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The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Boston, MA for 2024

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Assisted Living Facilities in Boston, Massachusetts

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What to Consider About Assisted Living in Boston

Boston-area assisted living facilities are overseen by the Division of Health Care Facility Licensure and Certification. This agency is responsible for licensing assisted living facilities in the state, and it carries out unannounced inspections and checks to make sure that all facilities are compliant with the state rules and regulations

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Boston

  • Crime rates in Boston are relatively high and considerably higher than the national average. Violent crime rates in Boston are significantly higher than the state average at 6.48 cases per 1,000 residents compared to 3.03 per 1,000 residents for the state. Property crime rates are also higher than the Massachusetts average. However compared to other communities with a similar population, Boston’s crime rate is markedly lower than average, making it safer than most cities of a comparable size. 
  • Boston has a continental climate with large contrasts between seasons. The city enjoys hot sunny summers but has cold snowy winters. In summer, temperatures can reach 100 °F, and in winter they can get down to 0 °F, but spring and fall are pleasant.
  • The cost of living in Boston is high, ranked in the top 1% of the most expensive cities in the world. Living costs are 48% higher than the national average, with utilities 41% higher and transportation 11% higher. However, Boston can still be an affordable place for seniors to live with the help of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which offers services for seniors to assist with living costs. 
  • Boston boasts excellent health care facilities. Massachusetts General Hospital has been ranked the best hospital in the United States and the second best in the world. Other high-quality hospitals and medical centers in the city include Boston Medical Center.
  • Massachusetts is relatively tax-friendly for seniors. Although private pensions are usually taxable, government pensions are exempt. The state also fully exempts Social Security retirement benefits. Estate tax has an exemption of $1 million, which is one of the lowest in the United States. These tax policies help seniors enjoy a higher quality of life and keep more of their life earnings. 

Paying for Assisted Living in Boston, MA

When trying to decide how to pay for assisted living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of more than 75,000 senior living providers to provide insight into the average cost of assisted living in Boston and 60 other cities in Massachusetts.

Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Assisted Living in Boston, MA

Assisted living fees in Boston have slowly but steadily increased over the last few years, rising by a projected 18% between 2022 and 2024. Overall, Boston's assisted living fees are relatively costly, being around 12% higher than the national average. Compared to other cities in Massachusetts, however, Boston is relatively affordable, having average fees that are roughly 15% lower than the state average. Inflation has impacted most Massachusetts cities to a similar degree. Assisted living prices in Norton and Leominster are both projected to increase by almost 18%, as are average fees in Brewster, one of the most costly cities.

Location2022 Cost (Historical)2023 Cost (Current)2024 Cost (Estimated)
Boston$4,579$5,017$5,403
U.S. Average$4,070$4,459$4,802
Massachusetts$5,202$5,599$6,393
Brewster$6,070$6,650$7,162
Norton$4,567$5,004$5,389
Leominster$4,550$4,985$5,368

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

With an average monthly cost of $6,819, Boston is one of the most expensive cities for assisted living in Massachusetts. The only city that is more expensive is Barnstable Town which costs $7,000 per month. The nearby city of Worcester is significantly cheaper than Boston at $5,685 and the cheapest city in the state for assisted living is Pittsfield, where the average monthly cost is only $2,084.

Boston

$6,819

Massachusetts

$6,500

The United States

$4,500

Barnstable Town

$7,000

Worcester

$5,685

Pittsfield

$2,084

The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living

Care costs in Boston vary depending on the facility chosen. Assisted living facilities, offering room and board and help with the activities of daily living, average $5,017 per month. Memory care communities typically charge slightly more, at $6,295 per month, due to the additional training required for dementia care services. Independent living services, which provide accessible accommodation but less day-to-day support, are by far the most affordable, typically charging just $3,249 monthly.

Assisted Living

$5,017

Memory Care

$6,295

Independent Living

$3,249

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Boston

MassHealth, the Medicaid program of the state of Massachusetts, covers the cost of assisted living services through the Moving Forward Plan – Residential Supports (MFP-RS) waiver for eligible seniors in Boston or through the Supportive Senior Housing Initiative for residents of state-funded assisted living residences.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page.

Paying for Assisted Living Facilities in Massachusetts

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Boston,MA

There are many resources in Boston,MA that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.

For information about statewide resources and those in nearby cities, go to Caring’s Massachusetts state page.

Area Agency on Aging

Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
AgeStrong Commission617-635-4366Massachusetts is home to many Area Agencies on Aging that provide supportive services to older adults. These agencies can help seniors get connected with local programs that assist them with daily needs, including caregiver support, transportation services, meal programs and health and wellness resources. AAAs also work to combat elder abuse and fraud and empower seniors to ensure a life of safety and dignity.
Boston Senior Home Care617-292-6211Massachusetts is home to many Area Agencies on Aging that provide supportive services to older adults. These agencies can help seniors get connected with local programs that assist them with daily needs, including caregiver support, transportation services, meal programs and health and wellness resources. AAAs also work to combat elder abuse and fraud and empower seniors to ensure a life of safety and dignity.
Central Boston Elder Services, Inc.617-277-7416Massachusetts is home to many Area Agencies on Aging that provide supportive services to older adults. These agencies can help seniors get connected with local programs that assist them with daily needs, including caregiver support, transportation services, meal programs and health and wellness resources. AAAs also work to combat elder abuse and fraud and empower seniors to ensure a life of safety and dignity.

Financial Assistance for Senior Care

Boston seniors wishing to remain in their own homes can find financial assistance from several local resources. These programs and organizations help retirees cover the cost of services such as home care, property modifications and utilities.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Massachusetts Home Care Program617-727-7750Home Care Services is for seniors needing only non-medical services, such as personal care, home-delivered meals and dementia day care. It can also cover costs for homeuse adaptive equipment, such as ramps, making it particularly useful for seniors with mobility issues.
Massachusetts Frail Elder Waiver800-243-4636The Frail Elder Waiver covers care costs for seniors residing in their own homes or the home of a relative with caregiving responsibilities. Congregate housing residents also fall within the waiver's scope. It can pay medical and non-medical costs, such as skilled nursing and personal care.

Food Assistance Programs

Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Boston seniors afford the nutritious food they need.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Elderly Nutrition Program - Boston617-357-0226Meals on Wheels agencies deliver freshly prepared and nutritionally balanced meals to adults aged 60 and older throughout Massachusetts. There are subtle differences between each branch, such as their delivery schedules and recommended donation per meal, but they all deliver to seniors regardless of their incomes, and none will refuse a meal based on the senior's ability to pay.
Greater Boston Food Bank617-427-5200Seniors and others experiencing food insecurity can request assistance from one of the more than 600 food pantries, soup kitchens, meal programs and senior centers served by the Greater Boston Food Bank in Boston, MA. Seniors can visit the organization's website to learn more about its distribution sites and mobile food markets throughout Eastern Massachusetts. In addition, the organization helps recipients apply for SNAP benefits and free food from the USDA's Commodity Supplemental Food Program.
Haley House Food Pantry617-236-8132Haley House Food Pantry distributes nutritious groceries to residents in need in the South End and Roxbury neighborhoods in Boston, MA. Seniors and other community members can take home fruits, vegetables and healthy food items when they need help stocking their pantries. The food pantry is open on Thursdays. Recipients can obtain tickets at 7 a.m., and they may pick up their grocery bags at 10 a.m.

Free Used Medical Equipment

Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Boston collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Assistive Technology Regional Centers - Boston800-244-2756MassMATCH is a short-term loan program that maximizes access to assistive technologies throughout Massachusetts for those in most need.

Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Boston seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Greater Boston Legal Services800-323-3205The Greater Boston Legal Services provides free legal services to adults age 60 and older in the greater Boston region. It is a network of volunteer lawyers who provide free civil legal help to low-income individuals in the region. Many of their services apply to older adults, including abuse and neglect prevention, consumer rights services, health care benefits services and government benefits services.

Home Repair and Modifications

Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Boston have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Massachusetts Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP)866-500-5599The Home Modification Loan Program provides older residents with interest-free loans, which they can use to adapt their homes to their needs. Loans are repaid when the owner sells the property or transfers the title deed.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) - Boston617-357-6012The purpose of the Weatherization Assistance Program is to improve the energy efficiency of seniors' homes, which can reduce utility costs, while also making living spaces safer.

Senior Centers

Senior centers in Boston bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Easterseals Massachusetts Senior Services - Boston800-244-2756Easterseals Massachusetts long-term device loan program is for those on low incomes who may be unable to purchase medical equipment for home use. The service provides assistive technology, such as phones with large tactile buttons, wrist-cuff blood pressure monitors and screen reading devices.

Social Security Offices

Social Security offices in Boston help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Boston Social Security Office800-772-1213Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working.

Utility & Energy Bill Assistance

Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Boston retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Massachusetts Fuel Assistance Programs617-573-1100Massachusetts Fuel Assistance Programs are aimed at assisting seniors with home heating costs during the state's severe winters. Residents who receive SNAP or other low-income benefits can qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as well as discounted utility rates. Applications for LIHEAP open on October 1. Seniors may be eligible for one-time emergency financing from the Salvation Army Good Neighbor Fund or Joe-4-Oil.
Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP) - Boston617-357-6012The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program can pay a percentage of seniors' winter heating bills. There is no fee for application, and seniors reach out to their local services providers, who will not charge for their assistance.
Massachusetts Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)617-573-1100The Massachusetts Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists eligible seniors with their home heating bills. Residents who qualify must have income equal to or lower than 60% of the estimated state median income for Massachusetts. Applications are open online on October 1 and available in person at one of several local LIHEAP agencies. Residents must provide a photo ID, a list of household members, income proof and a heating bill copy.

Veteran's Services

Boston retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Boston Vet Center857-203-6461At the Boston Vet Center, veterans and service members can receive confidential counseling without cost. Licensed counselors specialize in the Gottman Method for couples therapy, with family, grief and bereavement counseling also available. For those struggling with mental health, counseling is available for issues such as PTSD, depression, anger, aggressive behavior and substance abuse. Evidence-based treatments are used, including cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure. Staff supports the specific needs of female, minority and first-response veterans.
VA Boston Healthcare System, Jamaica Plain Campus617-232-9500The Jamaica Plain Campus of the VA Boston Healthcare System is a medical center for veterans that offers primary and specialty services. Visitors can access amputation care (including prosthetics and rehabilitation), optometry, physical therapy, arthritis treatment, oncology and pulmonary medicine. This facility provides on-site radiation oncology, imaging, hospice care, pathology and a full-service pharmacy. Veterans can also get support with mobility devices such as scooters, wheelchairs and custom seating with long-term follow-up services.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Boston

Boston-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Massachusetts are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Massachusetts

Reviews of Communities Nearby

Assisted Living

Margaret

I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident

Review of Sophia Snow Place

My sister is at Sophia Snow Place. It's very comfortable and well-furnished. The food is good, and I like that. I don't think they have enough staffing though. With regard to activities, the only...

Read more

Assisted Living

Nicole

I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident

Review of Standish Village

Dad is at Standish Village. We like the atmosphere and the location of it. The rooms are very nice. The staff is very friendly. The facility seems very clean. There are only two bicycles in there...

Read more

Assisted Living

Holly

I visited this facility

Review of Springhouse Senior Living

We looked here. It was a lovely facility, and the tour was given by a very experienced person in the field. She did a nice job of explaining what they offered. She helped us see the various levels...

Read more

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The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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