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Located just 7 miles north of Boston, Melrose, Massachusetts, is an ideal choice for assisted living. This historic community is home to 28,016 residents, including 4,819 senior citizens, who enjoy easy access to a rich array of art, culture and entertainment. Local attractions include Pine Banks Park, the Stone Zoo and the 2,500-acre Middlesex Fells Reservation plus a number of golf courses and local eateries. The community’s low crime rates also benefit older adults who may be vulnerable to scams and other offenses.
Although the cost of living is high in this Boston suburb, health care is 17% less expensive than the national average, and residents have access to world-class medical facilities, including Tufts, Massachusetts General Hospital and the MelroseWakefield Hospital. There are 20 assisted living facilities located in and around the community. These facilities typically charge $6,100 per month, which is well above the national average but just $15 higher than the state median.
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 >
According to data from Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, assisted living facilities in Melrose typically charge $6,100 per month, which is $15 higher than the state median. In Connecticut, assisted living costs $200 more, and New Hampshire residents pay $550 more per month. Rates in Vermont are $790 lower, and Rhode Island is comparatively budget-friendly at $4,950 although this is $650 higher than the national average of $4,300. List
Melrose is one of the more expensive areas for assisted living in the commonwealth. Monthly rates in Barnstable on Cape Cod are about $240 higher. However, most communities are more affordable. In Springfield and Pittsfield, seniors pay $5,750 and $5,789 per month. Average rates are about $600 lower in Worcester, a savings of 10%.
Note: Data for Melrose was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Boston, was used instead.
Seniors who need help paying for assisted living may be eligible for financial assistance through the Moving Forward Plan. The state’s MFP Residential Supports and Community Living waivers cover the cost of assisted living, personal care and physical therapy. There are income and asset limits, and some services are reserved for individuals who have been living in a nursing home for at least 90 days. Additional information is available in our guide to Assisted Living in Massachusetts.
| Contact | Description | |
| Mystic Valley Elder Services | (781) 324-7705 | Located in nearby Malden, Mystic Valley Elder Services is equipped to handle all types of age-related questions and concerns. This nonprofit is part of a federally mandated service network established by the Older Americans Act. It offers one-on-one counseling to help seniors plan for their current and future needs, and it connects residents to home- and community-based services and support, including long-term care programs funded by Medicaid. Seniors can contact the agency for information about Medicare, chronic disease management and long-term care benefits. |
| Melrose Council on Aging | (781) 665-4304 | The Melrose Council on Aging is one of 350 municipal agencies located in communities statewide. These organizations offer information, assistance and referrals to seniors and family caregivers who need help accessing healthy aging programs, senior-friendly recreation activities and accessible curb-to-curb transportation. The Council on Aging offers nutritional services, preventive health screenings, legal assistance and many other age-related services through the Milano Family Senior Center. |
| Milano Family Senior Center | (781) 662-6886 | Operated by the Melrose Council on Aging, the Milano Senior Center is located in a 19th century West Foster Street carriage house that was part of the historic Beebe Estate. Since 1995, the center has offered fitness programs, arts and crafts workshops, tax preparation assistance and educational classes on topics like meditation and creative writing. Every year, it offers dozens of ongoing and seasonal programs that benefit more than 1,000 seniors in the Melrose area. |
| Northeast Legal Aid | (978) 458-1465 | Northeast Legal Aid operates three regional offices that are dedicated to helping seniors and low-income residents. Staff members at its location in Lynn offer information, education and advice as well as full-service representation in some high-priority civil cases. This legal aid organization focuses on issues like housing, health care, estate planning, government benefit access, elder abuse, debt collection and consumer rights. |
| Wakefield Veteran Services Office | (781) 246-6377 | The Wakefield VSO is the local point of contact for veterans and military families in the Melrose-Wakefield-Saugus area. It provides emergency assistance, supportive community-based services and confidential benefits consultations. These services help veterans learn more about state, local and federal programs, including VA health care, assisted living stipends, survivor’s benefits and transportation. The VSO serves veterans and their dependents. |
Assisted living facilities in Melrose are certified by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA). This agency establishes regulations regarding accommodations, staffing and care. It’s also responsible for inspecting facilities investigating complaints. Our page on Assisted Living in Massachusetts has more information about these rules.
