In Connecticut, a nursing home costs on average about $327/day for 2009 for a semiprivate room, or $120,000/year. This figure increases about 4% each year. Connecticut is routinely the 2nd or 3rd most expensive state in the nation for nursing home care (Alaska is usually first, and Louisiana or Arkansas are usually the least expensive). The website www.medicare.gov/nhcompare/home.asp is a useful resource for locating a nursing home in your area and will provide useful quality of care information.

Assisted Living services and Independent Living arrangements generally cost less, but must be paid for privately—Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance do not yet pay for this level of care. Nursing homes bill their residents monthly and usually require that the first month be paid in advance if you are paying from your personal funds.