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Independent Living in Connecticut
Thanks to its proximity to New York City, Connecticut has long been a favorite location for retirees. Most communities in Connecticut are only an hour or two’s drive from the Big Apple and its many attractions. However, Connecticut also has many attractions, such as Mystic River, an ideal location for a weekend getaway. Seniors who enjoy a day trip can board the Essex Steam Train, which travels through the Connecticut Valley.
While the cost of living in Connecticut is about eight points above the national average, the cost of health care is slightly below. Connecticut taxes Social Security income, although it offers low-income senior homeowners a property tax credit.
When seniors consider their options for retirement, one of the options they often overlook is independent living communities. These communities are ideal for seniors who want to simplify their lives and don’t require the services provided in a long-term care facility. The average cost of independent living in Connecticut is $4,095 a month
This guide takes a closer look at the cost of independent living in Connecticut and presents some options and resources for seniors they can use to help them maintain their independence and health.
The Cost of Independent Living in Connecticut
When trying to decide how to pay for independent living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of independent living in Connecticut and its 12 cities.
Note: Average costs of Independent Living haven’t been established by a reputable source. Therefore, we estimated these costs based on the 2021 Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey. Since Independent Living typically costs 30-40% less than Assisted Living, we subtracted 35% from the Assisted Living costs reported in Genworth’s study to create average costs for Independent Living.
Seniors in Connecticut opting for an Independent Living lifestyle can expect to pay $409 per month over the national average. They’ll also pay $357 more than they would in New York. However, the cost of Independent Living jumps in nearby New Jersey to $888 over Connecticut’s cost. Massachusetts’s average cost is $891 higher than Connecticut’s, and Rhode Island’s is considerably higher at $1,103 more per month.
The Cost of Independent Living in Connecticut's Top Cities
The cost of independent living in Connecticut's cities vary widely. Groton is at the low end of the range at $2,361 per month. In Farmington, seniors pay $3,396, slightly more than the state average. Danbury's costs sit at $4,556, while Torrington is among the least affordable city with monthly costs of $5,495.
Connecticut
$3,187
Danbury
$4,556
Farmington
$3,396
Torrington
$5,495
Groton
$2,361
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Independent Living in Connecticut
From 2022 to 2023, inflation has affected costs around the country. However, independent living prices in Connecticut actually fell 30% from $4,577 to $3,187. During that time the U.S. average rose 5% to $2,955. Independent living prices in several other New England states also saw little impact from inflation. In Massachusetts prices dropped by 18% to $3,506 and Rhode Island costs dropped 7% to $4,250. Vermont had a minimal price rise of 1% to $4,950. This is a stark contrast to New York where prices rose 21% to $3,372.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $4,577 | $3,187 | $3,394 |
| U.S. Average | $2,810 | $2,955 | $3,162 |
| Rhode Island | $4,560 | $4,250 | $4,526 |
| Massachusetts | $4,258 | $3,506 | $3,733 |
| New York | $2,793 | $3,372 | $3,875 |
| Vermont | $4,895 | $4,950 | $5,272 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Independent living is just one senior living option available to older adults in Connecticut. Seniors may prefer assisted living, which costs $5,919 per month, or memory care, which averages $7,257. The price difference reflects the varying levels of care, amenities and specialized services available at each type of community.
Assisted Living
$5,919
Memory Care
$7,257
Independent Living
$3,187
Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in Connecticut?
Unfortunately, you cannot use Medicaid and Medicare to help pay the monthly fee for residing in an Independent Living community. For seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), there may be financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of care in Independent Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need a higher level of care, read our guide to Assisted Living in Connecticut.
Read on for more information about using alternative means to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc.
Paying for Independent Living in Connecticut
Seniors may be concerned about the cost of independent living, but they have several options to cover its costs. They can sell their existing property or properties. If they no longer need a car, an RV or a boat, they could sell those. If they’re concerned that they won’t have enough money to meet regular food and housing costs, they could rent their property and use that monthly income or join a community that already covers these costs.
These are only a few of the options available. Many others exist that can help seniors pay for independent living.
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Connecticut
There are many resources in Connecticut that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Area Agencies on Aging | Connecticut's network of Area Agencies on Aging provides a wide range of free services and programs to enhance the quality of life for seniors. Practical support includes assistance applying for public benefits, information about long-term care options, medical transportation, health insurance counseling and caregiver support. Home-delivered meal programs and congregate meal sites ensure older adults have access to nutritious food. Various initiatives, including exercise classes, fall prevention workshops, preventative health screenings and respite care, foster senior well-being and independence. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Connecticut provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Connecticut seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) | 800-445-5394 | Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) offers aid to qualifying older adults who live at home, in adult foster care or an assisted living facility. It aims to help you age in place rather than moving into a nursing home by providing services. |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Connecticut seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut 211 - Food Pantry | 800-203-1234 | Connecticut 211 is a state information line that connects people in need of groceries with agencies and assistance programs that offer short-term assistance with food. Food banks throughout the state have their own eligibility requirements, which usually include income limits and proof of residency. Home delivered meals are available for homebound seniors who are unable to drive or prepare their own meals. These same organizations also deliver to senior day care sites and provide holidays meals. |
| Connecticut Elderly Nutrition Program | The Elderly Nutrition Program in Connecticut is a state food-assistance program that provides meals at community locations throughout the state, including senior centers, housing facilities for older adults, schools, churches and similar settings. It also offers home-delivered meals for isolated or homebound seniors age 60 and older who meet state and federal eligibility, including those who are low income, live in rural locations, have limited English proficiency or are at risk of losing their independence. | |
| Connecticut Meals on Wheels | Connecticut Meals on Wheels is a diverse program serving seniors throughout the state with healthy, delicious, home-cooked meals at their residences and community meal sites nearby. Eligible residents have diminished mobility, making shopping for food and preparing meals challenging. The nutritious food meets dietary needs and follows cultural and ethnic requirements. The program is available on a sliding fee scale that varies from no cost to full price, depending on income. | |
| Connecticut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | Connecticut's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides eligible older adults with electronic benefits transfer cards they can use in participating local stores |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Connecticut collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Embrace Hope Expect Change - The ALS Association Connecticut Chapter | 203-874-5050 | Older adults in Connecticut can contact Embrace Hope Expect Change to access a wide range of free or lowcost medical equipment. Provisions include shower chairs, raised toilet seats, canes, crutches and manual wheelchairs. |
Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors
Connecticut seniors who meet certain income criteria can apply to local resources to help them pay for prescription drugs. Eligible residents can also receive assistance through health insurance and other programs to access free or discounted medical services.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut HUSKY C | 800-842-2159 | All seniors aged over 65 are entitled to health care insurance and prescription drug coverage from Medicaid through Connecticut's HUSKY C program. Benefits include some dental and doctor's care, most prescription drugs, home care, hospital care, nursing home care and foreign language interpreter services. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Connecticut have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Home Modification and Repair Services | 203-785-8533 | Connecticut Area Agency on Aging offers a Home Modification Repair Services program that provides free home modifications that allow seniors to stay independent at home more safely. This assistance may offer the addition of grab bars and handrails in the bathroom, or it may include modifications to make a home more accessible to a senior in a wheelchair. These may include ramps or widening hallways and doorways. Seniors can also apply to receive help paying for minor repairs. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Connecticut seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program | 866-388-1888 | The Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program helps individuals access the information they need to obtain quality care in long-term care facilities. Through the ombudsman, residents can learn about their rights and find out what to do if they're not getting the services in their care plans. The ombudsman can work to solve complaints on behalf of residents and families and connect individuals with local resident and family councils, when available. They can also investigate concerns of abuse and neglect and file reports with the appropriate authorities. |
| Connecticut Statewide Legal Services | 800-453-3320 | Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut has legal professionals who help older adults aged 60 and over navigate civil legal matters, including wills and assigning powers of attorney. The organization can help individuals apply for public benefits that may help cover assisted living expenses, including Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicaid. Services are free and confidential. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Connecticut help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Connecticut resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Elderly/Disabled (Circuit Breaker) Tax Relief Program | 860-418-6290 | Seniors in Connecticut can access up to $1,000 for a single household or $1,250 for dual households for property tax relief. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Connecticut retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) | The CEAP helps low-income Connecticans heat their homes. In general, it covers heating bills from $410 to $1,015, depending on household size, income, and whether or not a vulnerable person lives there. |
Veteran's Services
Connecticut retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut VA Benefits and Health Care | Connecticut's VA Benefits and Health Care offers services designed to support qualified senior veterans. The main medical center is in West Haven, with additional health clinics throughout the state, including in Danbury, Waterbury and Stamford. Services provided to veterans include medical care, disability benefits, in-home care, assistance with daily living activities, home-delivered meals, adult day care and assistive technology through the Veteran's Directed Care Program. Eligible veterans are those who are 65 years or older. |
Independent Living Facilities in Connecticut
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