The 10 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Manchester, CT for 2024

Located in Hartford County along the Connecticut River, Manchester, Connecticut, is home to nearly 60,000 residents. The suburban community is full of New England charm and  considered one of the best places to live in the state. Low housing and health care costs mean Manchester is an affordable place to live compared to many other Connecticut cities, making it a popular choice for retirees who make up 15.3% of the population — just slightly less than the national proportion of 17%. The town also boasts low rates of violent crime and access to world-class medical facilities, including Manchester Memorial Hospital. Residents can enjoy beautiful parks and trails, and a historic Main Street lined with shops, eateries and local landmarks.

According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2021, seniors in the Manchester area pay an average of $5,329 per month for in-home care services, which include personal care assistance and help with household chores. Individuals who require additional medical support may opt for home health care services, which are slightly more expensive as it includes the assistance of skilled nursing aides.

Below we’ve compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in Manchester– complete with services offered and reviews from families who’ve actually used the service. In addition to our in-depth provider listings, we’ve compiled resources to help seniors and their families to access all the tools they need to age in place safely and gracefully.

A suburb of Hartford, Manchester shares the same care costs. On average, seniors pay $5,329 per month for in-home care services, which is slightly higher than the state median of $5,243 and around $370 higher than the U.S. national average. It’s also a little more expensive than New Haven, where costs are on par with the state average. Manchester is, however, a slightly more affordable option than Bridgeport and nearby Springfield, MA. Home care services are also nearly $200 lower than in Norwich, which sees the state’s highest rates at $5,506 per month.

The most affordable type of care for seniors in Manchester is adult day care, which is a good option for individuals who only require part-time supervision. Assisted living is also slightly less expensive than home care. Home health care is around $250 more than in-home care, as the former includes skilled nursing services. Those who require high levels of medical assistance and supervision may be best suited to a nursing home, where rates start at $13,247 per month for semiprivate accommodations.

Given the high cost of in-home care, many people use one or more forms of financial assistance to cover the expenses. Below, we explain some of the most common sources of financial help for paying for in-home care. If none of these options are available to you, you can reach out to your Area Agency on Aging or Aging and Disability Resource Center to learn about local resources.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance covers expenses related to senior care, including in-home care. Depending on the policy type, beneficiaries may receive a cash payment to use towards long-term care or reimbursement for qualifying long-term care expenses. Note that there are limitations- typically a maximum benefit of $150 per day- and exact coverage terms vary depending on the exact policy, so always check the details.
• Medicare: Medicare does not cover in-home care because it is classified as custodial, or non-medical, care. However, some Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, which offer expanded benefits, may cover in-home custodial care.
• Medicaid: Medicaid coverage of in-home care varies between different states because it is not a federally mandated benefit. Currently, all states cover some in-home care either through their standard Medicaid or a waiver program. The specific coverage rules are set individually by each state.
• Veterans’ Benefits: The Aid and Attendance benefit is a monthly cash payment that beneficiaries can use to pay for senior care, including in-home care services. To qualify for A&A, Veterans must already receive the VA pension and meet several additional requirements, including needing assistance with the activities of daily living. Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to learn more.
• Reverse Mortgages: Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) are federally insured loans that are available to homeowners age 62 and over. Reverse mortgages allow you to access a portion of your home’s equity in cash, tax free. Many seniors use reverse mortgages to finance their care expenses, including in-home care. Note that although there are no monthly payments due on reverse mortgage loans, borrowers do have to repay the loan once the last surviving homeowner passes away, moves, or sells the home.