Worcester Independent Living

According to the state's Office of Elder Affairs (OEA), assisted living is "one of the most rapidly growing forms of residential long-term care in Massachusetts." If you're looking for assisted living in Worcester, find out on this page what you can expect in your search process.

The OEA licenses assisted living residences (ALRs) in Massachusetts. The Assisted Living Ombudsman Program provides advocacy, information and complaint resolution to consumers. Go to the OEA's website for more information.

If you're already a resident of the Bay State, the following numbers should not come as a shock. Massachusetts is often called "Tax-achusetts" but for seniors, it's not so bad. Social Security and most pension income are exempt. Worcester's cost of living is 5% above the national average. A private, one-bedroom in a Worcester assisted living facility averages $4,550 a month (the national average $3,261), according to a recent Genworth Financial survey on long-term care. Most base rates include room, meals, and housekeeping. A private room in a nursing home averages $325 a day--a semi-private averages $305.

As you're researching assisted living facilities, ask for a price list, a copy of the Residency Agreement (aka "lease" or "contract") and the Disclosure of Rights and Services Statement. These forms will show costs, services provided, services not provided, and contract termination costs. For more information on Massachusetts assisted living, check out the Consumer's Guide.

According to the OEA, "the majority of Assisted Living residents pay privately, but there are a few ways to receive third party assistance:" The Group Adult Foster Care program, funded by Medicaid, "pays for the service component of Assisted Living, (about $1,000 a month)." Some ALRs offer reduced rates for moderate income residents. And those "eligible for Medicaid can also receive SSI-G - a subsidy of up to $1,000 per month from Social Security to cover the rent."

Worcester has hundreds of ways to entertain and enthrall its citizens. Music lovers will enjoy Mechanics Hall and the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts. Some of the city's museums include the Worcester Art Museum, Worcester Historical Museum, Higgins Armory Museum, ARTSWorcester and Worcester Windows. The 400-acre Broad Meadow Brook--the largest urban nature sanctuary in New England--features over five miles of trails. Tower Hill Botanic Garden features a 3,000 square-foot Orangerie [greenhouse] filled with non-native plants and trees.

If you can't find a Worcester assisted living option you like on this page, expand the list by clicking on the blue link at the bottom.