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

 

Fitchburg ranks as Worcester County's third-largest city with about 42,000 residents, including a senior community that makes up 14% of the population. The community offers a variety of amenities for seniors, including transportation services through the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority and recreational activities through the local senior center, and it has clean air.

Fitchburg has several assisted living facilities that serve seniors with daily care needs. These facilities are ideal for older adults who don't require extensive medical support but need help with day-to-day activities, such as housekeeping, meal planning and preparation and personal care. Many facilities have pet-friendly accommodations and apartment-style units for a homelike environment, and some have amenities, such as movie theaters and libraries. On average, seniors in Fitchburg pay $5,685 per month for this type of care. This runs high compared to the nation's average of $4,500 but falls below Massachusetts' average rate of $6,500.

Through this guide, readers can learn more about Fitchburg's features and amenities for seniors, along with details on how assisted living rates compare to local and regional alternatives. The guide also highlights some options seniors may have for funding their monthly care expenses. 

Assisted living facilities in Fitchburg obtain licensing through the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. This department requires all facilities to meet minimum standards for the scope of services they provide, staffing and care planning. It also publishes details on landlord/tenant laws as they pertain to assisted living residents.

 

• Fitchburg seniors pay the 5% state income tax on most of their retirement income, though the state doesn't tax Social Security benefits. Fortunately, the state provides a $700 exemption for those aged 65 and over, as well as dental and medical exemptions, which can reduce seniors' tax burden and help them fund their assisted living expenses.

 

• The overall cost of living in Fitchburg exceeds the national norm by 15%, which may drive up the cost of assisted living. However, it's important to note that high housing and utility prices largely affect this overall average, and seniors may largely avoid these expenses by opting for residential care instead of living in a private residence.

 

• Fitchburg's overall crime rate is significantly higher than the national average, although it aligns with what's typical for cities with similarly sized populations. The local property crime rate is consistent with cities of all sizes throughout the country, but violent crime occurs locally at a comparatively high rate. This may make moving to an assisted living preferable over living alone.

 

• Although Fitchburg doesn't have a hospital, local assisted living residents have high access to medical care through numerous hospitals within a 25-mile range, including Heywood Hospital in Gardner and Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer. These facilities provide age-informed services, as well as community initiatives and programs, promoting seniors' wellness and quality of life.

 

• Fitchburg has a humid continental climate with high amounts of precipitation and moderate temperatures throughout the year. During the winter, daytime temperatures typically fall between 32 and 37 degrees Fahrenheit, and in the summer, highs range from 76 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit. The city gets 71 inches of snow and 48 inches of rain, and while thunderstorms are common in the spring and summer months, severe weather events are uncommon. To keep residents safe and comfortable, many assisted living facilities have indoor and outdoor common areas, as well as backup generators in the event of weather-related power outages.

 

In Fitchburg, assisted living facilities charge an average monthly rate of $5,685 for housing and care.

Assisted living communities in Fitchburg charge $5,685 per month for services. Although this runs 26% higher than the national norm of $4,500, it offers significant monthly savings over Massachusetts’ average of $6,500. Some cities in Massachusetts offer more economical care, including Springfield, where facilities charge $5,048, and Pittsfield, where care costs come in 63% below Fitchburg’s norm. However, rates in Boston and Barnstable Town exceed Fitchburg’s average at $6,819 and $7,000, respectively.

Fitchburg seniors pay $5,685 for assisted living. This rate comes in hundreds of dollars below the $5,720 agencies charge for nonmedical in-home care, which includes services such as bathing assistance and light housekeeping, and it’s 4% less than what home health care agencies charge for services such as wound care and vitals monitoring. Additionally, seniors who live in private residences and receive daytime personal care services in a community setting pay comparatively affordable rates of $1,842 for adult day health care. On the other hand, assisted living is a cost-effective alternative to nursing home care, which costs $11,863 for around-the-clock personal care and medical support and monitoring in a hospital-like environment. 

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.