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Memory Care in Massachusetts

Alzheimer’s disease has had a significant impact on Massachusetts residents, and it’s projected that the number of seniors living with this disease will increase in the coming years. According to statistics published by the Alzheimer’s Association, 130,000 Massachusetts residents have this diagnosis in 2020. By 2025, the organization predicts that 150,000 seniors in the state will develop this disease. There were 1,823 Alzheimer’s-related deaths in the state in 2018, making it the sixth leading cause of death. In 2017, nearly a quarter of those in hospice had a primary diagnosis of dementia.

Seniors in the mild and moderate stages of Alzheimer’s may be able to safely live at home under the supervision of a family member. However, as the disease progresses over time, living independently is no longer feasible. Memory care facilities are optimal environments for those with all stages of dementia. In Massachusetts, these facilities are officially called special care units. Residents follow a predictable daily routine, participate in memory-stimulating activities and practice self-care tasks. In Massachusetts, seniors pay $7,050 per month for this level of care, which is higher than the national average of $5,064.

This guide features an overview of memory care costs in and around Massachusetts and outlines the financial assistance programs that may cover services. It also details local nonprofit organizations and government agencies that provide support for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Memory Care in Massachusetts



The SeniorScore is a livability index that indicates how an area accommodates the comfort and needs of older residents. This unbiased, data-driven score incorporates over 100 variables from numerous sources, such as the U.S. Census Bureau and Medicare, and divides them into four categories, including General Quality of Life, Finances, Recreation & Leisure and Health & Safety. In Massachusetts, the SeniorScore is 74, which is a little higher than the national score of 72.

Massachusetts rates highest in the Health & Safety category with a score of 74. The state’s overall property and violent crime rates are on par with national figures, and the average life expectancy is high at 80.5 years, compared to the national average of 78.6. Massachusetts seniors have numerous senior living facilities and a high number of Medicare-registered healthcare providers to choose from, and the state is home to many hospitals.

Massachusetts also scores moderately high in the Recreation & Leisure category. Nearly three in 10 state residents are aged 55 and over, which is consistent with the national average. Active seniors have a variety of amenities to choose from, including 352 golf courses and numerous municipal parks, and the state has 1,955 churches. These factors are among those that contribute to a category score of 68. 

The categories in which Massachusetts scores the lowest are Finances and General Quality of Life at 58 and 62, respectively. Compared to the nation as a whole, the state’s cost of living is high, and senior care costs are expensive. The state has a relatively cool climate, with annual highs averaging 58.1 degrees and annual lows at 38.7. The area has high public school quality rankings and a high graduation rate, which may be a benefit to Massachusetts seniors who are selling their homes.



Top Memory Care Communities in Massachusetts



Sherrill House - Boston, MA

Sherrill House

135 South Huntington Ave

Boston, MA 02130

1-855-224-5130

16 Reviews  

Sherrill House is situated within the Mission Hill neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. It is a 196 room senior housing facility. With an average household income of $69,576, the facility is in a primarily middle income area. It ...

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Prescott House - North Andover, MA

Prescott House

140 Prescott St

North Andover, MA 01845

1-855-229-7494

16 Reviews  

Prescott House is located at 140 Prescott St in North Andover, Massachusetts. It is a 126 bed senior care facility. The facility is in a predominantly well-to-do area, with a median per-family income of $99,505. It is ...

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Palm Center - Chelmsford, MA

Palm Center

40 Parkhurst Rd

Chelmsford, MA 01824

1-855-233-7205

15 Reviews  

Palm Center is located at 40 Parkhurst Rd in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. It is a 124 unit senior community. The encompassing area has a dense population, with about 26,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 01824. It ...

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The Cost of Memory Care in Massachusetts



While memory support services are typically provided in assisted living facilities and offer comparable services, they also feature specialized care specifically for those with dementia. For this reason, memory services are typically 20-30% higher than assisted living costs. No authoritative data exists for the exact costs of this type of care throughout the nation, so the following cost data is based on Genworth Financial’s 2019 Cost of Care survey with a 25% increase to account for additional features and services.

Massachusetts is among the most expensive states in the United States for memory care services. Nationwide, seniors pay an average of $5,064 per month for residential memory support. In Massachusetts, monthly costs are nearly 40% higher at $7,050. Of its bordering states, only New Hampshire is more costly for this type of care, with seniors paying $8,776 per month for memory services. In Vermont and Connecticut, care is more affordable but still considerably higher than the national average at $6,673 and $6,100 per month, respectively. The most affordable nearby state for residential memory services is New York, where fees are closer to the national average at $5,788.

  • Massachusetts: $7,050
  • National: $5,064 
  • New Hampshire: $8,776 
  • Vermont: $6,673 
  • New York: $5,788 
  • Connecticut: $6,100 

The Cost of Memory Care in Massachusetts' Top Cities 

Memory care fees vary widely across the state depending on factors such as location and regional living costs. The most affordable city in Massachusetts is Pittsfield, which is situated in the westernmost region of the state. Here, monthly costs are nearly half the statewide average at $3,766. Fifty-five miles to the east in Springfield, costs are higher are $6,688, and in Worcester, located in the central region of the state, fees are consistent with the Massachusetts average at $7,043. In Barnstable Town, located in the southeastern region, seniors pay $6,938 per month for memory care. The capital city of Boston is the costliest option at $8,053 monthly.

  • Pittsfield: $3,766 
  • Springfield: $6,688 
  • Worcester: $7,043 
  • Boston Area: $8,053 
  • Barnstable Town: $6,938 

Senior Care Cost Comparison in Massachusetts 

In general, Massachusetts is an expensive state for senior care, and memory care is among the most expensive types of care available. At $7,050 per month, it’s surpassed in cost only by nursing home care, which costs an average of $12,473 for semiprivate accommodations. Assisted living, which is a residential setting where seniors receive personal care services, is 20-30% cheaper than memory care at $5,640 per month on average. Home care, which enables seniors to receive services in their own homes, is more affordable, with nonmedical in-home care costing $5,186 and home health care costing $5,243. The most affordable senior care option in Massachusetts is adult day care, which is considerably less expensive than memory care at $1,473 per month.

  • Memory Care: $7,050 
  • Assisted Living: $5,640
  • In-Home Care: $5,186 
  • Home Health Care: $5,243 
  • Adult Day Care: $1,473 
  • Nursing Home Care: $12,473 

Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Massachusetts



MassHealth Personal Care Attendant Program 

Address: 1 Ashburton Pl., 11th Floor, Boston, MA 02108
Phone Number: (800) 841-2900 
Website: https://www.mass.gov/masshealth-personal-care-attendant-pca-program

The PCA Program is an entitlement through MassHealth that provides personal care services to those who are elderly or have a chronic or permanent disability. Seniors who are enrolled in MassHealth, the state’s Medicaid program, are automatically guaranteed personal care services through this program. It's designed to prevent or delay nursing placement and covers services such as homemaker services, assistance with daily living activities, meal preparation and shopping. Night attendant services may be covered for those who need around-the-clock monitoring and care.

To be eligible for the PCA Program, applicants must be enrolled in MassHealth. They must also need assistance with at least two daily living activities, and a physician must determine that personal care services are necessary.


Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children

Phone Number: (877) 382-2363
Website: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/check-eaedc-eligibility-and-how-to-apply

Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children provides cash benefits and medical assistance to those who have limited income. The cash benefit paid through this state-funded program can be used at the beneficiary’s discretion to cover living expenses, including memory services. The benefit amount varies depending on where the program participant lives, with those living in residential care facilities receiving $72.80 per month in 2020.

To be eligible for this program, seniors must be unable to work due to a disability that will last 60 days or more or be aged 65 or older and waiting for Supplemental Security Income benefits to begin. Applicants must also meet income and asset limits.


Moving Forward Plan Waivers 

Address: 333 South St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545 
Phone Number: (855) 499-5109 
Website: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/moving-forward-plan-mfp-waivers

MassHealth has two home- and community-based services waivers that enable Medicaid-eligible seniors to transition from a nursing home back into the community. The MFP Community Living waiver is for seniors who can move into their own home or the home of an informal caregiver. The MFP Residential Supports waiver is for those who need around-the-clock supervision in a provider-operated residential setting, such as a memory care facility. Services covered by the MFP-RS waiver include assisted living services, homemaker services, speech and occupational therapy, specialized medical equipment and transportation.

To be eligible for an MFP waiver, applicants must be aged 65 or older and reside in a nursing home for at least 90 days. They must also be enrolled in MassHealth.


Massachusetts Memory Care Rules and Regulations



In Massachusetts, memory care is provided in special care units in assisted living facilities and is governed by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. This department certifies facilities and ensures that they comply with regulations pertaining to scope of care, staffing, Medicaid coverage and reporting abuse.

Scope of Care 

In Massachusetts, memory care facilities provide assistance with daily living activities, medication management services and daily meals and snacks. They have 24-hour awake staff and organize daily activities that promote independence, including self-care tasks, memory-stimulating activities and social events.

Memory care facilities may contract with third-party service providers to provide intermittent or part-time skilled nursing services. However, they’re not permitted to provide 24-hour nursing care or advanced nursing services, either directly or through a third-party.

Care Plans 

Memory care facilities must conduct initial screenings and assessments prior to admitting new residents to assess their needs and ensure that those needs can be met in a residential setting. Within three months of admission, the facility must create a personalized care plan that outlines the resident’s medications and whether they may be self-administered, allergies, dietary needs and restrictions, whether they need evacuation assistance in an emergency and the level of their care needs. This plan must be based on the resident’s initial assessment with the input of a physician. It must be reviewed every six months or when the resident’s needs change.

Medication Management 

Memory care facilities must provide medication management services for self-administered medications. Services include medication reminders, opening medication containers and packaging, reading the label to residents and observing them while they take the medicine. Facilities may provide limited medication administration. These services may only be provided by a family member or a licensed medical practitioner. A nurse may only administer medications that are in their original containers and filled and labeled by a pharmacy. 

Staffing 

Memory care facilities in Massachusetts aren’t required to maintain minimum staffing ratios. However, facilities must have enough caregivers on-site at all times to meet residents’ scheduled and unscheduled needs as described in their care plans.

All staff members who provide direct care to residents, including third-party providers, must complete a seven-hour orientation before working with residents. This orientation covers a broad range of topics, such as a general overview of dementia, resident rights, how to recognize and report abuse and medication management. New employees must also undergo seven hours of training on topics such as communicating with those who have dementia, managing difficult behaviors and creating a therapeutic environment.

Medicaid Coverage 

MassHealth covers memory care services through its Personal Care Attendant Program and two Moving Forward Plan waivers.

Reporting Abuse 

Residents, family members, visitors and memory care staff may report cases of abuse, neglect and exploitation to the Executive Office of Elder Affairs online or by calling the state’s long-term care ombudsman at (617) 727-7750. 


Free Memory Care Resources in Massachusetts



Alzheimer’s Association Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter 

Massachusetts seniors and their families who have been affected by Alzheimer’s disease can receive support, referrals and informational resources through the Alzheimer’s Association Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter. This nonprofit organization provides volunteer opportunities, hosts workshops on topics such as early detection and clinical trials, facilitates support groups and operates a 24/7 helpline.

To learn about eligibility requirements, individuals should call (800) 272-3900.

Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center 

The Alzheimer’s Disease Center, which is operated by Boston University, conducts research with the goal of developing a cure for Alzheimer’s. Seniors may volunteer to participate in various studies that track memory and behavior. Eligibility requirements for studies vary. Some studies are for those with mild cognitive impairments, while others are for those who are healthy.

Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

PACE, which is administered by Medicare and MassHealth, provides a range of medical, recreation, wellness and social services for eligible seniors to help avoid nursing home placement. Covered services that may benefit those with Alzheimer’s include primary and specialty medical care, physical and occupational therapy, medical supplies, 24-hour emergency access to medical staff, transportation and social and recreational activities. Prescription drugs are also covered by PACE.

To be eligible for PACE, applicants must be at least 55 years old and have a recognized disability. They must also reside in a PACE service area. Currently, nine of Massachusetts’ 14 counties have PACE programs. For more information, seniors should contact their local PACE program provider. 



Massachusetts Agencies


Executive Office of Health and Human Services 

Address: 1 Ashburton Pl., Boston, MA 02108
Phone Number: (617) 573-1600 
Website: https://www.mass.gov/topics/seniors

The state’s Health and Human Services office provides a variety of programs for seniors, enabling them to access health and wellness services and live as independently as possible in the community. Some programs that the office provides include Prescription Advantage, a family caregiver support program, ombudsman services and health insurance counseling. Eligibility requirements vary by program.



Area Agencies on Aging in Massachusetts 


Massachusetts’ Council on Aging & Senior Centers has 350 municipal agencies that provide social and health services, local outreach initiatives, information, advocacy and referrals for older adults. Through these local agencies, seniors can access services such as Medicare options counseling, health screenings, transportation and meals. MCOA also operates senior centers throughout the state, providing recreational and social activities for members.



Veterans Affairs Offices in Massachusetts 


The Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services serves veterans and their eligible dependents by providing assistance with locating and applying for state and federal programs. Seniors can contact the Boston Regional Office or one of the state’s seven vet centers for help applying to programs that may cover memory care expenses, including the VA pension and the Aid and Attendance benefit. 



Social Security Offices in Massachusetts 


Massachusetts is home to 30 Social Security Field Offices, two Disability Determination Service offices and three Office of Hearing Operations locations. Through these offices, seniors can apply for benefits that may help cover medical and dementia-related expenses, including Supplemental Security Income, special veterans benefits, prescription drug assistance and Medicare.

 

Other Cities in Massachusetts

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