Assisted Living Bridgeport, CT

Senior living in Bridgeport, Connecticut

The City of Bridgeport is the largest city in Connecticut. It was first incorporated as a borough in the year 1800. It became a town in 1821, and then a city in the year 1836. The name, Bridgeport was a result of a drawbridge that was built over the Pequonnock River. It had a population of 144,000+ according to the latest Census. This makes it the 5th most populous city in New England. Out of this population, seniors occupy 10 percent, with 34 percent of the seniors living by themselves. Connecticut ranks 11^th in Long Term Care compared to other states. It ranks 10^th in America’s Health Rankings.

The earliest years of the city witnessed a boom in agriculture and fishing. This was before industrialization took over. The city is very accommodating of seniors who prefer to spend their retirement years there. The precipitation in Bridgeport is 42.7 and is evenly distributed all year round. The city has a humid continental and subtropical climate. The summer is usually warm, which seniors find very refreshing and perfect for their retirement years. They would need to get their jackets and sweaters ready during the winter period. The snow cover, usually, does not stay on the ground long. Winters in Bridgeport get 1 inch of snow or more 29 days per year, on average. 14 percent of the seniors living in Bridgeport are veterans.

Helpful programs for senior living/assisted living in Bridgeport

Seniors living in Bridgeport, Connecticut can visit various state departments to benefit from the retirement programs they qualify for. Department of Social Services is one such government institution committed to welfare of the residents of Connecticut, providing various assistance to seniors in Connecticut. Seniors who are in need of care can visit this department for services like financial assistance, food assistance, medical assistance, social work services and winter heating aid.

Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) is one of the many programs aimed at helping the senior residents of Bridgeport. Eligibility criteria for this program require all applicants to be of age 65 or more, they must be residents of the state of Connecticut and must meet specific financial requirements in addition to these. The applicant must also be at risk of nursing home placement which means that the applicant is in a condition where help with activities like bathing, eating, drinking, toileting and dressing will be mandatory. This program helps applicants to receive medical care at their homes without having to move to a skilled nursing facility.

The National Council on Aging is another place for seniors to gain access to a wide range of facilities they might find useful.  Millions of seniors who are financially vulnerable and are living with disabilities can seek help through this council with their medical care, prescription drugs, food, rent, etc. The council also assists seniors to enroll in Medicare and Medicaid programs. Seniors who are still active and in need of a job can also seek help with employment opportunities through this council.

Seniors with disabilities can benefit from the services of the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut (AASCC). The non-profit agency empowers seniors and adults to live as independently as possible while getting them involved in beneficial community activities, staying active, as well as helping with social security disability assistance.

For seniors that do not have a retirement plan, or earn low income and have difficulties paying their rents, the Bridgeport Housing would be of great help. The housing rates are subsidized for seniors who earn low income so that they can afford moderate apartments. The housing comprises of both government and private housing at subsidized rates.

Cost of assisted living in Bridgeport

On average, the annual cost of living in assisted homes in Bridgeport, Connecticut is $53,000. The cost of living in the city is 28% higher than the national average. Taxation is the main reason for the high rate. The income tax that people living in the city including seniors pay is 35 percent higher than that of the national average. The monthly cost of living for a senior with no dependants is $2,777 in the city. Annually, this cost amounts to $33,324.

The annual income of 13 percent of the seniors living in Bridgeport is less than $10,000. Seniors earning less than $20,000 make up for 36 percent of the senior population. The Social Security Income in the City of Bridgeport is $14,394 annually. The median household income for seniors living in the city is $28,640.

Only 2,323 seniors are working in Bridgeport. The price for a home in the city goes for $176,000 representing a 0.2 percent increase when compared to the national average. Home health care in Connecticut costs $763 while the national average is $693. Adult day care costs $1,679 in Connecticut while the national average is at $1,492. Nursing homes cost up to $13,231 in cities like Bridgeport while the national average is $7604.

Places of interest for seniors living in Bridgeport

Seniors living in Bridgeport can visit great restaurants and unique museums in the city, and of course, the only zoo in Connecticut. The Discovery Museum and Planetarium is an interesting place for seniors in the city to tour. They can visit the Barnum Museum, Housatonic Museum of Art and end the trip at the Captain’s Cove Seaport where they will be treated to sumptuous meals with an amazing water view.

Fayerweather Island Lighthouse, most commonly referred to as the Black Harbor Light, is a spot that seniors will find interesting. It can be easily accessed from the Seaside Park in the city. The carvings in the rocks tell a story that only people who have spent years in the city will understand. Seniors will enjoy the walk along the breakwater.

One hidden secret that many people may not be aware of about Bridgeport is that it has a beautiful beach called Bridgeport Secret. Seniors will find the spot very relaxing and calming. It is also great for a long walk along the seashore.