I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Hartford, CT
Hartford has a population of over 120,000 people and home to almost 14,000 seniors aged 65 and older. It’s been ranked as one of the top U.S. cities for a healthy and affordable retirement and in the top 25 best cities to live in the United States for quality of life.
If you’re a history buff, Hartford has many attractions for you to enjoy. The Mark Twain House and Museum and the Butler-McCook House & Garden are must-visit destinations where you can explore pieces of America’s history. The Parkville Market, located in one of the city’s up-and-coming neighborhoods, is great to visit with family or friends. It has 19 unique restaurants and over 20 retail vendors. If you love nature, a walk by the Connecticut River is excellent for relaxing and socializing.
When it comes to seniors’ health, Hartford is home to two of the state’s best hospitals, including the Hartford Hospital and St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, ranked second and third in Connecticut. With senior-friendly recreational amenities and a robust healthcare system, Hartford can be a great option to retire and live independently at home for as long as possible.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Hartford, CT
The average cost of home care and home health care in Hartford are $4,528 and $4,767 per month, according to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2020. Home health care can cost more as it offers additional medical services such as skilled nursing. However, this price difference can vary depending on where you’re receiving this service.
Hartford’s monthly fees are calculated based on the assumption of 44 hours of care a week. The amount you’ll end up paying for in-home services depends on the number of hours of care you’ll need per week. At an hourly rate, home care costs $23.75 and $25 in Hartford.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Hartford’s monthly home care costs are $48 less than the state average and $47 more than the national average. For home health care, Hartford’s fees are the same as Connecticut’s but $191 more than the U.S. median. Compared to other Connecticut cities, Hartford has the lowest home care fees, costing $239 less than Norwich, New Haven and Bridgeport. While the city’s home health care prices are lower than New Haven and Bridgeport, it shares Norwich’s cost.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Since in-home care fees are calculated on an hourly rate, it can be one of the more affordable care options as you’ll only pay for the hours you require. Adult daycare is the least expensive care option in Hartford, costing you $1,896 per month, while nursing home costs are the priciest at $13,079 per month. Home care and home health care are also between $900-$1,200 less than assisted living. Since assisted living and in-home care offer similar services, the latter remains an ideal option in Hartford if you don’t require full-time care.
III. How to Find Home Care in Hartford, 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 Hartford, 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 Hartford, CT
Meals on Wheels
What You Should Know
The Community Renewal Team is a nonprofit agency that has helped residents in Central Connecticut for over 50 years improve their quality of life. CRT offers a Meals on Wheels service to deliver hot, healthy meals to homebound seniors. You can customize lunches based on your needs. For example, you can request special diets or cold dinners. The application process requires an interview or home visit to assess needs. Volunteers will deliver hot lunches between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The agency suggests a $3 donation per meal but won’t turn away individuals who cannot pay.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible to receive home-delivered meals if you are 60 years or older, unable to eat at a community meal location and assessed as medically homebound by CRT staff. You must also live within the service area of Hartford, Middlesex and Tolland counties.
How to Get Started
If you would like to get started with Meals on Wheels, you can contact a program manager at (860) 560-5848.
Paratransit Transportation Services
What You Should Know
The Greater Hartford Transit District offers paratransit service for individuals unable to use CTtransit’s fixed-route public transit service due to a disability. The eligibility requirements are strict and fall into four categories: unconditional eligibility, conditional eligibility, temporary eligibility and not eligible. There is a $3.50 fee for a one-way trip, or you can buy a 10-ride ticket book at a reduced rate. Personal care attendants can accompany you free of charge and service animals are welcome. Rides can be booked five days ahead but no later than 24 hours before your ride. Receiving an ADA paratransit certification requires submitting a completed application and a face-to-face interview before a decision is made on your eligibility.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for paratransit services if you have a disability that prevents you from independently traveling on a fixed route bus stop. You may also qualify if you can use an accessible fixed-route vehicle but the route is inaccessible or if you can’t navigate the system on your own even though you can board the bus.
How to Get Started
If you would like to learn more about the paratransit transportation service, you can reach 860-724-5340 x9. For questions regarding your ADA eligibility, call (860) 247-5329 ext. 3005, 3011 or 3043.
Senior Assessment Program
What You Should Know
Hartford HealthCare Senior Services offers several programs for older adults to help them remain independent and healthy. In its senior assessment program, healthcare professionals can evaluate you for free in your home or any of the Hartford HealthCare centers. After the assessment, a resource coordinator will refer you to relevant resources that best meet your needs, such as meals and grocery programs, transportation and in-home services. Coordinators are knowledgeable in the availability, cost and quality of community resources. The program can also connect you with concierge services where specialists can assist with pet sitting, snow removal and minor repairs.
Who Is Eligible?
There are no specific eligibility requirements for seniors to access the program.
How to Get Started
You can call (877) 424-4641 to learn more about Hartford HealthCare’s senior assessment program.
Emergency Home Repairs
What You Should Know
Rebuilding Together Hartford is a nonprofit organization aiming to help low-income homeowners, particularly seniors, persons with disabilities or families with children, by providing free home renovations and repairs. It has been offering the Emergency Home Repair program since 2002. The program offers repairs to homes facing critical issues that may affect their safety or independence. Repairs performed include replacing water heaters, fixing roofs and repairing major electrical and plumbing. The organization can also install grab bars, handrails, raised toilets, accessible showers and ramps to ensure you can continue to live safely in your home.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for emergency home repairs if you need assistance with critical house issues. You must also be current on your property taxes or on a payment plan and provide proof of Hartford residency and household income.
How to Get Started
If you require emergency repairs, you can complete an application and mail it to P.O. Box 230295, Hartford, CT 06123-0295, fax it to (860) 722-6083 or email [email protected]. For further questions regarding the program, you can reach (860) 757-9425.
Hartford Senior Centers
What You Should Know
The city of Hartford is home to several multi-purpose senior centers that offer various activities and services. These centers can provide resources to help you maintain your independence. You can obtain information regarding in-home assistance, health insurance, transportation services and home-delivered meals. Hartford’s senior centers are the Hispanic Senior Center, North End Senior Center, Parkville Senior Center and South End Wellness Senior Center.
Who Is Eligible?
These centers are open to individuals aged 55 and older.
How to Get Started
Contact or visit your closest senior center if you have questions regarding programs or activities. For other inquiries, you can also contact the city at (860) 757-9311.