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

Braintree offers its nearly 39,000 residents comfortable summers, access to relatively affordable health care and lower-than-average crime rates, making it a desirable retirement destination for its 16.4% senior population. It's within driving distance of several high-quality hospitals in Boston, including Tufts Medical Center and Boston Medical Center, offering peace of mind for seniors with health concerns. Seniors also have the opportunity to age in place through several home care agencies for an average of $6,292 per month, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey. These home care services can provide nonmedical support with daily living tasks, such as bathing and light housekeeping. Home health care can provide additional medical support by licensed providers, including skilled nursing and medication management.

Below we've compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in the Braintree area – complete with services offered and reviews from families who've actually used the service. In addition to our in-depth provider listings, we've compiled resources to help seniors and their families to access all the tools they need to age in place safely and gracefully.

Home care in Braintree, averaging $6,292 per month, is quite costly compared to the national average of $4,957. It's also higher than the state norm by around $381. Compared to many surrounding areas, the city offers some of the most expensive care in the state. Worcester, Springfield and Pittsfield all offer care for less, averaging $5,720, $5,339 and $5,625, respectively. In Barnstable Town, care is slightly more expensive than in Braintree, averaging $6,673. 

In Braintree, home care averages $6,292 while home health care costs around $6,244 despite providing additional medical services. Adult day health care provides daytime support for $1,614 on average, but it requires seniors to receive care out of the house. Assisted living offers a residential option for around-the-clock assistance for an average cost of $6,819. Nursing home care is the most expensive option, offering 24/7 skilled nursing services for $13,155 per month.

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 to pay 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 nonmedical 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 services 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 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 tax-free portion of your home's equity in cash. 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 have to repay the loan once the last surviving homeowner passes away, moves, or sells the home.