How Many Assisted Living Facilities Are in Connecticut?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
There are 283 assisted living facilities in Connecticut where this type of long-term care costs approximately $5,129 per month, which is slightly higher than the national median of $4,500. The most affordable care in the state is found in Norwich, where residents pay approximately $4,300 per month for services. In New Haven, monthly rates are a little lower than the state median at $5,088, and in Hartford, care costs are slightly higher at $5,225. Bridgeport has the highest monthly rates in the state at $6,273.
Compared to other long-term care options, assisted living services are affordable. This type of care costs about $200 less per month than full-time home care and home health care, and it’s less than half the cost of semiprivate nursing home accommodations. Only adult day care, which costs approximately $1,842 per month in Connecticut, is more affordable.
What Do Assisted Living Facilities in Connecticut Provide?
In Connecticut, assisted living facilities provide nonmedical services for older adults who are largely independent but need help with some daily activities related to personal care. In these facilities, residents receive individualized care plans that provide access to necessary services while supporting their privacy and independence. They also enjoy three meals plus snacks daily, housekeeping and laundry services as well as social and recreational activities. Many facilities have resort-style amenities such as restaurant-style dining, swimming pools and spas, hair salons and fitness centers, offering a comfortable lifestyle for residents.
What Rules Do Assisted Living Facilities in Connecticut Follow?
In Connecticut, assisted living facilities are licensed through the Department of Public Health, Facility Licensing and Investigations Section. This department enforces a variety of rules for assisted living facilities statewide. Under current rules, assisted living facilities create detailed individualized service plans within seven days of admitting a resident. They must provide three meals daily that meet the Connecticut Department of Health’s nutritional requirements, and apartments and suites must meet specific guidelines related to amenities and square footage. Facilities may also provide nursing services and help with self-administered medications for residents with chronic but stable conditions.
The licensing agency conducts regular inspections and fields complaints regarding noncompliance issues to ensure a consistently high standard of care for residents in assisted living facilities throughout the state.
How to Choose the Right Assisted Living Facility
There are several things to consider when choosing an assisted living facility, including its size, location, monthly fees and scope of services. In Connecticut, seniors find facilities ranging from homelike communities with few residents to resort-like facilities with on-site golf courses, fitness centers, libraries and multiple dining options. Monthly fees vary considerably depending on location and amenities, with facilities in areas with low living costs generally more affordable than those in more affluent regions. Lastly, some assisted living facilities in Connecticut provide skilled nursing services while others only provide nonmedical care. This may be a consideration for those who have medical needs or expect to in the future.