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Watertown is a medium-sized city in Massachusetts with about 36,000 people, about 16% of whom are aged 65 and over. This city is noted for its beautiful historic architecture, its low property-related and violent crime rates and its unique museums, such as the Armenian Library and Museum of America. Recreational amenities for older adults include a senior center and a library that hosts classes, book groups and free events.
There are two licensed assisted living facilities in Watertown proper and several more in the surrounding region, providing flexible options for older adults. While fees vary depending on each facility’s location, size and amenities, the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey discloses that seniors in this region pay $6,100 per month on average for care.
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 >
With monthly fees at $6,100, Watertown is a relatively expensive city for assisted living compared to the national average but consistent with the rest of Massachusetts. Massachusetts is among the costlier states in the Northeast at $6,085, which is about 40% higher than the national average of $4,300. In New Hampshire and Connecticut, fees are higher at $6,650 and $6,300, respectively. Vermont and New York are more cost-effective with respective averages coming in at $5,310 and $4,800.
Watertown seniors pay some of the highest assisted living fees in the state, with care costs coming in at $6,100 per month. The only city with higher monthly fees is Barnstable Town, where fees average $6,338. Pittsfield, Springfield and Worcester are all less expensive, with monthly fees coming in at $5,789, $5,750 and $5,488.
Note: Data for Watertown was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Boston Area, was used instead.
Assisted living services in Watertown may be covered for qualifying seniors under Moving Forward Plan Community Living Waiver, To qualify, seniors must meet income and asset guidelines as well as need-based requirements. Along with assisted living services, this waiver may cover chore services, day services, skilled nursing, transportation and specialized medical equipment.
To learn more about options for covering assisted living services in Watertown, visit the Assisted living in Massachusetts page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Central Massachusetts Area Agency on Aging | (508) 852-5539 | Through the local Area Agency on Aging, older adults access transportation for errands and medical appointments, nutrition services, social and recreational programming, and wellness services. The agency can also help seniors obtain free, unbiased options counseling from counselors who provide information and guidance on Medicare, Medicaid and long-term care insurance. |
| VA Boston Regional Office | (800) 698-2411 | The VA Boston Regional Office provides outreach and information for veterans regarding state and federal benefits, including those that may cover assisted living. Through this department, qualifying veterans can get assistance applying for VA pensions, disability benefits and the Aid and Attendance benefit. Officers can also assess whether veterans are eligible for veterans’ home placement. |
| Council on Aging | (617) 972-6490 | The Council on Aging administers a range of programs and services for seniors, including case management, medical transportation, income tax preparation and a foot care clinic. The council serves as a point of contact for the statewide SHINE program, which provides free Medicare options counseling. It also operates the local senior center, where older adults can participate in social and recreational programs. |
| Center for Living & Working | (508) 798-0350 | The Center for Living and Working is a local nonprofit organization that provides services to seniors in Watertown. Through this organization, seniors obtain options counseling, which can help them plan for long-term services and care. It partners with the local Aging and Disability Resource Consortium using a “No Wrong Door” model that connects seniors with resources and support that meet their needs. |
| Springwell | (617) 926-4100 | Springwell is a private nonprofit organization that creates, manages and coordinates services for older adults. It provides a money management program, information and consultation, care advice and planning, and shopping assistance. The organization also educates older adults about alternatives to nursing home care, which may include assisted living, and its long-term care ombudsman program fields and investigates reports of abuse or neglect in local assisted living facilities. |
| RSVP Volunteers of Central Massachusetts | (508) 791-7787 | RSVP is a nationwide volunteer program for those aged 55 and over. Through this program, older adults serve their communities in capacities that fit their interests and experience. Volunteer opportunities include supporting children as an advocate in court, tutoring at local schools and libraries, working in community gardens and reading on the radio for the visually impaired. In exchange for services, volunteers are invited to recognition events and receive one-on-one assistance with finding opportunities that fit their interests. |
| Greater Boston Legal Services | (617) 371-1234 | Greater Boston Legal Services provides free civil legal aid to seniors in Watertown. Through this agency, older adults can access benefits that may help them cover assisted living costs, including Social Security, Medicaid waiver programs and Supplemental Security Income. |
The state’s Executive Office of Elder Affairs governs assisted living facilities in Watertown. These facilities, which are officially referred to as assisted living residences, must adhere to regulations pertaining to staffing, building requirements, care planning and medication management. To learn more about these regulations, visit our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page.
