FAQs: Your Options for Senior Housing in CT

Navigating the senior living process can be a huge challenge for families. With so many options and so many different communities to consider (all at different price points), how can you be sure your family is making the best choice? As you look at different senior housing options in Connecticut, keep in mind that the right option for one senior might not be the right option for another.

Many families going through this process for the first time have a lot of questions. Here are a few common questions we get about senior housing in CT. Hopefully these answers will help your family make the right decision for your senior loved one.

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living communities offer the major benefits of independent living, with the safety net of a trained staff that’s on site around the clock to help in case of illness or emergency.

Assisted living has plenty of perks for seniors, too. Most assisted living communities have private rooms or apartments available, so senior residents can have their own space. Some of these apartments may have kitchens, allowing those who love to cook and bake to still pursue those hobbies. Resident rooms are often like apartments, which means seniors can bring their own furniture and decorations to make it feel more like home. Some assisted living communities can be pretty lavish, while others are more cozy and modest.

In addition to the comfortable accommodations, assisted living communities provide the daily care and assistance seniors might need. Staff members can help with tasks like medication management, dressing, bathing, and any other needs seniors may have. Residents also enjoy a number of social opportunities, too, like sewing clubs, book clubs, or fun outings.

Many families make the transition from home to assisted living after the senior parent or loved on shows signs that they can't live alone anymore. These signs could range from anything from forgetfulness to their loved one experiencing a fall.

Overall, assisted living communities are great options for senior housing in CT if residents who want to maintain an active lifestyle, while not taking any unnecessary risks.

What Is Skilled Nursing and Short-Term Rehab?

After a fall or an illness, many seniors are advised to not go home until they have completely healed. A lack of caution or attentive care could land a senior right back in the hospital. Skilled nursing homes or short-term rehab facilities are places where seniors can convalesce, regain their strength, and get the constant care they need. This is the most care-intensive senior housing option, and is usually reserved for seniors needing significant assistance.

Residents often struggle with daily tasks like getting in and out of bed. Nursing home staff members can help residents, who live in shared or private rooms, with these tasks. Meals are provided, and activities are planned for seniors, so they stay engaged and enjoy life.

What is Memory Care?

Seniors that struggle with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia need a different type of care to thrive and maintain a healthy lifestyle. In memory care senior housing communities, residents receive specialized care. Also, extra precautions are taken to ensure seniors are safe.

In memory care communities, seniors live in private or shared apartments. They benefit from being on predictable, set schedules, which can help eliminate some of the uncertainty that comes with memory loss. They also have access to many of the same activities offered in assisted living communities, as memory care neighborhoods are often connected to these communities.

A really important feature of memory care communities is the physical safety they provide. When seniors are experiencing memory loss, they can accidentally put themselves in danger with actions like wandering off, forgetting to lock the door, or leaving the stove on. Memory care communities are designed with these concerns in mind. With automatically locking doors, security guards, and a higher staffing ratio, you can trust that your senior loved one is safe and protected.

How Much Does Senior Housing Cost?

Like renting an apartment or buying a house, there’s no single set cost for senior living communities. The cost is totally dependent on the amount of care a senior needs and the community you choose.

Senior housing in CT can range anywhere from $3,000 to 6,000 a month. Memory care comes as a higher cost due to the level of care seniors receive – ranging from $7,000 to 12,000 a month.

Because they offer the highest level of care, skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation facilities usually run between $10,000 and 15,000 per month. However, unlike assisted living or memory care communities, a nursing home or short-term rehab stay may be covered by insurance and Medicare.

If you’re concerned about covering these costs, there are plenty of financial avenues you can explore to find the option that works best for your family. Here are a few to consider:

• Sell your parent’s home or vehicle. Because your parent will be moving into senior housing in CT, selling their home is a great way to raise some funds to cover their stay. Many communities offer transportation options, meaning your loved one won’t need their car anymore either.

• Secure a reverse mortgage on your parent’s home. A reverse mortgage is a common option for seniors. This allows them to cash in on the equity in their home, without having to make monthly payments as they would with a traditional loan.

• Split the cost between family members. Caring for a senior loved one is an important responsibility for everyone in your family. Talk to your other relatives about what they can contribute to the cost of your loved one’s senior housing and care.

Understanding senior housing options starts with understanding your senior loved one’s care needs. Sit down with your family and your senior loved one to talk about what challenges they’re facing and which options for senior housing in CT could be a good fit. Finding the perfect option makes the transition to senior living an easy one.

Learn more about your senior living options in this free, comprehensive guide on senior care.