The 5 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Gardner, MA for 2023
Also serving communities of Winchendon.
There are 8 Assisted Living Facilities in the Gardner area, with 2 in Gardner and 6 nearby.
To help you with your search, browse the 29 reviews below for assisted living facilities in Gardner. On average, consumers rate assisted living in Gardner 4.3 out of 5 stars. Better rated regions include Fitchburg with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Caring.com has helped thousands of families find high-quality senior care. To speak with one of our Family Advisors about assisted living options and costs in Gardner, call (855) 863-8283.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Gardner, MA
Heywood Wakefield Commons
Wachusett Rehabilitation and Nursing ...
Manor on the Hill
The Gables of Fitchburg
Broadview, Inc. Assisted Living Facility
Penny Lane Seniors Residence
What to Consider About Assisted Living in Gardner
Known as the Chair City of the World for its historical roots in furniture manufacturing, Gardner, Massachusetts, is a city of almost 21,000 located in Worcester County. Nearly 16% of its residents are aged 65 and older and may benefit from the care services offered by one of the area's 12 assisted living facilities. In Gardner, and throughout the state, these communities are referred to as assisted living residences (ALRs), and are certified and regulated by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA).
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Gardner
- Compared to the average cost of living in Massachusetts, Gardner is an affordable option for seniors looking to put more of their funds toward an ALR. Its overall cost of living is rated 101.2, which is lower than the statewide average of 139.
- Seniors in Gardner have a number of arts and culture opportunities, such as the Gardner Museum, as well as many community events, including a food truck festival, summer concerts and movies in the park.
- Despite its pleasant summer climate, winter conditions in Gardner can be quite unfavorable. With an average of 68 inches of snow and a low of 11 degrees, winter means seniors may be limited in the time they spend outdoors.
- The Massachusetts Regional Transit Authority (MART) provides transportation to 22 Massachusetts cities and town, including Gardner, and offers discounted fares for seniors. MART also has a partnership with the Gardner Senior Center to provide scheduled in-town trips for seniors aged 60 and up.
- On a scale to 100, with 100 representing a high rate of crime, Gardner scores a 34.8 for both violent and property crime. These rates are quite high, especially compared to regional scores of 21.2 and 22.3 in the same categories, which may be something for seniors to consider.
- Gardner has an array of community resources for seniors, including the Gardner Council on Aging, an organization that seeks to identify the needs of local seniors, educate the community about these needs and offer services and programs to serve the needs, as well as a senior center.
Note: Data reported on this page was updated in 2019 and based on the latest 2018 figures.
Paying for Assisted Living in Gardner
Average Monthly Costs
Cities in Massachusetts
Assisted Living costs in Gardner start around $0 per month on average, while the nationwide average cost of assisted living is $4,000 per month, according to the latest figures from Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey.
It’s important to note that assisted living rates in Gardner and the surrounding suburbs can vary widely based on factors such as location, the level of care needed, apartment size and the types of amenities offered at each community.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Gardner
Seniors in Gardner can access financial assistance to help cover the cost of care at an ALR through a number of Massachusetts Medicaid State Plan programs, including the Group Adult Foster Care program and Money Follows the Person (MFP) waiver program. Additionally, an optional state supplement (OSS) can be added to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments of low-income seniors.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page.
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 Gardner
Gardner and the surrounding area are home to numerous government agencies and non-profit organizations offering help for seniors searching for or currently residing in an assisted living community. These organizations can also provide assistance in a number of other eldercare services such as geriatric care management, elder law advice, estate planning, finding home care and health and wellness programs.
To see a list of free assisted living resources in Gardner, please visit our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Gardner
Gardner-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 near Gardner, MA
Other Options in Gardner, MA
Recent Reviews of Assisted Living in Gardner
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Review of Heywood Wakefield Commons
We moved mom to Heywood Wakefield Commons. They're very caring, attentive, and patient. They try to get to know the residents and take care of their specific needs. They have a full calendar of act... Read more
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Review of Heywood Wakefield Commons
I toured Heywood Wakefield Commons. My big problem with it was the lack of green space. They only provided two options for the meals. When I asked them what about people who can't eat that food, th... Read more
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Review of Wachusett Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
Wachuset Manor was a great place to be. I was there for 9 days rehab ladies were wonderful to work with. Very nice people who work here. Read more
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