Charlton Manor Rest Home is a senior housing facility located at 12 Town Farm Rd in Charlton, Massachusetts. The encompassing area has an average population density, with roughly 14,000 people residing in the 01507 zip code. With a ...
Nursing Homes in Massachusetts
- SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Homes in Massachusetts
- Nursing Care Directory for Massachusetts
- Nursing Care Costs in Massachusetts
- Financial Assistance for Nursing Homes in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Nursing Care Rules and Regulations
- Free Nursing Care Resources in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a population of over 6.8 million residents, of whom 17% are aged 65 and older, and has long been a leader in the healthcare field. While it's an expensive state in which to live, with high costs for nursing home care, these concerns are more than offset by the quality of care seniors can find in the many world-renowned medical institutions in and around Boston, the state capital. Although the state receives more than its fair share of snow each winter, residents can enjoy pleasant, warm summers and a comfort index of seven out of 10. Massachusetts averages 197 sunny days each year, which is only slightly below the national average of 205.
Massachusetts has 375 nursing care facilities broken down into several categories, depending upon the number of residents and the level of care provided. Some facilities provide less extensive nursing care, while others specialize in caring for seniors who face difficult medical situations or disabilities. This guide looks at the cost of these long-term care facilities in Massachusetts, the rules and regulations that govern them and financial assistance available through government programs that can help cover the cost of nursing care.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in Massachusetts
One way of determining the livability of communities in Massachusetts is to look at the SeniorScore. Created by SeniorAdvice, this score is based on over 100 data points from government and private sources. It's broken down into four relevant categories: Health & Safety, Recreation & Leisure, Finances and General Quality of Life. Massachusetts has a SeniorScore of 74, which is two points above the nationwide score of 72.
Not unexpectedly, Massachusetts’ highest score of 74 was in Health & Safety. This score is due in part to the state's high number of Medicare-registered healthcare providers and hospitals providing quality care. Massachusetts has average property crime and violent crime rates and a life expectancy that's almost two years longer than the national average of 78.6 years.
Recreation & Leisure was the next highest scoring category with a 68. Massachusetts is home to many historical sites, parks and entertainment venues. Seniors will find 352 golf courses in the state, as well as 1,955 churches and numerous synagogues and mosques.
Massachusetts lowest score of 58 was in the Finances category. This is largely the result of the state’s cost of living, which is 27 points above the national average, its high sales and income tax rates and costly nursing home care. However, the cost of adult day care and the state’s unemployment rate are both lower than the corresponding national averages.
Top Nursing Care in Massachusetts
Wingate at Reading is a 123 unit senior housing facility located in Reading, Massachusetts. The facility is in a primarily affluent area, with a median family income of $103,358. With around 25,000 individuals living in the zip ...
CareOne at Newton is a 202 bed senior housing facility situated in Newton, Massachusetts. The community is in a largely upscale area, with a median per-family income of $134,119. With roughly 3,000 individuals residing in the zip code ...
Neville Center at Fresh Pond is a 112 unit senior housing community. It is situated within the Cambridge Highlands area of Cambridge, Massachusetts. With approximately 37,000 residents in the zip code of 02138, the encompassing area is ...
Life Care Center of Stoneham is a 94 bed senior housing community. It is located at 25 Woodland Rd in Stoneham, Massachusetts. The encompassing area is densely populated, with approximately 22,000 individuals residing in the 02180 zip code. ...
Located at 750 Woburn St in Wilmington, Massachusetts, CareOne at Wilmington is a 132 room senior community. With an average per-household income of $97,107, the community is in a primarily wealthier area. It has a dense population, with ...
Blaire House of Milford is a 73 unit senior housing community located in Milford, Massachusetts. The surrounding area is densely populated, with approximately 29,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 01757. It is a largely middle income ...
Life Care Center of Acton is a 155 bed senior care facility. It is situated nearby the West Concord area of Acton, Massachusetts. With around 22,000 individuals living in the 01720 zip code, the encompassing area has a ...
Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital Transitional Care is located at 680 Centre Street Bldg A Level 3 in Brockton, Massachusetts. It is a 29 unit nursing facility. The encompassing area has a dense population, with roughly 34,000 people residing ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Park Avenue Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is situated near the Cambridge Highlands neighborhood of Arlington, Massachusetts. It is an 89 bed nursing facility. It is surrounded by a variety of local amenities, which include retail shopping, ...
Sutton Hill Center is a 142 bed senior housing community. It is located at 1801 Turnpike St in North Andover, Massachusetts. With an average family income of $99,505, the community is in a largely upper class area. ...
CareOne at Peabody is located at 199 Andover St in Peabody, Massachusetts. It is a 150 room senior community. The facility is in a largely middle income area, with an average family income of $67,119. With approximately ...
Blaire House of Tewksbury is a 131 unit senior community situated in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. The community is in a largely upscale area, with a median family income of $83,976. It is heavily populated, with around 30,000 individuals residing ...
Worcester Health Center is located at 25 Oriol Dr in Worcester, Massachusetts. It is a 160 unit nursing care facility. The community is in a primarily middle class area, with a median household income of $41,023. With ...
Courtyard Nursing Care Center is situated near by the North Cambridge neighborhood of Medford, Massachusetts. It is a 224 unit nursing home facility. The community is in a predominantly middle class area, with a median household income of ...
Briarwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center is a 120 room skilled nursing facility. It is located at 150 Lincoln St in Needham, Massachusetts. With around 21,000 residents in the zip code of 02492, the neighboring area has an average ...
Located at 30 Watertown St in Lexington, Massachusetts, Pine Knoll Nursing Center is an 81 unit nursing facility. The surrounding area has a medium-density population, with approximately 15,000 individuals living in the zip code of 02420. It is ...
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Massachusetts
Nursing care is expensive in Massachusetts, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2020. At $12,623 per month, it’s almost $5,000 more than the national average of $7,756. Compared to nearby states, however, it’s competitive. Connecticut averages $300 more a month at $12,927, while in New Hampshire the average is $10,646. Nursing home care in Vermont costs $9,779 a month, whereas in Rhode Island, it's almost $4,000 less expensive at just $8,669.
- Massachusetts: $12,623
- National: $7,756
- Connecticut: $12,927
- New Hampshire: $10,646
- Vermont: $9,779
- Rhode Island: $8,669
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Massachusetts Top Cities
Nursing care costs in Massachusetts’ top cities range between $11,101 and $13,338 per month. Boston is the most expensive city at $13,383. Barnstable Town on Cape Cod is a close second at $13,326 per month. In Worcester, situated about an hour west of Boston, the average is $12,486. In Springfield, this level of care costs $11,568. Seniors in Pittsfield, located close to the New York border, pay the lowest average cost statewide at $11,101 per month.
- Boston: $13,383
- Barnstable Town: $13,326
- Worcester: $12,486
- Springfield: $11,568
- Pittsfield: $11,101
Senior Cost Care Comparison in Massachusetts
At $12,623 per month, nursing homes are the most expensive senior care option in Massachusetts. Memory care averages $7,606 per month, while assisted living facilities charge an average of $6,085. Basic in-home care services cost $5,529, while home health care services that assist with limited medical needs average $5,649 per month. Adult day care is the least expensive option at $1,598.
- Memory Care: $7,606
- Assisted Living: $6,085
- In-Home Care: $5,529
- Home Health Care: $5,649
- Adult Day Care: $1,598
- Nursing Home Care: $12,623
Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Massachusetts
As you can see above, Nursing Home Care is often the most expensive senior care option – sometimes even 2-3 times the cost of other types of senior living. The primary reason for this is the 24/7 skilled nursing and other medical services that are provided. Thankfully, most people aren't forced to pay for skilled nursing care entirely out-of-pocket. Rather, many qualify for financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of nursing care.
Medicaid is the most comprehensive financial assistance program – but, not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid. And because each state operates its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. Below, we provide more information on Medicaid in Massachusetts.
Medicaid in Massachusetts
Medicaid is the government-provided health insurance program available to eligible seniors, adults and children, which is known as MassHealth in Massachusetts. For seniors, it can cover long-term care services including nursing home care. Massachusetts expanded its Medicare eligibility in 2013 and since then, enrollment in the program has grown by 31%. Currently, almost 1.7 million residents are covered by MassHealth, or about 23% of the state population. Most of the state's 375 nursing facilities accept MassHealth, and it's the primary funding source for almost two-thirds of Massachusetts' more than 34,000 nursing home residents.
Medicaid Eligibility in Massachusetts
To qualify for long-term care benefits under MassHealth, senior and disabled individuals must meet the program's financial and needs assessment guidelines. Here are some of the basic requirements:
- A seniors' income can't exceed 100% of the federal poverty guidelines. This figure is calculated using wages, Social Security and pension income. Supplemental Security Income benefits aren't counted toward an applicant's total income.
- Resources/assets can't exceed $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Certain assets, such as a primary home and one vehicle, are excluded when calculating this figure.
- All applicants must pass a needs assessment to verify that they require a nursing home level of care.
- Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant and have a Social Security number.
- To qualify, an applicant must be a resident of Massachusetts.
Seniors and disabled adults can apply for MassHealth online via the MassHealth Connector or by calling (800) 841-2900. Individuals who meet the requirements mentioned above can receive healthcare coverage as well as nursing home benefits. They may also be eligible for MassHealth's Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers that cover the cost of alternatives to nursing home care, such as various services and supports provided at home or in an assisted living setting.
Additional Financial Assistance Options
- Medicare: For the first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will cover the entire cost of care, and a portion of the costs up until day 100. After 100 days, Medicare won't cover any of the costs. Importantly, seniors must also have a "qualifying hospital stay" that lasts 3 days prior to their admission to a nursing home in order to qualify for Medicare coverage.
- Aid and Attendance: Aid and Attendance may be available to veterans who receive a VA pension. This benefit is a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. It is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used to pay for skilled nursing care.
- Reverse Mortgages: For those who own a home, reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. It's often a good fit for married couples when only one partner needs nursing care, as the other residents of the home may continue living there. Keep in mind that reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid (with interest), typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: For seniors who already have long-term care insurance, the cost of skilled nursing care may be covered. Most policies cover at least a portion of the costs, but it depends on the specific policy terms. It's important to note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not be eligible to sign up for a long-term care insurance policy.
Massachusetts Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations
Nursing homes in Massachusetts are regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Health Division of Health Care Facility Licensure and Certification. The Division also administers the Nurse Aide Registry program and provides healthcare facility reporting and nursing home provider information. This Division outlines the standards, rules and regulations that must be followed by each nursing care facility in the state, depending upon its classification category. Some of these rules and regulations include:
Scope of Care | Nursing Homes must provide medical services for all residents. They are required to hire the appropriate number and type of staff to ensure the physical, emotional and medical well-being of residents. The minimum number of staff is based on the number of residents in a facility. Staff should include a licensed administrator, registered nurses, nurse aides, rehabilitative therapists and a pharmacist on a full-time or part-time consultant basis. |
Care Planning | A nursing care plan must be initiated on a resident’s admission. It must be based on the resident’s primary care provider’s medical care plan and facility nursing staff's assessment of their needs. Plans should be reviewed either every 30 days or every 90 days depending upon the classification of the nursing facility. If there's a change in the resident’s condition, the plan should be reassessed and updated as needed. |
Pharmacy Services | All nursing care facilities must maintain written policies and procedures concerning the procurement, storing, dispensing and administration of prescribed medications. The primary care provider and a licensed nurse must together review each resident's medications either every 30 days or every 90 days depending upon the classification of the facility. Residents can use the pharmacy of their choice. |
Staff Screening | All personnel hired by a nursing home must undergo a statewide criminal background check. An FBI check is required if the employee can't show proof of residence in Massachusetts for the previous five years. The state’s Nurse Aide Registry maintains a list of all certified nurse aides. |
Staff Training | All nursing home facilities must maintain written documentation that shows staff members have met the government-mandated training standards. Prior to completing the orientation process, staff members must receive a minimum of eight hours of initial training. All staff members who provide care in a nursing facility shall receive at least four hours of training each subsequent calendar year. |
Medicaid Coverage | Medicare in Massachusetts, known as MassHealth, provides eligible seniors and disabled adults with financial assistance to help with nursing home costs. Applicants must meet the financial eligibility guidelines and complete a needs assessment to show they require the level of care provided in a nursing facility. |
Reporting Abuse | The Massachusetts Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program protects residents of nursing homes from suspected abuse and neglect. Ombudsmen located throughout the state investigate complaints and offer seniors a way to have their concerns addressed so that they can live with dignity and respect. Seniors and their family members can call (617) 727-7750 to report an issue of concern. |
Free Nursing Home Resources in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Senior Care Association
The Massachusetts Senior Care Association’s membership includes over 400 long-term care facilities, including nursing homes. Its goal is to improve the delivery of long-term care services in Massachusetts. The organization develops continuing education training for nursing facility staff and provides information and referral services to seniors, their families and caregivers. The Association can be reached by calling (617) 558-0202 or (800) 227-3367.
A service of the Volunteer Lawyers Project of Boston, the senior legal helpline provides Massachusetts residents aged 60 and older with free legal advice on a variety of issues including Medicare, Medicaid, veterans benefits, Social Security, appeals of health care insurance decisions and other issues. Seniors and their family members can reach the helpline by calling (617) 603-1700
Massachusetts Agencies
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
One Ashburton Place, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02108
(800) 243-4636
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/ombudsman-programs
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program investigates complaints of abuse and neglect affecting residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in Massachusetts. The program's trained volunteer ombudsmen work to resolve issues and concerns of residents or their families about quality of care, living conditions and other issues. They also work to educate their local communities about important senior issues.
Nursing Home Consumer Information
250 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108
(617) 624-6000
https://www.mass.gov/nursing-home-consumer-information
A service of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Nursing Home Consumer Information guide provides information and resources for residents of Massachusetts who are looking for a long-term care facility. It includes a Nursing Home Survey Performance Tool, information on choosing a nursing home, nursing home quality improvement projects and a section on the rights of residents in long-term care facilities.
Division of Insurance
1000 Washington Street, Suite 810, Boston, MA 02118
(617) 521-7794
https://www.mass.gov/long-term-care-insurance
The Massachusetts Division of Insurance provides seniors, their families and caregivers with information and resources about long-term care insurance that may help cover the cost of nursing facility and other types of long-term care. On the Division's website, seniors can find a helpful guide complete with tips on how to shop for long-term care insurance and the right questions to ask an insurance broker. It also provides information on how to contact a SHINE counselor for assistance when making healthcare coverage decisions.
Area Agencies on Aging in Massachusetts
The 31 Area Agencies on Aging Offices in Massachusetts provide a variety of services and resources for seniors and those who care for them in their local communities. This includes access to mobility assistance services, housing and and nutrition programs, individual counseling on issues such as Medicare, Medicaid and long-term care planning, and respite assistance for family members caring for seniors who are aging in place.
Veteran Affairs Office in Massachusetts
The goal of the Massachusetts Veterans Affair Office is to provide veterans, their families or survivors with support services in accessing the benefits earned through their service in the military. This includes access to the two veterans’ homes in the state, help obtaining VA healthcare services and assistance applying for pensions and supplemental benefits such as Aid and Attendance. Veterans and family members can find the location of their closest veterans’ office online or by calling (617) 210-5480.
Social Security Offices in Massachusetts
Seniors and their family members who are seeking information about programs and assistance available through the Social Security Administration can visit one of the 30 Social Security field offices in the state. The available programs may include Social Security, Social Security disability benefits, Medicare enrollment assistance, survivors' benefits and Supplemental Security Income benefits, which provides financial assistance to low-income seniors and the disabled and may help cover the cost of room and board in a nursing home or other long-term care facility.
Your Information is Processing