The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Marlborough, MA for 2023

Located in east-central Massachusetts, 30 miles west of Boston, Marlborough is a welcoming city that offers high access to health care, comfortable weather and good air quality. The city has nearly 42,000 residents, about 6,000 of whom are at least 65 years old, promoting access to flexible long-term care services.

Assisted living is among the most popular long-term care solutions for older adults who need daily assistance and want freedom from the challenges and responsibilities of living alone. Residents often have multiple floor plans to choose from, including apartment-style units, and they can access services such as daily meals, housekeeping and linen services and personalized care. While monthly fees vary depending on a facility’s amenities and fee structure, Marlborough seniors pay $5,685 per month for this type of care. This is higher than the national norm of $4,500 but competitive compared to the state norm of $6,500.

This guide outlines financial assistance options that may be available to Marlborough seniors to help them pay for assisted living expenses. It also includes details on the benefits and drawbacks of relocating to this area for care, and it lists agencies and services that help seniors navigate long-term care options. 

The Department of Health and Social Services regulates assisted living facilities in Massachusetts and has rigorous licensing requirements in place to ensure a consistently high standard of care in Marlborough and the rest of the state. The department outlines requirements related to the scope of care facilities must provide, as well as staffing and nutrition services.

• In Marlborough, Social Security benefits are tax-free, but most other types of retirement income are subject to state income taxes, with the exception of public pension income. The state has a steep estate tax, which may impact the financial outlook of some families.
• Marlborough Hospital is in the city proper, providing residents with a range of inpatient and outpatient medical and surgical services. There are 371 doctors per capita in this city, 77% more than the national average, and health-related costs, such as doctor’s office visits and hospital stays, are about 15% below nationwide norms. This may support access to medical care for those managing chronic health conditions.  
• The air quality in Marlborough is decent, which may make the city an attractive option for those with lung or heart conditions. The American Lung Association gives Middlesex County, where the city is located, a passing score for annual particle pollution, a B for short-term particle pollution and an A for ozone pollution.  
• Marlborough ranks 9.2 on a 10-point comfort index, indicating that it’s among the most comfortable places in the nation to live. Daytime temperatures range from 35 degrees in January to 82 in August, and the city gets 44 inches of snowfall and 49 inches of rain. To help residents take advantage of the city’s weather, many assisted living communities offer outdoor amenities, such as walking paths and al fresco dining.
• Marlborough is a relatively safe community, making it a prime option for active seniors seeking long-term care. On a 100-point crime index, the city rates 26.2 for violent crime and 25.6 for property crime, compared to 22.7 and 35.4 nationally. Assisted living communities often have features such as security gates and surveillance systems for residents’ safety and peace of mind.
• Based on a cost of living index set to a national norm of 100, Marlborough rates 122. While this indicates living costs exceed national averages by 22%, it’s slightly lower than the state score of 127.5. Housing costs are typically high in this city, but seniors may save money on living expenses by opting for assisted living.

In Marlborough, seniors living in assisted living facilities pay $5,685 per month for services.

Assisted living rates in Marlborough are moderate compared to other Massachusetts cities at $5,685 per month. This is about $800 below the state norm, and it’s competitive compared to rates in Boston, which average $6,819, and Barnstable Town, where residents pay $7,000 per month for care. In Springfield, rates are about $640 less than in Marlborough, and in Pittsfield, care costs come in at less than half of Marlborough’s rate at $2,084. Nationally, care costs are lower than in Marlborough at $4,500.

In Marlborough, assisted living facilities charge $5,685 per month for residential care. This is about half the cost of nursing home care, which starts at $11,863 for shared rooms. Seniors who obtain basic in-home services pay $5,720 per month, and those who need skilled nursing pay $5,911 for home health care. Only adult day health care, which doesn’t include housing costs and most meals, is more affordable than assisted living at $1,842.

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.