Assisted Living in New Haven County, CT

Assisted Living Costs in New Haven County

According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care study, the cost of assisted living in New Haven County is a bargain compared to many other areas. At $3,435, the monthly cost is almost $600 below the national average and around $1,300 lower than the Connecticut average.

In comparison to Bridgeport ($5,940), the state’s most expensive city for assisted living, seniors here save over $2,500 per month. Prices in the Norwich area are about $800 higher than in New Haven County at $4,300 per month, while rates in Hartford are over $1,800 more expensive at $5,250.

Note: Data for senior care costs in New Haven County wasn’t available, so data for the New Haven area was used instead.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

While the price of assisted living in New Haven County is the lowest statewide, costs for other care options vary greatly. Adult day health services average $2,004, homemaker services cost about $4,290 and hiring a home health aide costs around $4,719 per month. Seniors who require a nursing home level of care can expect to pay more than three times the price of assisted living or just over $12,000 per month.

When planning a budget for senior care, it’s important to factor in living expenses associated with in-home care options. Groceries, utilities, property taxes and maintenance are all additional costs often covered by assisted living facility fees.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in New Haven County

Medicaid in Connecticut

New Haven County seniors who meet the eligibility requirements can receive health care coverage and long-term care services through the Connecticut state Medicaid plan known as HUSKY Health. 

To qualify for HUSKY Health for long-term care, seniors must be legal residents of Connecticut and aged 65 and older or have a qualifying disability. The asset limit for applicants is $1,600 for individuals and $3,200 for married couples both seeking care. These asset limits don’t include personal belongings, one vehicle, household furnishings, prepaid funeral and burial arrangements and a primary home with equity less than $878,000. Additionally, an applicant’s gross monthly income can’t exceed 300% of the Supplemental Security Income federal benefit rate, which currently equates to $2,313.

New Haven County seniors can apply for HUSKY Health online or by calling (877) 284-8759.

Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders 

The CHCPE waiver was created to help Medicaid-eligible seniors who require a nursing level of care remain in their homes or communities. Those unable to live independently may use this waiver to ease the financial burden of moving into a managed residential community, Connecticut’s name for assisted living facilities. This waiver is not an entitlement and may require placement on a waiting list due to statewide enrollment limits.

Depending on an applicant’s income and resources, the waiver may cover the entire cost of assisted living or just care services, so some seniors may have to pay for room and board.

For more information or to start the application process, visit the Connecticut Department of Health and Human Services online portal or call (800) 445-5394.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Connecticut State Supplement for the Aged, Blind and Disabled

The CSSABD program provides cash assistance to qualified seniors who have at least one source of income, such as Social Security benefits, veterans benefits or Supplemental Security Income. To be eligible, applicants must be aged 65 or older or have a qualifying disability. Monthly income levels must be below the state-determined standard of living and assets can’t exceed $1,600 in value for individuals or $2,400 for married couples.

To apply for the CSSABD, call the Connecticut Department of Social Services Benefit Center at (855) 626-6632, complete an online application or visit the New Haven field office at 50 Humphrey Street to apply in person.

Elderlife Bridge Loan

New Haven County seniors can apply for a bridge loan through Elderlife Financial to help pay the initial costs of moving to an assisted living facility. These loans offer terms of up to 12 months and are ideal for seniors waiting for long-term funding sources to become available, such as Social Security or veterans benefits or proceeds from the sale of a home. Elderlife allows up to six family members to apply to increase a senior’s approval odds. Approval decisions are made quickly, and many applicants receive funding for their loans within 24 hours. Seniors have the option of opening a line of credit or receiving a lump sum payment.

To learn more or apply, contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Seniors planning for their future care needs may consider a long-term care insurance policy to help pay for assisted living. These policies are designed to cover many of the care expenses that come with illness or aging. Coverage and monthly premiums are based on an applicant’s age and health history and may vary between providers. 

The State of Connecticut has partnered with local insurance agencies to create the Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care. To learn more about LTC insurance, New Haven County seniors can contact their local insurance agent or call (860) 418-6318.

Assisted Living Resources in New Haven County

Senior Centers in New Haven County

The south-central portion of New Haven county is home to 23 senior centers , and an additional seven are found in the northern half of the county. These centers provide nutritious daily meals along with a variety of organized social events, recreational activities and educational classes to keep older county residents engaged. Most offer senior-friendly fitness options and provide basic health services, such as vaccinations and blood glucose and pressure checks. 

Veterans Resources

New Haven County veterans with medical and mental health needs can visit the West Haven VA Medical Center. Information and help with VA benefits and pensions is available at the Veterans Affairs Advocacy and Assistance office in Waterbury. 

West Haven VA Medical Center
950 Campbell Ave., West Haven, CT 06516
(203) 932-5711

Veterans Affairs Advocacy and Assistance Office
55 W. Main St., Ste. 140, Waterbury, CT 06702
(203) 805-6340

Area Agency on Aging

The two New Haven County Area Agency on Aging offices help seniors access local programs and resources and advocate for their rights. 

Area Agency on Aging
1 Long Wharf Dr., New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 785-8533

Western CT Area Agency
84 Progress Ln., Ste. 1, Waterbury, CT 06705
(203) 757-5449