Home Care in Connecticut

The average starting cost of home care in Connecticut is $32 per hour, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data. Based on our ranking methodology, the top-rated home care agencies in Connecticut are Homewatch CareGivers of New Britain, CT, Unity Home Care or Senior Helpers of Central West Hartford, CT.

Home care in Connecticut allows seniors to remain in the comfort of their own homes while receiving personalized support with daily activities. From larger cities like Stamford, Hartford, and New Haven to smaller communities throughout the state, families can choose from a variety of home care providers. When comparing options, many families look for dependable caregivers, flexible scheduling, and services that fit their loved one’s changing needs.

Home care focuses on nonmedical assistance, such as help with personal care, meal preparation, and companionship, while home health care provides medical services delivered by licensed health care professionals. Although some providers offer both types of care, A Place for Mom’s network is made up of nonmedical home care agencies. To help families find the right fit, A Place for Mom has partnered with 176 home care agencies across Connecticut.

Home care in Connecticut typically costs $32 per hour – comparable to the national average of $32.^[01] Monthly costs vary depending on how many hours of care your loved one needs. The following costs are estimated based on the average hourly rate in Connecticut:

• Part-time care (20 hours/week): $2,762 per month
• Full-time care (44 hours/week): $6,076 per month

Several factors can affect home care costs in Connecticut, including:

• Type of assistance needed, such as companionship, household help, or personal care
• Specialized support for conditions like dementia or mobility challenges
• Care provided during evenings, weekends, or holidays
• Around-the-clock coverage, including 24-hour or live-in care
• Caregiver qualifications, training, and years of experience

In Connecticut, most families pay for nonmedical home care using a combination of private and public sources, which may include long-term care insurance, Medicaid, and other payment methods.

Private pay options

Personal financial resources that can help cover the cost of home care include:

• Social Security benefits
• Savings, investments, or pensions
• Long-term care insurance
• Life insurance conversion
• Reverse mortgage

VA benefits

Veterans and their surviving spouses may be able to use benefit programs from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help pay for home care. The Aid and Attendance benefit provides additional monthly payments to eligible veterans and survivors who need assistance with daily activities.^[02]

Veterans enrolled in VA health care may also qualify for in-home services through programs such as Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care, Home-Based Primary Care, Skilled Home Health Care, Hospice Care, and Home Respite Care.^{[03,04,05,06,07]}

You can learn more at VA.gov or through the Connecticut Veterans Affairs website.

Connecticut Medicaid

Medicaid is health insurance co-funded by the federal and state governments and is designed for low-income individuals and families. Connecticut’s Medicaid program, also known as HUSKY Health, helps cover the cost of personal care services through:^[08,09]

• The Community First Choice (CFC) program
• The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE)

Covered services may include:

• Assistance with activities of daily living
• Personal care services
• Adult day health services
• Homemaker services
• Chronic disease self-management
• Assistive technologies

While CFC is an entitlement, meaning any eligible senior will receive services, the CHCPE program is not, so your loved one may be placed on a waiting list. All Medicaid programs require recipients to demonstrate financial need; some also require them to demonstrate medical necessity.

Medicare

Medicare may pay for skilled home health services, such as nursing care, physical therapy, or occupational therapy, when specific eligibility requirements are met. However, nonmedical home care is only covered when it is delivered in conjunction with approved home health services.^[10]

Connecticut regulates both home health agencies and nonmedical home care agencies, also known as homemaker companion agencies. Home care agencies are regulated by the state’s Department of Consumer Protection.^[11] Home health agencies are regulated by the Connecticut Department of Public Health.^[12]

Does Connecticut require home care agencies to have a license?

Yes. In Connecticut, home care agencies, also known as homemaker companion agencies, must be registered by the Department of Consumer Protection.^[11]

Does Connecticut conduct inspections of home care agencies?

The state’s Department of Consumer Protection inspects only an agency’s registration and business records.^[13,14]

How to check licensing and inspection reports for home care agencies in Connecticut

Families can verify an agency’s license status through the Connecticut eLicense lookup tool. Licensed agencies must meet requirements related to:^[15]

• Business insurance
• Processes and standards for hiring and training staff
• Documentation of client and service needs and agreements

Some agencies may also seek voluntary accreditation from organizations like The Joint Commission, which can indicate a higher level of quality.^[16]

What are hiring practices for home care agencies in Connecticut?

Connecticut requires home care agencies to follow hiring and training practices for home care aides, including:^[13,15]

• Rigorous background checks
• In-person or video conference interviews
• Mandated reporter training

These requirements help agencies screen prospective employees and educate caregivers on recognizing and reporting abuse, neglect, and exploitation. However, Connecticut does not currently require homemaker-companion aides to complete standardized caregiving training, so training practices and qualifications can vary by agency.^[15]

Choosing the right agency is one of the most important steps in arranging care for your loved one. Here are some tips to guide your decision:

• Check licensing. Make sure the agency is licensed in Connecticut. A Place for Mom verifies licensing for agencies in our network twice per year, helping families feel more confident in their search.
• Read reviews. Look for consistent feedback about caregiver reliability and compassion.
• Ask about training. Ensure caregivers receive proper onboarding and ongoing education.
• Request detailed pricing information. Agencies may require weekly hour minimums and charge higher rates for care provided overnight, on weekends, and on holidays.
• Understand services. Confirm the agency offers the level of care your loved one needs.
• Meet caregivers. A good personality match can make a big difference when it comes to the comfort of your loved one.

Read more: How to Choose a Home Care Agency