Connecticut Senior Living Statistics & Facts

Compared to most of the rest of the United States, Connecticut’s residents are considerably older on average. For example, the state’s percentage of those 50 and older is nearly 40 percent, and the median age here in Connecticut is 41.1 years, which is one of the highest median ages in the country.

What else can demographic, economic and health data teach us about the 1.4 million Connecticut residents who are eligible for senior discounts at their favorite restaurants? Connecticut’s average life expectancy is No. 3 in the country, 80.8 years, compared to the overall U.S. average of 78.5.

Additionally, seniors in Connecticut can expect to enjoy a high standard of living. That’s because the median household income for those 65 and older is more than $52,000, putting the state at No. 6 nationally. And a higher-than-average percentage of those 55 and older remain in the workforce (46.5 percent, fourth-highest in the U.S.).

Living Costs for Seniors in Connecticut

With a high housing index of 124.40, Connecticut is one of the more expensive places to retire in the country. A one bedroom apartment here averages out to $1,038 a month compared to the national average of $825 a month. A two bedroom apartment goes for an average of $1,308 a month compared to the national average of $1,027 a month.

Home health care costs in Connecticut average out to $3,813 a month. Home health care services make it possible for seniors to live in their own home or go back to living in their own home. Service aides help to keep the house clean, run day to day errands, and cook meals for the elderly. There are also home health aides available in the state, and the cost to have one is roughly $4,385 a month. These aides are responsible for helping seniors with their day to day activities in their own home rather than in a facility.

The average cost of adult day care in Connecticut comes out to a median of $1,733 a month. This allows seniors to stay at a supervised facility during the day, but doesn't include skilled nursing care. Day care is ideal for seniors who are independent and mostly healthy, but could could take advantage of social activities to keep them busy, and therapeutic and health services.

For an average monthly cost of $4,600 a month, elders requiring more assistance with their day to day tasks can stay at an assisted living facility to receive personal care and health services in Connecticut.

While on the expensive side, nursing homes are available throughout the state for seniors who need close supervision and care. The cost for a semi-private room is roughly $12,516 a month, while a private room is about $13,505 a month. Nursing homes provide residents with personal care, medication, housing, supervision, skilled nursing care 24/7, and therapies and rehabilitation.

Connecticut's Senior Living Options

Connecticut retirees may take advantage of independent living, assisted living, memory care, or nursing home care depending on individual needs. Determine which one best suits your lifestyle by reviewing each option below.

Independent Living

There are more than 150 independent living facilities in Connecticut. Healthy & active seniors can live in an independent living facility for anywhere from $1,100 to $5,060 a month. The cost of living depends on a variety of factors, with location playing a big role. The more expensive independent living costs are found in the metropolitan areas, while the more affordable ones are in the suburban towns.

Seniors looking for apartment living can look into 55+/65+ communities throughout Connecticut. Apartment amenities may vary, but it's standard to see things like fitness centers, walking trails, clubhouse, and meeting rooms available for residents to take advantage of.

Assisted Living

Assisted living facilities are available throughout Connecticut for seniors needing help with their day to day tasks like chores and transportation. The cost to stay at an assisted living facility ranges from $2,000 – $9,200 a month, averaging out to $4,600 a month across the state. Compared to the national average, Connecticut has pretty steep assisted living costs.

Memory Care

Alzheimer's and dementia have been affecting more and more seniors, despite increased research in the field. For seniors who will or are already suffering from memory ailments, a memory care facility will be of utmost help. There are 187 memory care facilities in Connecticut, with an average yearly cost of $92,028. This is significantly higher than the national average cost of $5,075, but there are more affordable options in the state that start as low as $2,900 a month.

Nursing Homes

There are over 500 senior living providers in Connecticut. Average costs are much higher in this state compared to others, but there is a lot of rich history here. Nearby family may make Connecticut a definite retirement state for some.

Adult daycare centers are one of the most widely used facilities for senior care. They provide a bevy of activities to keep residents in the company of others to ward off loneliness, active monitoring to ensure any accidents like falling are tended to immediately, and nutritious meal plans. On average, adult day care centers will cost around $1,950 per month, which puts Connecticut on the higher end as the state's lowest cost adult daycare facility is $2,100 a month and goes up to $4,320 a month.

Seniors with a terminal illness will find the special help they need at one of the 50+ hospices within the state. A hospice will provide everything a senior and their family will need well going through this transitional and trying time. Support groups and individual counseling will help with reaching emotional tranquility, while medications provided by trained staff will minimize any pain. Costs can vary greatly, but they can be fully covered through Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurances.

Many seniors retire here in order to be close to their children and grandchildren. In this case, respite care facilities are a top choice as they provide families temporary relief from the demanding rigors of caring for an elder loved one. Respite care will take in seniors for however long is needed, and provide assistance with day to day activities like personal grooming, meals, medications, and monitoring health levels. With 250 respite care facilities, Connecticut has no shortage of options. Costs are significantly higher in Connecticut, with an average annual cost of $142,168. That comes out to a monthly average of around $12,000, compare that to the national average of $9,222.