Page Reviewed / Updated – Jan. 23, 2023

Program Description

The Congregate Housing Services Program (CHSP) provides heavily subsidized housing with services such as personal care, medication administration, and meals to elderly residents at about 14 different locations throughout the state. The group homes are mostly located in the rural areas of Eastern and Western Connecticut, and as there are just 14 group homes, there are a finite number of spaces available. Therefore, waiting lists for admission may exist.

This program is somewhat unique in that approximately half of its funding comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). CHSP is under the administration of the Department of Social Services, Aging Services Division, and is operated by the Eastern Connecticut Area Agency on Aging and Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging.

Eligibility Guidelines

Program participants must be legal Connecticut residents and at least 62 years of age (or any age if disabled). They must be assessed by a medical professional and found to have challenges completing a minimum of three of the activities of daily living, which include dressing oneself, eating, and mobility. Furthermore, they must be able to afford to pay their share of cost. However, share of cost amounts are negligible when compared to the cost of living independently or paying out-of-pocket for other residential care.

Unlike most assistance programs, the applicant’s monthly income and financial resources are not considered as eligibility factors. However, they may be considered as prioritization factors and are also used in determining co-payment amounts (share of cost).  It can be presumed that priority will be given to those individuals who have the greatest need.

Benefits and Services

The exact services and benefits available to program participants may vary depending in which of the 14 locations they reside.  In addition to case management services, most residences offer the following services:

  • Personal Care (in homes or in adult day care)
  • Congregate Meals / Meals on Wheels (a minimum of one hot meal daily)
  • Housekeeping Services (cleaning and laundry)
  • Transportation Assistance
  • Medication Assistance
  • Money Management
  • Chore Services and Grocery Shopping
  • 24-Hour Security
  • Home Health Aid
  • Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)
  • Foot Care

Participants are expected to pay a portion of the room, board, and care costs. This amount is 25%, up to 20% of an individual’s adjusted gross income. It is estimated the average resident spends between $200 and $450 / month out-of-pocket to participate in this program.

The level of care provided in Congregate Housing Programs is typically less than is provided in assisted living communities.

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How to Apply / Learn More

To begin the application process or to inquire about availability one should contact either the Eastern or Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging depending on the area of the state in which they want to reside.   Some limited additional information is available about this program on the State Department of Aging webpage.

Contacts

Eastern Connecticut Area Agency on Aging (Senior Resources)
19 Ohio Avenue, Suite 2
Norwich, CT 06360
860-887-3561 or 800-690-6998
Click here to go the Senior Resources webpage

Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging (WCAAA)
84 Progress Lane
Waterbury, CT 06705
203-757-5449 or 800-994-9422
Click here to go to the WCAAA’s webpage