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Assisted Living Communities in Boston, MA

The capital of Massachusetts and also one of the nation's oldest cities, Boston boasts a choice of assisted living facilities within its central area. Opening up the search to outer suburbs grants seniors more choices. Despite being one of New England's most populous cities, Boston offers relatively affordable assisted living compared to the Massachusetts median. In 2024, seniors pay about $6,750 in the city vs. $7,120 statewide. However, expenses still greatly surpass the $5,350 national baseline.

Check 1624 reviews reviews of Boston's assisted living communities below, where providers earn an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars stars.

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Reviews of Communities Nearby

Assisted Living

Michael

I visited this facility

Review of Susan Bailis Assisted Living

I toured Susan Bailis Assisted Living. It's centrally located in downtown Boston, and its facilities are clean and well-maintained. The units are small, and the prices are high for the area. The...

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Assisted Living

Atkinson

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

Review of Providence House Assisted Living

The main receptionist shows phenomenal insensitivity to resident religion and ethnicity. Shouting at residents is common. Some on the nursing staff try at times. But too many are disrespectful of...

Provider response

Thank you for providing this feedback. As of October 2024 our community is under new leadership with several new additions throughout our Management Departments. With the open door policy and...

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Assisted Living

Dee.111

I am/was a resident of this facility

Review of Providence House Assisted Living

I moved into Providence House Assisted Living. What I like best is the people that live here, and the fact that they get together, and that enjoyment. What I like least is I don't like the...

Read more

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The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

According to Genworth's 2024 Cost of Care Survey, assisted living costs $1,400 more than the national median in Boston. However, retirees face steeper expenses elsewhere in Massachusetts, as care costs $9,783 in Barnstable and $9,825 in Pittsfield. Seniors looking to reduce their expenses save $382 by retiring in Springfield instead of Boston, as this city offers the most affordable assisted living statewide.

Boston

$6,750

Massachusetts

$7,120

United States

$5,350

Barnstable

$9,783

Worcester

$6,906

Springfield

$6,368

Pittsfield

$9,825

How to Pay for Assisted Living in Boston:

Seniors in Boston can cover assisted living costs by combining private resources with public health programs and financial assistance. Depending on their financial and care needs, Medicaid and Medicare can help reduce out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, our proprietary Caring.com database lists over 40 local facilities that accept VA benefits. By understanding these programs, seniors can budget for assisted living.

  • Medicaid: Massachusetts Medicaid funds several programs that pay for assisted living, including Adult Foster Care, Senior Care Options, MassHealth Moving Forward Plan and Money Follows the Person Programs. These help seniors transition from nursing home to assisted living and help pay for personal care, housekeeping and meals.
  • Medicare: Although nonmedical assisted living services fall outside Medicare’s scope of coverage, this health insurance program can reduce seniors’ out-of-pocket fees for specialized equipment and care. This includes skilled nursing, rehabilitative therapies and durable medical equipment.
  • VA Benefits: Aid and Attendance, Housebound benefits and the Geriatrics and Extended Care program help seniors reduce monthly assisted living expenses. Seniors use these benefits to pay for personal care services, meals and housekeeping.
  • Private payments: Retirement income, investments, savings accounts and proceeds from renting out or selling a home help seniors pay for all assisted living services. Facilities accept private payments for room and board, meals and personal care services.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Boston

MassHealth, the Medicaid program of the state of Massachusetts, covers the cost of assisted living services through the Moving Forward Plan – Residential Supports (MFP-RS) waiver for eligible seniors in Boston or through the Supportive Senior Housing Initiative for residents of state-funded assisted living residences.

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

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

Assisted living fees in Boston have slowly but steadily increased over the last few years, rising by a projected 18% between 2022 and 2024. Overall, Boston's assisted living fees are relatively costly, being around 12% higher than the national average. Compared to other cities in Massachusetts, however, Boston is relatively affordable, having average fees that are roughly 15% lower than the state average. Inflation has impacted most Massachusetts cities to a similar degree. Assisted living prices in Norton and Leominster are both projected to increase by almost 18%, as are average fees in Brewster, one of the most costly cities.

Location2022 Cost (Historical)2023 Cost (Current)2024 Cost (Estimated)
Boston$4,579$5,017$5,403
U.S. Average$4,070$4,459$4,802
Massachusetts$5,202$5,599$6,393
Brewster$6,070$6,650$7,162
Norton$4,567$5,004$5,389
Leominster$4,550$4,985$5,368

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

In Boston, seniors pay about $7,394 more than the median assisted living rate for a semi-private room in a nursing home. Among other retirement options, seniors spend the least on adult day care, which costs approximately $2,643 per month. Home care costs only $305 more than assisted living, enabling seniors to receive affordable support in their own homes instead of entering a retirement community.

In-Home Care

$7,055

Home Health Care

$7,436

Adult Day Health Care

$2,643

Assisted Living Facility

$6,750

Nursing Home Facility (semi-private room)

$14,144

Assisted Living Facility Care and Amenity Breakdown for Boston, MA

Assisted Living Room Accommodation Types and Availability

According to our proprietary database, assisted living facilities in Boston offer 5 studio apartments, 5 one-bedroom apartments, and 2 two-bedroom apartments.

Health and Personal Care Service Levels and Availability

Boston has 3 facilities offering respite care services, 2 offering skilled nursing, and 1 offering bathing assistance.

Pet Policies and Popular Amenities

Pets are allowed in 4 facilities in Boston, with 1 that allows pets but does not allow large dogs (only small dogs allowed).

These statistics are current as of December 2024 using Caring's proprietary database of Assisted Living facilities across the United States, sourced largely from the facilities or from our team's research. We strive to maintain the largest database of senior living facilities and senior care resources online. Though we may not have full coverage, we will continue to update and validate this data for care seekers. These data points describe the facility's location offerings, which may include more types of care than Assisted Living.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Boston,MA

There are many resources in Boston,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.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Age Strong Commission617-635-4366This Boston-based initiative supports those aged 55 and over through Medicare counseling, application assistance for benefits and referrals for community-based resources. It publishes Boston Seniority Magazine, a monthly publication that covers age-related topics.
Boston Senior Home Care617-451-6400Boston Senior Home Care provides free and low-cost services, including case management, in-home care and long-term support. It has support groups and educational programs for caregivers, and it connects program participants to financial assistance programs.
Central Boston Elder Services, Inc.617-277-7416Through this nonprofit organization, seniors receive in-home personal care, computer classes and chore services. It has advisors who provide health insurance options counseling, and it fields and investigates reports of elder abuse.
Massachusetts Home Care Program800-243-4636The Massachusetts Home Care Program helps those aged 60 and over remain independent in their homes through care management, personal care and assistive technology. It arranges home-delivered meals and provides nonemergency transportation services.
Massachusetts Frail Elder Waiver800-841-2900 or 800-497-4648 (TTY)This Home- and Community-Based Services waiver pays for personal care assistance, homemaker services and home modifications for seniors who live at home. It also pays for personal emergency response systems.
Elderly Nutrition Program617-357-0226 ext. 202Operated by the Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center, this program provides hot Chinese meals for seniors. It delivers meals to local congregate meal sites and housebound seniors throughout the Boston region.
Greater Boston Food Bank617-427-5200The Greater Boston Food Bank has a database of food distribution sites throughout the Boston region. It operates free Mobile Markets and administers the federal Commodity Supplemental Food Program.
Haley House Food Pantry617-236-8132This nonprofit organization operates the Haley House Bakery Cafe, which serves affordable, nutritious meals. Additionally, it oversees a clothing room, food pantries and a soup kitchen.
Greater Boston Legal Services800-323-1234With over 70 legal professionals and 20 paralegals, this program provides free civil legal aid for those aged 60 and over. It helps older adults navigate issues related to consumer rights, assisted living contracts and health care benefits.
Massachusetts Home Modification Loan Program617-727-5944This loan program provides funds for accessibility improvements, helping seniors remain in their homes. Some modifications it helps seniors pay for include ramps and lifts, handrails and hard flooring, and it installs brighter lights and widens doorways for improved mobility.
Weatherization Assistance Program617-348-6419 or 617-423-9215 (TTY)The Weatherization Assistance Program helps income-qualified seniors improve their homes’ energy efficiency. It provides services such as attic and wall insulation, weather stripping, air sealing and heating system repairs.
Easterseals Massachusetts Senior Services508-757-2756This nonprofit organization has specialists who help seniors obtain assistive technology and rehabilitation services. It operates lending libraries where individuals can get low-tech and high-tech enrichment items, computers, vehicle modifications and mobility equipment.
Boston Social Security Office800-772-1213 or 800-325-0778 (TTY)At the local Social Security field offices, seniors apply for Medicare, Social Security retirement and disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income, and they’re screened for Medicaid eligibility. Boston contains three field offices, with locations on Causeway Street, Malcolm X Boulevard and Freeport Street.
Massachusetts Fuel Assistance Programs617-727-8400Boston seniors have access to three utility assistance programs: the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the Salvation Army's Good Neighbor Energy Fund and Joe-4-Oil. Through these programs, seniors get assistance with paying for their utility bills, avoiding service disruptions.
Boston Vet Center800-698-2411The Boston Vet Center administers mental health services for those living with post-traumatic stress disorder, grief, anger and depression. It provides referral services for substance use, suicide prevention and veteran services.
Jamaica Plain VA Medical Center617-232-9500At this medical center, qualified veterans receive primary and specialty care services, mental health support and laser therapy for vision and cancer. Additionally, it offers the region’s only radiation oncology program.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Boston

  • Boston has been part of the AARP Age-Friendly Network for over a decade, implementing initiatives that create a safe, welcoming environment for assisted living residents. Seniors benefit from mobility-friendly housing designs, discounted public transportation and comfortable outdoor spaces.
  • Boston experiences warm summers, cold and snowy winters and partly cloudy conditions year-round. Temperatures range from 23 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, appealing to assisted living residents who enjoy experiencing distinct seasons.
  • Massachusetts exempts Social Security benefits from income tax and does not apply sales tax to groceries, prescription drugs or most clothing items. This enables many seniors to afford assisted living in Boston.
  • Boston’s cost of living is about 53% higher than the national average, making it one of the more expensive cities for assisted living. Fortunately, assisted living residents have access to several income-based financial assistance programs that promote affordable care.
  • Boston ranks above the national average in health factors and outcomes, indicating its high-quality health care services for older adults. Assisted living residents benefit from relatively high flu vaccination rates among Medicare beneficiaries, high access to primary care physicians and a life expectancy that exceeds the state norm by nearly three years.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Boston

Boston-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Massachusetts are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Services and Amenities in Boston

When researching assisted living facilities in Boston, prospective residents often prioritize facilities with convenient services and thoughtful amenities. These features support independence, helping residents maintain their well-being and delay or avoid more intensive care. Some common features in Boston include:

  • Apartment-style units with kitchenettes: Private apartments offer homelike comfort with in-unit kitchens for added convenience. According to our proprietary Caring.com database, over 70 facilities in the Boston region offer this amenity.
  • Housekeeping and maintenance services: Regular cleaning and home maintenance services promote worry-free living.
  • Multiple dining options: Many assisted living facilities offer main dining rooms along with full-service bars, cafes, coffee shops and snack stations, catering to a range of eating habits and preferences.
  • General stores: On-site convenience stores make it easy for residents to stay stocked up on household staples, toiletries and snacks.
  • Libraries and movie theaters: Common areas offer relaxing places to spend time and visit with friends and neighbors.

In Boston, seniors have a wide range of assisted living facilities to consider. A Caring.com Family Advisor can help seniors compare facilities and find the best fit for their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living in Boston:

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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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