Connecticut may not be the first state that springs to mind when thinking of great places to retire, but the 2020 Census found an above-average 17.7% of its 3.6 million residents are aged 65 and older. Numerous charming towns and extensive countryside bursting with greens in the summer and many shades of yellow and brown in the fall are clearly appealing to older adults. Medical care is also a likely factor due to its high standard, exemplified by well-regarded facilities, such as Yale New Haven Hospital and Hartford Hospital

Many in-home care and home health care agencies serve Connecticut’s seniors. The former specializes in non-medical care services, such as light housekeeping, companionship and assistance with daily activities, including bathing and dressing. The latter is a medical service that tailors support based on need, such as skilled nursing, physical therapy and maintaining on-site medical equipment. In-home care typically costs $5,243 per month in Connecticut, while home health care fees average $5,339.

This guide considers the costs of varying types of senior care in the region, particularly in relation to Medicaid and Medicare. It also lists some useful resources for Connecticut seniors being cared for in their homes.

The Cost of In-Home Care in Connecticut

Although Connecticut’s average in-home care fee of $5,243 is $286 per month above the national median, it’s more affordable than the surrounding states’ fees for similar services. The results of the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey reveal New Yorkers pay, on average, $5,339 for in-home care, while in New Jersey, seniors expect to pay around $5,529. Fees increase significantly in New England states, such as Rhode Island ($5,720), and Massachusetts ($5,911). 

$5243

Connecticut

$4957

The United States

$5911

Massachusetts

$5720

Rhode Island

$5339

New York

$5529

New Jersey

Location can play a big role in the costs for in-home care, as the variations in fees across Connecticut reveal. The state’s most affordable city is New Haven, where the average fee is $5,243 per month. Only $10 separates the median fees for Hartford and Bridgeport, which are $5,329 and $5,339, respectively. Connecticut’s costliest city for in-home care is Norwich, where seniors can expect to pay around $5,506 per month.

$5339

Bridgeport

$5243

New Haven

$5506

Norwich

$5329

Hartford

There are direct links between the type of care provided, the caregiver’s expertise and the agency’s fees, as Connecticut’s varying senior care costs clearly reveal. There’s an average difference of $8,635 between nursing home care fees ($13,764 per month) and assisted living ($5,129) — both of which are accommodation and care services, but with the former providing almost hospital levels of support. This is also true of in-home care and home health care agencies. The former typically charges $5,243 per month, while the latter usually costs another $96 for the addition of basic medical care. The most affordable option is adult day health care, which, although providing limited medical assistance, delivers it in an environment with lower overheads, reflected in an average fee of $1,842.

$5243

In-Home Care

$5339

Home Health Care

$1842

Adult Day Health Care

$5129

Assisted Living Facility

$13764

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

Does Medicaid Cover Home Care in Connecticut?

The short answer is yes, but it won’t cover all costs. HUSKY C, Connecticut’s Medicaid program for seniors, doesn’t directly pay for home care but does fund all medical and some non-medical services through two waiver programs, the  Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders and the Individual and Family Supports Waiver. The former waiver offers the most comprehensive range of home care services delivered by professional agencies, while the latter offers limited support that can be delivered by a caregiver nominated by the senior.

Home Waiver Programs in Connecticut

Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders

Beneficiaries of this waiver receive tailored medical and non-medical support services, which may be delivered by more than one agency. A needs assessment places the senior in one of five categories, which determines the type and frequency of support delivered. Categories may include home-delivered meals, housekeeping, personal care, assistive technologies and chronic disease self-management support. 

Several factors determine eligibility, in addition to passing the functional needs assessment. They include being aged 65 or older and having an annual income and total countable assets not exceeding the program’s parameters. To apply for the waiver, seniors should download an application form from the Department of Social Services website, and complete and return it with documents supporting the claim. Application forms can be faxed to (860) 424-4963, or mailed to:

Department of Social Services
Community Options
9th floor, 55 Farmington Avenue,
Hartford, CT 06105-3725

Individual and Family Supports Waiver

The Individual and Family Supports Waiver concentrates on social forms of care for seniors living at home or with their families, providing them with as much non-medical assistance as their circumstances warrant. This may include covering costs for personal care services, such as assistance with bathing, in addition to providing an emergency response system and some assistive technologies. The primary difference between this waiver and the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders, is the provision for paying family members to assist, including as live-in companions. The waiver can also pay for respite care to give the caregiver a break from their duties.

Eligible seniors are on low incomes, have social care needs and live at home or with their caregiver but are still able to direct their own care. Seniors should request an application form from the main office for their DSS region and complete and return it with supporting documentation to the address printed on the form.

How to Know If You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Connecticut

Traditionally, Medicaid income limits apply across a state, making Connecticut’s separation of the Southwestern area unusual. Single seniors living in this area applying for Medicaid shouldn’t have an annual income of more than $7,716, or $9,804, in the case of both spouses in a two-person household. Elsewhere in Connecticut, the income limits are $6,384 for an individual and $8,496 for a couple. Location doesn’t influence asset limits, which are $1,600 for a single applicant and $2,400 for a couple.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Connecticut

IncomeLimits*
Asset Limits

Single Person

$12,624 (Southwestern CT)
$11,292 (Northern, Eastern and Western CT)

$1,600

Two-Person Household

$19,620 (Southwestern CT)
$18,312 (Northern Eastern and Western CT)

$2,400

*Per year

In addition to presenting documents verifying income and asset limits, an applicant must also provide evidence of fulfilling other criteria. They must show the senior is:

  • A U.S. citizen or legal resident
  • A Connecticut resident
  • In need of assistance with daily tasks, such as getting dressed

How to Apply for Medicaid in Connecticut

Connecticut’s Department of Social Services provides four ways for seniors to apply for Medicaid. 

  1. Online: The quickest way is via ConneCT
  2. By phone: Seniors who prefer to call, should contact (855) 626-6632
  3. In-Person: Those who prefer face-to-face conversations can make an appointment with the nearest DSS field office
  4. By mail: Seniors who don’t need assistance with their applications should complete a copy of Form W-1 LTC and mail it to the nearest DSS field office

What Information You Will Need

Seniors should expect the DSS to look back over the previous five years of their financial histories. Although each case is unique, it’s common for applicants to provide:

  • Proof of their citizenship status and Connecticut residency
  • Their Social Security number
  • Banks statements to verify income
  • Health insurance policy numbers
  • Proof of assets, such as retirement accounts, stocks and bonds

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

Although speaking to an eligibility services worker at the nearest DDS field office is recommended, seniors may have other reasons for getting more information about Medicaid. The organizations listed here can help those who prefer to do their own research before applying and those who may need legal assistance. 

Contact
Area Served
Services Provided

Online Only

Statewide

The American Council on Aging website offers detailed information and links to other helpful resources for seniors who want to know more about Connecticut's Medicaid and associated waivers. It also has useful tools, such as a spend down calculator, to help seniors determine their eligibility for Medicaid.

Multiple Contacts

Statewide 

There isn't a single free resource in Connecticut for seniors on low incomes who need legal assistance. However, there are several nonprofits experienced in supporting seniors denied Medicaid and other forms of health care assistance. They include New Haven Legal Assistance Association, Inc., which serves its metro area, and Greater Hartford Legal Aid, serving the region bearing its name. Connecticut Legal Services, Inc. supports seniors in the rest of the state.

(800) 994-9422

Statewide

There's an Aging and Disability Resource Center serving every part of Connecticut. They're staffed with advisors dedicated to helping seniors and their families find the services they need, including Medicaid specialists who can inform them about various plans and waiver programs and assist with applications.

Does Medicare Cover In-Home Care in Connecticut?

In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.

Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.

  • Physical Therapists: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis, and assist in recovery from surgeries and procedures such as a knee or hip replacement.
  • Visiting Nurses: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services for those who don’t need to stay in the hospital, but do need regular medical services such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.
  • Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
  • Speech Therapists: Speech therapists help seniors who are struggling to adequately communicate due to a stroke, dementia, or any other cause regain the ability to functionally communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets, teaching special techniques to swallow safely, and retraining associated muscles.

As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)

Other Financial Assistance Options for In-Home Care in Connecticut

While the above programs help many people finance in-home care, they will not cover all costs for everyone. There are other ways to pay for in-home care, including out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance and more. Read Caring.com’s Guide to In-Home Care Costs to learn more about these alternative payment options.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Connecticut

There are many free and low-cost resources available to seniors in Connecticut. They are often provided by government agencies and nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping older residents age in place. Those listed here can inform seniors about various Medicare options, assist with energy costs, enable access to healthier foods and support their caregivers.

Contact
Area Served
Services Provided

(800) 994-9422

Statewide

CHOICES is an acronym for Connecticut's program for Health Insurance assistance, Outreach, Information and referral, Counseling, Eligibility Screening. It's the state's health insurance program, staffed by trained counselors who assist seniors from centers across Connecticut. They provide free and impartial advice to older residents eligible for Medicare, as well as to their families and caregivers. Counseling sessions are one-on-one and aimed at helping seniors make the most from Medicare and find the best solutions for their long-term care costs. Although this may mean counselors suggesting private health care insurance policies, they won't try to sell products.

Multiple Contacts

Statewide

Area Agencies on Aging are private nonprofits allocated funding by the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services to inform and support older residents in their designated areas. These include educating seniors about nutrition, disease prevention and better health solutions. Additionally, the agencies provide social and family caregiver support services and adult day care centers for residents diagnosed with early to mid-stage memory loss. As each agency can add to its core services, seniors in some locations may also get access to case management services and legal assistance in civil law matters.

(860) 887-3561 (Eastern)

(203) 757-5449

Regions covered by Eastern and Western Area Agencies on Aging

The Congregate Housing Services Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Its purpose is to make independent living possible for adults with disabilities. The program provides safe and comfortable homes and tailored support services for successful applicants. Services typically include housekeeping, transportation, medication management and personal emergency response systems, in addition to some specific support functions, such as companionship. 

Multiple Contacts

Statewide

The Connecticut Department of Social Services operates several programs to aid seniors on low incomes. They include the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which boosts diets with nutritious foods supplied by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It's available to seniors with incomes on or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Successful applicants receive monthly food packages that typically include milk, vegetables, peanut butter, poultry, rice and pasta. The Energy Assistance Program contributes to heating bill costs for at-risk seniors. The level of payment is dependent on the household's size and combined income and can be anywhere between $410 and $1,015.

211

Statewide

Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Weatherization Assistance Program helps reduce energy costs for seniors on low incomes as well as removing safety hazards from their homes. As of 2022, Connecticut seniors with incomes not above 60% of the state median can apply for an energy audit. Depending on the audit's findings, applicants may be eligible for floor, wall and attic insulation, door and window repairs and heating system tune-ups.

COVID-19 Rules for In-Home Care Providers in Connecticut

As per the mandate issued by the CMS, all health care agencies in Connecticut that participate in Medicaid and Medicare must ensure their workers have received a minimum of two shots of a CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccine by April 20, 2022. The mandate also requires those who employ workers exempted due to allergy concerns or deeply held religious convictions, to test them for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) every week. While this information is current as of April 2022, it’s subject to change. For current regulations, check with the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

If you have concerns about your agency employing unvaccinated home care workers it may be useful to contact them for clarification, particularly since COVID-19 regulations change regularly and your agency may have additional policies and procedures in place for your safety.

In-Home Care Laws and Regulations in Connecticut

Home health care agencies are licensed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health, and homemaker-companion agencies must register with the Department of Consumer Protection. The state also has additional regulations about which services these agencies can provide.

In-Home Care Laws and Regulations in Connecticut
Scope of Care
Companion services provide basic nonmedical supervision, and homemakers assist with daily activities, such as cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Home health care services can provide a variety of medical services, such as registered nursing, infusion therapy and hospice.
Care Plan Requirements
Homemaker-companion agencies and home health care agencies must provide a written contract or plan of care for each client. This document must specify the type, frequency and duration of all services. Additional items, such as funding sources, are required in some cases.
Medication Management Requirements
Homemakers and home health aides may offer medication management if they have completed an appropriate certification and follow the company's written policies and procedures.
Staff Screening Requirements
Since 2016, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection has required background checks for all professionals employed by home health care or homemaker-companion agencies. Consumers are advised to request a copy of such documents.
Staff Training Requirements
Homemaker health aides must pass a competency exam and have at least 75 hours of training as a certified nursing assistant. There's no training requirement for professionals employed by homemaker-companion agencies.
Medicaid Coverage
Connecticut's Medicaid program HUSKY Health covers in-home care through waivers, such as the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders. Eligibility is based on functional and financial criteria.
Reporting Abuse
Instances of elder abuse, exploitation and neglect must be reported to the Connecticut Department of Social Services, Protective Services for the Elderly. Health care professionals and other mandatory reporters can reach the agency by calling 1-888-385-4225.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does in-home care cost in Connecticut?

In-home assistance typically costs $4,195 to $4,576 per month. These estimates are for 44 hours of weekly nonmedical service related to activities of daily living. Costs may be lower or higher depending on geographic location and the level of assistance required.

Does Connecticut Pay For In-Home Care?

Connecticut pays for in-home care services for seniors through its Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE). This program is designed to help seniors remain in their homes by funding in-home care services. Read More

Does Connecticut HUSKY Health pay for in-home care?

HUSKY Health pays for in-home care through Medicaid waivers designed especially for home- and community-based services. One such waiver is the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders, which is available to residents who are 65 or older and have demonstrated physical and financial need. It covers the cost of personal assistance and many additional supports and services.

Are there programs to cover home modifications in Connecticut?

Minor home modifications are covered by the CHCPE Medicaid waiver. Shower grab bars, handrails and wheelchair ramps can be vital for helping seniors live safely in the community. Although there may be a waiting list for waiver-based services, seniors may be able to access similar assistance through community organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together.

What does it mean to age in place?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, aging in place relates to residents’ ability to live safely, comfortably and independently in their own home and community regardless of their age, income or physical abilities. According to AARP, more than 87% of seniors say that they would prefer to age in place.

Can Family Members Get Paid for Caregiving in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, family members may receive payment for caregiving. This is achieved through two programs: Community First Choice and Adult Family Living. These programs provide funding seniors can use to pay family members who are caring for them at home. Read More

What supports can help me age at home?

Living at home involves a wide range of simple and complex tasks that can become more difficult over time. Seniors who want to age in place may benefit from assistance with household chores, cooking, cleaning, shopping and financial matters. Caregivers and home health agencies can also assist with medical care and activities of daily living. Community-based supports include companionship visits and programs that give older adults access to social and recreational opportunities. Many of these supports can be accessed through local senior centers and regional Area Agencies on Aging.

How to Find an In-Home Care Provider in Connecticut

Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, finding a quality home care provider can be a stressful process. When you hire an in-home care aide you’re placing a lot of trust in the hands of the person by inviting them into your home, so you’ll want to be diligent in your search. At Caring.com, we’re here to help – we’ve created a helpful checklist below that can help guide you through the process of both determining your needs and finding a home care agency that will provide the best care possible.

Finding a Home Care Provider Checklist

Find Home Care Agencies Near You

To find quality home care providers near you, simply input the zip code or city where you would like to start your search. We have an extensive directory of home care agencies all across the nation that includes in-depth information about each provider and hundreds of thousands of reviews from seniors and their loved ones.

Directory of Home Care Services in Danbury, CT

2018, 2019, 2020, 2022

Right at Home Greater Fairfield County

My mother suffered a stroke a few months ago and needs an aide indefinitely. Right at Home has been absolutely wonderful in all aspects! The aides are very caring, educated, responsible, and know how … (read more)
My mother suffered a stroke a few months ago and needs an aide indefinitely. Right at Home has been absolutely wonderful in all aspects! The aides are very caring, educated, responsible, and know how … (read more)
Get Pricing See Details
2018, 2019, 2020, 2022

Love & Care LLC

We were referred to Love and Care by the case worker. They have been taking care of my dad since 2021 and we are extremely happy. Our live in caregiver is Very intelligent, caring, flexible profession … (read more)
We were referred to Love and Care by the case worker. They have been taking care of my dad since 2021 and we are extremely happy. Our live in caregiver is Very intelligent, caring, flexible profession … (read more)

Always Best Care of Western Connecticut

Thank you for all of your help over the last few weeks. Your caregivers were all terrific and I just don’t know what we would have done without you.
Thank you for all of your help over the last few weeks. Your caregivers were all terrific and I just don’t know what we would have done without you.

Fairfield Family Care

We hired Fairfield Family Care, they take care of my mother. She broke her back, so she needs help getting up, going to the bathroom, light housekeeping, and food. They’re cooking food for her. They c … (read more)
We hired Fairfield Family Care, they take care of my mother. She broke her back, so she needs help getting up, going to the bathroom, light housekeeping, and food. They’re cooking food for her. They c … (read more)

Civility Home Care

Civility Home Care offers high-quality home care delivered by our carefully vetted team. Respect for the individual is paramount and our services are customized to match the unique day-to-day needs of … (read more)
Civility Home Care offers high-quality home care delivered by our carefully vetted team. Respect for the individual is paramount and our services are customized to match the unique day-to-day needs of … (read more)

Home Instead – Trumbull, CT

The services provided are personal care, assistance with meal prep, light housework, medication administering, and companionship. They are punctual or notify me of they will be late. The rest of the … (read more)
The services provided are personal care, assistance with meal prep, light housework, medication administering, and companionship. They are punctual or notify me of they will be late. The rest of the … (read more)

Home Care Advantage, LLC – Danbury, CT

Home Care Advantage, LLC is a family owned and operated home care agency in Danbury CT. We offer one-on-one in-home care to seniors on an hourly and Live-In basis by trained and experienced caregivers … (read more)
Home Care Advantage, LLC is a family owned and operated home care agency in Danbury CT. We offer one-on-one in-home care to seniors on an hourly and Live-In basis by trained and experienced caregivers … (read more)

Castle Group Home Care

Castle Group Home Care offers companionship for my dad. The caregiver is very nice and very helpful. They’re very professional and they communicate regularly. They have a great interaction with the fa … (read more)
Castle Group Home Care offers companionship for my dad. The caregiver is very nice and very helpful. They’re very professional and they communicate regularly. They have a great interaction with the fa … (read more)



Future At Home Care LLC

Future at home care is a organization that deliver In-Home care Service. That deliver care to a client’s/patient’s personal residence.
Future at home care is a organization that deliver In-Home care Service. That deliver care to a client’s/patient’s personal residence.

Serenity Care at Home

Serenity Care At Home provide non-medical, companion and homemaking services for seniors in a variety of settings from private homes or senior living and care communities located throughout Connecticu … (read more)
Serenity Care At Home provide non-medical, companion and homemaking services for seniors in a variety of settings from private homes or senior living and care communities located throughout Connecticu … (read more)

2019, 2021

SYNERGY HomeCare of Danbury

Everything they provide me is helpful. They have someone here to help me at home.
Everything they provide me is helpful. They have someone here to help me at home.

BrightStar Care Danbury

She needed emotional support and they provided that. I liked that they were responsive and sensitive.
She needed emotional support and they provided that. I liked that they were responsive and sensitive.

2017

CareFinders Total Care

I am extremely pleased of the services that the new owners CareFinders Total Care are providing my mother. There is more organization in the office when I call for assistance. They immediately follow … (read more)
I am extremely pleased of the services that the new owners CareFinders Total Care are providing my mother. There is more organization in the office when I call for assistance. They immediately follow … (read more)

Griswold Home Care Fairfield County: Generations of Care

Quite honestly I feel this agency was absolutely the right choice for my family. They have been very responsive to problems as well as requests and issues that have arisen along the way. We are very … (read more)
Quite honestly I feel this agency was absolutely the right choice for my family. They have been very responsive to problems as well as requests and issues that have arisen along the way. We are very … (read more)

LeanonWe

We have been using :LeanonWe for 6 months now. It has been a complete life saver for us. They have assisted in all aspects of providing great carers for my Mother in Law.
We have been using :LeanonWe for 6 months now. It has been a complete life saver for us. They have assisted in all aspects of providing great carers for my Mother in Law.

2017

Task Home Care Services

I Dorothy Cappella has been a client of Task Medical for one year. I have had no staffing issue since I’ve been with Task Medical and my case manager is just a phone call away. I am very grateful for … (read more)
I Dorothy Cappella has been a client of Task Medical for one year. I have had no staffing issue since I’ve been with Task Medical and my case manager is just a phone call away. I am very grateful for … (read more)

Connecticut Nursing Services

My caregivers are trustworthy, dependable, reliable. I feel safe in my home with a caregiver that is not showing up just for the money. That is very important to me. The office staff is always availab … (read more)
My caregivers are trustworthy, dependable, reliable. I feel safe in my home with a caregiver that is not showing up just for the money. That is very important to me. The office staff is always availab … (read more)

Touching Hearts at Home – Ridgefield, CT

I highly recommend Touching Hearts at Home to anyone in need of good quality home care and companionship. The services they offer are truly above and beyond, and their Caregivers are some of the nices … (read more)
I highly recommend Touching Hearts at Home to anyone in need of good quality home care and companionship. The services they offer are truly above and beyond, and their Caregivers are some of the nices … (read more)

Home Care Services in Connecticut (253)