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The 10 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Boston, MA for 2024

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Home Care Agencies in Boston, MA

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Paying for Home Care in Boston, MA

The Cost of Home Care in Boston, MA

The average monthly cost of home care in Boston is $6,292, nearly $400 higher than the state average and $1,335 higher than the national average. Around 40 miles west of the state capital in Worcester, the average cost is approximately 9% lower. Farther west in Springfield, home care is significantly more affordable, representing an average saving of just over $950 per month. Barnstable Town in Massachusetts’ southeast corner is the only city in the state where the average monthly home care cost is more expensive, around 6% higher than the Boston average.

Boston

$6,292

Massachusetts

$5,911

The United States

$4,957

Barnstable Town

$6,673

Worcester

$5,720

Springfield

$5,339

Pittsfield

$5,625

The Cost of Home Care vs. Other Senior Care Options in Boston, MA

Non-medical in-home care in Boston costs $6,292 per month on average, while in-home health care, which can include certain skilled nursing services and rehabilitation therapies, is around $50 less. Average monthly assisted living facility fees are about $525 higher, and full-time nursing home care is significantly more expensive — over double the cost at $13,155. For some seniors, adult day care, offered outside the home during weekday business hours only, can represent an affordable alternative; prices average less than 26% of the typical cost of home care in the city.

Home Care

$6,292

Home Health Care

$6,244

Adult Day Care

$1,614

Assisted Living

$6,819

Nursing Home Care (semiprivate room)

$13,155

Financial Assistance for Home Care in Boston, MA

Given the high cost of in-home care, many people use one or more forms of financial assistance to cover the expenses. Below, we explain some of the most common sources of financial help for paying for in-home care. If none of these options are available to you, you can reach out to your Area Agency on Aging or Aging and Disability Resource Center to learn about local resources.

  • Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance covers expenses related to senior care, including in-home care. Depending on the policy type, beneficiaries may receive a cash payment to use towards long-term care or reimbursement for qualifying long-term care expenses. Note that there are limitations- typically a maximum benefit of $150 per day- and exact coverage terms vary depending on the exact policy, so always check the details.
  • Medicare: Medicare does not cover in-home care because it is classified as custodial, or non-medical, care. However, some Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, which offer expanded benefits, may cover in-home custodial care.
  • Medicaid: Medicaid coverage of in-home care varies between different states because it is not a federally mandated benefit. Currently, all states cover some in-home care either through their standard Medicaid or a waiver program. The specific coverage rules are set individually by each state.
  • Veterans’ Benefits: The Aid and Attendance benefit is a monthly cash payment that beneficiaries can use to pay for senior care, including in-home care services. To qualify for A&A, Veterans must already receive the VA pension and meet several additional requirements, including needing assistance with the activities of daily living. Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to learn more.
  • Reverse Mortgages: Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) are federally insured loans that are available to homeowners age 62 and over. Reverse mortgages allow you to access a portion of your home’s equity in cash, tax free. Many seniors use reverse mortgages to finance their care expenses, including in-home care. Note that although there are no monthly payments due on reverse mortgage loans, borrowers do have to repay the loan once the last surviving homeowner passes away, moves, or sells the home.

Free & Low-Cost Home Care Resources in Boston, MA

Numerous resources in Boston help seniors remain living at home as they age. Some are included below and offer programs on the following topics:  healthcare counseling, respite care, legal services, transportation, home repairs and meal services. 

ResourceContactService
Massachusetts State Home Care ProgramOnlineMassachusetts provides care management and in-home care to help seniors age in place. Its web page has general information, rate tables and access to Options Counseling, a free service for seniors 60 and over. Residents and their families can call MassOptions toll-free at (800) 243-4636 to connect with a local counselor.
Boston Senior Home Care (BSHC)(617)451-6400BSHC keeps vulnerable Boston residents in their own homes for as long as possible. It offers information and referrals and access to a wide range of services and programs, from caregiver training to legal advice and referrals to respite services. The program connects seniors and their families to the support they need.
Age Strong Commission(617)635-4366An initiative of Boston's Area Agency on Aging, the Commission provides access to food through low-cost dine-in locations and meal delivery. Other vital services include the free Age Strong transportation shuttle, taxi coupons, in-person care assessments, home visits, and more.
Boston ElderINFO(617)292-6211Part of the Elder Care Alliance, ElderINFO provides referrals to community programs such as SNAP, which helps eligible seniors pay for groceries, and Adult Foster Care, which applies principles of shared living to give seniors living at home companionship and care.
Beacon Hill Village(617)723-9713Part of the Village to Village Network, this organization is a membership-led association of adults 50 and over. It offers an array of support services, social and wellness programs, cultural and educational activities and excursions for Boston seniors.
Senior Home Repair Program(617)635-4663In partnership with the Boston Home Center, this program provides discounted small home repairs for seniors and zero percent-interest deferred loans for major tasks such as replacing a roof or heating system. The program also runs a foreclosure intervention service as well as other initiatives to help seniors remain in their homes.
FoodSource (FS) Hotline(800)645-8333Seniors living at home often experience food insecurity, especially as grocery prices rise. Hosted by Project Bread, the FS hotline provides emergency food assistance in 180 languages. It prioritizes seniors for immediate relief with referrals to community nutrition programs, including food pantries, the Boston Food Bank and Meals on Wheels services.

Determining Your Loved One’s Need for In-Home Care

Aging can be a difficult process, and loved ones may not always ask for help – oftentimes it’s up to their family to evaluate their need for help around the house. While no two situations are exactly alike, this checklist can help you and your loved ones determine when it’s time to start the search for a home care provider.

Download
Checklist for determining the need for home care
Checklist for determining the need for home care

Guidelines for Talking About In-Home Care

If you’ve determined that your loved one needs the assistance of a care provider in their home, it may be time for a difficult conversation. Handled correctly, however, this process can bring a family together and ensure that everyone’s concerns are addressed. Use this PDF as a starting point to help the conversation stay as positive and productive as possible.

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Talking with Family and Others about a loved one's needs
Talking with Family and Others about a loved one's needs

Frequently Asked Questions

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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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