I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Bridgeport, CT
Bridgeport is the most-populous city in Connecticut, and 11.8 percent of its 148,333 residents are seniors aged 65 and older. Bridgeport sits along the shores of Long Island Sound, just 50 miles northeast of New York City, making it popular among retirees who want easy access to world-class entertainment and health care facilities.
As is typical throughout New England, summers in Bridgeport are sunny and warm, while the winters are brisk and snowy, making the area ideal for seniors who like to experience all four seasons. In addition to the multiple home care providers in the city, there are a number of city-run senior centers, support programs and transportation services.
Health care services are readily available at one of the many local hospitals, which include Bridgeport Hospital, a modern facility with a dedicated geriatrics department. Area seniors also have access to specialized medical services through the St. Vincent’s Medical Center’s Senior Services department. All things considered, Bridgeport can be a good option for seniors who plan to spend their retirement years living in their own homes with help from a plentiful supply of home care providers.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Bridgeport, CT
According to Genworth Financial’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, home care and home health care services in Bridgeport each cost an average of $5,339 per month. Home care includes one-on-one, non-medical assistance with housekeeping, personal care and errands, while home health care includes some medical services such as intermittent skilled nursing and rehabilitation.
The monthly rates listed by Genworth are based on 44 hours of care weekly, which works out to $28 per hour. Your actual costs may be higher or lower than Genworth’s rates depending on your needs and preferences.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
At $5,339 per month, the average cost of home care and home health care in Bridgeport is more affordable than the same type of care in Norwich, where seniors pay an average of $5,506 for in-home care services. In New Haven, home care runs about $5,243 per month and home health care is also $5,339. Hartford’s home care rates are similar at $5,329, while home health care costs an average of $5,577.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
In Bridgeport, home care ranks as one of the most affordable senior care options. Average monthly prices for senior care start at $1,619 for adult day care, while home health care costs the same as home care, $5,339 per month. Assisted living costs an average of $6,273 per month. A semiprivate room in a nursing home costs $16,805 each month, which is more than three times the cost of home care.
III. How to Find Home Care in Bridgeport, CT
Finding a home care provider for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we explain the process of how to find a home care provider in 5 simple steps. Use the infographic below to help guide your search for in-home care in Bridgeport, CT.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Bridgeport, CT
City of Bridgeport Homeowner Rehabilitation Program
What You Should Know
If you’re a homeowner, you have a low income and you need help paying for essential home repairs, you may qualify for an interest-free, forgivable loan through the City of Bridgeport’s Homeowner Rehabilitation Program.
This program helps seniors and people with disabilities remain in their own homes. Applicants who need assistance with safety-critical repairs to resolve outstanding code violations, as well as those who need to make their homes accessible for household members with mobility limitations, are prioritized. Funds from the program can also be used to replace windows and doors, fix leaky roofs, remove lead pipes and make improvements to the overall energy-efficiency of a home.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for an interest-free, forgivable home repair loan, you must own and occupy your home. Your total household income must be no greater than the current income limits, which are adjusted on an annual basis, and you need to be up-to-date with your home insurance policy. You’ll also need to ensure that your city property taxes and Water Pollution Control Authority fees are paid up before applying to the Homeowner Rehabilitation Program.
How to Get Started
Applications are accepted year-round, and new funding is announced in the late summer. For more information, call (203) 576-8144.
Homefront Home Repair Program
What you should know
HomeFront is a community-based, volunteer-driven home repair program that provides free repairs to low-income homeowners, thus enabling them to remain in their homes with an improved quality of life. Homefront currently serves Fairfield, Hartford and New Haven Counties in Connecticut and Westchester County in New York.
How to Get Started
To benefit from this free home repair service, or to volunteer to help, call them at (800) 887-4673.
Greater Bridgeport Transit
What You Should Know
Greater Bridgeport Transit is the local public transit provider for Bridgeport and the surrounding region. Seniors aged 65 and older enjoy half-priced fares on all routes with a Medicare Card or a Connecticut Elderly or Disabled Card.
All GBT fixed-route buses are fully accessible and can accommodate mobility devices such as manual and power wheelchairs, walkers and most compact-sized mobility scooters. Buses also have a kneeling feature to reduce the step-up height, and riders who cannot use the regular bus system due to disability can apply to use GBT Access, the local paratransit service.
Who Is Eligible?
Anyone can ride GBT buses, while only those aged 65 and older qualify for half-priced adult fares under the senior discount program. Seniors who are unable to travel on a regular bus due to disability can apply to use GBT’s paratransit service, GBT Access.
How to Get Started
For information on GBT routes, fares and services, call (203) 366-7070.
Jewish Senior Services
What You Should Know
Jewish Senior Services is a faith-based not-for-profit organization that offers a comprehensive range of services for seniors in Bridgeport. These services include adult day programming, non-medical home care, and ElderCare Navigation — an innovative service that helps seniors and their families coordinate care services for those who need in-home support.
Who Is Eligible?
All Bridgeport seniors are welcome to use programs offered by Jewish Senior Services, however, priority is provided to Jewish seniors.
How to Get Started
To learn more about Jewish Senior Services’ programs, call (203) 365-6400.
Bridgeport Department on Aging
What You Should Know
The Bridgeport Department on Aging offers a variety of free and low-cost programs and services for Bridgeport seniors. The Department operates the city’s three senior centers where older adults can participate in social, recreational and educational programs, as well as regular preventative health screening clinics and fall prevention classes.
Staff with the Department on Aging can also help seniors apply for government benefits, access local support programs for the elderly, and arrange free transportation to congregate dining sites throughout the city. Case management, information and referral services are offered in English and Spanish.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the programs and services offered by the Bridgeport Department on Aging, you need to be a Bridgeport resident aged 60 and older.
How to Get Started
To learn more about Bridgeport’s senior centers, as well as case management, transportation, congregate dining and support services for seniors, call the Department on Aging at 203-576-7993 .
Southwestern CT Agency on Aging
What You Should Know
The Southwestern CT Agency on Aging (SWCAA) is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping seniors and people with disabilities. The SWCAA oversees and administers a wide range of free and low-cost programs for seniors.
Older adults can contact the SWCAA to connect with mental health services, access free case management services and apply for nutritional support programs such as Meals on Wheels. Senior care specialists can refer seniors who need help with elder law issues to local non-profit legal aid organizations and assist those who want to participate in free chronic disease management workshops. The SWCAA also operates the regional Health Insurance Assistance, Outreach, Information and Referral, Counseling, and Eligibility Screening program, better known as CHOICES, to help seniors understand their Medicare and long-term care insurance options.
Who Is Eligible?
Bridgeport seniors, their family members and caregivers can all contact the SWCAA for information and assistance.
How to Get Started
To speak with a senior resource specialist at SWCAA, call (203) 333-9288.