12 assisted living communities near Boston

In the Boston area, we found 12 Assisted Living Properties you might love.

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a residential option that can be an excellent choice for seniors who value their independence but also need day-to-day support, assistance and care. According to Massachusetts' Executive Office of Elder Affairs, assisted living communities offer personal care services and other non-medical services to their residents. These assisted living or senior living communities offer not only room and board but also laundry services, housekeeping, social and wellness programs, community activities and other options, depending on the property that you or your loved one chooses.

There are several different types of assisted living communities. Some resemble a large apartment complex, others are more hotel-like and still others are housed in a single-family home. In most cases, you or your loved ones pay privately for these communities, and space there is rented from month to month.

Services Available in Assisted Living Communities in Boston

You or your loved one will find an array of service options provided to residents of assisted living communities. Different types of communities are suited to people with different needs and interests, but all assisted living communities are designed to support seniors with housing, food and assistance with the activities of daily living or ADLs. ADLs include six common categories:

• Transfers and movement assistance
• Continence issues
• Bathroom needs
• Dressing assistance
• Personal grooming
• Meal preparation

There are a number of additional amenities that many Boston assisted living communities provide for seniors. You can find a range of activities and options such as community transportation, resident activities and enrichment programs, medication management, restaurant-style dining and fitness options.

Getting Ready to Move to Assisted Living in Boston

Preparing for a move can always be a big task, but by keeping some tips in mind, you or your loved one can go through the relocation process more smoothly and with less stress and discomfort. First, you'll want to take care of your current residence. This could mean cancelling a rental lease or selling a home or RV. You'll also want to sell or donate your furniture and decor items, as assisted living communities are furnished residential options.

In addition, if you are helping a loved one, there are a few ways to make the process easier for everyone:

• Encourage your loved one to visit a physician for a check-up. This means that when your loved one moves into the assisted living community, staff members will have up-to-date, accurate information about health and assistance needs.
• Talk with the staff at the residence about what kind of items your loved one can bring, from photos and other sentimental items to practical needs.
• Familiarize yourself with the policies of the assisted living community and the move-in process, so there are no surprises on moving day or immediately thereafter.
• Support your loved one's desires and wishes for his or her new home. Assisted living honors seniors' independence, and their participation in the process is essential.

What Assisted Living Cost in Boston?

The cost of assisted living can vary greatly from community to community and location to location. There are a number of factors that can influence the cost, including the type of residence, level of care provided and assortment of amenities involved. Of course, the local cost of living is often a determining factor. There are several types of communities that can vary in price. Rent is one element of the total monthly cost, but care fees, community service fees and other items can also be involved.

While the average monthly cost to live in assisted living in the United States in 2017 was $3,750, the average monthly cost in Massachusetts was $5,599, according to Genworth. In the Boston area, average monthly costs for assisted living were $5,975, depending on the type of community and the services provided there.

Assisted Living vs. Other Types of Senior Care Facilities

There are a number of different types of communities in the Boston area designed to meet the needs of aging citizens. Assisted living communities are a great choice for seniors who need help with the Activities of Daily Living but not round-the-clock nursing assistance or medical care. Assisted living communities can help seniors to enjoy greater social interaction and a supportive environment that can help you or your loved one to thrive.

However, there are other types of communities that may be a better fit for some seniors, including:

• Independent living or retirement communities, which offer community living, activities and social support, are not suited for those who need support with Activities of Daily Living.
• Short-term care options are meant for seniors who need medical assistance and support for only a short time, such as following a surgery or serious illness.
• Nursing homes or memory care facilities provide options for people who need round-the-clock nursing support, including specialized options for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia.
• Hospice care is for people who are moving into an end of life situation and are no longer seeking aggressive treatment for terminal illness. They are designed to provide supportive care and maximum comfort at the end of life period.

Helpful Websites for Assisted Living in Boston

There are a number of outside services and programs that can also provide important support for you or your loved ones in assisted living facilities in Boston. There are transportation services, fitness activities, social programs and more that are designed to meet the needs of seniors in the area. Some of these options include:

• The RIDE - The RIDE is the MBTA's shared-ride, door-to-door paratransit service that provides access to transportation for people with disabilities and seniors in the Boston area. If you or your loved one can't use the bus, subway or trolley, The RIDE may be a good option.
• YMCA of Greater Boston - The YMCA provides a range of exercise options and group classes designed to meet the needs of aging citizens. There are events, group exercise options and pools available at local YMCAs, as well as gyms and exercise equipment.
• Senior Meetups in Boston - The Meetup website provides a way for seniors to connect with one another for group activities around common interests or experiences.

Resources for Caregivers in Boston

There are also a range of options to provide support for caregivers whose loved ones are moving into assisted living in Boston. You could find yourself helping your loved one on a regular basis, and it is important that you remain active in his or her life. Some resources for caregivers include:

• Mass Options - Mass Options is a free service that provides links and information to supportive services, groups and aid that can help seniors and their loved ones in Massachusetts.
• Family Caregiver Alliance - The FCA provides resources, information and caregiver information for family caregivers in Massachusetts caring for their adult loved ones.
• Caregiver Action Network - CAN provides toolsets, resources and materials, including apps and connections with support groups, for adult caregivers providing support to older loved ones.

Government Resources for Seniors in Boston

In addition to the support provided by non-profit and community organizations and the useful private services you and your loved ones can access, government resources can also play an important role in support. Some key government resources include:

• AGE-INFO - This toll-free number is a joint project of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and provides information about over 20,000 programs in the state.
• Boston Elderly Commission - The Commission on the Affairs of the Elderly works to provide aging citizens in Boston with resources and information, including support with community services, volunteer programs and more.
• Executive Office of Elder Affairs - This Massachusetts state government agency helps to provide support and resources for seniors and their loved ones in Boston and throughout the state.

Boston Demographics

Boston is the capital city of Massachusetts and the state's most populous city. With an estimated 2017 population of 685,094, the city is at the heart of the Greater Boston metropolitan area, which is home to an estimated 4.8 million people, and it is the tenth-largest metropolitan area in the country.

Boston Weather

Boston, like other northeastern cities close to the Atlantic Ocean, is home to hot summers and colder winters that are prone to snowfall. There are around 44 inches of snowfall each winter, but summer temperatures can reach a little over 80°F, and on average, you can expect highs of around 35°F to 41°F in the winter and 76°F to 80°F in the summer.

Transportation in and Around Boston

Boston is home to Logan International Airport (BOS), and there are multiple intercity rail services operated by Amtrak, with Northeast Corridor services to New York City and Washington DC, Lake Shore Limited service to Chicago and Downeaster service to Portland, Maine. Within the city, the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) provides extensive public transit options via subway, light rail, trolley, bus and ferry.

Fun Facts About Boston

Boston is one of the country's most historic cities, and these touchpoints in American history can be recognized in museums and monuments throughout it. It's also home to the oldest lighthouse and public park in the country.

Boston Hospital Information

Many of Boston's hospitals are found on national listings of "Best Hospitals", including Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital.

Assisted Living Community Ratings, Inspection Reports and User Reviews for Boston

When choosing an assisted living community for yourself or your loved one, you want to make sure you're making the right choice and selective a supportive, caring environment with high-quality care. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs provides resources and information on regulations for people interested in assisted living.

In addition, other residents and their families can be some of the most important sources of verifiable information. You can find user reviews at Google, Yelp and Seniorly. If you find something of interest or concern, you can follow up directly with the community in which you are interested.

Top 10 Questions to Ask While Touring Assisted Living in Boston

You can learn a lot about an assisted living facility by visiting yourself to get a better idea of the daily experiences that you or your loved one would have. Some important questions to ask during your tour include the following:

1. What is the ratio of staff to residents?
2. What is the staff turnover rate?
3. Is there a Registered Nurse, Licensed Vocational Nurse, or Certified Nursing Assistant on staff? If so, how often?
4. Can residents personalize and decorate their own apartments?
5. Does each room have a private bathroom, or are the bathrooms shared?
6. Is cable, internet/wifi available or included in the rooms? If there is a fee, how is the billing handled?
7. Can meals be provided at a time the resident prefers, or are there set times for meals?
8. Can I / we sample the food? (If you sample the food, how was it?)
9. Is there a place where residents can do their own gardening, arts and crafts, or other hobbies? Is there a media/TV room?
10. What is your medication management policy?

These are only a few of the many important questions that you can consider. Visit our guide for comprehensive advice, tips and more about important questions and other information to learn before choosing your assisted living residence.