This page is intended to aid residents of Massachusetts in understanding the costs associated with assisted living facilities, adult day care, and home care throughout the state. A number of programs that offer assistance in caring for seniors, as well as payment options are also explored.
While the programs covered here are inclusive of what the state of Massachusetts offers, it is not inclusive of what is offered on a national level. In order to find the program that is most suited to your needs and situation, it is important to research all of your options. Make sure to use our Resource Locator Tool to search for nationwide assistance.
Massachusetts Eldercare Costs for 2024
Assisted Living / Memory Care
According to Genworth’s 2023 Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost of assisted living in the state of Massachusetts is $7,120 a month. The most expensive area of the state is Pittsfield, where the monthly average is $9,825. The most affordable assisted living can be found in Springfield, where the monthly cost, on average, is $6,368.
For individuals who require Alzheimer’s or Memory Care communities, which provide an increased level of supervision and security, there are additional monthly fees. On average, it costs 20% – 30% more than traditional assisted living, due to the need for an increased level of care.
Home Care
For home care, the average hourly rate throughout Massachusetts is approximately $35, as indicated by Genworth’s 2023 Cost of Care Survey. The most expensive area of Massachusetts for home care is Boston, where the average rate is $37 an hour. The least expensive area of the state is Worcester, where the hourly cost is $29.
For those who need a higher level of home care, home health care, which is provided by health care professionals, is also available. This type of care is approximately $3 an hour more costly statewide than non-medical health care. However, in Barnstable, the cost can be as much as $50 an hour.
Adult Day Care
As far as care options for the elderly go, adult day care is one of the most affordable. Statewide, per Genworth’s 2023 Cost of Care Survey, the average daily cost is $121. However, as with the other types of care in Massachusetts, price varies based on the location within the state, with a low of $85 an hour in Worcester, and a high of $122 an hour in Boston.
Massachusetts Medicaid Financial Assistance Programs
Medicaid Programs & Waivers for the Elderly
In Massachusetts, the state Medicaid (MassHealth) plan covers the cost of residing in a nursing home facility. This is in addition to limited personal care assistance, adult foster care, and adult day health.
The Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Program provides personal care services for elderly and disabled individuals, either in their home or in the home of a relative. This program allows for self-direction. This means eligible applicants can hire the caregiver of their choosing, including select family members.
The Adult Foster Care Program provides financial assistance to caregivers providing 24-hour care to an elder, either in their own home or the home of the elderly individual. Often, it is a relative or friend that is providing the care.
Group Adult Foster Care (GAFC) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI-G) Assisted Living Benefit enable seniors to live in adult foster homes or assisted living facilities, rather than nursing home facilities. GAFC covers the costs associated with personal care assistance, housecleaning, and medication management. SSI-G provides financial assistance with the cost of room and board.
The Adult Day Health (ADH) Program provides daytime support for seniors and allows full-time caregivers to continue working or, at the very least, allows them a needed break from caregiving responsibilities. For those with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, Dementia Day Services are available.
HCBS Waivers
Further assistance is available through Medicaid Waivers, also called Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers. Currently, Massachusetts offers one Medicaid Waiver to assist seniors and disabled individuals in living independently. This offers a win-win situation, as the individual remains living at home or in the community and the state saves money. Please note, the HCBS Waiver is not an entitlement program. This means that meeting the program requirements does not ensure access to care services. The waiver program has a limited number of participant slots, and once they have been filled, a waitlist forms.
The Massachusetts Frail Elder Waiver (FEW) provides in-home services and community supports to individuals who require a nursing home level of care. Benefits and services include home health aide, personal care assistance, meal delivery, home modifications, respite care, and homemaker services.
Medicaid Eligibility
While eligibility requirements for Medicaid and Medicaid Waivers may vary slightly, there are both income and asset limits for eligibility purposes.
Regular Medicaid
As of 2024, in order to be eligible for Massachusetts Medicaid, an individual must not have an income in excess of $1,255 a month. This figure is equivalent to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The asset limit for a single applicant is $2,000, which excludes the individual’s home, given he or she lives in the home, or has intent to return to the home, and the equity value is not greater than $1,071,000, household furnishings, a single vehicle, and some personal effects.
Waivers
To be eligible for the Frail Elder Waiver, a single applicant is allowed income up to $2,829. The asset limit remains the same as above at $2,000.
If income and / or asset(s) are over the allowable amount(s), it may still be possible to qualify for Medicaid via the assistance of a Medicaid planner. Learn more on Medicaid eligibility. Please note that it is imperative that one does not give away assets within 5 years of applying for Medicaid. This is because Medicaid has a look-back rule, and if violated, may result in a denial of benefits for a period of time.
Massachusetts Non-Medicaid Assistance Programs
As of 2024, Massachusetts has four non-Medicaid programs offering supportive and financial assistance to seniors and or their caregivers.
HCP and ECOP provide non-medical supports and personal care services to elderly individuals in their homes. While very similar in nature, ECOP is intended for those who have greater care needs.
The Supportive Senior Housing Initiative Program provides care consistent with assisted living in publicly supported housing communities. Services may include 24-hour supervision, medication management, meals, personal care services, and housecleaning.
The Massachusetts’s Prescription Advantage Program, which is a state pharmaceutical assistance program, helps seniors cover the cost of Medicare Part D and prescription drugs.
The Massachusetts Family Caregiver Support Program is the state version of the national program.
PACE Programs in Massachusetts
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a joint initiative between Medicare and Medicaid to help seniors get the care and services they need in the community rather than transitioning to a nursing home for care. Because Medicaid differs in each state, PACE eligibility varies between states.
PACE in Massachusetts is operated by MassHealth and Medicare and covers an array of services, including primary and specialty care, meals and nutritional counseling, home health care, hospital care, transportation, activities, lab services, and medical equipment. To be eligible for PACE in the state, you must:
- Be aged 55 or older
- Live in one of the service areas listed below
- Need a nursing home level of care as certified by the state
- Be able to live safely in a community setting
- Agree to receive all health care through PACE providers
How To Get Started With PACE in Massachusetts
Apply for PACE or learn more about the program by contacting Masshealth at (877) 623-6765. You can also reach out to your local provider listed in the table below.
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PACE Provider
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Contact
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Areas Served
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Summit ElderCARE
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(877) 837-9009
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Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex and Worcester counties as well as certain ZIP codes in Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Norfolk, and Plymouth counties
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Element Care
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(781) 715-6608
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North Shore, Merrimack Valley, and the northeast region of Middlesex County
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Neighborhood PACE
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(617) 568-6377
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East Boston, Chelsea, Winthrop, Revere, Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Stoneham, and Boston’s North End
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Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) PACE
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(617) 575-5850
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Arlington, Belmont, Cambridge, Charlestown, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Revere, Somerville, and Watertown
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Harbor Health Services
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(617) 533-2400
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Abington, Attleboro, Avon, Boston, Braintree, Bridgewater, Brockton, Brookline, Canton, Cohasset, Dedham, Duxbury, Easton, East Bridgewater, Foxboro, Halifax, Hanson, Hingham, Hanover, Holbrook, Hull, Kingston, Mansfield, Marshfield, Milton, Newton, Norton, North Attleboro, Norwell, Norwood, Newton, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Quincy, Randolph, Raynham, Rockland, Scituate, Sharon, Stoughton, Taunton, West Bridgewater, Weymouth, and Whitman
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Serenity Care
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(413) 241-6321
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Hampden County, Hampshire County and Franklin County in the towns of Greenfield, Shelburne Falls, and Turners Falls
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Upham’s PACE
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(617) 740-8007
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Boston Area
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Mercy Life MA (Trinity)
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(413) 827-4238
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West Springfield
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Other Financial Options for Care
In addition to the included options for assistance in paying for senior care, there are additional programs that provide aid. Eldercare loans and Veteran’s assistance programs are two options that may be available. To research all of your options and to find the program that is best suited to your situation, make sure to use our Resource Locator Tool.
Finding Affordable Care in Massachusetts
As one can see, the cost of senior care throughout Massachusetts varies widely based on location within the state and the type of care provided. Reaching out to multiple providers to find the most affordable service and the best care option for the situation is important. Our company offers a free service that assists individuals in matching their needs to providers in the area at affordable costs. Click here for affordable care assistance.
