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The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Melrose, MA for 2024

Melrose is a city in Middlesex County that’s only 15 minutes from Boston. It’s for seniors who enjoy old-world charm blended with new-world convenience. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the quaint downtown area, its elegant streets of 19th-century architecture lit by bulbs inside original gas lamps. The city’s estimated population of 28,016 comprises 17.2% in the 65+ age group. This is above the national average, suggesting Melrose holds more appeal for seniors than the standard city.

Age can make daily living tasks, such as preparing meals, more challenging. Assisted living facilities are for seniors who need help with everyday chores. They offer comfortable environments where seniors can live in dignity. Costs can vary across the state. Data published in the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey reveals average assisted living costs in Melrose to be $6,100 per month, just above the state average of $6,085. Worcester’s $5,488 costs are more affordable, while in Barnstable, costs of $6,338 are common.

This guide addresses the pros and cons of assisted living in Melrose, provides information about potential costs and some examples of resources that may be available to seniors and their families.

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Assisted Living Facilities in Melrose, Massachusetts

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What to Consider About Assisted Living in Melrose

The well-being of seniors in Melrose and across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is overseen by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA). Its duties include ensuring assisted living facilities comply with laws and regulations. At a local level, this work is sometimes carried out by Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley and North Shore.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Melrose

  • The cost of living in Melrose is above the national and state averages. However, the city’s health service costs are below average, and seniors may get access to numerous free and subsidized services. To reduce the financial burden on eligible seniors, some support is provided by the Health & Social Services Department of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley and North Shore.
  • Melrose has several world-class medical facilities on its doorstep. Massachusetts General Hospital is only 20 minutes from the city. It’s nationally ranked in 16 adult specialties and rated high-performing in 10 procedures, in addition to being ranked the sixth-best hospital in the country. MelroseWakefield Hospital is in the heart of the city. It’s a general hospital with services that include heart care and orthopedics.
  • When compared to Boston, Melrose has much fewer incidents of property and violent crime. This is also true when compared to national averages, which are approximately double those of Melrose’s. 
  • Melrose is a member of AARP, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting healthy aging for adults aged 50 and over. Melrose’s membership is indicative of the city’s determination to be the best place it can be for its older residents.
  • Although Massachusetts can’t claim all-year-round sunshine, Melrose can claim a better-than-average climate in the commonwealth. During the winter months, temperatures rarely dip below 19 degrees, while in summer, highs of 81 degrees are normal.
  • The Council on Aging Minibus is a curb-to-curb service for Melrose residents aged 60 and over. It provides a convenient way of getting around the city, operating on weekdays between 8:30 a.m – 11:45 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Although the service is free, donations are gratefully accepted. 

Paying for Assisted Living in Melrose

The cost of assisted living varies greatly between states and areas of the country. Although the national average is $4,300, costs in New England are typically much more.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

Only $15 separates the cost of $6,100 in Melrose from the state average of $6,085. However, there are greater differences. Seniors in Barnstable typically pay $6,338, while in Worcester, costs drop to $5,488, although they rise to $5,750 in Springfield. However, when compared to assisted living costs in Manchester, New Hampshire, Melrose’s costs are more agreeable. Only 50 minutes over the border, costs average at $7,560, an increase of $1,460.

Melrose

$6,100

Massachusetts

$6,085

The United States

$4,300

Barnstable

$6,338

Worcester

$5,488

Springfield

$5,750

Manchester, NH

$7,560

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

It can be useful for families to consider other forms of senior care, particularly if they are unsure of the best options for their loved ones. Each form of care incurs costs related to the level and frequency of service. For example, home care and home health care services average at $5,720 in Melrose. Attending an adult day health care facility is $1,782, while an assisted living community is $6,100. The most expensive form of care is a nursing home. A semiprivate room in a nursing home costs approximately $13,383, while a private room is $14,509.

Home care

$5,720

Home health care

$5,720

Adult day health care

$1,782

Assisted living

$6,100

Nursing home (semiprivate room)

$13,383

Nursing home (private room)

$14,509

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Melrose

Seniors in Melrose who require assistance with the cost of services at an ALR are fortunate to have a number of options at their disposal. As part of the Massachusetts Medicaid State Plan, seniors can receive financial aid through the Group Adult Foster Care program and Money Follows the Person (MFP) waiver program. Low-income seniors are also eligible to apply for an optional state supplement (OSS) to be added to their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment.

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

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Melrose

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 Melrose

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers a variety of resources for seniors and their families. The following resources are only some examples of the help available to Melrose residents who may need advisory and financial assistance with their long-term care needs.

ResourceContactService
SHINE Program(800) 243-4636SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) is a statewide service for seniors and caregivers. Trained counselors can help Medicare beneficiaries with plain English explanations of their insurance plans and introduce them to other plans that may be suitable for their circumstances. The counselors can also help low-income seniors access plans that may help cover some of their Medicare costs. Additionally, SHINE counselors work with seniors who need assistance enrolling in Medicare.
Assisted Living Ombudsman(617) 727-7750The ombudsmen are advocates for the rights of seniors in assisted living communities. They can inform seniors about their rights and mediate disagreements between seniors and the owners and managers of their communities. Additional services include investigating complaints made by families and third parties and providing information about assisted living communities for loved ones evaluating care options in Massachusetts.
Milano Senior Center(781) 662-6886The center is open on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. It’s a place for the city’s seniors to meet and socialize and participate in a wealth of activities together. There are classes to help seniors master computers and creative writing, learn Swedish weaving, access Post Office services and enjoy a meal with friends. The center also hosts physical activity classes, such as chair yoga and aerobics.
Group Adult Foster Care (GAFC)(781) 647-5327GAFC is a MassHealth program that can pay for personal care and medication management services for seniors who are eligible for the program. This may include seniors in approved assisted living facilities or other forms of housing that participate in the GAFC program. GAFC doesn’t pay for housing costs. Jewish Family & Children’s Service, a nonprofit organization, can assist North Shore residents who may be eligible for the program.
VA Aid and Attendance Benefit(800) 827-1000The VA AId and Attendance benefit is a monthly payment added to the VA pension for seniors who reside in assisted living communities. The payment is only available to U.S. military veterans and their surviving spouses. To check eligibility, seniors can use the free online tool provided by VeteranAid.org.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Melrose

Melrose-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 Melrose

Reviews of Communities Nearby

Assisted Living

Marian

I visited this facility

Review of The Residence at Melrose Station

The Residence at Melrose Station was extremely luxurious. It just opened and it's like a 5-star hotel. It was beautiful. It was on the pricier side, but when they first opened they were offering...

Read more

Assisted Living

Arlene

I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident

Review of The Residence at Melrose Station

The Residence at Melrose Station is lovely. They give very good care, and the staff is very loving. My mother's room is wonderful. There are activities all day long for them. I recommend them...

Read more

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Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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