Costs of Assisted Living Care

As our loved ones age, families are often faced with the delicate task of finding the right care. One of the biggest questions that arise is how much assisted living in Connecticut will cost.  The overall range depends on where you live and how much care you need.  

For a quick answer, we might consider this Genworth Senior Living 2024 study.  It found that Connecticut assisted living facilities charge a median fee of $8,955 per month, which equates to $12.26 per hour. This is a significant savings compared to home care, which costs $35 per hour.

For another quick estimate, I can share what I’ve heard from others. Most people say assisted living costs range from as low as $4,500 per month to as high as $14,000 per month. This is still more affordable than many nursing homes, which often cost between $14,000 and $20,000 per month.

For a more detailed answer, it’s important to consider that 1 in 6 assisted living facilities in Connecticut participate in the Connecticut Home Care Program for the Elderly (CHCPE). This program provides up to $2,900 per month in assistance for low-asset seniors. At Shady Oaks, I have helped 36 residents access this aid since 2017.

Additionally, many seniors may qualify for Veterans Administration assistance. Veterans with less than $150,000 in assets who served at least one day of active duty during a time of war may receive $2,200 per month, while surviving spouses can receive $1,400 per month.

For many seniors, the biggest unexpected cost of assisted living comes from extra care requirements. Because many facilities have limited staffing, they require residents who need more care to hire 1:1 personal aides, which can be extremely costly. At Shady Oaks, we maintain high staffing levels, making this a rare necessity.

The advantage of nursing homes and residential care homes is that seniors who run out of money can remain in care by transitioning to Medicaid (Title 19). For seniors with less than $100,000 in assets who need high levels of care, this can be a practical option.

As a final comparison, many assisted living facilities attract seniors with low initial rates, only to increase costs through hidden fees. These may include admissions, recreation, furniture, meals, laundry, deposits, and unfair annual rate hikes. Some nearby facilities even require 60 days’ notice before moving out!

At Shady Oaks, we keep things simple. Our shared rooms range from $7,000 to $10,500 per month, with the higher end accommodating residents who require nursing home-level care. We assist with VA and Connecticut aid. Rooms are fully furnished, and we have no hidden fees or long-term lease requirements.

At Shady Oaks, we have built a strong reputation—not just for our cozy atmosphere and quality nursing care, but also for our fair pricing. As of March 2025, we have received 76 five-star Google reviews, with many families praising us for helping their loved ones avoid Medicaid-dependent nursing home care.