Connecticut Assisted Living
Adults aged 65 and over throughout Connecticut comprise over 17% of the state's population. Those who live there can appreciate the area's seasonal yet relatively mild weather. While Connecticut has high levels of rain compared with the U.S. average, temperatures in the area top out around 83 degrees in the summer.
Unfortunately for some, Connecticut is expensive. The cost of living in the state is 7.8% above the national median, and the state is among the least tax-friendly for retirees. All forms of retirement income, including Social Security, are subject to income tax. And other taxes, like sales and property taxes, are higher than in many nearby states.
In this guide, older adults and their families can read about the different types of senior care that are available in Connecticut, their requirements, services, and average costs in the state.
The typical resident population in Connecticut's assisted living communities is 64% female. Overall, 46% of residents are ages 75 and older, with 20% of residents ages 75 to 84 and 26% ages 85 and older.
Assisted living communities in Connecticut are for older adults who want to and can maintain their independence but need some help with daily living activities, meals, and household chores. The Connecticut Department of Public Health, Facility Licensing and Investigations Section regulates all assisted living facilities in the state. Connecticut offers and regulates three types of care within this program:
The key difference between an assisted living facility and a residential care home is the skill required to provide care.
An assisted living facility provides nursing services and ADL assistance in a residential community for individuals with stable but chronic conditions. The private residential units are designed for individuals ages 55 or over. A residential care home, formerly known as a rest home or home for the aged, provides food, shelter, and laundry services for two or more persons. The services that are allowed to be provided within the facility do not require the training or skills of a licensed nurse.
Assisted living facilities in Connecticut provide various services for their residents. These residential communities provide core services, including three meals per day, laundry, housekeeping, maintenance services that the resident cannot perform, scheduled transportation, and social and recreational activities.
Assisted living facilities may provide nursing services, assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), and assistance with self-administered medications, as long as a physician or health care practitioner determines them. The nursing services that can be provided include wellness counseling and disease prevention and may provide care and services for chronic conditions. Managed residential communities may not provide health services that are not licensed to provide. These communities are permitted to contract with outside agencies to provide services they are not licensed to provide.
The services provided in residential care homes are limited to personal care, recreational activities, laundry, housekeeping and medication services that are supervised by a licensed health care professional.
All assisted living facilities must offer their residents three meals daily. There are no required provisions for special diets, so please be sure to check with prospective communities to see if your special needs can be met. A licensed nurse or a family member can administer or pre-pour medications for residents who can self-administer them.
Medication assistance provided in a residential care home is limited. Residents are allowed to self-administer their medications. The residents may ask for help from staff with opening containers and packages and replacing lids. Unlicensed staff are only allowed to administer medications if trained by a licensed professional like a physician, pharmacist, PA, or RN.
There’s a big difference in staffing requirements between assisted living facilities and residential care homes. In residential care homes, the licensee is responsible for all operations. Certified unlicensed staff must complete an approved training program to assist with medication services. There must be one staff member on duty at all times for every 25 residents in the facility.
New staff in residential care homes must receive an orientation that includes safety and emergency procedures, facility procedures, and the residents' rights. Training requirements are determined based on the amount of time worked. The continuing education topics can include behavioral management, personal care, nutrition, food safety, and general health.
Assisted living facilities have many more staffing requirements. First, the facility must employ an RN to act as a supervisor. The responsibilities of this individual include managing all nursing and ADL services provided to residents and communicating with the service coordinators. All staff involved in directly caring for residents must be certified as nurse aides or home health aides. Their responsibilities include assisting with ALDs, medication self-administration, and routine household tasks. A licensed nurse must perform any nursing services that need to be provided.
The aforementioned service coordinators are responsible for ensuring that all core services are provided to residents and helping residents make arrangements to meet their needs. The service coordinator must also establish a resident council and create and coordinate a resident information system to relay any key information.
A staff supervisor must be available at least 20 hours per week for every 10 (or fewer) licensed nurses or aides, and a full-time supervisor must be available for every 20 licensed nurses or aides. There must also be a sufficient number of aides to meet residents’ needs. There is no definitive need for 24-hour ‘awake staff’ unless resident service plans require it, but an RN must be available on call 24 hours a day.
Training requirements for all assisted living facility employees must include a 10-hour orientation program. This program includes the philosophy of assisted living, facility policies, and all applicable regulations. Aides employed by the facility must pass a competency exam. All aides must complete six hours of continuing education every year.
Assisted living residents must be provided with a single-occupancy private unit with a private bathroom and access to facilities and equipment for preparing and storing food. Sharing housing units is permitted but must be consented to by other residents.
Residential care homes are not required to provide private units. Resident rooms can be single or double occupancy, and every eight residents must have a bathroom with a separate shower or bathtub. One toilet may serve two rooms but can be at most four residents.
The services provided in assisted living communities generally fall under three broad categories: personal care, medical care, and amenities.
Most people move to assisted living communities to seek convenient access to personal care. These services assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, walking, and toileting. Communities also provide supervision and can deliver care for unforeseen needs or in cases of emergencies.
A registered nurse must develop a resident service program within seven days of admission. This program is developed in consultation with the resident, the family, and anyone involved in that resident's care. The information included in this program focuses on the residents' issues and needs, focusing on the care required. This program is periodically reviewed as the needs of the resident change.
In Connecticut, ALFs must provide care and services in the resident’s care plan. This can include coordinating medical care and appointments. Communities may also deliver health services, with 56% of communities providing skilled nursing. Many have health care specialists and on-site services, with 62% of communities offering dental care. In addition, 21% of ALFs have hospice services.
ALFs may provide specialized care for people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. These special care units have additional security measures to ensure residents don't wander, which can be a symptom of Alzheimer's disease. Typically, they also offer programs designed to improve cognitive function and routines that help lower stress.
Mental health issues are a growing consideration for communities, and services to address these concerns are becoming more common. In Connecticut, 83% of communities conduct depression screenings, and 62% offer mental health counseling. Social work programs are also found in 62% of ALFs. Social workers can provide counseling, conduct assessments, and help ensure residents access all the necessary resources.
Some assisted living residents live with various medical conditions. In Connecticut, 15% have Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. In addition, 45% have high blood pressure, 26% have heart disease, 25% have depression, and 24% have diabetes.
A primary assisted living service that benefits residents is receiving help with activities of daily living (ADLs). These are fundamental tasks that a person must do regularly to sustain life and general health, including toileting, bathing or showering, dressing, transferring (getting in and out of bed or a chair), ambulating (walking), and eating. Signs that a person may benefit from living in assisted living include increased isolation, loss of mobility, noticeable weight loss or gain, and/or neglecting household chores.
Residents in Connecticut assisted living facilities often receive help with their ADLs. In Connecticut, 6% of residents need help eating. Other commonly used services include bed transfer (9%), toileting (5%), and walking (33%). Caregivers in ALFs help 15% of residents to dress and 35% of residents need help bathing.
The average cost of assisted living care in Connecticut is $5,129. This is $629 higher than the monthly national average of $4,500. The cost of living in Connecticut is more than the national average by 21.6%, with health care costs more than the national average by 11.3% and housing costs more than the national average by 34.6%.
The level of care a person requires impacts the cost of care, as does where you live. The cost of assisted living ranges from a low of $4,300 in the Norwich area to a high of $6,273 per month in the Bridgeport area of Connecticut.
Living close to one of Connecticut’s borders may make assisted living in a neighboring state more affordable. Seniors in New York pay an average of $4,580 per month, about $549 less than the average in Connecticut. Seniors in Massachusetts and Rhode Island both pay more than Connecticut seniors. The average costs in those states are $6,500 and $6,826, respectively.
How to Pay for Assisted Living
In Connecticut, assisted living regulation is overseen by the Department of Public Health's Office of Regulation and Licensure. This organization handles all agency licensing and ensures compliance with state laws. Licensed providers are inspected every two years.
The term "elder law" is often associated with estate planning, trusts, and help to obtain benefits through Medicare or Medicaid. Unfortunately, the field has grown to include cases involving elder abuse, elder neglect, and exploitation. Skilled attorneys can help older adults affected by these issues.
The Consumer Law Project for Elders helps seniors ages 60 and over access help when facing consumer issues, including problems with insurance providers. People can access this organization's services for free by calling (800) 296-1467.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program also assists with issues faced in long-term care communities. CT Law Help offers free legal assistance and advice for older adult state residents. Additionally, the Elder Law Center of CT provides private help for older adults facing various civil and legal issues.
Residents of assisted living facilities in Connecticut have rights outlined in state regulations. These regulations ensure that older adults or their appointed representatives have a description of the services provided within their ALF, expected charges, and billing procedures. It also gives them the right to participate in care planning and select providers outside their assisted living community. Furthermore, any resident in an ALF has the right to terminate their residency or change their service plan at any time.
When issues involving a violation of rights, abuse, exploitation, or neglect occur, residents or their families can seek help from the Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman. This organization accepts, investigates, and resolves complaints about long-term care.
Unfortunately for some, Connecticut is expensive. The cost of living in the state is 7.8% above the national median, and the state is among the least tax-friendly for retirees. All forms of retirement income, including Social Security, are subject to income tax. And other taxes, like sales and property taxes, are higher than in many nearby states.
In this guide, older adults and their families can read about the different types of senior care that are available in Connecticut, their requirements, services, and average costs in the state.
The typical resident population in Connecticut's assisted living communities is 64% female. Overall, 46% of residents are ages 75 and older, with 20% of residents ages 75 to 84 and 26% ages 85 and older.
Assisted Living Facility (ALF) Requirements
Assisted living communities in Connecticut are for older adults who want to and can maintain their independence but need some help with daily living activities, meals, and household chores. The Connecticut Department of Public Health, Facility Licensing and Investigations Section regulates all assisted living facilities in the state. Connecticut offers and regulates three types of care within this program:
- Assisted Living,
- Residential Care Homes,
- Alzheimer’s Special Care Units
Difference Between Assisted Living and Residential Care Homes
The key difference between an assisted living facility and a residential care home is the skill required to provide care.
An assisted living facility provides nursing services and ADL assistance in a residential community for individuals with stable but chronic conditions. The private residential units are designed for individuals ages 55 or over. A residential care home, formerly known as a rest home or home for the aged, provides food, shelter, and laundry services for two or more persons. The services that are allowed to be provided within the facility do not require the training or skills of a licensed nurse.
Assisted Living Services
Assisted living facilities in Connecticut provide various services for their residents. These residential communities provide core services, including three meals per day, laundry, housekeeping, maintenance services that the resident cannot perform, scheduled transportation, and social and recreational activities.
Assisted living facilities may provide nursing services, assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), and assistance with self-administered medications, as long as a physician or health care practitioner determines them. The nursing services that can be provided include wellness counseling and disease prevention and may provide care and services for chronic conditions. Managed residential communities may not provide health services that are not licensed to provide. These communities are permitted to contract with outside agencies to provide services they are not licensed to provide.
The services provided in residential care homes are limited to personal care, recreational activities, laundry, housekeeping and medication services that are supervised by a licensed health care professional.
Assisted Living Food and Medication Service Requirements
All assisted living facilities must offer their residents three meals daily. There are no required provisions for special diets, so please be sure to check with prospective communities to see if your special needs can be met. A licensed nurse or a family member can administer or pre-pour medications for residents who can self-administer them.
Medication assistance provided in a residential care home is limited. Residents are allowed to self-administer their medications. The residents may ask for help from staff with opening containers and packages and replacing lids. Unlicensed staff are only allowed to administer medications if trained by a licensed professional like a physician, pharmacist, PA, or RN.
Assisted Living Staffing and Training Requirements
There’s a big difference in staffing requirements between assisted living facilities and residential care homes. In residential care homes, the licensee is responsible for all operations. Certified unlicensed staff must complete an approved training program to assist with medication services. There must be one staff member on duty at all times for every 25 residents in the facility.
New staff in residential care homes must receive an orientation that includes safety and emergency procedures, facility procedures, and the residents' rights. Training requirements are determined based on the amount of time worked. The continuing education topics can include behavioral management, personal care, nutrition, food safety, and general health.
Assisted living facilities have many more staffing requirements. First, the facility must employ an RN to act as a supervisor. The responsibilities of this individual include managing all nursing and ADL services provided to residents and communicating with the service coordinators. All staff involved in directly caring for residents must be certified as nurse aides or home health aides. Their responsibilities include assisting with ALDs, medication self-administration, and routine household tasks. A licensed nurse must perform any nursing services that need to be provided.
The aforementioned service coordinators are responsible for ensuring that all core services are provided to residents and helping residents make arrangements to meet their needs. The service coordinator must also establish a resident council and create and coordinate a resident information system to relay any key information.
A staff supervisor must be available at least 20 hours per week for every 10 (or fewer) licensed nurses or aides, and a full-time supervisor must be available for every 20 licensed nurses or aides. There must also be a sufficient number of aides to meet residents’ needs. There is no definitive need for 24-hour ‘awake staff’ unless resident service plans require it, but an RN must be available on call 24 hours a day.
Training requirements for all assisted living facility employees must include a 10-hour orientation program. This program includes the philosophy of assisted living, facility policies, and all applicable regulations. Aides employed by the facility must pass a competency exam. All aides must complete six hours of continuing education every year.
Assisted Living Housing Requirements
Assisted living residents must be provided with a single-occupancy private unit with a private bathroom and access to facilities and equipment for preparing and storing food. Sharing housing units is permitted but must be consented to by other residents.
Residential care homes are not required to provide private units. Resident rooms can be single or double occupancy, and every eight residents must have a bathroom with a separate shower or bathtub. One toilet may serve two rooms but can be at most four residents.
What Is Included With Assisted Living Care In Connecticut?
The services provided in assisted living communities generally fall under three broad categories: personal care, medical care, and amenities.
Most people move to assisted living communities to seek convenient access to personal care. These services assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, walking, and toileting. Communities also provide supervision and can deliver care for unforeseen needs or in cases of emergencies.
A registered nurse must develop a resident service program within seven days of admission. This program is developed in consultation with the resident, the family, and anyone involved in that resident's care. The information included in this program focuses on the residents' issues and needs, focusing on the care required. This program is periodically reviewed as the needs of the resident change.
Health Care Services
In Connecticut, ALFs must provide care and services in the resident’s care plan. This can include coordinating medical care and appointments. Communities may also deliver health services, with 56% of communities providing skilled nursing. Many have health care specialists and on-site services, with 62% of communities offering dental care. In addition, 21% of ALFs have hospice services.
ALFs may provide specialized care for people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. These special care units have additional security measures to ensure residents don't wander, which can be a symptom of Alzheimer's disease. Typically, they also offer programs designed to improve cognitive function and routines that help lower stress.
Mental health issues are a growing consideration for communities, and services to address these concerns are becoming more common. In Connecticut, 83% of communities conduct depression screenings, and 62% offer mental health counseling. Social work programs are also found in 62% of ALFs. Social workers can provide counseling, conduct assessments, and help ensure residents access all the necessary resources.
Some assisted living residents live with various medical conditions. In Connecticut, 15% have Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. In addition, 45% have high blood pressure, 26% have heart disease, 25% have depression, and 24% have diabetes.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) Assistance Services
A primary assisted living service that benefits residents is receiving help with activities of daily living (ADLs). These are fundamental tasks that a person must do regularly to sustain life and general health, including toileting, bathing or showering, dressing, transferring (getting in and out of bed or a chair), ambulating (walking), and eating. Signs that a person may benefit from living in assisted living include increased isolation, loss of mobility, noticeable weight loss or gain, and/or neglecting household chores.
Residents in Connecticut assisted living facilities often receive help with their ADLs. In Connecticut, 6% of residents need help eating. Other commonly used services include bed transfer (9%), toileting (5%), and walking (33%). Caregivers in ALFs help 15% of residents to dress and 35% of residents need help bathing.
Cost Of Assisted Living Care In Connecticut
The average cost of assisted living care in Connecticut is $5,129. This is $629 higher than the monthly national average of $4,500. The cost of living in Connecticut is more than the national average by 21.6%, with health care costs more than the national average by 11.3% and housing costs more than the national average by 34.6%.
The level of care a person requires impacts the cost of care, as does where you live. The cost of assisted living ranges from a low of $4,300 in the Norwich area to a high of $6,273 per month in the Bridgeport area of Connecticut.
How Costs Compare In Nearby States
Living close to one of Connecticut’s borders may make assisted living in a neighboring state more affordable. Seniors in New York pay an average of $4,580 per month, about $549 less than the average in Connecticut. Seniors in Massachusetts and Rhode Island both pay more than Connecticut seniors. The average costs in those states are $6,500 and $6,826, respectively.
How to Pay for Assisted Living
Connecticut Assisted Living Oversight
In Connecticut, assisted living regulation is overseen by the Department of Public Health's Office of Regulation and Licensure. This organization handles all agency licensing and ensures compliance with state laws. Licensed providers are inspected every two years.
Legal Resources for Seniors in Connecticut
The term "elder law" is often associated with estate planning, trusts, and help to obtain benefits through Medicare or Medicaid. Unfortunately, the field has grown to include cases involving elder abuse, elder neglect, and exploitation. Skilled attorneys can help older adults affected by these issues.
The Consumer Law Project for Elders helps seniors ages 60 and over access help when facing consumer issues, including problems with insurance providers. People can access this organization's services for free by calling (800) 296-1467.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program also assists with issues faced in long-term care communities. CT Law Help offers free legal assistance and advice for older adult state residents. Additionally, the Elder Law Center of CT provides private help for older adults facing various civil and legal issues.
Quality and Safety of Assisted Living Facilities in Connecticut
Residents of assisted living facilities in Connecticut have rights outlined in state regulations. These regulations ensure that older adults or their appointed representatives have a description of the services provided within their ALF, expected charges, and billing procedures. It also gives them the right to participate in care planning and select providers outside their assisted living community. Furthermore, any resident in an ALF has the right to terminate their residency or change their service plan at any time.
When issues involving a violation of rights, abuse, exploitation, or neglect occur, residents or their families can seek help from the Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman. This organization accepts, investigates, and resolves complaints about long-term care.
