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Assisted Living in Massachusetts

Overview of assisted living in Massachusetts

Massachusetts seniors seeking social, secure, and maintenance-free housing may be interested in assisted living. Assisted living communities focus on resident health and safety while promoting independence and an active, engaged lifestyle. The average monthly cost of assisted living in Massachusetts is about $6,800, making it one of the most expensive states in the country for assisted living, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] While this number is on the higher end, it’s good to keep in mind it’s the final cost families paid, meaning it includes room and board, amenity and services fees, and add-ons.

Cost of assisted living in Massachusetts

The average cost of assisted living in Massachusetts is around $6,800 a month, according to A Place for Mom’s most recent proprietary data from our network of partner communities. This is nearly $1,700 more than the national average cost of $5,100, making Massachusetts one of the nation’s most expensive assisted living locations.[01]

Prices vary greatly depending on location, services, amenities, and the level of care a community provides. Throughout our network of Massachusetts assisted living communities, costs typically range from around $3,900 to roughly $9,900 a month. Communities in the larger metropolitan area of Boston generally cost more each month than facilities in more rural locations or smaller towns.

The monthly average cost of $6,800 may seem steep, but it covers a senior’s complete care needs within the community, including assistance with activities of daily living, like dressing, bathing, and using the restroom, three nutritious meals a day, housekeeping services, planned social events, and more.

Public programs like Medicare and Medicaid may cover some of the costs of medical care expenses in assisted living communities if your loved one qualifies.

Compare costs of Massachusetts vs. the national average

Average monthly costs

Massachusetts

$6,969/mo

US National average

$4,522/mo

Compare costs of assisted living vs. nearby states

Average monthly costs

Massachusetts

$6,969/mo

Rhode Island

$4,744/mo

Connecticut

$9,331/mo

New Hampshire

$6,093/mo

Vermont

$6,118/mo

Compare costs of assisted living in Massachusetts vs. nearby cities

Average monthly costs

Massachusetts

$6,969/mo

Boston, MA

$7,517/mo

Worcester, MA

$6,575/mo

Quincy, MA

$7,439/mo

Compare costs of assisted living vs. other senior care types in Massachusetts

Average monthly costs

Paying for assisted living in Massachusetts

Each senior has unique financial needs, preferences, and care requirements, all of which can affect the ways they choose to pay for assisted living. Across the board, the earlier you’re able to determine your family’s budget and financial resources, the more options your aging loved one may have available.

Timely consideration is essential, especially if your loved one plans to use Medicare or Medicaid to cover any medical services in assisted living. Applications for these programs may involve waiting and approval periods.

We’ll explore a mix of public and private payment options families tend to use below. For a high-level overview of how to pay for senior living, read through our complete guide to paying for long-term care.

Most families cover the majority of assisted living costs using private pay sources, such as pensions, retirement funds, and personal assets. Explore the options below to see if your family could use any of these methods to fund assisted living.

Selling a house

Selling your house in Massachusetts can provide funds to put toward assisted living.

Reverse mortgage

Leveraging home equity through a reverse mortgage can help pay for assisted living.

Health savings accounts

A Health Savings Account (HSA) can cover the cost of health expenses, like certain care services and medical supplies, in Illinois assisted living.

Life insurance

A life insurance policy can be sold or surrendered for cash value to offset the costs of assisted living in Massachusetts.

Social Security benefits for assisted living

Seniors who qualify for Social Security can use those funds at their cash value to cover part of their assisted living costs in Massachusetts.

Top-rated Assisted Living facilities in Massachusetts

13
13 Photos available

Brookmeadow at Blue Hills

2121 Central St, Stoughton, MA 02072
9.9
Review Score
26 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Jodi A - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

From the first day we were welcomed for our tour , my mom felt like she was home. The kindness we were greeted with that day continues, and we knew we had made right choice. There was no better feeling...

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16
16 Photos available
5
5 Floor plans available

Maplewood at Mayflower Place

579 Buck Island Road, West Yarmouth, MA 02673
9.9
Review Score
51 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Diane E - I live or lived in this community

My husband is in the nursing home and I am in assisted living. I can see him every day just walking through a hall way. So happy we can be together.

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13
13 Photos available
12
12 Floor plans available

Cedarbrook Village at Ware

73 South St, Ware, MA 01082
9.9
Review Score
35 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

I think my comment is more general, but families should be prepared to do lots of advocacy for their family member. Their special meals they do really well. Their portions for my specific family member are...

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Top-rated Assisted Living facilities in Boston

See top facilities
16
16 Photos available
3
3 Floor plans available

Chestnut Park At Cleveland Circle

50 Sutherland Rd, Brighton, MA 02135
9.2
Review Score
18 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Kim - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

The staff, overall, is exceptional! My Dad is in memory care and I can't even begin to tell you how good every member of the staff is there. Communication with family is good. The move in process was...

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16
16 Photos available

Standish Village

1190 Adams Street, Boston, MA 02124
8.7
Review Score
21 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Patrick Banfield - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

I am grateful to all the hardworking folks at Standish Village who have created such a wonderful community right in Lower Mills. My mother moved into the assisted living side about 5 weeks ago. Her quality...

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3
3 Photos available

The Residence at Boylston Place

615 Heath St, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
8.4
Review Score
16 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

The facility (memory care section anyway) is brand new so everything is fresh and clean and new. The "apartments" (room with mini kitchenette) are good size.

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Top-rated Assisted Living facilities in Danvers

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18
18 Photos available

Charter Senior Living of Danvers

220 Conant St, Danvers, MA 01923
9.5
Review Score
56 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

The communication with the nursing staff could be better. We picked this community because of the location and affordability.Overall good experience would recommend

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12
12 Photos available

Putnam Farm at Danvers

9 Summer Street, Danvers, MA 01923
9.2
Review Score
28 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Jess - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

My loved one is currently a resident at Putnam Farm at Danvers and it's been a fantastic experience at this facility so far! We loved this facility even when we first toured it. This facility has a very kind...

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14
14 Photos available
3
3 Floor plans available

The Atrium at Veronica Drive

1 Veronica Drive, Danvers, MA 01923
8.4
Review Score
24 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Robert - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

What we like the most about The Atrium at Veronica Drive is the quality of care the staff members give to my mother. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would recommend this community to other...

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Top-rated Assisted Living facilities in Worcester

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6
6 Photos available

Dodge Park Rest Home

101 Randolph Rd, Worcester, MA 01606
9.6
Review Score
33 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Stephen S - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

We wanted to write this letter to thank you and all your staff at Dodge Park Rest Home for the excellent care given to Uncle [name removed] and Aunt [name removed]. We have been to many places of rehab and...

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7
7 Photos available

The Oasis at Dodge Park

102 Randolph Rd, Worcester, MA 01606
9.5
Review Score
27 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Pat A - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

To everyone reading this memo I am filled with so much Joy at the amazing love and kindness and support my husband is receiving at this most difficult time in our 45 years of marriage! He is approaching...

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15
15 Photos available
3
3 Floor plans available

Tatnuck Park At Worcester

340 May Street, Worcester, MA 01602
9.3
Review Score
25 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

Memory unit is in same facility so if one spouse needs it the other can easily spend time together It is a lot of money, but my loved one seems well cared for.

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Top-rated Assisted Living facilities in Springfield

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6
6 Photos available
4
4 Floor plans available

The Wellington at Springfield

942 Grayson Dr, Springfield, MA 01119
9.2
Review Score
146 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

The move in process was smooth. Communication can be tricky and I often have to contact a couple of times to get a response. Housekeeping is doing a good job of keeping the apartment clean. There's a nice...

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13
13 Photos available
12
12 Floor plans available

Cedarbrook Village at Ware

73 South St, Ware, MA 01082
9.9
Review Score
35 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

I think my comment is more general, but families should be prepared to do lots of advocacy for their family member. Their special meals they do really well. Their portions for my specific family member are...

Get Pricing
9
9 Photos available

Southwick Village

802 College Hwy, Southwick, MA 01077
9.9
Review Score
27 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anne S - I'm a current/former resident or client

I have has lived at Southwick Village for several years. The community is set in a beautifully maintained campus with all the amenities I need as I age. Activities, food and most importantly, the staff are...

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Assisted living requirements and regulations in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs certifies assisted living facilities throughout the state. These communities must offer a combination of personal care services, housing, and meals on a monthly rental basis. They may not provide medical or nursing services to seniors in need of serious medical care.[03]

Some assisted living communities in Massachusetts are designated as special care residences. These support seniors with specialized needs due to dementia or other cognitive impairments, and have additional regulations.

When licensing assisted living facilities, the state considers the following questions:

  • Do residents receive help with activities of daily living? On-site staff members must be prepared to assist residents with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
  • How is medication managed? Assisted living staff can help residents manage self-administered medications. Limited medication can be administered by an individual designated in writing by the resident or a family representative, or by a specially licensed and authorized nurse.
  • Does the community meet state safety standards? Assisted living communities must comply with state sanitary regulations, fire and building codes, and communicable disease control plans. They also have to complete comprehensive emergency management plans.
  • Does the facility comply with occupancy standards? No more than two people can occupy a unit in an assisted living facility. There must be at least one bathroom per unit in facilities built after 1995.
  • Are residents assessed before admission? Before a resident moves in, a nurse will conduct an initial screening to determine the prospective resident’s care needs and ensure the community is able to meet those needs.

Staffing requirements for Massachusetts assisted living facilities

Every community must have a service plan coordinator and manager on staff. Depending on the number of residents in a facility, at least one staff member has to be present 24 hours a day. There’s no minimum staff to resident ratio, but communities are required to have sufficient staff to manage all resident needs and assist in case of an emergency.

All staff members who provide direct care must be licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants, certified home health aides or personal care homemakers. If a staff member isn’t licensed in one of these ways, they must complete a 54-hour training course in addition to ongoing education.[03]

Understanding Massachusetts’s system of regulation and records

We developed a system to rate each state based on the ease of information access. In other words, how easy — or difficult — it is to find important assisted living records and reports.

States with the most transparent records allow you to look up important information about each assisted living facility online, including inspections, complaints, survey results, violations, capacity, and Medicaid acceptance.

Access to Massachusetts assisted living records: Basic

Public access to assisted living records and reports for the state of Massachusetts is basic. Key findings that informed this rating include:

  • As of writing, it is unknown whether the Massachusetts residency list was recently updated as there is no published date available.
  • Massachusetts does not post surveys or inspection reports of assisted living facilities online, so a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request is necessary to obtain records.

How to look up Massachusetts assisted living licenses and records

Visit the Massachusetts Office of Elder Affairs for information about senior care licensing.

  • As of writing, to request a copy of an inspection report or a copy of any complaints, fax the Executive Office of Elder Affairs at 617-727-9368.
  • If you need to make a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to get records, you can visit the state by state resources from the National Freedom of Information Coalition, which includes sample state-specific FOIA letters.

How we arrived at our Massachusetts rating

We developed a standard methodology for state data collection and evaluation, and we based our rating primarily on the objective, state-specific accessibility criteria outlined in these questions:
1. Are licensed assisted living communities listed online in any form? Yes
2. If Yes to #1, is the information updated frequently? No
3. If Yes to #1, is the list of licensed communities searchable? No
4. Does the state post inspections, complaints, survey results, or violations online? No
5. If Yes to #4, is the information updated frequently (within 90 days)? No or not applicable
6. If Yes to #2 and #4, is the enforcement information included in the same place as licensed communities? No or not applicable
7. If Yes to #4 and No to #6, are violations and inspections searchable at all? No
8. Is information about special licensing for care shown? No or not applicable
9. Is capacity shown? Yes
10. Are payment types shown (e.g., Medicaid, private pay)? No
11. Is the administrator/contact name shown? No
12. Can the state fine a facility? Yes
13. What is the frequency of inspections? Every 24 months
14. Does the website include pricing of facilities? No

References

  1. A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

Top cities in Massachusetts for assisted living

9.1
Cape Cod, MA
6 facilities
8.6
Plymouth, MA
10 facilities
8.2
Springfield, MA
22 facilities
7.9
Worcester, MA
19 facilities
7.3
Boston, MA
83 facilities
7.3
Danvers, MA
30 facilities

Find assisted living in other states

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.