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Worcester, Massachusetts, is located on the outskirts of the greater Boston metropolitan area, an area rich in colonial and precolonial history. Worcester’s proximity to Boston enables residents to partake in many of the exciting activities in the city, from a Red Sox baseball game to visiting one of the city’s museums and dining in world-class restaurants. Closer to home, seniors can spend the day playing golf at Green Hill Golf Course; admire the Roman mosaics, impressionist paintings and medieval armor in the Worcester Art Museum and stroll along the trails in one of the areas many parks. Worcester winters can be cold with plenty of snow, although spring, summer and fall are pleasant. The cost of living in Worcester is a bit higher than the national average, and SSI and public pensions are exempt from state income tax in Massachusetts.
Assisted living is an excellent option for seniors who require assistance with the activities of daily living. Seniors have numerous options in Worcester, each of which provides them with individualized support and a full calendar of engaging activities and events. Based on data from the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, seniors in Worcester pay $5,685 for assisted living services monthly. While this is more costly than the national average, it’s about $1,000 less than the state average.
This guide uses the latest care cost data to help seniors find the most suitable assisted living community for them.
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 >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Massachusetts. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
Seniors pay $5,685 for assisted living each month in Worcester.
Assisted living services in Worcester cost approximately $5,685 every month. This is significantly more affordable than the Massachusetts state average of $6,500 per month, but $1,185 higher than the national average cost of $4,500 monthly.
Assisted living costs are moderate in Worcester compared to costs across the state, which vary. Heading east to Springfield, the cost of assisted living communities drops to $5,048 monthly. Prices are lowest the further west you travel. Pittsfield offers the most affordable senior care services in the state, with a monthly average cost of $2,084 — 60% lower than Worcester. Costs are considerably more expensive in eastern Massachusetts, with Boston area facilities charging $6,819 for assisted living services every month, or $1,134 more than Worcester. Barnstable Town, on the Atlantic Coast, has the highest costs in the state, with a monthly average of $7,000 each month.
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:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Massachusetts.
| Contact | Description | |
| Assisted Living Ombudsman | (617) 727-7750 | The state-administered Assisted Living Ombudsman services help those in long-term care, advocating for strict regulations to protect residents of these communities. Representatives also follow up on complaints filed by residents and those filed by families on behalf of their loved ones. |
| Central Massachusetts Agency On Aging | (508) 852-5539 | The Agency on Aging protects the interests of the elderly in Massachusetts by hosting programs about nutrition, elder abuse, financial planning and ways to prevent fraud. Other services include caregiver respite and training and group therapy sessions. This organization receives funds from various nonprofit agencies and, in turn, funds local community outreach services for seniors, including social events and programs at senior centers. |
| Worcester Regional Transit Authority | WRTA | (508) 791-WRTA | WRTA is a fixed-route bus system serving 37 communities in the greater Worcester area, with some stops that allow access to the Boston public transportation system. Seniors and those with a qualifying disability may be eligible for reduced rates. Handicapped transportation is available by appointment. |
| Worcester Veterans Services Department | (508) 799-1041 | Local military veterans can receive assistance, including group therapy for PTSD and grief support. Caseworkers help veterans apply for VA benefits and pensions, and surviving spouses may receive assistance with death benefits. The VA Center also hosts different social opportunities for veterans, such as games, guest lectures and holiday celebrations. |
| MassMatch | (617) 204-3851 | MassMatch is a statewide nonprofit agency that offers volunteer matching services for area seniors, according to their skills and level of independence. Some opportunities can include working in area soup kitchens or shelters, teaching ESL or tutoring at-risk children, participating in community clean-ups or working in local libraries. |
| Worcester Senior Center | (508) 799-1232 | The local senior center schedules programs for the elderly to encourage socialization. Space at the center is available for hobby and book clubs to meet, and there are frequent card game tournaments. Bingo games and gentle fitness classes are also part of the weekly lineup. |
| Elder Services of Worcester | 508-756-1545 | EWSA offers many programs, usually for free, to help area seniors. Nutritional information, including preventing malnutrition and assistance with healthy meal prep, are offered, along with other health seminars. Caregiver training and support services, including group counseling for caregivers, are conducted by trained professionals. Money management help and counseling for long-term care accommodations are also given, usually one-on-one by caseworkers. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Worcester area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. 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.
