Find Assisted Living Facilities near Boston, MA

Assisted Living in Boston, Massachusetts

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is one type of senior care that delivers residents support with activities of daily living (ADLs). Residents in assisted living should expect to get support with ADLs that involve bathing, dressing, medication management, meals and more. Not to be confused with a skilled nursing community where residents receive nursing services night and day, residents in assisted living routinely have access to personnel 24 hours per day while likewise enjoying engaging activities and a solid sense of community. Occasionally, assisted living communities provide support for seniors with certain medical needs such as cognitive impairment from Alzheimer s disease or a related form of dementia, diabetes, or incontinence care.

Deciding what type of senior care you or your family member needs is definitely a complicated decision. To make sure you are selecting the proper level of care, consult with a medical professionall. You can also call our Senior Living Advisors who are ready to answer any of your inquiries and help you select a senior care community that meets your needs.

What Services Are Available?

Amenities and services offered in assisted living may differ greatly in each community. Generally, most communities provide a range of housing styles, meal plans, transportation, and more.

Other amenities often found in assisted living include:

• Medical services
• Physical and rehabilitation therapies on-site and off-site
• Activities and entertainment calendar
• Exercise and nutrition courses
• Housekeeping services
• Medication management
• Transportation services

How can I Tour Assisted Living Communities?

It is strongly suggested that you tour multiple assisted living communities before choosing the best one for you or your family member. Touring several communities can help you discover what options can be found, what your own preferences are, and will ultimately help you make a decision. Phone or contact A Place for Mom and we’ll help you setup a tour at your preferred community.

Here are a few of the top questions you’ll want to be ready to ask throughout your tour:

• Are the current residents friendly and happy?
• Are there any services not contained in the monthly bill? If so, what exactly are they and exactly how much do they cost?
• Is a nurse generally available around the clock?
• Is an initial evaluation required before admission?
• Is there a waitlist? If so, how long will it be before you can move in?
• Will there be a courtyard or patio for residents to enjoy space outside?
• What are your apartment accommodation alternatives?
• What exactly are your billing and payment policies and procedures?
• What does the exterior of the community look like? Is it neat and in good appearance?
• What’s the staff-to-resident ratio? Are the team members involved? Friendly?
• What’s your discharge plan?
• What is your prescription administration guideline?
• What kind of experience and techniques do your team members have?

Will Medicare Pay for Assisted Living?

As the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities and people with End-Stage Renal Disease, Medicare can play an essential role in paying for some senior care.

But, it is crucial to comprehend what Medicare will pay for and what it will not. If the beneficiary has been in the hospital for at least three days, Medicare will cover short-term skilled nursing care related to hospitalization for 100 days, if your physician recommends it.

Medicare has four primary parts:

1. Part A, Hospital Insurance: This helps pay for inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing community (following a hospital stay), home health care and hospice care.
2. Part B, Medical Insurance: This helps pay for services supplied by doctors and various other healthcare providers, outpatient care, many preventive care services, durable medical equipment, and some home health care expenses.
3. Part C, Medicare Advantage: These plans are available in many areas. People who have Medicare Parts A and B can want to receive all their health care services, including Part D prescription drugs if a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MAPD) is selected, through one of these provider organizations under Part C.
4. Part D, Prescription Drug Coverage: This helps pay for prescription drugs.

Medicare covers medically necessary skilled care at a nursing home only when you need short-term skilled care for an illness or personal injury and you meet certain conditions. To find out about Medicare benefits, download A Place for Mom s Medicare Resource Guide.

How Can I See Assisted Living Inspections and Ratings in Massachusetts?

The state of Massachusetts offers great access to its assisted living community records through it’s Executive Office of Elder Affairs website. Available data includes licensed assisted living communities that are updated frequently, and information regarding assisted living licensing and violations.

In the state of Massachusetts, assisted living communities are required for legal reasons to:

• Provide enough staff to care for residents, but are not required to have a nurse on staff 24 hours per day
• Provide assistance and supervision with bathing, dressing, and mobility to all or any residents that have these activities within their service plan
• Provide each resident with a written service plan that includes a doctor s evaluation and evaluation

How Do I Choose the best Assisted Living community?

Choosing the assisted living community that’s right for you and your loved one is one of the most important decisions you can make. During your visit, consider the standard of attention that a family member may receive. Your choice of if, when and where to move resides solely with you as well as your loved one, so consider what factors are actually important to you. You can also read through a few of the 166 testimonials about communities in the greater Boston region. Here are some facts to consider:

• Activities: It s smart to try to schedule your tour together with community events. Ask the manager if you can view the activities and even participate. Are the activities and get-togethers well attended? Will the staff seem to be appreciating the experience as well? Take a look at the community calendar of get-togethers. Do they meet your loved one s hobbies? Do the activities and events vary in size and type? Do they include outings and trips away from the community? If it’s important to your household, Don’t forget to check out faith based services.
• Cleanliness: Does the community feel clean and healthy? Make sure to look past the furnishings and into baseboards, corners, and windows. Ask how frequently housekeeping is included in the personal living space. Be sure to get total details on the types of maintenance provided and the estimated response times. Don’t forget to enquire about laundry procedures. Gather specifics on what is obtainable and at what expense.
• Friendliness: The attitude and friendliness of the personnel are of the utmost importance. Make sure that you observe countless workers interacting with current occupants. Do they pay attention and make eye contact? Ensure that you receive a good understanding of the staffing pattern. Just how many people are actually involved with residents care? Make sure you obtain an introduction to the management group. This will help you understand the goals of the facility. It’s important that you have confidence in the property s management.
• Meals: Much like the majority of us, the dining area experience is vital to seniors. When touring communities, it is essential to go over entree choices and find out about dining hours, options, and procedures. Be sure you and your family member enjoy a meal at community. It’s not only a terrific way to sample the cuisine, but it s a great chance to meet other residents. Make sure to discuss what goes on if a resident is not able to make it to the dining room for meals.
• Reputation: Ask residents and family members, past and present, for his or her honest views about the community. Many communities include a resident council that will be happy to answer any of your questions.
• Security and safety: Security and safety features are extremely important and offer reassurance for the caregiver. Be sure that bathrooms are accessible and also have grab bars in convenient spots. Ask how residents get in touch with the staff if they have a crisis in their living area. Learn about other security features available in living quarters and through the entire community. Make sure you find out about staffing structures to determine who is on-site consistently to assist residents. Is there registered nurses on-site? How do staffing patterns differ during the night? How does the community assist or manage residents medication requirements?
• Trust your gut: When you are touring, make sure you think about yourself or your family member actually living at community. Can you imagine your family member feeling happy? Do you feel at ease? Are the staff and residents open, inviting and friendly?

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Boston, MA?

The typical cost of assisted living in the state of Massachusetts in 2018 was $5,495 monthly while the average monthly cost for Boston ranges from $0 to $0 monthly. Charges for assisted living communities may differ widely depending on amenities, location, and services, so if the cost can be an issue consider looking at nearby areas and towns might offer you more versatility in your spending budget.

For more information on assisted living costs, visit A Place for Mom s Senior Living Cost Planner, based on the actual prices families pay when they move into assisted living and it is the only cost index of its kind.

How to Finance Assisted Living

Many families experience sticker shock when starting their hunt for senior living. How to finance senior care can be an obstacle for care. Many families fund a move to assisted living through the sale of a house or personal savings, but for some people, this might not be an option.

Listed below are three other options that may help you finance assisted living:

1. Life Insurance Policies: If the senior moving into assisted living has a life insurance policy, you could be able to liquidate the policy and receive funds right now to cover senior care costs. Different constraints and regulations apply depending on the kind of insurance plan you have, so contact a monetary advisor or eldercare legal professionall to learn more about your alternatives.
2. Reverse Mortgages: For senior couples who may have different care needs, a reverse mortgage can be a good way for just one person to move into assisted living while another remains in the home. A reverse mortgage allows homeowners aged 62 or older to borrow on their home equity. For more information, contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to find a reverse mortgage counseling agency near you or contact the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.
3. Veterans Benefits: Many veterans are unaware they are eligible for senior care benefits. The Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit has helped a large number of families afford assisted living. To qualify, veterans are required to be at least 65 years old and have served at least 3 months of active duty, with at least 1 day during what the Veterans Administration considers ‘‚¬Ëœactive wartime periods . Qualifying widows and widowers of veterans may also be able to receive benefits. With the existing average age of U.S. veterans at 64 years old, it s worth it to discover if your loved one may be eligible for benefits. To learn more about benefits for veterans, see get in touch with the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Affairs or check out www.va.gov.

For additional ideas about how to finance your move to senior living, contact A Place for Mom to speak to a Senior Living Advisor today.

5 Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living community

There s no question that choosing an assisted living community can be overwhelming. However, considering these five important things when considering making the move to assisted living will help you make a better-educated decision:

1. How many employees are on hand to assist at night? Some assisted living communities provide nursing personnel around the clock, while others may have more generalized help available after hours. It isn’t required that around the clock care be given in assisted living in Massachusetts.
2. Is there a waitlist? Here’s where doing your homework can really pay off – plan ahead! Sought after communities can fill up fast. If the one you like isn’t available, ask about the waitlist and what the community s plan is for administering it. Many communities will require a deposit and some communities have internal lists for special care needs.
3. Will there be a patio space? Moving to assisted living will not mean you or your family member needs to live without a beloved back garden or patio space. If having access to a gardening area, an outdoor patio or a courtyard is definitely very important to your loved one, search for a community that gives residents that space. Many larger assisted living communities give a range of yards, with features such as walking paths, gardens and BBQ places for community get-togethers.
4. What is the staff-to-resident ratio? According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 25% of assisted living communities have a ratio of 1 personal care associate for every 23 residents. Staffing may differ widely depending on the size of the community, so be sure to enquire about the communities you would like. Ultimately, you need to know if this community can provide your loved one with the help and support they want?
5. What services are included in the monthly rate? Understand what is going to be included in the standard fee structure and what might incur additional cost before signing any contract. Some communities employ a fee-for-service model, or a la carte pricing, which means they bill a monthly cost for rent and meals but additional charges for things such as medication management. Others may use a tiered cost model where different levels of care are charged different charges. Eldercare attorneys can review these agreements and help you with any discrepancies.

Contact us for more information about what to look for when visiting an assisted living community.

What Else Should I Consider When Choosing a community?

There s no shortage of senior care options in Boston – this is why we have Senior Living Advisors ready to help. They are experts in helping match seniors to the communities that will be the best fit for their budget, care needs, and personality.

Below are a few things to keep in mind during your search:

• Concentrate on current necessities. What does your loved one need now? Do they need help bathing and dressing? Do they have special circumstances like limited vision or special diets? Think about the here and today, not what might have been their decision ten or 15 years back.
• If possible, tour at least three communities. Start with planned tours and consider having a meal with the residents. If none seem like a good fit, ask your Senior Living Advisor for more alternatives and Don’t hesitate to ask questions and take down notes while you re there.
• Look at community through your loved one s lens – instead of your own. It is easy to be swayed by the amenities and features you may choose for yourself, but in the end it comes down to what will work best for your loved one. Would they enjoy the benefits of a bigger community or be more comfortable in a smaller, more intimate setting?

The process of selecting the most appropriate assisted living community is often confusing, but we are here to help you navigate your senior care search.

Contact A Place for Mom today – we can help relieve your anxiety while helping you save money and time, ultimately finding a location that meets your budget and care necessities.

What Is Senior Living Like in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts is a lovely state with a wealthy history. Senior living residents in Massachusetts enjoy having access to big city experiences while also enjoying picturesque East Coast charm. The state has four distinct seasons, boasting beautiful fall foliage, scenic winter landscapes, bright springtime flowers, and hot summer months days to be enjoyed at the state s shoreline.

When considering choosing senior living in Boston, MA, there are several things to consider, from the amount of health care and help and support to lifestyle, location and more. Massachusetts has many options available so you can make a confident and educated decision for your family.