Nursing Homes in Connecticut
Connecticut is one of the smaller northeastern states, with a population of close to 3,570,000 people, of whom 17.7% are aged 65 and older. For seniors residing in a nursing care facility, Connecticut is an excellent choice. Health care costs are slightly below the national average, while overall costs are slightly above the national average. Connecticut also offers many hospitals and health care facilities. The Connecticut government strictly regulates the state’s 204 certified nursing care facilities, and Medicaid is available to help pay for the cost of long-term care in a nursing facility. Four cities in the state are members of AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities
Nursing home, or long-term care, covers a broad range of medical, personal and social services designed to meet the needs of chronically ill or disabled seniors. Nursing care homes are one of the best choices for people who require around-the-clock supervision and medical care. This guide presents an overview of the costs of nursing care in Connecticut and provides information on financial assistance and various agencies in Connecticut that help seniors.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in Connecticut
The SeniorScore is a rating system that provides an overview of the livability for seniors in communities across the United States. It’s composed of 100 data points from a variety of government and private databases to create an overall mark, as well as scores in different categories: Health & Safety, Recreation & Leisure, Finances and General Quality of Life. Connecticut’s overall SeniorScore is 71, a point below the national average of 72.
Connecticut has an excellent score of 74 in Health & Safety. This is a result of the high number of Medicare-registered physicians who work in the state and the large number of hospitals and senior living facilities in Connecticut. Connecticut has average property and violent crime rates compared to the rest of the nation, while residents of Connecticut live about two years longer than the national average of 78.6.
The next highest mark is in Recreation & Leisure, with a 68. Most places in Connecticut are a short drive from New York, or in the other direction, Boston. There are also 139 state parks and numerous municipal parks. The state also has numerous churches, synagogues and mosques.
Connecticut's lowest mark came in Finances. This is largely due to property taxes, which are significantly higher than the national average, although the average sales tax and state income tax are lower. While the per capita income in Connecticut is significantly higher than the national average, costs for assisted living, nursing homes and home health care are all higher than the national average.
Top Nursing Care in Connecticut
Pendleton Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 120 room skilled nursing facility. It is located at 44 Maritime Dr in Mystic, Connecticut. With an average per-family income of $73,348, the community is in a generally middle class area. ...
The Guilford House is a 73 bed senior care community located in Guilford, Connecticut. The facility is in a generally wealthier area, with an average family income of $100,221. It has a dense population, with around 23,000 poeple ...
Noble Horizons is a 110 room senior care community. It is situated near by the Lakeville neighborhood of Salisbury, Connecticut. With a median household income of $63,481, the facility is in a primarily middle class area. It ...
Located at 333 Bidwell St Box 1296 in Manchester, Connecticut, Touchpoints at Manchester is a 131 unit senior community. The facility is in a primarily middle income area, with a median family income of $63,871. It is heavily ...
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 ...
Wolcott Hall Nursing Center is an 87 room nursing care facility. It is located at 215 Forest St in Torrington, Connecticut. The neighboring area has a dense population, with roughly 37,000 poeple living in the 06790 zip code. ...
Located at 225 Wyoming Ave in Torrington, Connecticut, Torrington Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 126 bed nursing facility. The neighboring area has a dense population, with around 37,000 people residing in the 06790 zip code. It is ...
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 ...
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 ...
Autumn Healthcare at Cromwell is a 172 unit nursing care facility located in Cromwell, Connecticut. The neighboring area has an average population density, with around 15,000 poeple living in the 06416 zip code. With an average family income ...
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 ...
Wilton Meadows Health Care Cen is located at 439 Danbury Rd Rt 7 in Wilton, Connecticut. It is a 148 room nursing facility. The facility is in a primarily wealthier area, with an average family income of $160,286. ...
Greenwich Woods Rehabilitation and Health Care Center is a 217 unit nursing home facility located in Greenwich, Connecticut. With about 16,000 poeple living in the 06831 zip code, the neighboring area has a medium-density population. It is a ...
Located close to the Madison Center neighborhood of Madison, Connecticut, Madison House is a 90 unit senior housing facility. The facility is in a generally upscale area, with an average household income of $108,242. It has a medium-density ...
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 ...
Witherell, Nathaniel is a 202 bed senior community located nearby the Riverside neighborhood of Greenwich, Connecticut. With a median per-household income of $137,453, the community is in a primarily upscale area. It is densely populated, with about 25,000 ...
Cheshire Regional Rehab Center is a 120 unit nursing facility. It is located at 745 Highland Ave in Cheshire, Connecticut. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with around 30,000 residents in the 06410 zip code. With an ...
Apple Rehab Cromwell is located at 156 Berlin Rd in Cromwell, Connecticut. It is an 85 bed skilled nursing facility. The community is in a mostly well-to-do area, with an average per-household income of $83,209. With approximately ...
Grimes Center is a 122 unit senior care facility located within the Dwight area of New Haven, Connecticut. With an average per-household income of $38,749, the facility is in a primarily middle class area. It is heavily populated, ...
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 ...
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Connecticut
Nursing care in Connecticut is expensive, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2020. At $12,927 a month, it’s $5,000 more than the national average of $7,756 a month. Connecticut also has the highest cost of nursing care in the region, although Massachusetts, at $12,623 a month, and New York, at $12,319 month, are close. Nursing care is less expensive in Pennsylvania at $10,038, while Rhode Island is significantly lower at $8,669 a month.
- Connecticut: $12,927
- National: $7,756
- Massachusetts: $12,623
- New York: $12,319
- Rhode Island: $8,669
- Pennsylvania: $10,038
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Connecticut’s Top Cities
Bridgeport and Stamford, located near the border with New York state and city, share the most expensive costs in Connecticut for nursing care at $14,113 a month. Hartford, the state capital, is next at $13,079 a month, then Norwich at $12,463. New Haven has the lowest costs, although still expensive, at $12,395 a month.
- Bridgeport: $14,113
- Stamford: $14,113
- Hartford: $13,079
- Norwich: $12,463
- New Haven: $12,395
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Connecticut
While the costs for nursing home care are expensive, other costs in Connecticut are more reasonable. The monthly cost of residing in an assisted living facility is $6,300, while memory care is $7,875 a month. In-home care is $4,576, while home health care is $4,767 a month. The lowest cost for senior care is adult day care at $1,874 a month.
- Memory Care: $7,875
- Assisted Living: $6,300
- In-Home Care: $4,576
- Home Health Care: $4,767
- Adult Day Care: $1,874
- Nursing Home Care: $12,927
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Connecticut
Nursing care in Connecticut is expensive, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2020. At $12,927 a month, it’s $5,000 more than the national average of $7,756 a month. Connecticut also has the highest cost of nursing care in the region, although Massachusetts, at $12,623 a month, and New York, at $12,319 month, are close. Nursing care is less expensive in Pennsylvania at $10,038, while Rhode Island is significantly lower at $8,669 a month.
- Connecticut: $12,927
- National: $7,756
- Massachusetts: $12,623
- New York: $12,319
- Rhode Island: $8,669
- Pennsylvania: $10,038
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Connecticut’s Top Cities
Bridgeport and Stamford, located near the border with New York state and city, share the most expensive costs in Connecticut for nursing care at $14,113 a month. Hartford, the state capital, is next at $13,079 a month, then Norwich at $12,463. New Haven has the lowest costs, although still expensive, at $12,395 a month.
- Bridgeport: $14,113
- Stamford: $14,113
- Hartford: $13,079
- Norwich: $12,463
- New Haven: $12,395
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Connecticut
While the costs for nursing home care are expensive, other costs in Connecticut are more reasonable. The monthly cost of residing in an assisted living facility is $6,300, while memory care is $7,875 a month. In-home care is $4,576, while home health care is $4,767 a month. The lowest cost for senior care is adult day care at $1,874 a month.
- Memory Care: $7,875
- Assisted Living: $6,300
- In-Home Care: $4,576
- Home Health Care: $4,767
- Adult Day Care: $1,874
- Nursing Home Care: $12,927
Connecticut Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations
In Connecticut, certified nursing homes are licensed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health/Commission on Hospitals and Healthcare. This Department also maintains a Nurse’s Aide Registry, which lists individuals who have the proper training and are certified to work in a nursing care facility. Following are some of the rules and regulations that nursing care facilities must follow in Connecticut.
Scope of Care | Nursing facilities in Connecticut must maintain an appropriate number of staff, including an administrator, a medical director and an active and organized medical staff of nurses, nurses’ aides, feeding assistants and a therapeutic recreation director to provide proper care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. |
Care Planning | Patient assessment must be completed within 14 days of a new resident being admitted, and a care plan shall be developed by either the medical staff or the new resident's physician within seven days after the initial assessment is completed. The medical staff shall review each resident's care plan every 90 days or sooner if behavioral changes warrant it. |
Pharmacy Services | Each facility shall maintain the appropriate amount of medication required for each resident under the supervision of the medical staff. Residents’ medication requirements shall also be reviewed every 90 days. |
Staff Screening | A review of state and federal criminal records is required by the state for every employee or volunteer involved in direct patient care. This includes a history search of not only criminal records but also abuse and neglect registries, such as the Connecticut Nurse's Aide Registry. |
Staff Training | No person can be employed for more than 120 days as a nurse’s aide without successfully completing a training and competency evaluation program approved by the Department, which is then entered into the Nurse’s Aide Registry. Feeding assistants must complete at least 10 hours of training in a state-approved feeding assistants training program. Persons employed as therapeutic recreation directors must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalency and complete a minimum of 80 hours of therapeutic recreation training. |
Medicaid Coverage | Before a senior can qualify for Medicaid to help with the costs of nursing home care, a physician must certify that a nursing home level of care is both medically necessary and appropriate. Once approved for Medicare, a resident may keep $60 a month, while veterans can keep $150 a month, for personal expenses. Any resident who applies for Medicare assistance must meet the state's financial limitations on income and assets. |
Reporting Abuse | The Connecticut Long-Term Care Ombudsman program works with seniors residing in nursing homes, residential care facilities and assisted living communities to ensure that all their rights are protected. If a senior, their family or their caregivers suspect abuse or neglect, they should call (866) 388-1888 |
Free Nursing Home Resources in Connecticut
Connecticut Association of Healthcare Facilities
The Connecticut Association of Healthcare Facilities acts as a clearinghouse, providing consumer knowledge about nursing homes and other residential care facilities in Connecticut. Seniors, their families or their caregivers can get information about all certified nursing care facilities in the state. The Association also offers training, legal aid and an ongoing education program for these facilities that has up-to-date information on health care management and services.
Legal Assistance for Elders in Connecticut
Connecticut has an array of free legal services to help seniors. This includes five Legal Service offices that provide counseling on topics like Medicaid, patient rights and nursing home issues. Seniors can also find statewide legal hotlines where they can receive assistance on consumer issues, including health care debt and public benefits problems.
Connecticut Agencies
CHOICES
Address: 55 Farmington Avenue, Hartford CT 06105
Phone Number: (800) 994-9422
Website: portal.ct.gov/AgingandDisability/Content-Pages/Programs/CHOICES-Connecticuts-program-for-Health-insurance-assistance-Outreach-Information-and-referral-Couns
CHOICES, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program for Connecticut, provides seniors, their families or their caregivers with free, objective and unbiased counseling about health care choices. This includes counseling on programs like Medicaid and how it can be used to help pay for the cost of nursing home care. The state’s Area Agencies on Aging and the Center for Medicare Advocacy work as partners in the program, which is administered by the Department of Aging and Disability Services.
MyPlaceCT
Address: 55 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105
Phone Number: (855) 626-6632
Website: www.myplacect.org/
Sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Social Services, MyPlaceCT is an online resource created to help seniors or those with disabilities live healthy lives. The goal of the site is to provide seniors, their families or their caregivers with a variety of information and resources that can help them make the best decision about their health care. This includes information on nursing home care and financial assistance that may be available to help pay for these costs.
Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
Address: 55 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105
Phone Number: (866) 388-1888
Website: portal.ct.gov/LTCOP
The goal of the Connecticut Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is to improve the quality of care for all seniors and the disabled in nursing homes, assisted-living facilities and residential care homes. The ombudsman works to resolve problems between residents and the facility, between residents themselves and even between residents and their caregivers. All issues raised by, and communicated with, residents or their families are strictly confidential.
Area Agencies on Aging in Connecticut
The five Area Agencies on Aging offices in Connecticut work to promote the interests and health of seniors across the state. AAA offices fund social services, are involved in the delivery of nutritious meals to seniors who are needy or homebound and offer support for caregivers who have loved ones aging in place or residing in a nursing home or assisted living facility. Trained staff provide counseling services for seniors who have questions about long-term care and other health programs, such as Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid.
Veteran Affairs Office in Connecticut
The mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Connecticut is to ensure seniors, their families or their survivors receive the benefits to which they are entitled. This includes access to the Sgt. John L Levitow Health Care Center, which supplies veterans with rehabilitative services and programs, including long-term care and memory care. The Department also assists with residential programs and services for homeless veterans who need places to live. The Office of Advocacy and Assistance helps veterans and their spouses or dependents obtain appropriate benefits available under federal, state or local programs.
Social Security Offices in Connecticut
The 15 Social Security offices in Connecticut provide assistance and information to seniors on a variety of programs, including Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security disability, Medicare and Medicaid programs. Seniors, their families or their caregivers can visit one of the 15 offices to learn more about these programs, eligibility requirements and how to apply. Some of the available programs, such as Supplemental Security Income, can be used to defer the cost of nursing home care.