Essex is a small, coastal town in Massachusetts with a population of about 3,800 people. The senior community in Essex and surrounding areas accounts for almost 18% of the population — more than the national rate of 16.8%. Essex is over 200 years old and a hub for the arts and cultural activities. Health care costs are less expensive than the national average. Beverly Hospital is only a few miles away and offers full-service care.

Seniors in the Boston area, including Essex, pay an average of $6,292 per month for home care, according to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. Home care provides nonmedical services while home health care offers light medical services, as well.

Below we’ve compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in Essex– 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.

Directory of Home Care Services in Essex, MA

2021

Right at Home Salem Marblehead

6 Lynde Street, Salem, MA, 01970

We’ve been using Right at Home for over a year now. Sofia comes five days a week. She does supervising of my husband in the shower. She assists him getting dressed when he comes out of the shower. She … (read more)
We’ve been using Right at Home for over a year now. Sofia comes five days a week. She does supervising of my husband in the shower. She assists him getting dressed when he comes out of the shower. She … (read more)

Meetcaregivers, Inc.

124 Vernon St. , Newton, MA, 02458

MeetCaregivers is a fabulous agency. They are responsive and sensitive to the needs of the client and family, and work hard to find the right match(es). For example, my mother was extremely hard of … (read more)
MeetCaregivers is a fabulous agency. They are responsive and sensitive to the needs of the client and family, and work hard to find the right match(es). For example, my mother was extremely hard of … (read more)

Mature Caregivers – Waltham, MA

204 2nd Ave, Waltham, MA, 02451

Mature Caregivers provides reliable in-home personal and companionship eldercare. We listen to your needs and concerns and shape a solution! Our Care Coordinators will design a customized care plan to … (read more)
Mature Caregivers provides reliable in-home personal and companionship eldercare. We listen to your needs and concerns and shape a solution! Our Care Coordinators will design a customized care plan to … (read more)

Senior Helpers Boston North

153 Andover St, Suite 203, Danvers, MA, 01923

We have Senior Helpers Boston North for my mother. They offer light cleaning and companionship. They will come and cook her meal. They’re just there with her at night before she goes to bed to assist … (read more)
We have Senior Helpers Boston North for my mother. They offer light cleaning and companionship. They will come and cook her meal. They’re just there with her at night before she goes to bed to assist … (read more)

Home Instead – Peabody, MA

26-28 West St, Suite 108, Peabody, MA, 01960


Perfect Care Match

638 Adamsville Road, Westport, MA, 02790

We Provide Stress-Free, Supportive Care Relationships. <p></p> Professional Care Match Provides CONSISTENCY with <p></p> Live-In and Hourly Caregivers <p></p> Caregiving Services Provided By < … (read more)
We Provide Stress-Free, Supportive Care Relationships. <p></p> Professional Care Match Provides CONSISTENCY with <p></p> Live-In and Hourly Caregivers <p></p> Caregiving Services Provided By < … (read more)

BrightStar Care Danvers / North Shore

85 Constitution Lane, Suite 200F, Danvers, MA, 01923

I felt comfortable with the agent and my mom. They are reliable, consistent, and they follow through.
I felt comfortable with the agent and my mom. They are reliable, consistent, and they follow through.

Foundational Home Care

275 Grove Street, Suite 2-400 , Newton, MA, 02466

Foundational Health Home Care is an excellent agency, they assisted my Elderly Father until his recent passing. Their staff was always very caring and compassionate in attending to his needs. He alway … (read more)
Foundational Health Home Care is an excellent agency, they assisted my Elderly Father until his recent passing. Their staff was always very caring and compassionate in attending to his needs. He alway … (read more)

Help in Home

841 Main Street, West Newbury, MA, 01985

I chose them after speaking to the owner. He called me back right away and we spoke on the phone. He was actually the only person that called me back after I had reached out to them. Their care we’re … (read more)
I chose them after speaking to the owner. He called me back right away and we spoke on the phone. He was actually the only person that called me back after I had reached out to them. Their care we’re … (read more)

Nurta Home Healthcare – Lynn, MA

330 Lynn Way, #346, Lynn, MA, 01901

I have been using this for agency for few months now, they’re amazing, very caring, great service, nothing but the best. Caregivers arrive on time to care for my aunty. My Initial call and request f … (read more)
I have been using this for agency for few months now, they’re amazing, very caring, great service, nothing but the best. Caregivers arrive on time to care for my aunty. My Initial call and request f … (read more)

Associated Home Care, Inc.

495 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA, 01915

Associated Home Care is very good. They clean and take me grocery shopping. Each caregiver comes once a week, and each is very friendly and cooperative. I’m happy with the communication from the home … (read more)
Associated Home Care is very good. They clean and take me grocery shopping. Each caregiver comes once a week, and each is very friendly and cooperative. I’m happy with the communication from the home … (read more)

Plan B Home Care

100 Trade Center, Ste. G700, Woburn, MA, 01801

A friend recommended Plan B to me. We’ve been pleased with everything. Esther is good in checking and communicating with me. She’s on top of everything. My parents like their caregivers. They’re doing … (read more)
A friend recommended Plan B to me. We’ve been pleased with everything. Esther is good in checking and communicating with me. She’s on top of everything. My parents like their caregivers. They’re doing … (read more)

Comfort Keepers of the North Shore

129 Dodge Street, Suite One, Beverly, MA, 01915

Comfort Keepers was just fine. They helped my mother with the chores around the house and with the laundry. They showed up on time, called ahead, and managed appropriately.
Comfort Keepers was just fine. They helped my mother with the chores around the house and with the laundry. They showed up on time, called ahead, and managed appropriately.

All Care VNA, Hospice & Home Care

16 City Hall Square, Lynn, MA, 01901

Not a fan. They come for my mom. They look thru drawers and closets as if it’s not someone’s home and the constant threats to discharge her is why I wouldn’t recommend them. My mom is poor and i … (read more)
Not a fan. They come for my mom. They look thru drawers and closets as if it’s not someone’s home and the constant threats to discharge her is why I wouldn’t recommend them. My mom is poor and i … (read more)

Altranais Home Care

1501 Main St Suite 32, Tewksbury, MA, 01876

Worst company ever, not helpful. My husband and I lost all our hours thanks to them. Stay as far away from this compa y a’s possible. They don’t even answer calls or pays employees
Worst company ever, not helpful. My husband and I lost all our hours thanks to them. Stay as far away from this compa y a’s possible. They don’t even answer calls or pays employees

Bring Care Home

10 South Main Street, Suite 208, Topsfield, MA, 01833


Clark Care Inc.

533 Main Street,, Winchester, MA, 01890


Griswold Home Care

9 Bartlet St., Suite 143, Andover, MA, 01810


GIA Home Care Services LLC

316 MAIN ST Suite 500, Worcester, MA, 01608


Assurance Homecare LLC

630 Turnpike Street, North Andover, MA, 01845


Paying for Home Care in Essex, MA

The Cost of Home Care in Essex, MA

According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2021, home care costs per month in Essex and the rest of the Boston area are above the state and national average. Pittsfield is lower in cost, and Gloucester is part of the Boston area and is equivalent in cost. Cities like Worcestor and Springfield to the west are lower by several hundred dollars, with Springfield averaging the lowest. The state average is $381 below Essex’s rates, while the national average comes in at $1,335 lower.

$6292

Essex

$5911

Massachusetts

$4957

The United States

$6292

Gloucester

$5720

Worcester

$5625

Pittsfield

$5339

Springfield

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

Home Care in Essex, which focuses on assistance with daily living activities, is one of the less expensive care options, averaging $6,292 per month. That’s just slightly higher than home health care, which includes services like monitoring vital signs and administering medication.  Adult day care programs may be a good option for seniors, but travel is required. Home care averages more than $500 less than assisted living and over $6,800 less than nursing home care.

$6292

Home Care

$6244

Home Health Care

$1614

Adult Day Care

$6819

Assisted Living

$13155

Nursing Home Care (semiprivate room)

Note: Data for Essex was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Boston, was used instead.

Financial Assistance for Home Care in Essex, 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.

Essex Home Care Resources 

Home care services are only one of the pieces needed for seniors to gracefully age in place. There are many services and programs that are low-cost or free, that enable seniors to enjoy an independent lifestyle in the comfort of their own home, such as help with home modifications, meal delivery services, and more. Below, we’ve compiled a few of the most helpful resources in Essex:

Open Door Food Pantry

Address: 00 Southern Heights, Ipswich, MA 01938
Phone: (978) 283-6776 

Open Door provides food and holiday baskets to qualified seniors. Donations from the community enable the organization to help seniors and families in need. Applications for assistance are available at the food pantry.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Address: 45 Congress Street, Suite 4120, Salem, MA 01970
Phone: (978) 825-7300

Seniors in Essex may qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This federal program is administered by the state through the regional Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). SNAP provides a monthly benefit that can be used to buy food. Eligible seniors are low-income and U.S. citizens or legal noncitizen residents. There are financial and nonfinancial eligibility requirements. Call the program directly for more information.

Action, Inc.

Address: 180 Main Street, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: (978) 283-7874

This agency, located in Gloucester, covers the Essex, Gloucester, Rockport, Ipswich and Manchester areas and offers low-income seniors home energy services like help paying for heat, heating system maintenance and weatherization. Learn more about the Citgo Free Oil Heat program

Homestead Exemptions for Property Tax

Address: Northern Essex Registry of Deeds, 354 Merrimack Street. Suite 304 (C), Lawrence, MA 01843
Phone: (978) 557-1900

In Massachusetts, seniors 70 and older may be exempt from some or all of their property tax requirements. Although this is a state mandate that exempts up to $500,000 of the value of a senior-owned primary residence, local governments administer the program and determine eligibility. Check with the local municipality to apply.

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 – often times 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.

Checklist for determining the need for in-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.

Talking with family and others about a loved one's needs