Connecticut is a tiny state, but has a lot to offer. From New Haven, to Hartford, to Fairfield, to Milford… there are many interesting cities in this state, ranging from more rural and scenic areas, to coastal cities.

With a higher than average income, and a higher than average cost of care, it’s a more affluent State, however there are options available for those with more modest incomes as well. None the less, some opt to move out of state for their care if it better suits their budget. Your best bet is to read on, learn as much as you can, see if you think the care is a good fit, and most important speak to some facilities to make an informed and educated decision.

Quick Facts about Connecticut

The average cost of assisted living in Connecticut is on the higher side, at $4,315. It’s a very wealthy state, so that explains the higher cost. That doesn’t mean all facilities are more expensive, remember that it’s just an average, so with a higher income it stands to reason that there will be more higher-end options available, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still affordable care homes in this state as well.

Connecticut is a tiny state, ranking 48^th in the USA for area, and 29^th for their population of 3.5 million. However, it ranks 4^th for median household income, with $72,889.

Types of Assisted Living in Connecticut and General Information

The types of care available in this state will vary depending on the facility, with certain facilities specializing in general senior care and assisted living, and others focusing more on specific issues such as memory care. Special care units for patients with Alzheimer’s disease must undergo an annual verification process to ensure they’re meeting standards.

The facility must disclose, on an annual basis in writing, things such as the philosophy of care for their programs, what the staff to patient ratios are, information about how the staff are trained, the costs of the programs, how they plan care, how things are being implemented, and more.

You’ll find facilities who can provide basic assisted living care such as laundry service and transportation, housekeeping and cleaning for the resident’s living area, meals, help with daily things including hygiene, and more.

Unlike many states in America, there isn’t an initial assessment required prior to moving into a facility, however a registered nurse must assist in putting together a program for each resident within the first week. This program includes information specific to each resident in order to properly provide them the care they need, and it takes into accounts things such as  their medication and required treatments, what types of support staff they require, and more. These programs must be reviewed for each patient on a yearly basis, or as there are obvious changes to the patient’s condition or needs.

Each and every unit requires their own private bathroom, which is a much better standard of care than places where up to 8-10 people can share bathrooms, as is required in other states. We applaud Connecticut for this.

Requirements for Moving in or Moving Out

Also, unlike other states, there aren’t any automatic move-out requirements, and facilities are able to set their own procedures, standards, and guidelines.

Some states will require residents to move to a different type of care facility if certain conditions are met, most commonly if the patient requires skilled nursing around the clock.

Here, however, it’s more of a case-by-case basis, so if the facility is able to offer the advanced care the patient needs, they may be more likely to be able to stay longer, which is always a good thing, rather than moving people around, especially when they’re at their worst, and quite possibly confused by the whole situation to begin with. Another great aspect of Connecticut’s care.

Staff Training and Requirements

Before working with residents, staff members need to pass an exam after a 10-hour training course that covers many of the basics. Aides to the nurses also need to be certified through an examination procress.

Furthermore, all staff require specific training for Alzheimer’s and dementia, meaning the base standard of care for people with these issues is elevated by a well-trained workforce in this field. Even non-direct care staff must take training in these areas.

Staff needs either 8 hours of training specifically about dementia in the first half-year of their employment, and no less than an additional 8 hours on a yearly basis. The training for memory care is quite extensive in this state, and it’s another reason to applaud them.

Medicaid for Assisted Living in State and Additional Information

Medicaid waivers are available in Connecticut, but they are based on the income of the resident living in the facility. You’ll need to reach out to Medicaid to find out if you or your loved one have a level of income that allows you to take advantage of this or not.

For additional information, you can get in touch with the Department of Public Health, in particular their Facility Licensing and Investigations office.

Connecticut is definitely doing some very important things correctly when it comes to caring for seniors and those who cannot care of themselves any longer.

There can be pros and cons to having looser guidelines that allow the facilities to tackle things on a case by case basis, but as long as everyone is acting in good faith and the needs of the residents are being addressed, we tend to think this is a good thing, since it allows for less bureaucracy, and more leeway, which can be two very important things when you’re dealing with something as serious as proper health care.