Home Care in Connecticut
The beautiful state of Connecticut is a rich and varied place for seniors to live. Its landscape includes coastal cities, small towns and rural villages, giving seniors plenty of choices in terms of scenery and environment. Of the state's 3.5 million people, 17.7% are aged 65 or older, and the state government is committed to creating livable communities for Connecticut's older residents.
Connecticut has a SeniorScore of 71, which puts it almost in line with the national average score of 72. The SeniorScore is a measure of how suitable a location might be for seniors, based on factors such as the cost of living, leisure options, health and safety, the climate and general quality of life. The state scores 74 for Health & Safety, with the typical life expectancy in Connecticut being 2.2 years above the national average. The state's score for Finances is 55, due to the relatively high cost of living.
This guide covers the cost of home care in Connecticut, as well as financial assistance available to state residents and free resources for seniors that can help them maintain their independence at home.
The Cost of Home Care in Connecticut
Home care costs in Connecticut are $95 per month lower than the national average. Home health care in the state, which includes home care services such as housekeeping and food preparation plus basic health care, is slightly more expensive than the national average, at $4,576 per month compared to $4,385.
The Cost of Home Care in Connecticut Compared to Nearby States
The cost of home care in Connecticut is far lower than that of neighboring states. Home care rates in Rhode Island and Massachusetts are almost $1,000 per month higher. Costs in New York and New Jersey are $572 per month more. Home health care in Connecticut is also comparatively affordable, with New York being $381 per month more expensive, and the difference in Rhode Island and Massachusetts being $572 and $667 higher, respectively.
| Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care |
Connecticut | $4,195 | $4,576 |
The United States | $4,290 | $4,385 |
Rhode Island | $5,148 | $5,148 |
Massachusetts | $5,186 | $5,243 |
New York | $4,767 | $4,957 |
New Jersey | $4,767 | $4,767 |
The Cost of Other Senior Care Options in Connecticut
Seniors have several options when it comes to long-term care, including assisted living, nursing home care, and adult day care. Of these, day care services are the most affordable, with an average price of $1,842 per month for care in a group setting. Assisted living facilities, which offer room and board plus help with activities of daily living, cost an average of $4,880 per month. Nursing home care, which includes around-the-clock skilled nursing services, costs $12,699 per month.
- In-Home Care: $4,195
- Home Health Care: $4,576
- Adult Day Care: $1,842
- Assisted Living Facility: $4,880
- Nursing Home Care: $12,699
The Cost of Home Care in Connecticut's Top Cities
Home care costs vary across the state of Connecticut. Norwich and Hartford have costs in line with the state average, while Bridgeport's average home care cost is $190 per month higher. New Haven is the least expensive city in the state for home care, with costs averaging $3,909 per month. Home health care is least costly in Hartford, at $4,385 per month compared to the state average of $4,576.
| Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care |
Connecticut | $4,195 | $4,576 |
Bridgeport | $4,385 | $4,767 |
New Haven | $3,909 | $4,576 |
Norwich | $4,195 | $4,767 |
Hartford | $4,195 | $4,385 |
Top Home Care Agencies in Connecticut
Located at 188 North St in Stamford, CT, Danielcare is a home health care provider offering personal care in addition to in-home medical services. Since 2011, they have been providing care to customers in the Stamford area. They offer ...
Sterling Care Home Health Services is a senior in-home care service provider based in Greenwich, CT at 235 Glenville Rd. They offer home care along with in-home health care to seniors. Since 2011, they have been helping seniors throughout ...
Located at 68 Park Lane Rd in New Milford, CT, New Milford Vna Inc is a in-home care service provider offering home care and home healthcare. They have been in business in New Milford for 52 years. They offer multiple ...
Located in Milford, CT at 546 Boston Post Rd, Totality Home Health Care Agency is a senior in-home care provider offering in-home nursing care in addition to personal home care. They have been serving customers in Milford for 4 years. ...
Home Instead Senior Care is a senior home healthcare service provider based in Guilford, CT at 2488 Boston Post Rd Ste 12a. They provide in-home nursing care as well as in-home personal care services to senior clients. They can ...
Located in Naugatuck, Connecticut at 21 Church St, All About You Home Care Services is a senior home care service provider that offers in-home nursing care and personal care. For almost 17 years, they have been helping seniors in the ...
Regional Hospice and Home Care Center for Comfort Care & Healing is a in-home care company located in Danbury, CT at 30 Milestone Rd. They provide in-home personal care along with home health services for senior clientele. For nearly ...
Located in Ridgefield, Connecticut at 90 East Ridge, Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association is an in-home care service provider offering personal home care services and home healthcare. They have been serving clients in Connecticut for 52 years. They offer multiple personal ...
Salisbury Visiting Nurse Assoc is a home health care company located in Salisbury, Connecticut at 30a Salmon Kill Rd. They offer home care services and in-home health care for senior clientele. For nearly 44 years, they have been ...
Located at 100 Double Beach Rd in Branford, Connecticut, The Connecticut Hospice Inc is a home healthcare provider that offers in-home care and in-home health care. They have been in business in the area for nearly 41 years. They can ...
Home Care Plus Inc is a in-home care provider based in Milford, CT at 309 Seaside Ave. They provide in-home care in addition to in-home health services for senior clientele. For nearly 36 years, they have been providing care ...
Located in Simbury, CT at 8 Old Mill Ln, Farmington Valley Vna is a home healthcare provider offering home health care along with home care. They have been serving seniors in Connecticut for 29 years. They can provide multiple medical ...
Unison Home Care Services Inc. is a home health care service provider located in Middletown, Connecticut at 921 Saybrook Rd. They offer home healthcare and also in-home care to senior clientele. They have been serving clients in Middletown for ...
Located at 999 Asylum Ave in Hartford, CT, Hartford Healthcare at Home is a home healthcare service provider offering home care services and also in-home health care. They have been serving customers in the area since 1966. They can provide ...
Located at 607 Bantam Road, Unit F in Bantam, CT, Vna Northwest, Inc is a home health care provider offering personal home care and also home healthcare. Since 1966, they have been providing care to seniors in the Bantam area. ...
Home Instead Senior Care is a senior home healthcare company based in West Hartford, Connecticut at 2446 Albany Ave Ste 304. They provide in-home personal care and also in-home nursing care to senior clients. They offer different personal services ...
Located in Wallingford, CT at 33 North Plains Industrial Rd, Masonicare Home Health and Hospice, Inc is a home care company offering home healthcare as well as personal care. They have been providing care in Connecticut since 1984. They offer ...
Located in Old Saybrook, Connecticut at 129 Main St, Lighthouse Home Health Care is a senior home care provider that offers home health care as well as home care. Since 2012, they have been serving seniors throughout the Old Saybrook ...
Located in Guilford, CT at 753 Boston Post Rd, Vna Community Healthcare, Inc is a home health care company offering home care as well as in-home nursing services. Since 1966, they have been serving customers in the Guilford area. ...
Located at 444 Foxon Rd in East Haven, Connecticut, Utopia Home Care Inc is a senior home health care provider offering in-home personal care services and in-home health care. Since 1997, they have been serving seniors throughout the East Haven ...
Financial Assistance for Home Care in Connecticut
Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE)
This state and federally funded program is administered through the Department of Social Services, with support from regional not-for-profits. The CHCPE supports seniors who would otherwise require nursing home care, providing them with a variety of services to help them live safely and with dignity in their own homes. The program is open to those who meet age and asset limits and can demonstrate clear care needs.
Contact Information
To apply, contact the program office at (800) 445-5394.
Personal Care Assistance Program
The PCA Program is a Medicaid waiver available to those under the age of 65 who require support with day-to-day activities. Older adults who have limited mobility or basic care needs may be eligible for this Medicaid/HUSKY Health plan if they require help with at least two activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing, dressing, meal preparation or administering medication. There are income and asset limits for eligibility, and the PCA isn't an entitlement program, so there may be a waiting list to receive services.
Contact Information
Applications for the PCA Program can be completed online on the CT.gov website.
Community Choice First State Plan Option
This state Medicaid option provides support for eligible seniors to pay for home- and community-based care services, including help with activities of daily living. Seniors are permitted to self-direct their care and hire certain family members (although not spouses or legal guardians) as caregivers under this program.
Contact Information
Applications for the Community Choice First State Plan Option can be made online, or by dialing 2-1-1 during weekday office hours, and selecting Option 3.
More Ways to Pay for Home Care
Since the programs mentioned above might not cover all the costs associated with home care, and not everyone may be eligible, alternative payment methods will often need to be explored. Some of these alternatives include out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance, and more. Read SeniorAdvice's Guide to Paying for Home Care to find out more about your payment and financing options.
Connecticut Home Care Rules and Regulations
Connecticut home care and home health care providers are licensed by the Department of Public Health. The department sets rules and regulations that agencies must abide by, dictates best practices and reporting and also the rules surrounding reporting abuse.
Scope of Care | Home care aides support seniors with activities of daily living, including meal preparation, cleaning, grooming, dressing and day-to-day chores. Home health care workers may provide similar services but also offer limited medical care, within the scope of their training and licenses. |
Care Plan Requirements | Home health care providers must follow a care plan agreed upon by a physician. This plan relates to medication administration and any at-home treatments, such as occupational therapy or changing wound dressings. Any deviation from the care plan must be agreed upon by a medical professional. Delegation of such care must be clearly documented in a patient's records, along with an assessment from a nurse or other professional that the care can be safely performed by a home health care aide. Care plans should be reviewed once every four weeks to ensure that the homemaker or home health aide's services are suitable for the patient. |
Medication Management Requirements | Home care workers may assist seniors with self-management of medications but are not permitted to administer medication themselves. Home health care workers are permitted to administer medications that have been prescribed by the client's doctor as part of their care plan. |
Staff Screening Requirements | Home care agencies are required to carry out fingerprinting and criminal background checks on workers before they may work with seniors. |
Staff Training Requirements | Homemakers are required to complete a training program and competency evaluation as set by the Department of Public Health to allow them to provide basic day-to-day support in the home. Home health aides must complete a training program and pass tests and competency evaluations to become licensed to provide basic medical services in the home. |
Medicaid Coverage | Connecticut home care and home health care providers may participate in Medicaid/HUSKY Health programs such as the Personal Care Assistance Program and the Community Choice First State Plan. Seniors can use funds from Medicaid waivers and entitlement programs to pay for care. |
Reporting Abuse | The Department of Public Health maintains a Medicaid Home Health Hotline to receive complaints about home health services. To report abuse, neglect, malpractice or exploitation, call (800) 828 -9769. |
Free Home Care Resources in Connecticut
Seniors in Connecticut have access to many programs and services that help older adults maintain their independence and safely age in place. Below, we've compiled a few of the most helpful resources:
Aging and Disabilities Resource Centers
The Community Choices network of Aging and Disability Resource Centers includes locations across the state. These agencies provide information, advice and counseling to seniors, helping them access the care, services and financial support they need to maintain their independence. Services are open to all seniors living in Connecticut and many programs are delivered free of charge.
Contact Information
See the Network of Care website for details of your nearest ADRC.
Area Agencies on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging in Connecticut are responsible for delivering a variety of services to seniors in their local areas, including nutrition, adult day care, disease prevention, social services and general advice. There are five AAAs in the state. Most services are delivered free of charge to seniors. Each agency is state-funded, but the services they deliver may vary depending on the needs of seniors in their area.
Contact Information
Find your nearest AAA's contact details on the Department of Aging and Disability Services website.
CHOICES Program
CHOICES helps Connecticut seniors understand the options available to them under Medicare and navigate health care services in the state. Trained counselors advise seniors on their Medicare options and offer advice about plans, enrollment periods, savings options, Medigap plans and benefits. Any advice given is vendor-neutral and impartial.
Contact Information
To speak to a counselor, call (800) 994-9422.
Department of Veterans Affairs
The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs offers advice, assistance and support to former servicemen and women. It helps veterans access VA pensions, Aid and Attendance benefits and other financial support, and recommends veteran-friendly services to help those who have served with the care, training and support they need to continue living independently at home. Surviving spouses may also be eligible for support.
Contact Information
To find your nearest office, call the DVA Veterans Info Line at (866) 928-8387.
Independent Living Program
The Independent Living Program promotes self-reliance and empowers Connecticut residents with disabilities, including seniors, to live independently in the community. It offers transition services to help those leaving nursing homes or other care institutions to return to independent living. The program also helps individuals access assistive technology and home modifications, allowing them to remain in their own homes for longer.
Contact Information
Find your nearest Independent Living partner center on the Department of Aging and Disability Services Website.
Free Home Care Resources in Connecticut
Seniors in Connecticut have access to many programs and services that help older adults maintain their independence and safely age in place. Below, we've compiled a few of the most helpful resources:
Aging and Disabilities Resource Centers
The Community Choices network of Aging and Disability Resource Centers includes locations across the state. These agencies provide information, advice and counseling to seniors, helping them access the care, services and financial support they need to maintain their independence. Services are open to all seniors living in Connecticut and many programs are delivered free of charge.
Contact Information
See the Network of Care website for details of your nearest ADRC.
Area Agencies on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging in Connecticut are responsible for delivering a variety of services to seniors in their local areas, including nutrition, adult day care, disease prevention, social services and general advice. There are five AAAs in the state. Most services are delivered free of charge to seniors. Each agency is state-funded, but the services they deliver may vary depending on the needs of seniors in their area.
Contact Information
Find your nearest AAA's contact details on the Department of Aging and Disability Services website.
CHOICES Program
CHOICES helps Connecticut seniors understand the options available to them under Medicare and navigate health care services in the state. Trained counselors advise seniors on their Medicare options and offer advice about plans, enrollment periods, savings options, Medigap plans and benefits. Any advice given is vendor-neutral and impartial.
Contact Information
To speak to a counselor, call (800) 994-9422.
Department of Veterans Affairs
The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs offers advice, assistance and support to former servicemen and women. It helps veterans access VA pensions, Aid and Attendance benefits and other financial support, and recommends veteran-friendly services to help those who have served with the care, training and support they need to continue living independently at home. Surviving spouses may also be eligible for support.
Contact Information
To find your nearest office, call the DVA Veterans Info Line at (866) 928-8387.
Independent Living Program
The Independent Living Program promotes self-reliance and empowers Connecticut residents with disabilities, including seniors, to live independently in the community. It offers transition services to help those leaving nursing homes or other care institutions to return to independent living. The program also helps individuals access assistive technology and home modifications, allowing them to remain in their own homes for longer.
Contact Information
Find your nearest Independent Living partner center on the Department of Aging and Disability Services Website.
Other Cities in Connecticut