What services are provided by an assisted living community in Connecticut?

Assisted living communities in Connecticut offer private apartments in a secure environment, meals, housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, transportation, social and recreational programs, an emergency call system, and health care services. Health care services include a registered nurse on site or on call 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and personal care services (assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, etc.) provided by certified nurses aides or home health aides 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Are there different levels of care in Connecticut’s communities?

In compliance with the Department of Public Health assisted living regulations, assisted living communities in Connecticut provide a variety of apartments and services. For example, some communities offer both independent and assisted living apartments, while others are designed primarily for people who need assisted living services. Some communities provide special, secured units for residents with dementia, while other communities serve only those residents. This wide variety of apartments and scope of services means that you can choose the community that best meets your specific needs.

Is assisted living the same as a nursing home?

Assisted living and nursing home care are designed to meet different needs in a continuum of care. While both offer nursing and personal care services, assisted living communities are not appropriate for persons in need of 24 hour skilled nursing and rehabilitative services, complex or unstable medical conditions, extensive nursing assistance, or intensive therapies.

Who regulates assisted living communities in Connecticut?

The provision of nursing and personal care services is licensed by the Department of Public Health. On-site nursing and personal care services must be provided by a licensed Assisted Living Services Agency.

The building and basic “core” services such as meals, housekeeping, laundry and transportation, are not licensed. However, in order to have nursing and personal care services available, the building must meet applicable building and fire safety codes.

The provider must register with the Department of Public Health and must offer all “core” services. Communities that meet these requirements and register with the Department of Public Health are called “Managed Residential Communities.” An Assisted Living Services Agency can provide services only in a registered Managed Residential Community.

Assisted Living Services Agencies are inspected every two years and must comply with Department of Public Health regulations.

What are the staffing requirements for assisted living?

Assisted Living Services Agencies are required to provide on-site staffing by certified nurses aides or home health aides 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. A registered nurse must be on-site or on-call 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Does Medicare cover the cost of assisted living?

Medicare (Title 18) does not pay for assisted living. However, if you need the services of a licensed home health agency while you live in an assisted living community, Medicare will pay for those services if you meet Medicare coverage criteria.

Does Medicaid (Title 19) pay for assisted living services in Connecticut?

In general, Medicaid does not pay for assisted living services in Connecticut, so you should plan on paying for all fees from your own resources. If your resources become insufficient to pay for the cost of your care, you may need to move.

Does long-term care insurance cover the cost of assisted living?

Some long-term care insurance policies do cover assisted living. You should obtain prior approval from the insurance company. Coverage provisions vary widely, so it is important to read the policy carefully.

Where can I get more information about assisted living communities in Connecticut?

Every assisted living provider that is a member of the Connecticut Assisted Living Association (CALA) will be pleased to provide you with a disclosure statement giving more information about the community, as well as copies of its Residence Agreement, Clients’ Bill of Rights, Residents Rules and other information.