The 10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Stamford, CT for 2024

Stamford is Connecticut’s second-largest city with a population of over 135,000 residents, of whom 14.4% are seniors aged 65 and older. Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions are an issue of growing importance with this demographic, as the number of seniors in America diagnosed with dementia is increasing every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Stamford’s numbers have remained fairly consistent in recent years, rising from 279 in 2014 to 299 in 2018 — an increase of just 7.17%.

However, it remains crucial that care and resources are readily available for seniors impacted by memory loss. Memory care communities, known in Connecticut as Alzheimer’s special care units (SCUs), offer a secure environment where seniors with dementia have access to 24-hour care and supervision. The following guide provides a comprehensive view of memory care in Stamford, including a cost analysis of these services, some tips about where to find financial assistance and a list of free resources that can help seniors with Alzheimer’s enjoy a high quality of life.

In the state of Connecticut, including Stamford, memory care services are offered by Alzheimer’s special care units (SCUs). Like assisted living services agencies and residential care homes, these facilities are licensed and regulated by the Department of Public Health Facility Licensing and Investigations Section; however, SCUs are subject to additional licensure requirements as they offer more specialized care.

• Seniors in the Stamford area have access to world-class healthcare facilities, including Norwalk hospital, which offers specialized brain health and dementia care at its award-winning Neurology and Stroke Center. Greenwich Hospital is also just a short drive away and participates in the Nurses Improving Care for Hospitalized Elderly (NICHE) national geriatric initiative.
• Stamford is one of the most expensive cities in Connecticut, which is something for budget-conscious seniors to consider. With an index score of 118.5, its overall cost of living is significantly higher than both the U.S. national average of 100 and the statewide average of 107.8.
• Winters in Stamford are often accompanied by chilly temperatures and snow, though they’re relatively mild compared to other areas of the state. Summertime in the city is beautiful, characterized by abundant sunshine and temperatures reaching the mid-80s, giving seniors plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities.
• Low crime rates may offer peace of mind to seniors and their family members, and Stamford is considered one of America’s best cities to live in terms of crime. On a scale with 100 representing high crime, Stamford receives only a 16 for violent crime and a 24.8 for property crime. These rates are much lower than U.S. national averages of 22.7 and 35.4 in the same categories, respectively.
• Taxes are high in Stamford, even for retirees. While many states offer deductions for seniors living on retirement income, any withdrawals made from retirement accounts in the state of Connecticut are fully taxed. Social Security income is also partially taxed.
• Seniors with a variety of interests can find fun ways to fill their days in Stamford. The city’s vibrant downtown is home to live performance venues, theaters, art galleries and restaurants. Local parks, golf courses and beaches offer opportunities for seniors to enjoy the outdoors.
• According to the American Lung Association, the quality of air in Stamford is below average. The city received a low grade in terms of high ozone days — something for seniors with respiratory issues to be mindful of — though it did receive a passing grade in terms of its annual particle population.

Seniors in the Stamford area pay an average of $7,841 per month for memory care. This cost was calculated based on assisted living costs as reported by the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2021, plus an additional 25% added to account for the enhanced level of care and programming offered by SCUs.

The Stamford area has the most expensive memory care costs in Connecticut. Monthly rates are more than $1,400 higher than the statewide average. Costs in the Hartford and New Haven regions are close to the statewide median at $6,531 and $6,360 per month, respectively. Connecticut’s most affordable city for memory care is Norwich at an average of $5,375 per month.

Seniors have multiple options for care depending on the scope of care they require, ranging from adult day health care, the least expensive option at $1,619 per month, to comprehensive nursing home care, which costs $16,805 for semiprivate accommodations and $18,166 for a private room. Seniors who wish to remain in their own home may opt for homemaker services or a home health aide, both of which cost $5,339.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Connecticut page.