Assisted Living in Connecticut
Connecticut is a state that has a relatively high senior population. Over the last few years, the number of working-aged people in Connecticut has declined, and the average age of the population has increased. According to recent U.S. Census Bureau estimates, 17.2% of the population are aged 65 or older. Assisted living facilities in Connecticut are in high demand, and the median fee charged by them is $4,880 per month. This is higher than the national average. There are 223 assisted living providers in the state, so seniors have a good variety of assisted living homes and community based residential facilities to choose from.
Explore Connecticut's assisted living options and learn more about the financial assistance that is offered to seniors who are considering transitioning to assisted living.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in Connecticut
Connecticut has a SeniorScore of 71%. This is below the national average of 72%. The state's SeniorScore is pulled down by its high cost of living; however, it scores well on several other metrics, making it a good place for seniors to live.
SeniorScore™ for Connecticut
The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.
- Connecticut's SeniorScore™ of 71 is lower than the national average of 72.
- Connecticut has very high access to Medicare registered healthcare providers.
- Connecticut has a high number of hospitals within the state.
- Connecticut has a high number of senior living facilities within the state.
- Connecticut has a high number of home healthcare providers operating in the state.
- The average life expectancy in Connecticut is 80.8, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- Connecticut has an average overall property crime rate compared to national averages.
- Connecticut has an average overall violent crime rate compared to national averages.
- 28% of the population in Connecticut are seniors, compared to 29% nationally.
- Connecticut has 181 golf courses in the state.
- Connecticut has a low number of municipal parks throughout the state.
- Connecticut has 1,663 churches in the state.
- The property taxes average 5.40% of total income in Connecticut, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.79%.
- The property taxes average 1.53% of property value in Connecticut, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1.09%.
- The average sales tax in Connecticut is 6.85%, which is lower than the national average of 6.97%.
- The average state income tax in Connecticut is 3.20%, which is lower than the national average of 3.38%.
- The mean household income in Connecticut is $97,594, which is significantly higher than the national average of $64,580.
- Connecticut's median household income is $75,283, which is significantly higher than the national average of $51,560.
- The average per capita income in Connecticut is $37,605, which is significantly higher than the national average of $25,611.
- Assisted living costs in Connecticut average $64,402 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $42,700.
- Nursing home costs in Connecticut average $159,410 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $92,481.
- Costs for adult daycare in Connecticut average $20,765 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $17,931.
- Costs for home healthcare in Connecticut average $49,041 per year, which are higher than the national average of $46,197.
- The unemployment rate is about 8.56% in Connecticut, which is higher than then national rate of 8.26%.
- The overall cost of living in Connecticut is very high compared to national averages.
- 0.61% of the senior population in Connecticut are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
- Connecticut receives an average of 46.8 inches of rain per year.
- Connecticut has an average annual temperature of 50.0 degrees fahrenheit.
- Connecticut has an average low temperature of 39.5 degrees fahrenheit.
- Connecticut has an average high temperature of 59.6 degrees fahrenheit.
- Connecticut has an average population density of 1,036 people per square mile.
- Connecticut has a very high public school quality ranking.
- Connecticut has an average public school safety ranking.
- Connecticut has a high graduation rate of 88.31%.
Property taxes in Connecticut are higher than the national average, and sales tax is set at 6.35%. The cost of living in the state is very high compared to many other parts of the United States. There is a relatively high density of Medicare registered health care providers, and there is also a large number of hospitals and senior living facilities. The average life expectancy in the state is above average, at 80.8 years.
Seniors who choose to spend their retirement years in Connecticut can take advantage of the large selection of churches and golf courses in the state. The climate is moderate for most of the year, although the state does see more rain and snowfall than many other parts of the country.
Top Assisted Living Facilities in Connecticut
Salmon Brook Center is a 130 room senior care facility. It is located at 72 Salmon Brook Dr in Glastonbury, Connecticut. The facility is in a predominantly upscale area, with a median per-household income of $103,875. With ...
Located around the Quinnipiac area of North Haven, Connecticut, Montowese Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 120 unit nursing care facility. The community is in a generally well-to-do area, with an average household income of $82,993. It is ...
Cassena Care at Norwalk is a 150 bed senior care facility located in Norwalk, Connecticut. With approximately 19,000 individuals living in the zip code of 06850, the neighboring area has an average population density. It is a largely ...
Bethel Health Care Center is located at 13 Parklawn Dr in Bethel, Connecticut. It is a 161 room nursing home facility. The community is in a primarily well-to-do area, with a median household income of $87,323. It ...
Groton Regency is located at 1145 Poquonnock Rd in Groton, Connecticut. It is a 162 room senior housing facility. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with approximately 32,000 individuals residing in the 06340 zip code. It is ...
Milford Health Care Center is located at 195 Platt St in Milford, Connecticut. It is a 120 room skilled nursing facility. The neighboring area has a dense population, with approximately 39,000 people residing in the zip code of ...
Located within the Fair Haven area of New Haven, Connecticut, Mary Wade Home is a 93 room senior housing community. The facility is in a predominantly middle class area, with an average per-family income of $40,943. It is ...
Fox Hill Center is a 150 room senior community. It is situated in the Rockville neighborhood of Rockville, Connecticut. With an average household income of $64,308, the facility is in a predominantly middle income area. It has ...
Edgehill is a 60 room senior community situated within the Palmers Hill area of Stamford, Connecticut. With a median per-family income of $67,355, the community is in a predominantly middle class area. It has a dense population, ...
Skyview Center is located nearby the Wallingford Center area of Wallingford, Connecticut. It is a 97 unit senior care facility. The surrounding area is heavily populated, with about 46,000 individuals residing in the 06492 zip code. It ...
Hebrew HealthCare is a 277 bed nursing facility. It is located in the Blue Hills area of West Hartford, Connecticut. The facility is in a predominantly upscale area, with an average household income of $98,210. With approximately ...
Glendale Center is a 120 bed senior care facility. It is located at 4 Hazel Ave in Naugatuck, Connecticut. The encompassing area has a dense population, with around 33,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 06770. ...
Located around the South West area of Newington, Connecticut, Jefferson House is a 104 room senior care facility. The community is in a predominantly middle class area, with an average household income of $68,426. With approximately 32,000 individuals ...
Located close to the Kensington area of New Britain, Connecticut, Jerome Home is a 94 room senior care facility. With an average family income of $56,008, the facility is in a mostly middle income area. It has an ...
Situated near by the Blue Hills area of Bloomfield, Connecticut, Seabury Retirement Community is a 96 unit senior community. With roughly 21,000 individuals living in the zip code of 06002, the surrounding area is densely populated. It is ...
Located in the Salmon Brook neighborhood of Granby, Connecticut, Meadowbrook of Granby is a 90 bed senior care facility. The encompassing area has a medium-density population, with about 9,000 people residing in the 06035 zip code. With a ...
Situated near the Central Waterford area of New London, Connecticut, Crossings East Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 128 unit nursing facility. The community is in a primarily middle income area, with a median per-household income of $43,512. ...
Chelsea Place Care Center is a 234 room senior housing facility. It is located within the West End neighborhood of Hartford, Connecticut. The surrounding area has an average population density, with approximately 20,000 residents in the zip code ...
Kimberly Hall North is a 150 room senior care community situated near by the Blue Hills area of Windsor, Connecticut. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with around 30,000 people residing in the zip code of 06095. It ...
The Willows is situated in the Amity neighborhood of Woodbridge, Connecticut. It is a 90 unit senior community. The community is in a largely affluent area, with an average per-family income of $126,317. With around 10,000 individuals ...
The Cost of Assisted Living in Connecticut
The cost of assisted living facilities in Connecticut is far higher than the national average. The median monthly fee is $4,880 while the national average is just $4,051. Connecticut is not the most expensive state for assisted living on the east coast. Assisted living fees in New Hampshire are an average of $7,021 per month, and the median fees in Massachusetts are also above average, at $5,640 per month.
- Connecticut: $4,880
- National Average: $4,051
- Pennsylvania: $3,913
- New York: $4,630
- New Hampshire: $7,021
- Massachusetts: $5,640
The Cost of Assisted Living in Connecticut's Top Cities
The cost of assisted living in Connecticut varies significantly from city to city. While most cities carry higher fees than the national average, there are some affordable facilities in the state. New Haven is one of the least expensive cities in the state when it comes to assisted living facilities, with a median fee of just $3,750. In contrast, assisted living facilities located in Bridgeport charge more than the state average, with typical costs of $6,350 per month.
- Bridgeport: $6,350
- New Haven: $3,750
- Hartford: $4,650
- Middletown: $4,650
- Norwich: $4,247
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Connecticut
Seniors who require some help with day-to-day activities can receive that help in many different ways. Some families opt for in-home care services so that the senior can stay in his or her own home for as long as possible, remaining close to friends and family. Adult day care facilities can also help with this, allowing seniors to spend evenings at home and attend a day facility to socialize, take meals and be supported when loved ones are at work. Assisted living facilities are the next step up in care and are aimed at those who require a consistent, sustained level of support 24 hours a day. Seniors who require medical care on top of help with daily tasks such as bathing, grooming or toileting may find that skilled care in a nursing home is the best option for them.
Adult day health care facilities tend to charge less than other care options since they provide care in a group setting and their services do not include accommodation. Fees for in-home care are slightly higher, often similar to assisted living costs, because of the personalized nature of the care. Nursing homes are the most expensive option because these facilities are aimed at seniors who require ongoing medical supervision. It is not uncommon for an assisted living facility to have a registered nurse on staff. However, nursing homes have a greater number of medically trained care staff in their employment to ensure that around-the-clock medical assistance is available.
The typical costs of assisted living and other forms of senior care in Connecticut are:
- Assisted Living: $4,880
- In-Home Care: $4,195
- Home Health Care: $4,576
- Adult Day Care: $1,842
- Nursing Home Care: $12,699
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Connecticut
HUSKY Health
Phone Number: 1-877-284-8759
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/HUSKY
HUSKY Health is the name for the Medicaid program in Connecticut. The program covers the cost of nursing home care and limited forms of personal care in the community. The care can be self-directed, giving seniors a high degree of control over the providers and services they use. HUSKY Health is means-tested. The allowances for the HUSKY C program for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled are $1,600 per month for a single person and $2,400 for a married couple. Seniors cannot use the HUSKY Health program to pay for the full cost of assisted living but may be able to use it for individual services within their care packages.
Personal Care Assistance Program
Phone Number: 800-842-1508
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/dss
The Personal Care Assistance Program is a program managed by the Department of Social Services that supports Medicaid-eligible adults who require assistance with the activities of daily living. The program enables adults to continue living within their communities, avoiding the requirement to move into nursing homes. The Personal Care Assistance Program is a Medicaid Waiver that is open to those aged 18-64. Those between the ages of 55 and 64 who are looking to move into a community-based assisted living facility may find the care options covered by this waiver to be useful. Seniors aged 65 and over have the option of applying for the Connecticut Home Care Program for the Elders to receive similar support.
Connecticut Home Care Program for the Elders
Phone Number: 800-445-5394
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/Health-And-Home-Care/Connecticut-Home-Care-Program-for-Elders/Connecticut-Home-Care-Program-for-Elders-CHCPE
The Connecticut Care Program for the Elders is aimed at those aged 65 and over. The program supports those who are at risk of nursing home placement by helping them remain a part of the community. Seniors are given a health screening and can choose their place of residence. The care services that are made available to them are based upon their assessed needs and place of living. The CHCPE is administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services, Alternative Care Unit. Some cities refer to this program as the Community Based Services Waiver for the Elders.
This program has four tiers of eligibility. Seniors who meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid can access the service through Medicaid reimbursement. Those who do not meet the Medicaid eligibility criteria may still be able to access the program via its state-funded tiers, assuming that they are over the age of 65 and have qualifying health needs. There is no income limit for the state-funded tiers; however, there are asset limits.
Connecticut Assisted Living Rules and Regulations
Connecticut does not license assisted living facilities directly. The Department of Public Health licenses and regulates Assisted Living Service Agencies (ALSA), which in turn, provide assisted living services. Only a state-licensed ALSA can offer assisted living services, and the services must be delivered in the form of a Managed Residential Community (MRC). The rules that those facilities must follow are summarized below:
Scope of Care | MRCs in Connecticut provide residents with support with the activities of daily living. This can include help with toileting, dressing, grooming, eating and other basic tasks. |
Care Plan Requirements | Residents should be assessed to ensure that each senior is receiving care appropriate to their needs and abilities. |
Medication Management Requirements | Medication-related services vary depending on the license type of the facility. Where medication management or administration are offered, staff members must have recent and appropriate state-approved training. |
Staff Screening Requirements | There is no requirement for staff to pass a criminal background check in Connecticut. Disclosures are required for memory care facilities. |
Staff Training Requirements | Where medication-related services are offered, staff delivering those services must be appropriately qualified. There are additional training requirements for staff working in memory care facilities. |
Medicaid Coverage | Medicaid waivers may be accepted by some facilities. |
Reporting Abuse | The Long-Term Care Ombudsman is the first point of contact for complaints or concerns. Those who have questions or would like advice should email [email protected]. Complaints must be submitted to the Facility Licensing and Investigations Section. |
Free Assisted Living Resources in Connecticut
Connecticut State Unit on Aging
The Connecticut State Unit on Aging oversees a variety of services for seniors including needs assessments, signposting to other agencies, respite care and supportive services. The agency helps seniors avoid nursing home placements by supporting them with the services required to allow them to live in their own homes or in community-based residential facilities.
Contact: Email [email protected] for additional details.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers
The Aging and Disability Resource Centers in Connecticut are also known as "Community Choices" facilities. These centers serve as an information hub to connect seniors and caregivers with the assistance they need to live their lives to the fullest. Services include signposting to facilities and other local agencies, benefits screening, care transitions and options counseling. There are facilities in several cities across the state. The centers are run as a part of Connecticut's "No Wrong Door" system which provides support for community living.
Contact: Call 800-537-2549 for information about local centers.
Connecticut Agencies
Department of Aging and Disability Services
Phone Number: 800-537-2549
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/AgingandDisabilityThe Department of Aging and Disability Services oversees a variety of programs for seniors and provides services, such as benefits counseling and person-centered planning. The department works with those aged 60 and over, as well as adults with disabilities. It liaises with local service agencies and volunteers to provide accurate and current advice to seniors based on their current circumstances and the area in which they live. Seniors and their loved ones wishing to get advice about available services should call the department's main contact number to request details of their nearest office.
Area Agencies on Aging in Connecticut
The Area Agencies on Aging in Connecticut are private agencies that are run on a nonprofit basis. These agencies are funded by the State Department of Aging and Disability Advisory Council. The funding is used to provide social services, support for caregivers, adult day care aide positions, nutritional support, disease prevention and health promotion services. Some agencies also provide community education, training, benefits counseling, case management, advocacy and general information services.
There are AAAs in most parts of the state. The main AAA offices can be found in Waterbury, Bridgeport, Hartford, North Haven and Norwich, serving broad areas of Connecticut. Contact one of the regional offices for information about the location of your closest agency.
Veteran Affairs Offices in Connecticut
The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs provides support for veterans and their immediate families, helping them access the support that is available through federal and state programs. There are several VA facilities in the state, providing health care services, benefits administration and general advisory services. A full list of offices can be found on the VA.gov website.
The VA department in Connecticut does not directly provide assisted living services. However, it can offer advice on benefits such as Veteran's Aid and Attendance. This is a means-tested benefit that can be applied to a variety of services, including certain types of assisted living expenses. In addition to this benefit, Connecticut veterans may also be eligible for certain tax refunds and property tax exemptions that may help to reduce their expenses, making assisted living more affordable for them.
Social Security Offices in Connecticut
There are currently 15 social security offices in Connecticut, along with one Disability Determination Service and two Offices of Hearings Operations. These offices are spread out across the state to make social security services as accessible as possible to the residents of Connecticut.
The Social Security Administration assists people with benefits claims and provides access to social security services. It offers information about federal and state programs, disability payments, Medicare and Medicaid, as well as income supplements that qualifying seniors may be able to use to offset the costs of assisted living. For information about the nearest Social Security Office, check the SSA.gov website.
Other Cities in Connecticut