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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.
The average monthly cost of assisted living in Worcester is $5,634, although actual costs may vary depending on the services and amenities offered.
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 >
Assisted living fees in Worcester ($5,634) are on par with the Massachusetts average of $5,640 and significantly higher than the national average of $4,501. However, many New England states have higher costs for assisted living than the rest of the country, including New Jersey ($6,400), Rhode Island ($5,199) and New Hampshire ($7,021). Connecticut ($4,880) and New York ($4,630), while higher than the rest of the U.S., are both significantly lower than Massachusetts.
Worcester assisted living fees are on the lower end, compared to other Massachusetts cities. Costs in neighboring Boston are several hundred dollars more, at $6,442 per month, while historic Lowell is even pricier, averaging $7,182 per month. Assisted living costs in Plymouth ($5,550), Springfield ($5,350) and New Bedford ($5,199) are all lower than what seniors pay in Worcester.
MassHealth, Massachusetts’ Medicaid program, administers an assisted living waiver for seniors, that helps cover the costs of home health care or assisted living to avoid premature nursing home placement. The program is called the Group Adult Foster Care (GAFC) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI-G) Assisted Living Benefit, and it’s open to seniors aged 60 and older who are financially eligible for Medicaid.
For more information about this program and the eligibility requirements, visit our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page.
| 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 communities in Worcester, as in all of Massachusetts, are licensed and regulated by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Statutes include proper training of the staff and compliance with state standards.
Visit our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page to learn more about these regulations.