I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Milford, CT

Nestled between Bridgeport and New Haven, Milford is a friendly community that’s known for its small-town charm and relaxed, suburban lifestyle. The coastal Connecticut city is home to more than 51,000 residents, over 19% of whom are seniors aged 65 and older. Originally founded in 1639, the city is one of Connecticut’s oldest communities; you can discover some of its fascinating past through the work of the Milford Historical Society. The area sees low rates of crime and is home to world-class medical facilities such as Bridgeport Hospital Milford Campus.

With Milford stretching across 17 miles of Long Island Sound shoreline, you can enjoy the many benefits of living in a waterfront community, such as picturesque views, access to multiple beaches, and a plethora of seaside recreation. The city’s sunny summer weather is perfect for outdoor excursions and walks along the famed boardwalk at Silver Sands State Park. In Milford’s quaint downtown, you’ll find an array of specialty boutiques, along with over 20 local eateries. The city is also home to a vibrant arts and culture scene that features multiple museums, galleries and performance venues.

II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Milford, CT

According to Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, you can expect to pay an average of $4,767 per month for basic home care services. If you require additional medical support such as medication assistance and diabetes management, you’ll likely pay around $4,948 per month for home health care.

These numbers are intended to give you a general sense of home care costs and are based on an average of 44 hours of in-home support per week. This means that the hourly rates for home care and home health care in Milford are around $27 and $28, respectively. These costs may vary depending on the type of care and the number of hours of assistance you require each week.

The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities

While home care costs are quite consistent across Connecticut, some cities are slightly more expensive than others. Home care services in Milford are a bit more costly than in the average Connecticut city, though you’ll pay the same price of $4,767 in both Bridgeport and Norwich. Hartford is the most affordable option, at $4,528 per month. Milford’s home health care is about $200 more expensive per month than that of Hartford and Norwich, but also $200 less expensive than what’s available in Bridgeport.

The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options

Depending on the scope of care you need, there are several options to choose from, though home care and home health care are among the most affordable. Care in an assisted living facility is quite a bit more costly than both types of home care at $6,445 per month. Nursing home care is the most expensive at $12,395 per month. At $1,110 per month, adult day care is the least expensive and a great choice if you only require minimal daily assistance.

Note: Data for Milford was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, New Haven, was used instead.

III. How to Find Home Care in Milford, 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 Milford, CT.

An infographic giving steps to finding a home care provider

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 Milford, CT

Milford Senior Center

What You Should Know
The Milford Senior Center offers a variety of in-house programs, activities, classes, clubs and services that can help you enjoy a comfortable and independent retirement while staying in touch with fellow community members. In addition to requesting a ride to the senior center, you can also schedule transportation for grocery trips or medical appointments on select days. If you’re homebound and unable to cook for yourself, you can sign up for the Meals on Wheels program to have hot meals delivered right to your door five days a week. The center also has an in-house social services worker, a wellness assistant and a senior benefits specialist on staff, all of whom can provide you with information about social services and medical benefits that you may be eligible for.

Who Is Eligible?
If you’re 55 years of age or older, you’re welcome to visit the Milford Senior Center and sign up for its many activities and programs.

How to Get Started
If you’d like to sign up for a program or get more information about some of the services offered, call the center at (203) 877-5131.

Area Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut

What You Should Know
The Area Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut provides advocacy, information and services to help you continue living independently at home while remaining active and engaged in the community. The organization is staffed by trained professionals who can help you navigate the process of applying for benefit programs and learning about insurance options. AAASCC workers can also connect you with local services and community-based programs, such as home modification and repair services, meal assistance, chore services and transportation options. Additionally, the AAASCC facilitates respite programs for caregivers of elderly adults to give them temporary relief from their duties.

Who Is Eligible?
The AAASCC is open to residents of cities across south central Connecticut. Age, income and location restrictions for specific programs and services may apply.

How to Get Started
To contact the Area Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut, call the organization’s main office at (203) 785-8533.

TEAM, Inc.

What You Should Know
TEAM is a private, not-for-profit human services agency that seeks to support economically disadvantaged and at-risk members of the community. Its range of senior-focused services can help you continue to live independently in your own home. Such support includes a Meals on Wheels program, congregate meals at community cafes, homemaking services, volunteer caregiving, medical transportation and adult incontinence supplies delivery.

Who Is Eligible?
You are eligible for all of TEAM’s Elderly Services if you are 60 years of age or older. There may be additional eligibility requirements for some of the programs, usually regarding location or income.

How to Get Started
To learn more about TEAM’s services, call the organization’s main office at (203) 736-5420.

Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders

What You Should Know
The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders provides a comprehensive range of services that can help you to live in your home as long as possible. Assistance may include homemaker services such as cleaning, laundry and meal preparation, personal care services, home-delivered meals, transportation and companion services. You may also be eligible for assistive technology and environmental accessibility upgrades for your home.

Who Is Eligible?
You are eligible to apply for CHCPE if you are a resident of Connecticut who is 65 years of age or older and you require a level of daily assistance that puts you at risk of being placed in a nursing home. You must also meet the program’s financial criteria.

How to Get Started
You can apply for this program by calling (800) 445-5394 or filling out the program’s online application form. Once you’ve provided the necessary information, a referral will be made and a care manager will visit you for an in-home assessment.

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program

What You Should Know
The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program can help you with your home energy costs during the cold seasons. The program offers financial assistance to subsidize the cost of your main heating source, whether it’s oil, natural gas, electricity, propane, coal or wood. You may also be eligible to receive weatherization assistance for your home, which can lower your heating costs.

Who Is Eligible?
As the CEAP program is intended to serve low-income residents, your income must be below 60% of the state median income. The amount you are eligible to receive is based on the size of your household and income. If you or a member of your household are 60 or older, you may be able to receive up to $725 in basic winter heating benefits.

How to Get Started
To inquire about eligibility or to schedule an appointment, call the Milford Department of Human Services at (203) 783-3253.