8606. Hours of operation for a live representative are 8 AM to 8 PM ET, Monday through Friday.

For more information about CT Paid Leave and how to apply, please visit www.ctpaidleave.org.

For more information about Alzheimer’s and Paid Leave, please listen to this podcast:

https://www.ctpaidleave.org/resources-and-guides/paid-leave-podcast