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
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
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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 puts his creams on. She does whatever he or I ask of her. Once a week, she’ll give him a shave on his head. She puts the wash in the machine. She’s wonderful. She’s never been late. I always know when she’s going to be having a day off or she’s taking an extra day off because she tells me, so that I can write it down and make sure that there is somebody covering her.
She’s just a wonderful all-around person. I don’t know what I would do without her in the morning, because when she is in the shower supervising my husband, I have a chance to go into the shower and get myself ready for the day. Without her, I am kind of lost, only because when she’s there, I know that he will be taken care of. She makes sure he has his eyeglasses and his watch. She puts cream on his face, and she checks him to make sure that there are no wounds that are coming. In the hour or the 45 minutes that she’s here, she is great. She makes sure that he remembers to take his meds in the morning. I said to the supervisor of all the people that come out, I think she’s great. Snow, wind, anything, she’s there.
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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 puts his creams on. She does whatever he or I ask of her. Once a week, she’ll give him a shave on his head. She puts the wash in the machine. She’s wonderful. She’s never been late. I always know when she’s going to be having a day off or she’s taking an extra day off because she tells me, so that I can write it down and make sure that there is somebody covering her.
She’s just a wonderful all-around person. I don’t know what I would do without her in the morning, because when she is in the shower supervising my husband, I have a chance to go into the shower and get myself ready for the day. Without her, I am kind of lost, only because when she’s there, I know that he will be taken care of. She makes sure he has his eyeglasses and his watch. She puts cream on his face, and she checks him to make sure that there are no wounds that are coming. In the hour or the 45 minutes that she’s here, she is great. She makes sure that he remembers to take his meds in the morning. I said to the supervisor of all the people that come out, I think she’s great. Snow, wind, anything, she’s there.
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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 hearing and needed caregivers who could speak slowly and repeat if needed, requiring a lot of patience. She also did not want to be "bossed around," which was difficult when she insisting on doing things that were unsafe for her. Her caregivers were very respectful and handled these situations with professionalism and grace.
When my mother declined quickly and was bedridden for over a week before her death, her devoted caregivers transitioned seamlessly to changing her diapers and giving her bed baths. I was impressed by their wide range of skill sets and their compassion and support as our family went through a difficult time. They became like family to us, staying later and doing extra when needed.
I would recommend MeetCaregivers without reservation for anyone seeking care.
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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 hearing and needed caregivers who could speak slowly and repeat if needed, requiring a lot of patience. She also did not want to be "bossed around," which was difficult when she insisting on doing things that were unsafe for her. Her caregivers were very respectful and handled these situations with professionalism and grace.
When my mother declined quickly and was bedridden for over a week before her death, her devoted caregivers transitioned seamlessly to changing her diapers and giving her bed baths. I was impressed by their wide range of skill sets and their compassion and support as our family went through a difficult time. They became like family to us, staying later and doing extra when needed.
I would recommend MeetCaregivers without reservation for anyone seeking care.
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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
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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 fit your loved one’s situation. We provide non-medical services such as personal care, medication assistance, companionship, transportation, and Dementia care. The service we provide can be as little as 4 hours per week or around the clock. Our care coordinators are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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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 fit your loved one’s situation. We provide non-medical services such as personal care, medication assistance, companionship, transportation, and Dementia care. The service we provide can be as little as 4 hours per week or around the clock. Our care coordinators are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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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
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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 with anything that she needs like help her change, help her to the bathroom, maybe help her clean up, and things like that. We had this one lady, and she was phenomenal. She just clicked with my mother. I can’t say anything but great things about her. She was fantastic.
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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 with anything that she needs like help her change, help her to the bathroom, maybe help her clean up, and things like that. We had this one lady, and she was phenomenal. She just clicked with my mother. I can’t say anything but great things about her. She was fantastic.
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26-28 West St, Suite 108, Peabody, MA, 01960
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
<p></p>
Experienced CNAs, HHAs and PCAs:
<p></p>
– Expert Care For Those Challenged With Alzheimer’s & Other Dementia-Related Illnesses-Certified Dementia Practitioners on staff
<p></p>
<li>Assistance with Ambulation, Safe Transfers, Encouragement of PT/OT</li>
<p></p>
Exercises-COTA/L on staff
<p></p>
<li>Assistance with Personal Hygiene, Showering,</li>
Toileting, Incontinence Care</li>
<li>Medication Tracking Program</li>
<li>Meal Preparation for Well Balanced Diets & Specialty Diets</li>
(Low Salt, Diabetic, Renal, Pureed)</li>
<li>Purposeful Engagement & Companionship</li>
<li>Light Housekeeping-Transportation to Appointments & Other Errands</li>
<li>Integrative Care Approach-Board Certified Holistic Practitioner on staff (Holistic Consults Available)</li>
<li>Hospice Support-End of Life Doula Service</li>
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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
<p></p>
Experienced CNAs, HHAs and PCAs:
<p></p>
– Expert Care For Those Challenged With Alzheimer’s & Other Dementia-Related Illnesses-Certified Dementia Practitioners on staff
<p></p>
<li>Assistance with Ambulation, Safe Transfers, Encouragement of PT/OT</li>
<p></p>
Exercises-COTA/L on staff
<p></p>
<li>Assistance with Personal Hygiene, Showering,</li>
Toileting, Incontinence Care</li>
<li>Medication Tracking Program</li>
<li>Meal Preparation for Well Balanced Diets & Specialty Diets</li>
(Low Salt, Diabetic, Renal, Pureed)</li>
<li>Purposeful Engagement & Companionship</li>
<li>Light Housekeeping-Transportation to Appointments & Other Errands</li>
<li>Integrative Care Approach-Board Certified Holistic Practitioner on staff (Holistic Consults Available)</li>
<li>Hospice Support-End of Life Doula Service</li>
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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.
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
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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 always spoke good about how the caregivers and care manager took great care of him. I highly recommend their services
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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 always spoke good about how the caregivers and care manager took great care of him. I highly recommend their services
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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
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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 phenomenal. They were amazing. The owner was very invested and helped me through the entire process that I was going through. I was getting an elderly woman out of a nursing home and putting her back into her home, which was the reason why I needed his service which was a 24 hour care service. He helped me through the entire thing when I didn’t know what I was doing. Their attention to detail in individual support was amazing.
The caregivers that we had were amazing. There were several of them, because it was 24 hours so they took shifts. They were kind and compassionate and just amazing people; really kind, loving skilled, everything all combined. They were everything that you would want.
It was 24-hour care so it was everything, bathing, toileting, dressing, companion, cooking, and cleaning.
Our family friend was comfortable with the caregivers. She loved them and they had an excellent relationship. They had a passion for taking care of the elderly, which I think was something special.
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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 phenomenal. They were amazing. The owner was very invested and helped me through the entire process that I was going through. I was getting an elderly woman out of a nursing home and putting her back into her home, which was the reason why I needed his service which was a 24 hour care service. He helped me through the entire thing when I didn’t know what I was doing. Their attention to detail in individual support was amazing.
The caregivers that we had were amazing. There were several of them, because it was 24 hours so they took shifts. They were kind and compassionate and just amazing people; really kind, loving skilled, everything all combined. They were everything that you would want.
It was 24-hour care so it was everything, bathing, toileting, dressing, companion, cooking, and cleaning.
Our family friend was comfortable with the caregivers. She loved them and they had an excellent relationship. They had a passion for taking care of the elderly, which I think was something special.
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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 for personal care needs were handled quickly. They able to answer my questions.
Nurta Home Healthcare provides personal care and companion care to my mother’s sister. After she fall and broke her the second time, we knew it is time to have someone with her. We searched online and came around Nurta home healthcare, spoke to the care coordinator and schedule a free in home assessment.
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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 for personal care needs were handled quickly. They able to answer my questions.
Nurta Home Healthcare provides personal care and companion care to my mother’s sister. After she fall and broke her the second time, we knew it is time to have someone with her. We searched online and came around Nurta home healthcare, spoke to the care coordinator and schedule a free in home assessment.
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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
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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 office to me.
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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 office to me.
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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
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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 a great job.
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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 a great job.
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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.
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
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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 it feels like she’s treated like she’s poor, exempting all this from fear to speak up at all. Anyone who’s come is very pushy. They don’t lift, pet allergies etc. unfortunate.
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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 it feels like she’s treated like she’s poor, exempting all this from fear to speak up at all. Anyone who’s come is very pushy. They don’t lift, pet allergies etc. unfortunate.
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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
10 South Main Street, Suite 208, Topsfield, MA, 01833
533 Main Street,, Winchester, MA, 01890
9 Bartlet St., Suite 143, Andover, MA, 01810
316 MAIN ST Suite 500, Worcester, MA, 01608
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
