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Dedham, Massachusetts is a suburb of Boston, located in the southern part of the metro area. Residents here have fast access to all the amenities that the largest city in the state offers while being far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city’s center. As a port city, Boston is known for fresh seafood, and the metro area has plenty of different shopping and dining destinations. Health care is exceptional, and seniors have plenty of options, including Massachusetts Respiratory Hospital.
Crime rates here, especially property crimes, are significantly lower than the national average, which may be a relief for many seniors. Dedham weather is cold and snowy in the winter, but summers are pleasant, and there’s plenty of rainfall. People with health conditions aggravated by hot weather may be comfortable here. Many of Dedham’s senior citizens may seek accommodations in one of the area’s many assisted living communities, which average $6,100 per month.
Note: Data for Dedham was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Boston, was used instead.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
Dedham’s assisted living fees are just a few dollars higher than the state average overall, $6,085, according to Genworth Financial’s Cost of Care Survey 2020. Both of these costs are significantly higher than the national average of $4,300 and higher than two of the closest neighboring states, New York ($4,800) and Rhode Island ($4,950). However, assisted living costs in Connecticut ($6,300), New Jersey ($6,650) and New Hampshire ($6,650) are all several hundred dollars more than Massachusetts.
Compared to other Massachusetts cities, Dedham and the Boston metro area have some of the highest monthly assisted living fees. Only Barnstable Town, at $6,338, is higher, while New Bedford, near Providence, Rhode Island, is the lowest at $4,950. Fees in Worcester ($5,488), Springfield ($5,750) and Pittsfield ($5,789) are all several hundred dollars less.
Seniors aged 60 and older who are enrolled in the Massachusetts Medicaid program, MassHealth, may be eligible for the Group Adult Foster Care and the Supplemental Security Income Assisted Living Benefit program, an assisted living waiver that can help seniors avoid early nursing home placement. It covers both in-home health care and homemaker services and assisted living fees.
For more information about this program and its eligibility requirements, visit our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Assisted Living Ombudsman | (617) 727-7750 | The office of the Assisted Living Ombudsman oversees the conditions of residents in long-term care communities, including assisted living communities. Representatives investigate complaints lodged by residents or their families. Other functions of the Ombudsman Agency include working with state and local governments to improve the regulations and conditions of these communities. |
| Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging | (508) 852-5539 | The Agency on Aging administers several programs to help the elderly in the greater Boston area find long-term care placement and budget for retirement. Caregiver support and family guidance for those with an elderly loved one is also offered, as are caregiver training and information about topics that affect older adults, such as fraud prevention and health screenings. Other services help seniors maintain their independence, socialize and make new friends. |
| Boston Vet Center | (617) 424-0665 | Local military veterans can get help applying for their VA benefits and obtaining health care, including mental health treatment. Other services include counseling on topics such as grief and loss, or PTSD. Veterans may also enjoy social activities and get help finding the right long-term care plan. |
| Greater Boston Legal Services | (617) 371-1234 | This community outreach program offers free or reduced-rate legal help in civil matters to individuals who meet income thresholds. Counseling includes advice and representation in court for cases of elder abuse or neglect, landlord-tenant disputes, or fraud. Lawyers can also draft wills, living wills and trusts to protect seniors financially and to make sure their health care wishes are followed in the event they cannot advocate for themselves. |
| Volunteer Match | (877) 537-5277 | Volunteer Match pairs area seniors with volunteer opportunities in the area such as area clean-ups, after-school tutoring, teaching English as a second language, or volunteering in local libraries. |
| MassMatch | (877) 508-3974 | MassMatch helps those who need assistive technology to obtain secondhand, donated or low-cost equipment, including TTY kits. The service also allows seniors to borrow equipment before purchasing it to ensure they find the right fit. |
| South Boston Neighborhood House | (617) 268-1619 | The South Boston Neighborhood House offers senior citizens a space to meet new friends and engage in their favorite activities, including games and holiday celebrations, plus educational programs and guest lecturers. Fitness classes designed for older adults are also scheduled throughout the week. |
Assisted living communities in Dedham, as in all of Massachusetts, are overseen by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, which ensures proper staff training and compliance with state standards. The organization conducts regular inspections of all facilities.
Visit our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page to learn more about these regulations.
