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Originally part of Salem, Peabody is a town of 53,070 residents in Massachusetts’ Northshore region, about 20 miles northwest of Boston. Approximately 22.5% of the city’s population are seniors aged 65 and older, which is relatively high compared to the 16.5% national average. The town’s violent and property crime rates are below the national figures, and if there’s ever an emergency, Lahey Medical Center and some of the country’s best hospitals are only a short drive away,
Although Peabody’s overall cost of health care is more than 15% below the U.S. average, the city’s median cost of assisted living is considerably higher than the national number. At an average of $6,100 per month, Peabody seniors pay 41.9% more for assisted living than most seniors across the country. Within Peabody, seniors have a choice between 11 assisted living communities and over a dozen more in the surrounding area.
Note: Data for Peabody 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 >
At $6,100 per month, Peabody’s median cost of assisted living is slightly higher than the Massachusetts average of $6,085. Out of the largest states bordering Massachusetts, New York is the most affordable, with its seniors paying about $1,285 less per month. In New Hampshire, seniors spend about $565 more per month than in Massachusetts, making it the most expensive neighboring state. Compared to the national average of $4,300, every state in this region is relatively expensive.
According to Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, Barnstable Town is the only city surveyed in Massachusetts with assisted living costs higher than in Peabody — $238 more per month. In Springfield and Pittsfield, the median cost of assisted living is $350 and $311 less than in Peabody, respectively. Worcester’s $5,488 monthly average is the lowest in the state, while nearby Manchester, NH, has some of the region’s highest costs of assisted living, at $7,560 per month.
MassHealth doesn’t cover the fees for living at a traditional assisted living residence. However, the joint Medicaid-Medicare program, Senior Care Options, pays for care services at a long-term care facility, and some Medicaid plans cover care costs at group adult foster care homes.
Learn more about these programs, the eligibility requirements and the application process on our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly | (877) 803-5564 | The P.A.C.E. program offers seniors a wide range of health care services, including primary and specialty medical care, prescription drugs, adult day health care, dental care and transportation from the participant’s home to the P.A.C.E. center where most services are administered. Physical and occupational therapy is also available, as well as home care services, such as personal care and meal preparation. While the program’s goal is to help seniors remain at home instead of moving to a long-term care facility, the program will pay for care in an institutional setting when it’s in the best interest of the participant. |
| Peabody Council on Aging | (978) 531-2254 | The Peabody Council on Aging operates the Peabody Senior Center and its adult day health program. The program caters to physically impaired and socially isolated seniors with registered nurses on-site for health monitoring and skilled nursing services. Licensed social workers are also available to help seniors understand the state’s health care plans and find activities in the senior center that match the individual’s interests and abilities. |
| City of Peabody Veterans Services Department | (978) 538-5925 | At the city’s Veterans Services Department, former members of the military can receive assistance applying for VA medical care, as well as the Aid and Attendance benefit, which may help pay for assisted living. The Veterans Services Department coordinates with local officials to arrange medical care for veterans during urgent public health situations, and it also provides transportation to the VA Hospital for medical appointments. |
| Elder Services of Merrimack Valley | (978) 750-4540 | Functioning as the Area Agency on Aging for Peabody, Elder Services of Merrimack Valley offers a variety of programs and services to help seniors live independently. The Family Caregiver Support Program, home-delivered meals program, home care case management and a behavioral health program are some of the programs the agency manages. Seniors and their family members can also utilize the agency’s Ombudsman Program for assistance resolving issues in assisted living communities. |
| Home Health Services | (978) 531-0767 | North Shore Community Action Programs provides home health services either subsidized by the senior’s health insurance or using a sliding fee scale dependent on an individual’s income. From a few hours per week to several hours a day, seniors can receive a variety of services, including respite care, companionship for errands and appointments, medication reminders, assistance with activities of daily living and homemaking services, such as light housekeeping and meal preparation. |
| Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program | (978) 531-0767 | The federally funded D.O.E. Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income older adults increase the energy efficiency of their homes. After a project coordinator completes their assessment, a professional contractor makes the suggested energy conservation upgrades, which may include adding more attic and wall insulation, installing weather stripping and air sealing. Seniors should contact N.S.C.A.P. for eligibility information. |
Assisted living facilities in Massachusetts must follow the laws set by the state’s Executive Office of Elder Affairs. The E.O.E.A. certifies assisted living communities and reviews their compliance. Visit our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page to learn more about the laws governing the state’s long-term care communities.
