Memory Care in Connecticut
The state of Connecticut is home to over 3.6 million residents, of whom 18% are seniors aged 65 and older. This demographic is at a growing risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that these conditions currently impact the lives of 1 in 9 seniors in America. In Connecticut, the need for dementia care is growing as rates of Alzheimer’s are on the rise. According to the CDC, the number of Alzheimer’s-related deaths in the state increased from 1,308 in 2016 to 1,450 in 2020, which is an increase of nearly 11%.
One of the many dementia resources available to seniors in Connecticut is the care offered by memory care facilities. The communities offer a safe, friendly environment where individuals with cognitive impairments have access to the care and support of specially trained, 24-hour care staff. The following guide provides information about memory care in Connecticut, including how much these service cost and where seniors can go for support, along with some of the pros and cons of senior living in the New England area.
The Cost of Memory Care in Connecticut
Note: Memory care is available in assisted living facilities, but because this type of care is specialized, it generally costs 20-30% more than standard assisted living services. No authoritative data sources provide cost information for dementia care, so the following costs are estimated by adding 25% to the assisted living rates in the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey.
Seniors in Connecticut pay approximately $6,411 per month for memory care services, which is about $800 more than the national rate of $5,625. In New York, care costs tend to be a little more competitive at $5,725 per month, but in other nearby states, fees tend to be considerably costlier. Seniors in New Jersey pay $8,119 for services, and in Massachusetts, rates are comparable at $8,125. In Rhode Island, memory care rates are among the highest in the nation at $8,533.
Memory care rates in Connecticut range from $5,375 in the Norwich area to $7,841 in the Bridgeport region. In the Hartford area, care costs come in at $6,531, and in New Haven, rates are more competitive at $6,360. Across state lines, fees tend to be higher than in Connecticut. In New York City, care costs exceed Connecticut’s median at $7,188, and in Providence, Rhode Island, rates are even higher at $7,579.
Seniors in the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s may be able to continue living at home and obtain the care they need via adult day health care, which is the most affordable care type at $1,842 monthly. Those who live at home or with a family member may arrange in-home care, which costs $5,243 for basic home care services and $5,339 for specialized home health care. Those seeking community-based options pay $5,129 for standard assisted living and $6,411 for memory care. Nursing homes are for those with more extensive care needs and charge $13,764 for shared rooms and $15,170 for private.
Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Connecticut?
Note: For the purposes of this guide, when we say “Memory Care” we are referring to memory care provided in a “social setting,” such as an Assisted Living Facility. This is the most common way to receive Memory Care and is the best fit for all but the frailest seniors. Sometimes the actual service of memory care can be provided in a Nursing Home (“medical setting”), so the financial assistance options will be very different. To learn more about the financial assistance options available for memory care provided in a nursing home, read our guide to Nursing Home Care in Connecticut.
Connecticut’s Medicaid program, called HUSKY Health, provides health insurance coverage to all state residents who meet need-based criteria. While HUSKY Health has several benefits packages to meet the needs of varying populations, all members obtain basic health care services, such as physical and occupational therapy, preventative care, hearing aids and durable medical equipment. Those aged 65 and over may qualify for HUSKY C, which has additional benefits to meet seniors’ unique needs.
HUSKY Health doesn’t cover memory care services directly, but it pays for many services under the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders. CHCPE pays for a range of home and community-based long-term care services and contains the Assisted Living Services Program. Unlike Husky Health, which is an entitlement available to everyone who qualifies, CHCPE has limited enrollment slots, and eligible individuals may have to be put on a wait list before obtaining coverage.
What Memory Care Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Connecticut?
The Assisted Living Services Program provides skilled nursing and personal care services to those living in assisted living facilities, officially called managed residential communities, including those that provide specialized dementia services. The program is comprised of four packages, each of which covers services, such as:
- Personal care attendant services
- Care transitions
- Assistive technology
- Housekeeping and linen service
- Laundry
- One meal daily
- 24-hour security
- Emergency transportation
- Wellness services
The level of coverage an individual receives through this program depends on their functional needs. There are four service packages, including:
- Occasional Personal Service: 1-3.75 hours per week of personal care, plus nursing visits as needed
- Limited Personal Service: 4-8.75 hours per week of personal care, plus nursing visits as needed
- Moderate Personal Service: 9-14.75 hours per week of personal care, plus nursing visits as needed
- Extensive Personal Services: 15-25 hours per week of personal care, plus nursing visits as needed
Depending on the individual’s income, they may be required to pay up to 9% of their care costs. They must also live in a state-funded assisted living facility that accepts payment from Medicaid. While the program covers transition costs, which may include deposits and other fees associated with moving out of a nursing home and into a memory care facility, it doesn’t cover ongoing room and board costs.
Memory Care Waiver Programs in Connecticut
Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders
The CHCPE Assisted Living Services Program is designed to help older adults with extensive care needs reside in a memory care facility as an alternative to nursing home care. It pays for a range of services to support the individual’s comfort, safety and quality of life, including assistive technology, preventative services and attendant care.
To qualify for this coverage, applicants must be at least 65 years old, and they must be referred to or eligible for this program by meeting functional and financial requirements. Single applicants can have a gross monthly income of up to $2,523, and they may have up to $1,600 in countable assets. If the applicant is married, their spouse’s income and assets don’t count towards these limits. Applicants must also require assistance with essential daily activities, such as bathing, personal grooming, toileting and taking medications.
Seniors can apply for the Assisted Living Services program by enrolling online at the ConneCT website. Alternately, they can obtain a paper application by downloading and printing one online or calling the Department of Social Services Client Information Line and Benefits Center at (855) 626-6632 and asking for a mailed application. Once they’ve filled out the application, they can deliver it in person or mail it to their nearest Department of Social Services field office. On average, the approval process takes 45 days.
How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Connecticut
To be eligible for Medicaid in Connecticut, individuals must meet income and asset guidelines. Income guidelines depend on where the individual lives. For those in Southwestern Connecticut, single applicants can have a net monthly income (after deductions) of up to $643 and married applicants can have an income of up to $817. For those living in the North, East and West regions, respective income limits are a little lower at $532 and $708.
In addition to these limits, single applicants can have up to $409 in unearned income, and married applicants can have up to $818. Unearned income may include pensions, VA benefits, Social Security benefits and interest from investments.
2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Connecticut
Applicant
Income Limit*
Asset Limit
Single Applicant
$643 (Southwest)
$532 (North, East and West)
$1,600
Married Couple
$817 (Southwest)
$708 (North, East and West)
$2,400
*per month
Along with meeting financial guidelines, HUSKY C applicants must be at least 65 years old, legal U.S. citizens or residents and permanent residents of Connecticut.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Connecticut
Seniors have several options for applying for Medicaid. They can submit an application online through the ConneCT website. Seniors may also print out a paper application or request one over the phone by calling the Department of Social Services Client Information Line and Benefits Center at (855) 626-6632. Once they’ve completed the application, they can deliver it in person or mail it to their nearest Department of Social Services field office.
Information You Will Need
Before applying for Medicaid, seniors must be able to provide documentation to prove they qualify for services. These include:
- Proof of age
- Social Security number
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency
- Proof of Connecticut residency
- Verification of assets, including bank account statements, life insurance policies and prepaid funeral contracts
- Marital status
- Verification of deductions, such as medical premiums
- Verification of spouse’s income, assets and shelter costs
How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid
Seniors in Connecticut have access to several resources to help them determine whether they qualify for Medicaid coverage, get the most from their benefits and resolve problems with their coverage. The following resources provide comprehensive information on eligibility and enrollment, finding qualified providers and disputing denied coverage.
Resource
Contact
Description
(855) 626-6632
The DSS Client Information Line and Benefits Center serves as a single point of contact for accessing comprehensive information on HUSKY Health and CHCPE. It has an interactive voice-response telephone system that provides prompt benefits information, as well as a Benefits Center that’s staffed during normal business hours with representatives who provide personalized assistance.
Online Only
The Connecticut Medical Assistance Program provides comprehensive information on HUSKY Health and the Assisted Living Services Program, including how to qualify for services, program benefits and how to appeal denied claims. The website also publishes current information on public policies that affect Medicaid coverage.
(860) 424-5055
The Connecticut State Department of Aging and Disability Services houses the Aging and Disabilities Resource Centers, which feature a No Wrong Door system to help older adults get the services they qualify for. Through this department, seniors access benefits screenings, options counseling and information and assistance with accessing dementia services in the community.
Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in Connecticut?
The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Connecticut. As was mentioned above, this doesn’t apply to Memory Care received in a Nursing Home. Since it is the most common to receive memory care in a “social setting” (such as an assisted living facility), Medicare won’t be a viable financial assistance option for most seniors who need Memory Care. However, Medicare will still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.
For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for Memory Care in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Connecticut.
Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care in Connecticut
Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Memory Care affordable.
How to Apply
How It Works
Aid and Attendance
Learn more and apply online at va.gov.
Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for Memory Care.
Reverse Mortgages
Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov
If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for Memory Care. Reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance
Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov.
Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for Memory Care. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of Memory Care will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy.
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Connecticut
Connecticut has numerous nonprofit agencies and government programs that help seniors and families navigate dementia services in the state. The following table highlights these resources, which may provide services, such as early-stage engagement activities, support, options counseling and guidance on planning for long-term care.
Resource
Contact
Service
(800) 272-3900
The local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association oversees a range of services and programs for Connecticut seniors and families affected by dementia. It has a 24-hour helpline staffed with specialists who provide emotional support and referrals for community-based services, such as options counseling, dementia screening, durable medical equipment loans and tracking devices. The chapter also offers early-stage engagement programming and support groups for those recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
(860) 628-9000
LiveWell Dementia Specialists is a nonprofit organization that provides services to those in all stages of Alzheimer’s. Through this organization, seniors and families get guidance on what steps to take after a dementia diagnosis, including long-term care options and ways to pay for services. The organization also hosts webinars that address common issues, such as strategies for handling dementia symptoms and knowing when a loved one should no longer drive.
(860) 424-5055
There are five Area Agencies on Aging in Connecticut, each of which serves those aged 60 and over in designated regions of the state. Seniors can contact their local AAA for information and referrals for community-based services, help with finding support groups and long-term care options counseling. The agencies also have financial and legal advisors who can help seniors and families navigate issues related to dementia.
(860) 424-5200
The Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program provides advocacy for older adults in memory care facilities throughout the state. The ombudsmen visit facilities to ensure they comply with state regulations and that residents’ rights are honored. They also investigate concerns regarding substandard care and help families research long-term care facilities in their communities and identify options for paying for services.
(800) 994-9422
CHOICES, Connecticut’s Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program, provides free, unbiased health insurance options counseling to Medicare-eligible individuals. The program is staffed with trained volunteers who share information at community events and on a one-on-one basis to help older adults understand their Medicare benefits, find out whether they qualify for Medicaid and determine whether a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan is right for them.
(800) 453-3320
Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut provides free civil legal services to those aged 60 and over. Through this nonprofit organization, seniors can get help with applying for public benefits that may help cover memory care, including Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and the optional state supplement. The organization can also help resolve issues related to dementia, including asset management and assigning guardianship.
(800) 994-9422
Through the Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program, families with loved ones with Alzheimer’s access in-home or community-based respite services. The program subsidizes a portion of respite care costs, providing a break for informal caregivers without disrupting their loved one's care.
COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care in Connecticut
The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including ct.gov/DPH. These rules apply to nursing homes and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/2/2022, but since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, contact your local senior living facility or Area Agency on Aging for more specific and up-to-date information.
Visitation Policies
Are loved ones allowed to visit to provide emotional support?
Are relatives allowed to visit for end-of-life care?
Are residents required to quarantine after visiting with a loved one?
Are visitors required to wear PPE (including masks) in order to visit residents?
Are non-medical contractors (such as hairdressers and entertainers) allowed in senior living facilities?
Are visitors checked for elevated temperatures?
Are visitors required to answer questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?
*Note: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.
Outings & Social Activities
Are residents allowed to leave (errands, visiting family, etc.) for non-medical reasons?
Are residents who leave required to quarantine when they return?
Are senior living communities required to cancel all group outings?
Are residents allowed to eat meals together in a common area?
Are residents allowed to gather in common areas for group activites?
*Note: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.
COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents
Are staff members regularly required to do a temperature check?
Are staff members regularly tested for COVID-19?
Are staff members members regularly required to do a health and safety screening, including questions about travel, contact with positive cases, etc?
Are residents regularly screened for COVID-19 symptoms?
Are residents regularly checked for elevated temperatures?
Are residents regularly tested for COVID-19?
*Note: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Connecticut
In Connecticut, the Department of Public Health licenses and regulates assisted living services agencies that provide memory care services, which are officially referred to as Alzheimer’s special care units. The Department has regulations in place regarding scope of care, staffing and public funding. While individual facilities aren’t licensed, they are required to register with the Department.
Scope of Care
Memory care facilities are required to provide three meals daily, living accommodations, regularly scheduled housekeeping and laundry services, transportation, social and recreational programs and round-the-clock security and emergency call systems. They also have special programs for residents with dementia and security measures in place to prevent wandering.
Care Plans
Within seven days of admission, a registered nurse must develop a care plan that addresses the resident’s problems and needs, the types of services they must have, prescribed medications, treatments and required nursing services. This care plan must be reviewed as often as the resident’s condition warrants.
Medication Management
Medications must be administered by a licensed nurse or pre-poured by a licensed nurse for residents who self-administer their medication. With approval from the resident or their representative, the facility is permitted to monitor self-administration, including providing medication reminders, verifying that the medication was taken and opening the medication’s packaging. All medications must be stored in the resident’s unit.
Staffing
A supervisor, who must be a registered nurse, must be available at least 20 hours per week for every 10 or fewer residents. While a 24-hour awake staff isn’t required for every facility, it may be necessary in facilities with residents who require around-the-clock care or monitoring. The Department doesn’t require a minimum staffing ratio, but a sufficient number of caregivers must be available at all times to meet residents’ needs. Direct care staff must receive eight hours annually of dementia-specific training and two hours of training annually on pain recognition and pain management techniques.
Medicaid Coverage
Connecticut’s Medicaid program has two waivers that cover memory care expenses: the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders and the Comprehensive Waiver.
Reporting Abuse
Suspected abuse can be reported by seniors, their families or memory care staff to the Connecticut Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program by calling 866-388-1888.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does memory care cost in Connecticut?
Memory support services in Connecticut cost $6,100 per month on average, which is considerably more than the national average of $5,064. Statewide, costs vary from $4,688 to $7,938, depending on the city’s cost of living.
Does HUSKY Health pay for memory care?
HUSKY Health, Connecticut’s Medicaid program, covers memory care services through two waiver programs: the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders and the Comprehensive Waiver. To be eligible for these waivers, seniors must meet income and asset guidelines and require a nursing home level of care.
Does Medicare pay for memory care?
While Original Medicare doesn’t cover memory care services, some Medicare Advantage plans cover long-term care as an additional benefit. Seniors who want this coverage should call 1-800-994-9422 or contact their nearest Department of Aging and Disability Services office to talk to a health insurance counselor.
How Many Memory Care Facilities Are in Connecticut?
There are 144 memory care facilities located in Connecticut. The cost of memory care here is slightly higher than the national average, but residents can enjoy a comfortable climate and access to high-quality medical care. Facilities offering memory care services are standalone units or part of assisted living facilities. Read More
What types of therapies are offered in memory care facilities?
Memory care facilities use unique therapies to provide a calming, engaging environment for residents. Some therapies that facilities may use include aromatherapy, music therapy, art therapy and pet therapy with trained assistance dogs.
What security features are present in memory care facilities?
Memory care facilities have specialized access controls to keep residents from wandering. Most memory support wings have just one point of entry, making it easy to monitor who enters and leaves, as well as video surveillance indoors and out. They also have secured courtyards that let residents enjoy the outdoors safely.
Memory Care Facilities in Connecticut (39)
- Avon, CT (3)
- Bethel, CT (1)
- Branford, CT (2)
- Brookfield, CT (2)
- Clinton, CT (1)
- Cromwell, CT (2)
- Danbury, CT (2)
- Darien, CT (2)
- East Haven, CT (1)
- Fairfield, CT (2)
- Farmington, CT (3)
- Glastonbury, CT (3)
- Greenwich, CT (1)
- Haddam, CT (1)
- Hamden, CT (3)
- Madison, CT (1)
- Meriden, CT (1)
- Milford, CT (1)
- Mystic, CT (2)
- Newtown, CT (2)
- Niantic, CT (1)
- Norwalk, CT (3)
- Orange, CT (1)
- Plantsville, CT (1)
- Ridgefield, CT (2)
- Rocky Hill, CT (3)
- Shelton, CT (4)
- Simsbury, CT (1)
- South Windsor, CT (4)
- Southbury, CT (3)
- Stamford, CT (7)
- Stratford, CT (1)
- Torrington, CT (2)
- Trumbull, CT (3)
- Waterbury, CT (1)
- Waterford, CT (1)
- West Hartford, CT (3)
- Wilton, CT (3)
- Woodbridge, CT (2)