Assisted living is a form of long-term senior care that provides both medical support and help with activities of daily living. Typically designed to offer a homelike environment, it bridges the gap between intensive services like nursing homes and relatively autonomous independent living care. In Worcester, assisted living costs are comparable to other cities nearby at around $5,950 a month. This is above the national average of $4,459 but below the Massachusetts average of $5,599.
The Assisted Living Research Institute spent dozens of hours researching the top assisted living communities in the Worcester area to allow seniors and their families to find the community that’s right for them. Click through the facilities listed below to read in-depth reviews, what residents are saying, and details such as base pricing, room types, and more.
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In order to find the top assisted living communities in the Worcester area, our team of researchers:
Sorted through 40 communities using our unique methodology
Spent over 11 hours researching assisted living communities in Worcester
Read more than 95 reviews left by residents and their family members
After filtering out facilities that didn’t meet our high standards, we were left with 10 assisted living communities that earned our seal of approval. Through this process we discovered that the average cost of assisted living in the city of Worcester is $5,488, which is lower than the state average of $6,085 and significantly higher than the national average of $4,051.
Christina Drumm-Boyd
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and Geriatric Care Manager (GCM)
Christina Drumm-Boyd
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and Geriatric Care Manager (GCM)
Christina is a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) who is passionate about seniors and their families. Along with her staff, Christina works hands-on with each client to find the best solutions for the challenges that often come with aging.
Read on for in-depth information about the top assisted living facilities in Worcester, a brief dive into our methodology for determining the best assisted living communities, and a searchable directory of 40 communities in the Worcester area.
How to Pay for Assisted Living in Worcester, MA
Determining how to finance assisted living often starts with the question, “What’s the cost?” In today’s economy, where inflation plays a significant role, having current data is crucial for senior living financial planning. AssistedLiving.org has gathered cost information from its expansive network of over 75,000 senior living providers. This data offers a glimpse into the average expenses for assisted living in Worcester and 60 additional cities within Massachusetts.
How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Assisted Living in Worcester, MA
Inflation has driven the costs of assisted living upward in Worcester, meaning seniors will need to plan for how to pay for senior living. Between 2022 and 2023, Worcester saw a 10% increase roughly in line with the national average, as did Boston, Springfield and Lynnfield. The state average increased just 8% in the same period. That trend is projected to change between 2023 and 2024. Worcester and Boston expect just 8% increases. Springfield and Lynnfield project 9.5% and 10% rises. By contrast, the overall state average is projected to rise by 14%.
Location
2022 Cost (Historical)
2023 Cost (Current)
2024 Cost (Estimated)
Worcester
$5,431
$5,950
$6,408
U.S. Average
$4,070
$4,459
$4,802
Massachusetts
$5,202
$5,599
$6,393
Boston
$4,579
$5,017
$5,403
Springfield
$5,097
$5,584
$6,104
Lynnfield
$4,996
$5,474
$5,895
Assisted Living vs. Other Types of Care in Worcester, MA
The monthly average costs of long-term care in Worcester vary depending on the levels of support and specialized service they involve. By far the most expensive is memory care, which provides help from dementia care experts and runs a whopping $12,000 a month. Assisted living averages under half that amount at $5,950 monthly. Independent living is cheapest at $3,333. When researching care options in Worcester, it’s important to align individual needs and preferences with budget.
Care Type
Cost
Assisted Living
$5,950
Memory Care
$12,000
Independent Living
$3,333
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Worcester, MA
Other Ways to Pay for Assisted Living in Worcester, MA
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
Veterans Benefits
Life Insurance Policy
Long-Term Care Insurance
Reverse Mortgage
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Massachusetts.
Free and Low-Cost Assisted Living Resources for Seniors in Worcester, MA
Numerous resources are available in Worcester, MA to support seniors during their retirement. AssistedLiving.org has gathered data on local groups, initiatives, and agencies, and organized them according to care categories for convenient access.
For details about resources across the state and in neighboring cities, please visit the Massachusetts state page on assistedliving.org.
Area Agency on Aging
Your local Worcester Area Agency on Aging is a valuable resource for retirees, offering guidance on financial aid, in-home care, and long-term care planning. They also link seniors and caregivers to community resources.
Massachusetts houses numerous Area Agencies on Aging, offering valuable support to older adults. These agencies facilitate access to local programs that cater to seniors’ daily requirements, such as caregiver assistance, transportation services, meal programs, and health and wellness resources. Additionally, AAAs actively combat elder abuse and fraud while empowering seniors to lead lives filled with safety and dignity.
Massachusetts houses numerous Area Agencies on Aging, offering valuable support to older adults. These agencies facilitate access to local programs that cater to seniors’ daily requirements, such as caregiver assistance, transportation services, meal programs, and health and wellness resources. Additionally, AAAs actively combat elder abuse and fraud while empowering seniors to lead lives filled with safety and dignity.
Food Assistance Programs
In Worcester, various local initiatives are dedicated to promoting senior health through balanced nutrition. They offer services like meal delivery, communal dining, and food banks, ensuring elderly residents have access to affordable, nutritious food.
Massachusetts has numerous food pantries that provide essential provisions and nutritional guidance to low-income residents. Each pantry operates independently, with varying opening times and eligibility criteria. While the availability of food items may differ, staples like pasta, rice, and canned goods are commonly offered. Fresh food, such as meat, fruits, and vegetables, depends on recent donations.
Meals on Wheels agencies in Massachusetts provide nutritious meals to adults aged 60 and above. Each branch has unique delivery schedules and recommended donation per meal, but all serve seniors regardless of income. No senior will be denied a meal based on their ability to pay.
Free Used Medical Equipment
In Worcester, numerous groups are addressing the steep expense of new medical equipment. They gather gently used items like wheelchairs, ramps, and walkers, providing them to local seniors and individuals in need.
Easterseals Massachusetts offers a long-term device loan program for individuals with low incomes who cannot afford medical equipment for home use. This service provides assistive technology, including phones with large tactile buttons, wrist-cuff blood pressure monitors, and screen reading devices.
MassMATCH is a program in Massachusetts that provides short-term loans to ensure equal access to assistive technologies for those who need them the most. The program aims to maximize accessibility and availability of these technologies throughout the state.
Home Repair and Modifications
In Worcester, numerous programs are available to aid seniors and individuals with disabilities in financing home modifications and repairs. These programs, offering grants or loans, have diverse eligibility requirements specifically designed for retirees.
The Weatherization Assistance Program aims to enhance energy efficiency and safety in seniors’ homes, resulting in lower utility expenses. By improving insulation and addressing potential hazards, this program helps seniors enjoy comfortable and secure living spaces.
Legal Resources
In Worcester, numerous agencies provide affordable or complimentary legal assistance to the elderly. They offer counsel on matters like estate management, living wills, and power of attorney. Some even serve as advocates for seniors’ rights in long-term care facilities.
Our nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing legal support to Massachusetts residents who cannot afford legal counsel. If you are 60 years or older, we can assist you with cases related to your rights as a resident of a community living facility. Additionally, we offer help with certain benefit claims, such as SSI and SNAP. Please note that our assistance is limited to civil cases.
Social Security Offices
In Worcester, Social Security offices provide essential services to seniors and individuals with disabilities. They offer guidance on retirement benefits, disability allowances, and Supplemental Security Income.
Social Security provides income for retirees and individuals unable to work due to disability. Funding is derived from payroll taxes paid by employers, employees, and self-employed individuals. Upon retirement, monthly payments are determined by previous earnings.
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
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The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program offers financial support to seniors for their winter heating bills. Seniors can apply without any fees and contact their local service providers for assistance, which is provided free of charge.
Veteran’s Services
Veteran services in Worcester offer invaluable assistance to retired military personnel. These local entities guide veterans in utilizing their rightful benefits and provide counsel on diverse matters.
The Worcester Vet Center provides confidential counseling services to veterans and service members, helping them connect with valuable community resources. Through telehealth appointments conducted via video and phone, veterans can conveniently access vocational rehabilitation programs and receive referrals for assistance with homelessness, substance abuse, or thoughts of suicide. Our individual counseling sessions are designed to support those dealing with PTSD, depression, and trauma, while specialized support groups cater to the unique needs of first responders and veterans from Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Our approach incorporates evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to ensure effective and personalized care.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Worcester, MA
Assisted Living Communities in Worcester are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined by the state. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
