CT PAID LEAVE BENEFITS AGING POPULATION

As Connecticut’s population ages, program provides essential safety net for them and their caregivers

Connecticut’s Paid Leave Program was created to provide peace of mind and support for Connecticut workers and their families so that they are no longer forced to choose between their own healing or putting food on their table and being a caregiver for their loved ones or paying the electric bill. As more Connecticut residents age and work into their later years, Connecticut Paid Leave also provides an essential safety net for older workers and their caregivers.

“Approximately one in four Connecticut residents is over the age of 60, making us the sixth oldest state in the nation,” said Erin Choquette, CEO of the CT Paid Leave Authority. “Additionally, more than half of people over the age of 60 live alone. Connecticut Paid Leave makes it possible for these older adults to take time off for medical or mental health treatment without having to worry about making ends meet.”

Connecticut ranks third highest in the nation with an average life expectancy of 80.9 years. Older adults in the state face high rates of chronic health conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, and diabetes. With nursing home capacity under strain, more seniors are looking to “age in place” making programs like Paid Leave even more indispensable by allowing older adults and individuals with disabilities to maintain their independence as much as possible.

Paid Leave is also a vital safety net for caregivers. There are approximately 130,000 family caregivers in Connecticut supporting people with disabilities and dementia. Twenty six percent of caregivers are between the ages of 64 and 66 in the state and 61%, or more than half of Connecticut caregivers, have been caregiving for more than three years.

“Paid leave is so important on the caregiver side, giving different options a caregiver can take through Connecticut Paid Leave,” said Meghan Brady, Dementia Services Coordinator for the Bureau of Aging. “For example, someone who has received an early diagnosis and is still able to work for a few years may need to take time for treatments but only intermittently.”

“Just knowing you’re not alone in this journey, that there are resources out there,” said Jennifer Switalski, project coordinator for the Bureau of Aging. “You don’t need to have it all figured out the first day you make a phone call. You’re going to learn about yourself and the person you’re caring for, and it will continue to evolve.”

“As a caregiver, it’s important to know that you need support as well, that it’s okay to take a break, and it’s okay to ask for help,” said Jodi Brazal, program manager and the Connecticut statewide respite care program at the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability.

To hear more about Connecticut’s aging population and resources available to them and their caregivers, please listen to our latest podcast here https://www.ctpaidleave.org/resources-and-guides/paid-leave-podcast

For additional information about paid leave, please visit www.ctpaidleave.org.