Guide to Independent Living in Massachusetts
Seniors make up 17% of the population of Massachusetts, which is above the national average. The state’s appeal for retirees is probably due to a combination of factors, such as its Circuit Breaker Tax Credit and over-65 exemption, both of which help make it more affordable by New England standards. Massachusetts also boasts three of the top 50 retirement locations in the country and an enviable abundance of natural attractions, such as Cape Cod, the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley.
Independent living is created exclusively for capable older citizens who don’t need help with daily tasks. The homes typically incorporate senior-friendly features into their designs to minimize maintenance, such as smaller rooms that don’t require extensive cleaning. An independent living community is also likely to include a venue, such as a clubhouse, where residents can congregate and socialize. Some also have spa facilities and offer supplementary services, such as housekeeping and laundry.
This guide considers the fees for independent living in Massachusetts and its neighboring states, in addition to the average costs of alternative types of senior care. There’s also a short list of senior-friendly resources.
How Much Does Independent Living Cost in Massachusetts?
Note: There currently isn’t authoritative data on the average cost of Independent Living Facilities nationwide, so instead, we use the cost of Assisted Living to estimate it. Since the cost of Independent Living is typically 30-40% lower than the cost of Assisted Living, the numbers below were calculated by subtracting 35% from the cost of Assisted Living as reported in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.
The average fee for independent living in Massachusetts is $4,225 per month. This is significantly more than the national median of $2,925 but in keeping with the norm for New England states, which are typically costlier than others. The only state bordering Massachusetts with higher costs is Rhode Island, where the average is $4,437. In descending order of cost, neighboring states average $3,934 (New Hampshire), $3,413 (Vermont), $3,334 (Connecticut) and $2,977 (New York) for independent living.
The Cost of Independent Living in Massachusetts’ Top Cities
With monthly costs averaging $1,355, Pittsfield is the most affordable city in Massachusetts for independent living. The typical fee leaps to $3,281 in Springfield and $3,695 in Worcester, both of which are significantly more affordable than Boston, where the average is $4,432. The state’s costliest location is Barnstable Town, where seniors can expect to pay around $4,550 per month.
The Cost of Independent Living vs. Other Types of Care
Independent living’s average fee of $4,225 reflects its provision of living spaces, amenities and social opportunities. The fees for other types of care also reflect their offerings. Homemaker and home health aide services, both of which average $5,911 per month, provide light housekeeping duties, personal grooming assistance and, in the latter’s case, limited medical support. More affordable, adult day health care centers often charge fees of around $1,587 per month.
Assisted living facilities are, at $6,500, one of the costliest options because they provide similar benefits to independent living but include appropriate levels of care for seniors who need help with daily tasks, such as bathing. Due to their near-hospital levels of care, nursing homes charge the highest fees. The most affordable option is a semiprivate room, which, at $12,623, is $6,123 per month more than assisted living.
Does Medicare or Medicaid Cover Independent Living in Massachusetts?
The short answer is no, Medicaid and Medicare do not cover the cost of living in an independent living community. That being said, those who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), may be able to take advantage of financial assistance programs in Massachusetts to partially or fully cover the cost of care in Assisted Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need help with ADLs, read our guide to Assisted Living in Massachusetts.
For more information about other ways to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc, read the section below.
How to Make Independent Living More Affordable in Massachusetts
Seniors without savings or regular incomes have other options to pay for independent living. These include:
- Reverse Mortgages: Reverse mortgages are loans for adults aged 62+ borrowed against the available equity on their homes. The balance is only due when the senior passes or sells their home.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: Policies can vary and may not pay all costs, so it’s wise to scrutinize what’s covered. Common requirements include the facility conforming to state regulations.
- Life Insurance: Life insurance policies can cover some costs. A growing number of policies blend with long-term care insurance to provide consumers with a return on their premiums.
- Annuities: Annuities involve an initial investment that provides a fixed or variable return by month, quarter or year.
Free Independent Living Resources for Seniors in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, there are many nonprofit organizations and government agencies dedicated to helping seniors. The resources listed here include free legal advice, tax assistance and transportation.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
| Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services | (617) 210-5480 | The Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services advocates for those who served their country and offers a range of programs to help veterans in need and their dependents. The department’s veterans’ services officers can help vets identify and access the local, state and federal benefits they’re entitled to. They can also arrange transportation for health care purposes and connect vets to legal advisors who provide their services for free. |
| Massachusetts Councils on Aging | (413) 527-6425 | The Massachusetts Councils on Aging is a nonprofit association collectively representing 350 municipal councils throughout the Commonwealth. Each Council on Aging manages multiple municipal services open to adults aged 60 and over. They include transportation for seniors who have no other way to get around, links to nonprofits looking for volunteers and access to life-long learning opportunities. |
| Executive Office of Elder Affairs | (800) 243-4636 | The mission of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs is to help older citizens gain the most from their lives and benefit from engaging with their communities. It can help seniors access multiple resources for various purposes, such as nutrition programs, assistance regarding prescription drugs, counseling on health insurance options and access to senior centers across Massachusetts. The office also provides a means for residents to report elder abuse. |
| AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program | (888) 687-2277 | The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program offers a choice of in-person or online assistance for seniors who need help preparing their taxes. Those who prefer in-person support can arrange an appointment at their nearest center. These are located in many cities throughout Massachusetts and are staffed by IRS-certified volunteers trained to provide tax advice and assistance. |
| Volunteer Lawyers Project of Boston | (800) 342-5297 | The Volunteer Lawyers Project of Boston operates a helpline for seniors throughout the Commonwealth who need advice on civil law matters. These can include wills, guardianship and public benefits, in addition to consumer rights and bankruptcy. |
COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions for Massachusetts Independent Living Communities
The following rules and guidelines were obtained from mass.gov, as well as other state-level government sites. Among others, these rules apply to independent living communities and assisted living facilities.
This data has been most recently updated on mass.gov, but keep in mind that COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, so all of the below information can change at any time. For additional questions and up-to-date information, you can contact your loved one’s senior living facility or your local Area Agency on Aging.
Visiting Loved Ones
| Can I visit my relative in person if he/she wants emotional support from me? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
| Can I visit my relative in person for end-of-life compassion care? | Yes |
| Will my loved one be required to self-quarantine after I visit him or her? | No |
| Do I need to wear PPE and/or a cloth mask if I do visit my relative in person? | Yes |
| Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors still allowed in senior living facilities? | Yes |
| Does the state recommend or require that senior living facilities assist families with setting up virtual visit alternatives? | Yes |
| Are visitors being screened for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
| Are visitors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact? | Yes |
Outings and Group Activities
| Are residents allowed to leave the facility for non-medical reasons? | Yes |
| Are residents of senior living facilities who leave and return required to self-quarantine? | Not Available* |
| Are senior living facilities required to cancel all group outings? | No |
| Are residents still eating together in the dining hall? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
| Are facilities still allowed to host group activities within the community? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
*NOTE: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.
Safety Measures for Staff & Contractors
| Are staff members and contractors being screened for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
| Are staff members and contractors being tested for Coronavirus? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
| Are staff members and contractors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact? | Yes |
Safety Measures for Residents
| Are staff members required to regularly screen residents for coronavirus symptoms? | Yes |
| Are residents relied on to screen themselves and self-report potential coronavirus symptoms? | No |
| Are staff members required to take residents’ temperatures? | Yes |
| Are residents being tested for coronavirus? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |