Connecticut
CT DSS orders patients transferred out of Windsor Locks nursing home over safety concerns
A nursing home in Windsor Locks will have to transfer all its residents by April 10 due to safety concerns, according to the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS).
The order comes a month after a 93-year-old Margaret “Peggy” Healey, who police said had Alzheimer’s or dementia, was found lying in the snow outside the Bickford Health Care Center.
Staff at Bickford found Healey lying in the snow at 5:07 a.m on Feb. 8., three hours and 17 minutes after she left the building, according to police.
Patrol officers were called to Bickford at 6:23 a.m., four and a half hours after Healey was seen exiting. She was pronounced dead at 6:46 a.m., police said.
Healey, who had Alzheimer’s or dementia, left through an employee entrance at the back of the building, which is designed to stay closed and locked, according to police. Detectives learned that the door is often left propped open and that the keypad access code is printed nearby.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) looked into Bickford following Healey’s death, and found the facility violated several state statutes in its response before and after Healey was found. DPH also said that Healey’s medical file at the facility did not include her “wandering behaviors” and interventions.
In the report, DPH also said that the facility failed to ensure that three emergency exit doors were maintained, and failed to ensure that the doors fully closed and latched after opening, or sounded an alarm when opened.
DPH also found other operational violations in the facility, including a lack of paperwork for radiology and lab work, as well as a failure to provide evidence of physician coverage for 24-hour coverage.
“The commissioner finds that the health, safety, and welfare of the patients in the facility is jeopardized,” DSS said.
DSS appointed a temporary manager for Bickford and will transfer all patients from the facility to participating facilities.
“This order reflects our commitment to ensuring that the individuals who call Bickford home are moved to safe, appropriate settings as quickly and compassionately as possible,” said DSS Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves. “The Temporary Manager will work closely with DSS, DPH, and the Long Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO) to ensure each resident receives the care and support they need throughout this transition.”
“Ensuring the health, safety, and dignity of nursing home residents is a responsibility we take seriously at the Department of Public Health,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “Our investigation made clear that the residents of Bickford Health Care Center deserved better. We are committed to working closely with DSS and the LTCO to ensure every individual is transitioned with care to a setting where they can receive the quality care they need and deserve.”
New data is shedding light on the state of Connecticut’s economy and labor force.
On this episode of the CBIA BizCast, CBIA Foundation director Dustin Nord joins host Amanda Marlow to talk about new Connecticut Department of Labor data that highlights the mismatch between increased job openings and a shrinking labor force.
Connecticut job openings jumped 2.6% in May to 87,356—however, since May 2025, 37,700 people have left Connecticut’s labor force.
Nord breaks down some of the reasons for this mismatch and what needs to be done to address Connecticut’s economic challenges.
He also shares insights into a U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report showing Connecticut’s economy expanded 1.8% in the first quarter of 2026.
Episode Highlights:
- Job Openings vs. Workforce Shortage
- Unemployment Trends
- GDP Growth Amid Labor Challenges
- Affordability and Long-Term Competitiveness
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Connecticut
This Underrated Connecticut Town Is Getting National Recognition as One of the Best Places to Live
According to Islands.com, one Connecticut town is getting some well-deserved national attention, and it’s probably not the one you’d expect.
When people think about standout Connecticut destinations, places like Mystic, Greenwich, or New Haven usually dominate the conversation. But this time, the spotlight is on Cheshire, which was recently recognized as one of the best places to live in the state.
The national travel website points to Cheshire’s combination of small-town charm, outdoor recreation, local businesses, and great restaurants as some of the biggest reasons it’s become such a desirable place to call home. It’s also no stranger to high rankings. Cheshire was named the best place to live in New Haven County by Niche in 2025 and has also landed on Money Magazine’s list of the best places to live in America. Its public schools continue to receive high marks as well.
One of Cheshire’s biggest draws is its access to nature. The town is home to scenic orchards, beautiful greenhouses, and is known as Connecticut’s bedding plant capital. During the fall, local farms and orchards become popular destinations for apple picking, fresh cider, and seasonal treats. Outdoor lovers also have easy access to Roaring Brook Falls, Sleeping Giant State Park, and the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail.
Of course, no Connecticut town earns national praise without having some great food. Islands.com highlighted Cheshire’s pizza scene, including Fuoco Apizza and Pop’s Pizza, along with Viron Rondo Osteria for Italian cuisine. Beer lovers can also stop by Counter Weight Brewing, while Sweet Claude’s Ice Cream and Shef’s Bagels round out the town’s lineup of local favorites.
Cheshire may not get the same attention as some of Connecticut’s bigger destinations, but this latest recognition suggests it deserves a spot on your list. Whether you’re looking for a weekend road trip or thinking about putting down roots, this quiet New Haven County town is proving it has a lot more to offer than many people realize.
7 of the Most Beautiful Towns in the State of Connecticut
Connecticut is overflowing with both manmade and natural beauty. In some places, the two intersect to create a magical, almost fictional feel. Here are 7 Connecticut Towns that look like they came straight from a storybook.
Gallery Credit: Lou Milano
5 Historic Connecticut Towns That Feel Frozen in Time
Connecticut is full of towns people rush past on the highway without realizing what they’re missing. Everyone knows the big names, but some of the best places in the state are the ones that don’t always make the travel lists. These towns are quieter, full of character, and worth slowing down for at least an afternoon.
Gallery Credit: Lou Milano
Look Inside the Largest Indoor Collaborative Artwork in the World
I visited the American Mural Project in Winsted, Connecticut for the first time recently, and for those who haven’t seen it, here’s a quick peek at what to expect when you gaze upon the largest indoor collaborative piece of artwork in the world
Gallery Credit: Photos by Large Dave
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