HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - A push for a new kind nursing homes in Connecticut is making its way through the state legislature.

The Senate unanimously passed a bill on Thursday that requires the Department of Social Services to help develop up to 10 so-called ``small house'' nursing homes. Such facilities provide more of a homelike, rather than institutionalized settings.

Sen. Jonathan Harris, a Democrat from West Hartford, says he hopes the pilot program will create a market in the state for the smaller nursing homes.

The pilot program would give priority to existing homes that are converted into small homes, house no more than 10 people and include private rooms and bathrooms and individualized care.

The bill awaits action in the House of Representatives.