Framingham is a suburb in the Boston metro area. It’s close enough to the Boston city center for residents to receive world-class health care from Massachusetts General Hospital. The population of Framingham is 74,000, 16% of whom are 65 and older, and many of these individuals may be considering assisted living accommodations. 

These communities, which average $5,488 per month in Framingham, bridge the gap between living independently and a nursing home’s close care and medical attention. Assisted living residents have their own private apartments or companion suites, with housekeeping and maintenance often included. Meals are provided in a community dining room, with different options to suit dietary needs. Within assisted living communities are amenities for residents, such as a pool and fitness center, library and common areas for games or community events. Professional staff are on-site around the clock to offer personal care assistance, and many assisted living communities also have nurses on staff. 

This guide covers the costs of assisted living in Framingham and considerations for seniors living here. We also offer a brief list of free resources for seniors to help them preserve their independence and enhance their daily lives.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Framingham, MA

2014

Brookdale Cushing Park

Brookdale Cushing Park is in a scenic area of the city of Framingham, close to shops and medical facilities and surrounded by picturesque forests. Residents note the incredible staff who seem to care … (read more)
Brookdale Cushing Park is in a scenic area of the city of Framingham, close to shops and medical facilities and surrounded by picturesque forests. Residents note the incredible staff who seem to care … (read more)

2015, 2016, 2020, 2022

Mary Ann Morse at Heritage

Heritage at Framingham Senior Living is an independent living, assisted living and memory care community north of Framingham, Massachusetts, near Saxonville. The facility offers apartments from studio … (read more)
Heritage at Framingham Senior Living is an independent living, assisted living and memory care community north of Framingham, Massachusetts, near Saxonville. The facility offers apartments from studio … (read more)
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2015, 2016, 2020, 2022

The Branches of Framingham

We went to look at The Branches of Framingham. They were excellent and very cordial. I had no appointment, but they were able to speak with us. I spoke with the activity’s director, and she spent some … (read more)
We went to look at The Branches of Framingham. They were excellent and very cordial. I had no appointment, but they were able to speak with us. I spoke with the activity’s director, and she spent some … (read more)

Carmel Terrace Assisted Living

Carmel Terrace Assisted Living is a large, upscale facility located a short distance northeast of Framingham, Massachusetts, along the Sudbury River. There are many smaller medical facilities nearby, … (read more)
Carmel Terrace Assisted Living is a large, upscale facility located a short distance northeast of Framingham, Massachusetts, along the Sudbury River. There are many smaller medical facilities nearby, … (read more)

2015

Sunrise of Wayland

Sunrise of Wayland is an assisted living and memory care facility offering studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments to retired seniors south of Wayland, MA, near Cochituate. Family members say they’ve … (read more)
Sunrise of Wayland is an assisted living and memory care facility offering studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments to retired seniors south of Wayland, MA, near Cochituate. Family members say they’ve … (read more)

The Residence at Valley Farm

Mom was at The Residence at Valley Farm for respite care. Everything from the food, the professionalism and friendliness of the staff, and the cleanliness of the place were all good. I’ve tried a meal … (read more)
Mom was at The Residence at Valley Farm for respite care. Everything from the food, the professionalism and friendliness of the staff, and the cleanliness of the place were all good. I’ve tried a meal … (read more)

The Branches of Marlboro

The Branches of Marlboro was a beautiful place. My dad toured with me and he has a standup walker with him, but he could maneuver that throughout the entire facility. Even when we went into the room, … (read more)
The Branches of Marlboro was a beautiful place. My dad toured with me and he has a standup walker with him, but he could maneuver that throughout the entire facility. Even when we went into the room, … (read more)

Waterstone at Wellesley

Waterstone At Wellesley had excellent facilities, however, it seemed colder, and the other common rooms were empty. It was also extremely expensive, it wasn’t diverse at all, it seemed empty, and the … (read more)
Waterstone At Wellesley had excellent facilities, however, it seemed colder, and the other common rooms were empty. It was also extremely expensive, it wasn’t diverse at all, it seemed empty, and the … (read more)

The Residence at Paine Estates

I loved everything about them; the staff was very warm, caring, and aware of the residents. I really liked the space provided, I was impressed with the menu, and they had great activities. I only have … (read more)
I loved everything about them; the staff was very warm, caring, and aware of the residents. I really liked the space provided, I was impressed with the menu, and they had great activities. I only have … (read more)

2014, 2015

Golden Pond Assisted Living

I have to start out by saying that the situation with my mom was fluid and we were not getting a lot of information from the hospital she was admitted to. It was evident, based on the situation, that … (read more)
I have to start out by saying that the situation with my mom was fluid and we were not getting a lot of information from the hospital she was admitted to. It was evident, based on the situation, that … (read more)

Orchard Hill – Sudbury

Orchard Hill at Sudbury balances the convenience of nearby medical and shopping facilities with the charm of rural areas through the peaceful walking trails and apple orchards nestled on its 10-acre l … (read more)
Orchard Hill at Sudbury balances the convenience of nearby medical and shopping facilities with the charm of rural areas through the peaceful walking trails and apple orchards nestled on its 10-acre l … (read more)

Carriage House at Lee’s Farm

My mother moved into the assisted living of Carriage House at Lee’s Farms, but now she’s in memory care. It’s a very lovely community, the people are very friendly, and they’re very responsive. It’s c … (read more)
My mother moved into the assisted living of Carriage House at Lee’s Farms, but now she’s in memory care. It’s a very lovely community, the people are very friendly, and they’re very responsive. It’s c … (read more)

Whitney Place at Westborough

Whitney Place at Westborough is located on the edge of Westborough, Massachusetts, a short drive from the town center and other plazas. Visitors have acclaimed the facility’s memory care program as on … (read more)
Whitney Place at Westborough is located on the edge of Westborough, Massachusetts, a short drive from the town center and other plazas. Visitors have acclaimed the facility’s memory care program as on … (read more)

Whitney Place at Natick

I am blown away by the level of care and deliberative memory care activities at Whitney Place assisted living memory care. They have THREE dedicated recreational activities staff with activities almos … (read more)
I am blown away by the level of care and deliberative memory care activities at Whitney Place assisted living memory care. They have THREE dedicated recreational activities staff with activities almos … (read more)

Artisan at Hudson

I did a tour of Artisan at Hudson. They have a beautiful, huge dining room. It’s very well-designed, and the surroundings were beautiful. Their studio apartments were very large and very nice. The per … (read more)
I did a tour of Artisan at Hudson. They have a beautiful, huge dining room. It’s very well-designed, and the surroundings were beautiful. Their studio apartments were very large and very nice. The per … (read more)

Christopher Heights of Marlborough

Christopher Heights of Marlborough is an assisted living community located near Interstate 495, close to several shopping outlets, dining options and only a short drive from Callahan State Park. Resid … (read more)
Christopher Heights of Marlborough is an assisted living community located near Interstate 495, close to several shopping outlets, dining options and only a short drive from Callahan State Park. Resid … (read more)

Marlborough Hills Healthcare Center

Marlborough Hills Healthcare Center is located in a quaint neighborhood on the west side of Marlborough, Massachusetts. Residents speak highly of the holiday dinners and festivities held thr … (read more)
Marlborough Hills Healthcare Center is located in a quaint neighborhood on the west side of Marlborough, Massachusetts. Residents speak highly of the holiday dinners and festivities held thr … (read more)

What to Consider About Assisted Living in Framingham

Assisted living communities in Framingham, as in all of Massachusetts, are overseen by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, which ensures proper staff training and compliance with state standards. The organization conducts regular inspections of all facilities, and each facility must pass inspection to retain its licensure.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Framingham

  • As part of the greater Boston area, Framingham shares that city’s designation as a member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. This listing features communities amenable to seniors, including accessibility and availability of resources for the elderly. 
  • The annual BestPlaces Comfort Index rates Framingham as a 6.9/10 for climatic comfort, making it one of the more pleasant locations in Massachusetts. Winters can be quite cold and snowy, with January lows of 15 degrees and 47 inches of snow each year. However, summers are pleasant, warm and sunny, with July high temperatures of 83 and 200 days of sunshine each year. 
  • The cost of living in Framingham is 134.3, higher than the U.S. median of 100. Housing costs, nearly double the national average, are the main reason for a higher cost of living. This can affect the operating costs for assisted living residences, too. However, health care is an important consideration for many seniors and is lower than the national average, 83.4 compared to 100. 
  • Social Security income is tax-exempt in Massachusetts, as is income from public pensions. Seniors who rely on these for much of their income can benefit from this. 
  • Crime rates in Framingham, both violent and property, are lower than the national averages, which may help seniors feel more secure. Violent crime rates are  21.6 compared to 22.7 for the country overall, while property crime rates are 22.6, versus 35.4 for the nation. 
  • Framingham seniors have plenty of options for healthcare. In addition to the comprehensive Boston General Hospital medical system, physicians per 100,000 residents are considerably higher than the national average, 371 compared to 210. 
  • Seniors with respiratory concerns may appreciate the air quality in Framingham, which is better than the U.S.average, 68/100 compared to 55/100.

Paying for Assisted Living in Framingham

According to the Genworth Cost of Care survey, Framingham’s monthly assisted living fees of $5,488 are a few hundred dollars less than the Massachusetts average of $6,085. Both of these, however, are considerably higher than the national average of $4,300.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

Seniors on a budget may appreciate that Framingham has the lowest average assisted living fees in the state. Springfield ($5,750) and Pittsfield ($5,789) are a few hundred dollars more, while Boston ($6,100) and Barnstable Town ($6,338) are the most expensive cities in the state.

$5488

Framingham

$6085

Massachusetts

$4300

The United States

$6100

Boston

$6338

Barnstable Town

$5750

Springfield

$5789

Piffsfield

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Assisted living isn’t the only option for Framingham seniors. Those who wish to age in place at home may opt for homemaker services ($5,602) or light medical care from a home health aide ($5,510). Those who only need care during the week may attend adult day care ($1,571). In Framingham, nursing home care is by far the most expensive option, both for a semiprivate room ($12,486) and a private one ($13,079).

$5602

Homemaker Services

$5510

Home Health Aide

$5488

Adult Day Health Care

$5488

Assisted Living Facility

$12486

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

$13079

Nursing Home Facility (private room)

Note: Care cost data for Framingham was not available, so data for the closest city, Worcester, was used instead.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Framingham

Eligible seniors in the Framingham area can apply for state-funded financial assistance to help pay for assisted living costs. Two government programs are offered: Group Adult Foster Care and Supplemental Security Income Category G.

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

Paying for Assisted Living Facilities in Massachusetts

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Framingham

Framingham has several free resources for seniors aimed at helping enhance their quality of life. Some programs help seniors find government benefits to help them, while others provide social opportunities or valuable educational resources.

Resource

Contact

Description

(617) 727-7750

The State Long Term Care Ombudsman Office oversees the living conditions and care of residents in assisted living communities. They receive complaints filed by residents or their families and refer these complaints to the appropriate organizations. Ombudsman representatives can also help families find the right choice for assisted living by giving an honest assessment of the benefits and drawbacks of each one.

(508) 852-5539

The regional Agency on Aging (AAA) administers programs to enhance the lives of area seniors. Some programs include nutrition and health information, including help with meal preparation and deliveries. Other programs provide information about health issues that affect seniors, such as early-onset dementia or fall prevention. The agency also funds senior citizens centers, which give the elderly a place for socialization and fun.

(617) 371-1234

Area lawyers donate their services to low-income seniors who cannot afford their own representation in civil matters. These lawyers can help file for divorce or bankruptcy and draft legal documents to protect their finances, such as power of attorney, living wills, trusts and wills.

(617) 424-0665

Military veterans may receive help from the Vet Center to file claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and appeal decisions made by that agency. Representatives can help veterans apply for their benefits and pensions, including the Aid & Attendance benefit, which can help pay for assisted living. Counseling for topics such as grief and PTSD is also offered.

(508) 647-6540

The Natick Community Senior Center offers elderly residents a place to gather and socialize, with weekday lunches and activities, plus games like Bingo and bridge, space for hobby groups or book club meetings. The Natick Senior Center also organizes group outings for seniors as well as holiday and birthday celebrations on-site. 

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Framingham

Framingham-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 Laws and Regulations in Massachusetts