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
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
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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 the historic decor in the home’s dining area and sitting rooms. Visitors also note that the facility is clean and well-maintained. Visitors compliment the facility’s small size, which they say helps create a more personal, welcoming environment for residents. Merrimack River Valley House receives praise from visitors for its staff, who are described as trained and helpful.
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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
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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 the historic decor in the home’s dining area and sitting rooms. Visitors also note that the facility is clean and well-maintained. Visitors compliment the facility’s small size, which they say helps create a more personal, welcoming environment for residents. Merrimack River Valley House receives praise from visitors for its staff, who are described as trained and helpful.
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981 Varnum Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01854
476 Varnum Ave, Lowell, MA, 01854
30 Princeton Blvd, Lowell, MA, 01851
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
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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 variety of food choices to accommodate even the pickiest of eaters.
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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
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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 variety of food choices to accommodate even the pickiest of eaters.
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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
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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 impressive and inviting, commending its cleanliness, spacious rooms and cheerful decor. Families appreciate that the patient, caring staff members work together as a team and respond quickly to their questions and concerns. The social director at Benchmark Senior Living engages residents with a range of social activities, including bingo, morning exercise sessions, movie nights, painting classes and shopping trips.
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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
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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 impressive and inviting, commending its cleanliness, spacious rooms and cheerful decor. Families appreciate that the patient, caring staff members work together as a team and respond quickly to their questions and concerns. The social director at Benchmark Senior Living engages residents with a range of social activities, including bingo, morning exercise sessions, movie nights, painting classes and shopping trips.
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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
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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 sun porch with beautiful views of wildlife. The facility has a dedicated activities room full of crafts, board games and handwritten notes from residents. Benchmark Senior Living at Chelmsford Crossings is further recognized for providing laundry services, and residents appreciate daily checkups from the housekeeping staff. Visitors are delighted to see that many residents can be found socializing in the outdoor patio during the day.
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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
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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 sun porch with beautiful views of wildlife. The facility has a dedicated activities room full of crafts, board games and handwritten notes from residents. Benchmark Senior Living at Chelmsford Crossings is further recognized for providing laundry services, and residents appreciate daily checkups from the housekeeping staff. Visitors are delighted to see that many residents can be found socializing in the outdoor patio during the day.
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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
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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 good things about them. The rooms are well equipped, everything is there that is necessary to live, there are connections for TV, telephone, and closet space is good. The kitchen type area is good. We had to buy a small microwave, but everything else was there, the refrigerator was there and it was perfectly fine. My mother was having difficulty eating at that time. She did eat some of the food, and she said it was good.
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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
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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 good things about them. The rooms are well equipped, everything is there that is necessary to live, there are connections for TV, telephone, and closet space is good. The kitchen type area is good. We had to buy a small microwave, but everything else was there, the refrigerator was there and it was perfectly fine. My mother was having difficulty eating at that time. She did eat some of the food, and she said it was good.
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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
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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 around was very informative. Things in the apartment that we needed were taken care of. They were very willing to work with us. They have a community kitchen and if she decides she wants to make something for herself, she can go down there and use it at any time. They have a game room, working fireplaces in all the community rooms, which is very nice because if she gets chilly, she can get out and sit in front of a fireplace in the library or wherever. She’s coming up from Florida, so she’s kind of chilly.
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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
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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 around was very informative. Things in the apartment that we needed were taken care of. They were very willing to work with us. They have a community kitchen and if she decides she wants to make something for herself, she can go down there and use it at any time. They have a game room, working fireplaces in all the community rooms, which is very nice because if she gets chilly, she can get out and sit in front of a fireplace in the library or wherever. She’s coming up from Florida, so she’s kind of chilly.
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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
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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 Squire Estates, it is easily accessible from Highway 38. Visitors warmly review the facility’s outdoor gardens and koi pond, which provide shaded spaces for relaxation. Family members also praise the foods provided at mealtimes. Residents who wish to stay active can stretch out in yoga and zumba classes, while those who prefer quieter hobbies can play a variety of indoor games.
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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
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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 Squire Estates, it is easily accessible from Highway 38. Visitors warmly review the facility’s outdoor gardens and koi pond, which provide shaded spaces for relaxation. Family members also praise the foods provided at mealtimes. Residents who wish to stay active can stretch out in yoga and zumba classes, while those who prefer quieter hobbies can play a variety of indoor games.
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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
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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 the facility for its extensive activity schedule, which includes guest speakers, book clubs and games. They can keep spry with tai chi and stay active by playing Wii Sports. Residents also approve of the outdoor patio and garden which provides a relaxing space for them to visit with their loved ones. Visitors appreciate that residents are invited to keep up with technology in a computer class.
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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
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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 the facility for its extensive activity schedule, which includes guest speakers, book clubs and games. They can keep spry with tai chi and stay active by playing Wii Sports. Residents also approve of the outdoor patio and garden which provides a relaxing space for them to visit with their loved ones. Visitors appreciate that residents are invited to keep up with technology in a computer class.
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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
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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 clean, and it was just what I was looking for. The apartment had two bedrooms, two baths, a kitchenette, and a living room. They had a library, a theater, activities room, beauty shop, laundries, and mailroom. They have everything for an assisted living place. They meet the requirements of the state.
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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
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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 clean, and it was just what I was looking for. The apartment had two bedrooms, two baths, a kitchenette, and a living room. They had a library, a theater, activities room, beauty shop, laundries, and mailroom. They have everything for an assisted living place. They meet the requirements of the state.
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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
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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 visiting opportunities. In addition to the cultural and social opportunities in Boston, Billerica itself also has shopping malls, dining venues and other destinations for outside trips and excursions. Friends and family members rave about the delicious meals in the community’s finely appointed dining room. Family participation in resident activities is strongly encouraged, and amenities such as a fitness center, pub and beauty salon are highly valued.
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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
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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 visiting opportunities. In addition to the cultural and social opportunities in Boston, Billerica itself also has shopping malls, dining venues and other destinations for outside trips and excursions. Friends and family members rave about the delicious meals in the community’s finely appointed dining room. Family participation in resident activities is strongly encouraged, and amenities such as a fitness center, pub and beauty salon are highly valued.
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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
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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, Oak Hill Conservation Site and Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctuary all provide tranquil access to nature. Residents praise the comfortable setup of the rooms, with LCD TVs that can be positioned throughout the room. Most residents have a roommate. The facility provides hospice care and on-site physical therapy. Loved ones appreciate the staff members’ attentiveness and compassion for depressed or struggling residents, and resident autonomy is highly prioritized.
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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
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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, Oak Hill Conservation Site and Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctuary all provide tranquil access to nature. Residents praise the comfortable setup of the rooms, with LCD TVs that can be positioned throughout the room. Most residents have a roommate. The facility provides hospice care and on-site physical therapy. Loved ones appreciate the staff members’ attentiveness and compassion for depressed or struggling residents, and resident autonomy is highly prioritized.
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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
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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 convenient location is just off Route 3. The clinical care teams specialize in both short and extended stays. Residents praise the exceptional care of the nursing staff and the fresh, home-cooked food. The facility provides rehabilitation services on a short-term and long-term basis. Palm Center offers private and semi-private rooms and has won an American Health Care Association Quality Award. (Source: Palm Center website: http://www.genesishcc.com/PalmCenter)
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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
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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 convenient location is just off Route 3. The clinical care teams specialize in both short and extended stays. Residents praise the exceptional care of the nursing staff and the fresh, home-cooked food. The facility provides rehabilitation services on a short-term and long-term basis. Palm Center offers private and semi-private rooms and has won an American Health Care Association Quality Award. (Source: Palm Center website: http://www.genesishcc.com/PalmCenter)
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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
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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 C.N.A. THEY HAVE AN AMAZING MUSIC PROGRAM FOR ALL THE RESIDENTS TO ENJOY. WE WERE VERY THANKFUL FOR ALL THERE WONDERFUL TEAM AT THIS NURSING FACULTY. WE FELT THAT OUR MOTHE WAS SAFE THERE AND WELL TAKING CARED OF….THANK YOU ALL.
Robert & Jeannine M.
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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 C.N.A. THEY HAVE AN AMAZING MUSIC PROGRAM FOR ALL THE RESIDENTS TO ENJOY. WE WERE VERY THANKFUL FOR ALL THERE WONDERFUL TEAM AT THIS NURSING FACULTY. WE FELT THAT OUR MOTHE WAS SAFE THERE AND WELL TAKING CARED OF….THANK YOU ALL.
Robert & Jeannine M.
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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.
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.
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.