Assisted Living Community in Fairfield County, Connecticut

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $5,940 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on Assisted Living Community in Fairfield County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Fairfield County, CT

• Assisted Living: $5,940
• Nursing Home Care: $15,011
• In-home Care: $4,147
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,993

The 2018 Genworth Cost of Care study shows that Fairfield County has the highest monthly assisted living rate in Connecticut. At $5,940, the local price is almost 50% more expensive than the national average ($4,000), 17.5% higher than the state median of $4,700 and about 13% above the rate in Hartford ($5,250). The price of assisted living is more affordable in Norwich ($4,300) and dramatically less expensive in New Haven, where seniors pay the state’s lowest cost of $3,435 per month. 

Note: Data for senior care costs in Fairfield County wasn’t available, so data for the city of Bridgeport was used instead.

Costs for senior care options in Fairfield County differ by a staggering $13,000 depending on the type and extent of care required. Group adult day health services provided only on weekdays average just $1,993 per month, while 24/7 skilled care provided in nursing homes costs a whopping $15,011. The rate for assisted living is $5,940 per month, whereas homemaker and home health aide services average $4,147 and $4,671, respectively. Although there appears to be a significant difference between the average rates, costs for these care options are much closer when everyday living expenses are taken into account, such as groceries, upkeep, utilities, taxes and insurance. These costs aren’t included in the rates for in-home care, but they’re covered by room and board in most assisted living facilities.

Medicaid is the nation’s largest health insurance provider, delivering vital services to more than 65 million low-income Americans. The program is regulated and jointly funded by the federal government and administered by each state to best meet the needs of its most vulnerable residents.

In Connecticut, the Medicaid program called HUSKY Health provides coverage for one-fifth of the state’s population, including pregnant women, families with young children, the elderly and disabled adults.

Qualifying for HUSKY Health

Eligible Fairfield County residents can receive numerous health care benefits, including inpatient and outpatient hospital care, emergency treatment, primary and specialist care, occupational and physical therapy, X-rays and diagnostic tests, prescriptions and long-term nursing home care.

Fairfield County residents who are American citizens or legal aliens and aged 65 or older — or aged 64 or younger if blind or disabled — can qualify for nursing home care through HUSKY Health if their monthly income is less than the established facility rate. Single applicants are limited to $1,600 in assets, and married spouses applying together may have $3,200 in combined assets.

All sources of income count toward the Medicaid limit, including pensions, wages, interest, stock dividends, Social Security and VA benefits. A number of assets are exempt, including personal belongings, one automobile, burial plots, prepaid funeral contracts, a primary home valued at $878,000 or less and household furnishings.

Exceptions to Income and Asset Limits

If only one spouse applies, they’re subject to the same income and asset limits as single people. The non-applicant may also receive up to $3,160.50 of their spouse’s income each month as well as $126,420 of the couple’s joint assets. These federally mandated spousal living and resource allowances may also reduce an applicant’s income and asset levels, so they’re able to qualify for HUSKY Health long-term care coverage.

Applicants with income over the limit may qualify for a spend-down that provides six months of coverage. Their exceeded amount of monthly income is multiplied by six to determine the spend-down figure, which must be used to pay allowable medical and care-related expenses to gain eligibility for coverage. These can include:

• Physician, clinic, dental and hospital bills
• Medical supplies and equipment
• Medical transportation services
• X-rays, lab work and diagnostic tests
• Prescription medications

Fairfield County seniors can apply for HUSKY Health coverage online or call (877) 284-8759.

Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders 

Seniors who meet the eligibility requirements for HUSKY Health coverage and have been assessed as needing long-term care may qualify for the CHCPE waiver if they have a monthly income of $2,313 or less. This home and community-based waiver offers a wide range of support and care services in a managed residential community setting. Program participants receive service coordination and additional supports based on their assessed needs, such as:

• One main meal per day
• Laundry and housekeeping services
• 24-hour security
• Wellness and preventive services
• Emergency transportation
• Assistance with personal care and daily living activities
• Nursing visits as needed

Depending on a participant’s income, they may receive waiver services at no cost or have to pay a 9% share of cost. Participants are responsible for paying their cost for room and board, which isn’t covered by the waiver. Those who are approved for the program may be placed on a waiting list to receive services due to enrollment caps.

For more information about the CHCPE waiver or to begin the application process, seniors in Fairfield County can contact the Connecticut Department of Health and Human Services at (800) 445-5394.

Connecticut State Supplement for the Aged, Blind and Disabled

Residents of Fairfield County aged 65 or older with limited income and assets may be eligible for a monthly payment through the CSSABD program. To qualify for this state-funded benefit, seniors must have a regular monthly income, such as Social Security, Supplemental Security Income or a VA pension that doesn’t exceed the Connecticut standard cost of living. Individuals are allowed $1,600 in assets (married couples $2,400).

For more information about the CSSABD program or to apply for assistance, Fairfield County residents can call the Connecticut Department of Social Services Benefit Center at (855) 626-6632.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Younger seniors who wish to plan ahead for future care costs may consider purchasing long-term care insurance. This type of health insurance may pay for nursing home, in-home or assisted living care and offers a range of extra coverage options. Additionally, Connecticut has partnered with private LTC insurers to offer Medicaid asset protection coverage. As with most health insurance providers, LTC insurers base acceptance and premiums on an applicant’s age and health status.

To learn more about LTC insurance, Fairfield County residents can contact the CT Partnership for Long-term Care at (860) 418-6318.

The Connecticut Veterans Affairs Office of Advocacy and Assistance aids veterans, their spouses and dependents with applications and appeals for local, state and federal benefits. County veterans can enroll in the VA Connecticut Healthcare System and visit the outpatient clinic in Danbury or Stamford to access primary care, physical exams, laboratory tests, X-rays, pharmacy services and referrals for specialty care at the VA Medical Center in West Haven.

Connecticut VA Office of Advocacy and Assistance
752 E. Main St., Bridgeport, CT 06608  
(203) 336-2570

Danbury VA Primary Care Clinic
7 Germantown Rd., Ste. 2B, Danbury, CT 06810
(203) 798-8422

Stamford VA Primary Care Clinic
1275 Summer St., Stamford, CT 06905
(203) 325-0649

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.