Lowell is a mid-sized city located just northeast of Boston. It has a population of 110,997 residents, of which 11% are seniors. The city is known for its rich history and vibrant arts and culture scene. The cost of living in Lowell is above the United States average, however, the city is more affordable than many others in Massachusetts. The Lowell Council on Aging runs a variety of activities at the local Senior Center, so there are many opportunities for seniors to socialize and stay active in the community.

Active seniors who are in good health but require some support with the activities of daily living may wish to consider assisted living communities. These communities provide support with personal care, housekeeping, laundry and other day-to-day tasks while helping seniors live independently as much as possible. Assisted living facilities in Lowell charge an average of $6,100 per month. This is just $15 a month more than the statewide average.

This guide examines the cost of assisted living in Lowell and the surrounding cities and provides links to some services and programs that may be helpful for seniors considering retiring to the city.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Lowell, MA

Merrimack River Valley House

520 Fletcher Street, Lowell, MA, 01854

Merrimack River Valley House is an assisted living facility located near the Merrimack River in Lowell, Massachusetts. The Victorian-style building is described by visitors as charming, and they enjoy … (read more)
Merrimack River Valley House is an assisted living facility located near the Merrimack River in Lowell, Massachusetts. The Victorian-style building is described by visitors as charming, and they enjoy … (read more)


Fairhaven Healthcare Center

476 Varnum Ave, Lowell, MA, 01854


Willow Manor

30 Princeton Blvd, Lowell, MA, 01851


2015

Atria Marland Place

15 Stevens Street, Andover, MA, 01810

The staff is so caring. Whether they work in housekeeping, maintenance, food service, or care staff they are always willing to help, friendly, and kind. The facility is clean and vibrant. There is a v … (read more)
The staff is so caring. Whether they work in housekeeping, maintenance, food service, or care staff they are always willing to help, friendly, and kind. The facility is clean and vibrant. There is a v … (read more)

2013, 2017, 2022

Benchmark Senior Living at Billerica Crossings

20 Charnstaffe Lane, Billerica, MA, 01821

Benchmark Senior Living is located at Billerica Crossings in Billerica, Massachusetts, a short distance from U.S. Route 3 and close to the Billerica Public Library. Visitors find this facility impress … (read more)
Benchmark Senior Living is located at Billerica Crossings in Billerica, Massachusetts, a short distance from U.S. Route 3 and close to the Billerica Public Library. Visitors find this facility impress … (read more)
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2013, 2017, 2022

2015

Benchmark Senior Living at Chelmsford Crossings

199 Chelmsford Street, Chelmsford, MA, 01824

Benchmark Senior Living at Chelmsford Crossings is located in Chelmsford, MA, a day trip away from Stony Brook Conservation Land. Guests compliment its two country kitchens, spacious living rooms and … (read more)
Benchmark Senior Living at Chelmsford Crossings is located in Chelmsford, MA, a day trip away from Stony Brook Conservation Land. Guests compliment its two country kitchens, spacious living rooms and … (read more)

2015

The Residence at Freeman Lake

4 Technology Drive, North Chelmsford, MA, 01863

My mother was a resident of The Residence at Freeman Lake. It was excellent, the people are very good there, they’re thorough, they’re helpful, they’re kind, and they’re caring. I have nothing but goo … (read more)
My mother was a resident of The Residence at Freeman Lake. It was excellent, the people are very good there, they’re thorough, they’re helpful, they’re kind, and they’re caring. I have nothing but goo … (read more)

Giving Tree Senior Living

1827 Bridge Street, Dracut, MA, 01826

We have found Giving Tree Senior Living for my mother-in-law. The apartments are nice and big. The cost is reasonable. They’re brand new. My mother-in-law toured it, too. The staff who toured me aroun … (read more)
We have found Giving Tree Senior Living for my mother-in-law. The apartments are nice and big. The cost is reasonable. They’re brand new. My mother-in-law toured it, too. The staff who toured me aroun … (read more)

Blaire House of Tewksbury

10 Erlin Terrace, Tewksbury, MA, 01876

Blaire House of Tewksbury is a stately facility in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, that specializes in assisted living, nursing home services, adult day care and memory care. Located steps away from the Squ … (read more)
Blaire House of Tewksbury is a stately facility in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, that specializes in assisted living, nursing home services, adult day care and memory care. Located steps away from the Squ … (read more)

Bayberry at Emerald Court

2000 Emerald Court, Tewksbury, MA, 01876

Bayberry at Emerald Court in Tewksbury, Massachusetts is an independent living, assisted living and memory care facility located a short distance from Tewksbury Hospital. Residents give high marks to … (read more)
Bayberry at Emerald Court in Tewksbury, Massachusetts is an independent living, assisted living and memory care facility located a short distance from Tewksbury Hospital. Residents give high marks to … (read more)

The Arbors at Dracut

21 Broadway Road, Dracut, MA, 01826

The Arbors at Dracut is brand new and only four years old. What I was really looking for was a two-bedroom with a kitchen that I could do cooking in. They had very good activities. The place was very … (read more)
The Arbors at Dracut is brand new and only four years old. What I was really looking for was a two-bedroom with a kitchen that I could do cooking in. They had very good activities. The place was very … (read more)

Brightview Concord River

199 Concord Rd., Billerica, MA, 01821

Brightview Concord River is located in Billerica, Massachusetts, which sits 20 miles northwest of Boston. Visitors to the facility appreciate its proximity to a major highway for easy access for visit … (read more)
Brightview Concord River is located in Billerica, Massachusetts, which sits 20 miles northwest of Boston. Visitors to the facility appreciate its proximity to a major highway for easy access for visit … (read more)

Westford House

3 Park Dr, Westford, MA, 01886

Westford House is located in rural Westford, Massachusetts, close to Butter Brook Golf Club and multiple parks and conservation areas. Nearby Great Brook Farm State Park, Stony Brook Conservation Land … (read more)
Westford House is located in rural Westford, Massachusetts, close to Butter Brook Golf Club and multiple parks and conservation areas. Nearby Great Brook Farm State Park, Stony Brook Conservation Land … (read more)

Palm Center

40 Parkhurst Rd, Chelmsford, MA, 01824

Palm Center provides assisted living and nursing home care in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, close to downtown Lowell, Lowell Dracut Tyngsborough State Forest and Stony Brook Conservation Land. The conven … (read more)
Palm Center provides assisted living and nursing home care in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, close to downtown Lowell, Lowell Dracut Tyngsborough State Forest and Stony Brook Conservation Land. The conven … (read more)

Life Care Center of Merrimack Valley

80 Boston Road, North Billerica, MA, 01862

rooms were very clean. staff were very involved great music activities LIE CARE CENTER IN BILLERICA AS AN AMAZING FACILITY FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF TO NURSING, REHAB, TO HARD WORKING … (read more)
rooms were very clean. staff were very involved great music activities LIE CARE CENTER IN BILLERICA AS AN AMAZING FACILITY FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF TO NURSING, REHAB, TO HARD WORKING … (read more)

What to Consider About Assisted Living in Lowell

Assisted living facilities in Lowell must be recognized by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Facility managers are required to ensure their operations abide by the Assisted Living Regulations relating to procedures and standards of care. The office regularly inspects assisted living facilities to ensure they are abiding by the regulations.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Lowell

  • Lowell sees warm summers and very cold winters, with many cloudy days, though it still has an average of 203 sunny days per year, just two less than the national average. The varied weather conditions and pleasant summers make the city a popular choice for those who dislike extreme heat and want to enjoy outdoor activities for at least part of the year.
  • Violent and property crime rates in the city are close to the national average. Many assisted living facilities are equipped with security cameras and are staffed 24-hours a day, meaning residents have little to worry about when it comes to safety and security.
  • The cost of living in Lowell is above average. However, assisted living fees usually cover the cost of room and board, meals and personal care services, so residents can plan their spending easily and not worry about unexpected expenses.
  • Seniors living in Massachusetts may be eligible for a variety of tax exemptions and credits. These exemptions can help offset some of the cost of living in the state, making it more affordable for older adults or those on a lower income.
  • Lowell has many attractions that active seniors may enjoy exploring, including the Whistler House Museum of Art and the Lowell National Historical Park. This makes planning days out or trips with visiting loved ones a simple affair.
  • There are many Medicare-registered health care providers in the city, and Lowell General Hospital is one of the top ten hospitals in the state. Seniors will not have to go far to access high-quality health care when they need it.

Paying for Assisted Living in Lowell

Assisted living in Lowell typically costs $6,100 per month, based on figures provided by the Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey 2020. The statewide average for Massachusetts is $6,085 per month, and the national average is $4,300.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

With typical monthly fees of $6,100, assisted living facilities in Lowell are more expensive than many of their neighboring counterparts. Heading west, assisted living fees are 5% to 10% lower, with facilities charging an average of $5,488 per month in Worcester, $5,750 in Springfield, and $5,789 in Pittsfield. Barnstable Town is the most expensive city in the state, with average monthly fees of $6,338.

$6100

Lowell

$6085

Massachusetts

$4300

The United States

$5488

Worcester

$5750

Springfield

$5789

Pittsfield

$6338

Barnstable Town

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

As well as assisted living, seniors in Lowell have a choice of other types of senior care. Homemaker services and home health care providers deliver care in the senior’s own home for $5,720 per month. Adult day care in a group setting is the most affordable option, at $1,782 per month. Nursing home facilities charge $13,383 for a semiprivate room or $14,509 for a private room and skilled nursing care.

$5720

Home Care

$5720

Home Health Care

$1782

Adult Day Health Care

$6100

Assisted Living

$13383

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

$14509

Nursing Home Facility (private room)

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

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Lowell

Eligible seniors in the Lowell 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 Lowell

Seniors considering moving into an assisted living facility in Lowell may find it useful to speak to local government organizations and nonprofits for advice about the support available to them. Many organizations offer benefits counseling, wellness programs and other support free of charge or for a small fee.

Resource

Contact 

Service

(800) 244-3032

The Central Massachusetts Area Agency on Aging oversees a variety of support services for older adults. It runs the long-term care ombudsman, as well as caregiver support and elder abuse programs. The agency also maintains a database of other senior resources and support organizations. Many of the programs run by the AAA are delivered free of charge to eligible seniors.

(800) 243-4636

SHINE Massachusetts provides free Medicare advice to seniors in Massachusetts. It offers unbiased guidance and education about Medicare plans and providers, helping older adults understand their options and choose the Medicare coverage best suited for their needs. In addition to telephone-based support, SHINE Massachusetts also runs regular educational sessions.

(978) 674-4066

The Veteran's Services department receives applications for veterans' benefits and provides other financial support and assistance with medical issues for veterans and their dependents. The department also assists with claims for various federal and state benefits and may be able to advise about financial support available to veterans that could offset all or part of the cost of assisted living. 

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Lowell

Lowell-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