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

Worcester is a dynamic mid-sized city in central Massachusetts with over 200,000 residents, about 30,000 of whom are aged 65 and older. This livable community is listed on the AARP Age-Friendly Network for the quality of life it provides for its older residents. Seniors have high access to affordable health care, discounted public transportation services and nonprofit organizations, such as the senior center. Worcester is also among the more affordable places to live in the state, which may enable older adults to maintain their standard of living, even on a fixed income.

Assisted living facilities in Worcester house older adults who are mainly active and independent but need help with some daily living activities, such as dressing, bathing or meal preparation. These facilities typically have studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments and offer convenient services and amenities, such as restaurant-style dining, housekeeping and transportation for local errands and medical appointments. On average, seniors in Worcester pay $5,685 for this type of care, which is high compared to the national average but considerably lower than the state median.

This guide provides more information on assisted living rates in Worcester, financial assistance options and agencies and programs that serve seniors in the region.

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Assisted Living Facilities in Worcester, Massachusetts

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What to Consider About Assisted Living in Worcester

Assisted living facilities in Worcester are required to obtain certification from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs. This agency enforces rules regarding care planning, facility amenities and recreation, nutrition services and intake and discharge procedures. It conducts regularly scheduled and unannounced visits to ensure ongoing compliance with these rules.  

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Worcester

  • Worcester has a comparatively low cost of living, which may impact assisted living costs and benefit older adults with limited incomes. Overall, living costs come in roughly on par with national averages and about 25% lower than Massachusetts as a whole. 
  • The Worcester Regional Transit Authority, which provides public transportation for the city, has special services for older adults. Through its Elderly & Disabled Program, those aged 60 and over can ride the bus for half the regular fare. To ride for the discounted rate, seniors must present their WRTA Senior Pass, which they get by presenting their photo ID at the WRTA Customer Service Center on Foster Street. This can help to supplement paid transportation services seniors have access to through assisted living. 
  • Worcester is listed on the AARP Age-Friendly Network, indicating that its officials have taken steps to make the community a safe and enjoyable place for people of all ages. The city is in the top half of communities in the United States and has a livability score of 55. Factors that positively affect this score include its accessible transportation, clean environment and well-designed neighborhoods.  
  • The American Lung Association gives the Worcester region a C for ozone pollution, an A for 24-hour particle pollution and a passing grade for annual particle pollution. This indicates that the air is generally clean and suitable for those with breathing and heart conditions. 
  • Seniors in Worcester don’t pay state income taxes on their Social Security benefits or government pensions, but they pay income taxes at the full amount on all other types of retirement income. To help older adults use the deductions and exemptions available to them, local agencies, such as the Area Agency on Aging, provide free tax filing assistance. 
  • Health care costs in Worcester run about 15% lower than the national average, and the city has approximately 246 doctors per capita versus the national rate of 210, ensuring high access to affordable medical care. Three hospitals are located within the city limits, including UMASS Memorial Medical Center, and assisted living facilities typically have visiting physicians who provide primary care services. 

Paying for Assisted Living in Worcester, 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 Worcester and 60 other cities in Massachusetts.

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

Inflation has resulted in a gradual increase of assisted living rates in Worcester. From 2022 to 2024, average fees may rise to around 18%, from $5,431 to a projected $6,408. The 2023 figure of $5,950 is higher than the respective U.S. and state averages of $5,599 and $4,459. Inflation has a similar impact in other cities across the state. Between 2022 and 2024 assisted living costs are also projected to rise to about 18% in Boston, Springfield and Plymouth.

Location2022 Cost (Historical)2023 Cost (Current)2024 Cost (Estimated)
Worcester$5,431$5,950$6,408
U.S. Average$4,070$4,459$4,802
Massachusetts$5,202$5,599$6,393
Boston$4,579$5,017$5,403
Plymouth$6,335$6,940$7,474
Springfield$5,097$5,584$6,014

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

Seniors in Worcester pay $5,685 per month for assisted living, which is over $1,000 higher than the national median of $4,500 but considerably lower than Massachusetts’ average rate of $6,500. Local rates are about $3,600 higher than care costs in Pittsfield, where rates are the lowest in the state at $2,084. Monthly care costs in Springfield are closer to Worcester’s median at $5,048. In Boston, seniors pay over $1,000 more per month for assisted living than their counterparts in Worcester, with rates averaging $6,819, and in Barnstable Town, fees are the highest in the state at $7,000. 

Worcester

$5,685

Massachusetts

$6,500

United States

$4,500

Barnstable Town

$7,000

Springfield

$5,048

Boston

$6,819

Pittsfield

$2,084

The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living

Long-term care costs in Worcester vary according to factors such as specialized services, facility amenities and types of care. Assisted living averages $5,950 per month in 2023, while memory care runs significantly higher, at $12,000. Independent living provides greater flexibility for seniors with few support needs, and averages $3,333 per month. Seniors should consider their preferences, budget and care needs when choosing the most suitable type of senior living.

Assisted Living

$5,950

Memory Care

$12,000

Independent Living

$3,333

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Worcester

Several sources of financial assistance are available to eligible seniors in Worcester, including Senior Care Options through Medicaid and Mass-Health, and Supplemental Security Income Category G, which is accessible through the Social Security Administration.

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

Financial Assistance 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 Worcester,MA

There are many resources in Worcester,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
Central Mass Agency on Aging, Inc. - Worcester800-244-3032Massachusetts 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.
Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc.800-243-5111Massachusetts 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.

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 Worcester seniors afford the nutritious food they need.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Catholic Charities Food Pantry - Worcester508-798-0191There are many food pantries throughout Massachusetts supplying residents on low incomes with the provisions they need to avoid hunger, and many equip visitors with information on good nutrition. All pantries listed here operate independently, so opening times and eligibility requirements are unique to each. Foodstuffs may also differ, but pasta, rice and canned goods are common while fresh food, such as meat, fruits and vegetables, is subject to recent donations.
Meals on Wheels - Worcester800-243-5111Meals 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.

Free Used Medical Equipment

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

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Easterseals Massachusetts Long-Term Device Loan Program800-244-2756Easterseals 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.
MassMATCH800-244-2756MassMATCH 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 Worcester 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
Community Legal Aid - Worcester855-252-5342This nonprofit is aimed at helping Massachusetts residents who are unable to afford legal counsel. If you're at least 60 years old, you qualify for assistance in cases regarding your rights as a resident of a community living facility. CLA can also help you with some benefit claims, such as those regarding SSI and SNAP. CLA can only offer assistance in civil cases.

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 Worcester have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) - Worcester800-545-4577The 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.

Social Security Offices

Social Security offices in Worcester 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
Worcester Social Security Office866-331-9069Social 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. Worcester retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - Worcester800-545-4577The 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.

Veteran's Services

Worcester 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
Worcester Vet Center508-753-7902The Worcester Vet Center offers confidential counseling while connecting veterans and service members with community resources. Along with telehealth appointments via video and phone, veterans can access vocational rehabilitation programs and receive referrals if they're struggling with homelessness, substance abuse or thoughts of suicide. Individual counseling helps those dealing with PTSD, depression and trauma, and specialized support groups are available for first responders and Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Evidence-based therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy, are used.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Worcester

Worcester Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities 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

Debra

I visited this facility

Review of Tatnuck Park at Worcester

Tatnuck Park at Worcester was beautiful. We liked that one. The person, Ariana, that we met with was very, very helpful. There was plenty of staff. It was very comfortable. Everybody appeared to be...

Read more

Assisted Living

Betsy

I visited this facility

Review of Tatnuck Park at Worcester

I will be moving to Tatnuck Park at Worcester. It's so friendly and so clean, and there were so many nice residents that I met. There were three meals a day, I don't have to cook anymore, I don't...

Provider response

Hello Betsy, Thank you so much for the wonderful review. We are so glad to hear about your experience with our community. Our dedicated associates take great pride in providing the very best...

Read more

Assisted Living

Ron Berube

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

Review of Oasis At Dodge Park

My mom has been at the Oasis for going on 2 years. The shared room that she is in is very nice and spacious and the staff has been incredible. My mom enjoys the entertainment that the Oasis...

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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