I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Danbury, CT
Compared to many nearby cities, Danbury, Connecticut, is a small community with a 2019 estimated population of just 84,694. Approximately 13.7% of the population, or 11,603 people, are aged 65 and older. Located just 50 miles from New York City, Danbury provides an ideal mix of suburban charm with nearby big-city opportunities.
With many historic sites to explore as well as the natural beauty of the Connecticut and New York border, you’ll find much to appeal to you in the city of Danbury. History buffs may enjoy the ambiance of the Tarrywile Park and Mansion site or exploring the historic locomotives of the Danbury Railway Museum. The Danbury Fair Mall, one of the largest malls in New England, provides plenty of shopping options. When you want to enjoy nature, you can explore the Bear Mountain Reservation and the Ives Trail Greenway. Candlewood Lake, which is part of the Bear Mountain Reservation, provides space for fishing and other water-based activities. For your health care needs, Danbury Hospital ranks as the top in the region and the fourth-best in the state, rating particularly high for its cardiac services.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Danbury, CT
If you choose to age at home, you may need a little help with basic homemaking needs, and home care offers that help. Home care in Danbury costs an average of $4,767 a month, while home health care, which includes home care and basic medical care, averages $5,148, according to the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.
These figures are based on approximately 44 hours of care a week. The actual cost will vary depending on how many hours of care you need. The average hourly cost is $25 for home care and $27 for home health care.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Though Danbury’s $4,767 average cost for home care is higher than the state’s average of $4,576, it’s equal to many nearby cities. However, its cost for home health care, $5,148 a month, is the highest in the state. In the New Haven area, in the center of the state, seniors also pay $4,767 for home care, but slightly less, $4,948, for home health care. The Hartford area is more affordable, averaging $4,528 and $4,767, respectively. Seniors in Norwich pay $4,767 for both home care and home health care.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
In Danbury, your average costs for home care are more affordable than most other senior care options. Seniors pay an average of $4,767 for home care and $5,148 for home health care, which is over $3,000 less than assisted living care. Nursing home care in a semi-private room averages even more, at $14,113 a month. Only adult day care, which averages $1,926 a month, is more affordable than home care.
III. How to Find Home Care in Danbury, 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 Danbury, CT.
Remember that there’s not necessarily a right or wrong choice – it comes down to choosing a provider that you feel comfortable with and who’s capable of meeting your specific needs. No matter which provider you choose, you should always have a formal arrangement with your expectations and the payment rate in writing. Doing so will prevent confusion or potential disagreements down the line so that the focus remains on helping the person receiving care.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Danbury, CT
Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging
What You Should Know
The Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging is the central hub for information about senior services in Danbury and the rest of western Connecticut. Homebound seniors can access information about nutrition services, government aid programs, local community supports and help for their caregivers.
The WCAAA provides counseling to help you understand your Medicaid benefits, including the state’s CHOICES program, and this is where families can get assistance from the National Family Caregiver Support program. Through the resources of the WCAAA, you have greater control over your care options and can get referrals to services you need to continue aging at home.
Who Is Eligible?
The services of the WCAAA are available to seniors and their caregivers in Danbury and the rest of the region.
How to Get Started
Call the WCAAA toll-free at (800) 994-9422. Its main office is located at 84 Progress Lane, Waterbury, CT, 06705, but Danbury seniors can access many of the supports at the Elmwood Hall Senior Center, located at 10 Elmwood Place, Danbury, CT 06810.
Meals on Wheels
What You Should Know
Nutrition is vital to living healthily at home, but many homebound seniors don’t have the resources to get healthy food when they need it. If you can’t get to the store easily, the Meals on Wheels program can help. Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver food to homebound seniors in Danbury and the rest of the county. The program ensures two nutritionally-balanced meals a day from one to seven days per week. Along with the meal delivery, Meals on Wheels volunteers check on the physical safety and well-being of the seniors they visit.
Who Is Eligible?
This program is open to anyone aged 60 and older who is homebound and unable to drive or use assistance to get to public places.
How to Get Started
To apply for Meals on Wheels, contact the Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging at (800) 994-9422.
Community First Choice
What You Should Know
Community First Choice gives seniors who need institutionalized care the power to have that level of care delivered at home and paid for using Medicaid benefits. CFC can also provide money to pay for professional help with activities of daily living and home health care tasks. This program is self-directed, which means you or someone you appoint has the responsibility for managing your services and choosing your caretakers.
Under CFC, qualifying seniors can receive modifications to their homes, home therapy services, personal care attendants, home-delivered meals and assistive technology using their Medicaid benefits. Many of these services allow the senior to continue living at home rather than transitioning to an assisted living community. All individuals who have CFC must have a personal care assistant of their choosing to take care of personal care needs.
Who Is Eligible?
Anyone in the Husky A, Husky C and Husky D Waiver programs under the state’s Medicaid program can qualify for CFC. This includes many income-eligible seniors.
How to Get Started
You can apply for CFC online. More information about the program is available through the WCAAA or the state of Connecticut’s Money Follows the Person website. For telephone help, dial 2-1-1 and choose Option 3.
CHOICES Program
What You Need to Know
The CHOICES program is the state’s State Health Insurance Program. It gives seniors access to information about Medicare and Medicaid coverage options to help them pay for their home care and other medical needs. All information is provided in an unbiased format, and counselors are trained to help seniors find the right coverage for their unique needs. This program is one of the services offered at the WCAAA.
Who Is Eligible?
Anyone who qualifies for Medicare can get free CHOICES counseling through the WCAAA.
How to Get Started
CHOICES counseling is available by appointment at the Danbury Senior Center at 10 Elmwood Place, Danbury, CT 06810. You can call (203) 797-4684 to schedule an appointment.
SweetHART Transportation
If you are homebound with limited mobility, transportation is challenging. The SweetHART Transportation program offers rides to seniors and individuals with disabilities at reduced cost throughout Danbury. Seniors have three choices for using this service. Dial-a-Ride is a door-to-door service for those who need help getting around town due to physical impairment. Half Fare is available to seniors who can get to a city bus but need help paying for their ticket. ADA Paratransit is a door-to-door service for any senior with physical or cognitive disabilities that prevent the use of the city bus system.
Who Is Eligible?
If you have a physical or cognitive disability or are 65 and older with limited mobility, you may qualify for help with transportation through SweetHART.
How to Get Started
To start using SweetHART, you must first complete an application. Call (203) 744-4070 to request one or download one online, then mail the completed application to 62 Federal Road, Danbury, CT 06180. Applications can also be emailed to [email protected].