Massachusetts Adult Care Homes: Common Terms, How to pay for, Licensing and Questions to ask…
Cambridge is a city in Massachusetts, across the Charles River from Boston. The city is best known for being the home of two world-class universities, Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). At the heart of campus, grassy Harvard Yard is anchored by the neoclassical Widener Library. Harvard Square has cafes, bars and bookstores. The Harvard Art Museums comprise the Fogg, Busch-Reisinger and Arthur M. Sackler collections. With two campuses filling its city, Cambridge is beautifully designed to be walkable with classical academia sights.
Assisted Living Communities near Cambridge, Massachusetts
Willowbrook Manor Rest Home
Millis, Massachusetts 02054
Vna Senior Living – Highland Avenue Campus
Somerville, Massachusetts 02143
Village Rest Home Ii Of Brockton
Brockton, Massachusetts 02301
Village Rest Home
Easton, Massachusetts 02356
The German Home
Lawrence, Massachusetts 01841
The Fitch Home, Inc.
Melrose, Massachusetts 02176
Sophia Snow House
Boston, Massachusetts 02130
Seth Mann 2nd Hme For Aged/infi Wom
Randolph, Massachusetts 02368
Pettee House
Newton, Massachusetts 02464
Oosterman's Melrose Rest Home, Inc
Melrose, Massachusetts 02176
About Adult Care Homes in Cambridge
Typically, when people think of senior care and housing, they imagine a nursing home. However, nursing homes are not the only place seniors can live out their years. Massachusetts’ adult care homes are titled and licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Health, Office of Elder Affairs. These residential care homes are called Rest Homes in the state of MA. They may be ideal for a senior who can no longer manage their health and safety in their own home, and may need care. Massachusetts rest homes are an excellent housing option for aging adults because they offer private residencies in a home-like environment and some care, though typically medical care.
Rest homes provide 24-hour supervision and supportive services for individuals who don’t routinely need nursing or medical care. Rest homes provide housing, meals, activities, and administration of medications for individuals who need a supportive living arrangement. A rest home is not merely a temporary residence but a permanent home. Therefore, good care includes not only providing care with dignity and respect, but also dietary services that provide appetizing and nutritious meals, housekeeping services that keep physical surroundings pleasant and planned activities that foster social interaction.
Adult Care Home and other terms
It is good to know the other terms/names you may hear:
Nursing Home (although this is an outdated and not accurate term for this level of care)
- Board and care home
- Care home
- Adult family home
- Residential care home
- Adult foster home
- Personal care Home
- Community Residential Care Facilities
- Rest Homes
Considerations when looking for care in Cambridge
The hottest month of the year in Cambridge is July, with an average high of 82°F and low of 66°F. The cold season lasts from December 4 to March 15, with an average daily high temperature below 45°F. With a population of 117,090, Cambridge and the Boston Area host numerous assisted living facilities. Some of these may be Rest Homes depending on the capacity of the provider.
Cities Near Cambridge
- Boston – 3 miles east of Cambridge
- Medford – 4 miles north of Cambridge
- Waltham – 7 miles west of Cambridge
- Lexington – 10 miles north of Cambridge
Pricing and How to Pay for Adult Care Homes
People who are able may pay using their own resources for a stay in a rest home. An individual signs a contract specifying services they would receive in exchange for payment. It is critical for someone paying privately to review their admission contract before signing it. The individual may also be required to disclose information about their financial status if they are paying privately.
If a resident’s income is limited, they may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or, in very limited instances, EAEDC (Emergency Aid for Elders, Disabled and Children). In addition, certain eligible Veterans may have their stay in either a nursing or rest home paid for through the Veterans Administration.
Adult care homes tend to be about 15-30% less than assisted living facilities. Massachusetts rest homes generally cost between $4,800 to $5,500 / month, depending on the county or city where you reside or are looking for care.
It is important to take your time when exploring payment and coverage options.
Medicare – NO:
- Medicare does NOT pay for Assisted Living.
- People 65 years and older and individuals with end stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare benefits, no matter their income.
- Coverage is meant for people in need of short-term care.
Private pay – YES:
- Many families pay for assisted living with private funds.
- Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
- Family members may contribute funds to pay for assisted living or other senior housing and care.
Medicaid – MAYBE:
- Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans. Eligible participants include: low-income adults, elderly adults and people with disabilities.
- Medicaid is administered by state, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by each state and the federal government.
- Every state has their own individual Medicaid assistance program.
- National guidelines are in place do decipher how states must spend Medicaid money, but with allowances toward the guidelines.
- The state determines what levels of care will be covered by Medicaid, who is eligible, and how much the state will reimburse the care community.
- If you are unsure whether you qualify for Medicaid, you should apply. You may be eligible depending on your household income, family size, age, disability and other factors.
Long-term Care Insurance – MAYBE:
Long term care insurance is a great way to pay for assisted living, and planning ahead is important when considering how to pay for senior housing and care. Nearly 75% of people over the age of 65 will require long-term care and services at some point. Buying into long-term care insurance when a person is in their 50s and 60s is the most common time to do so.
- Long-term care insurance helps cover the costs of chronic medical conditions.
- Individuals and couples with the ability to pay into long-term care insurance have the advantage of a head start in allocating funds for senior care.
Veteran Aid and Assistance – MAYBE:
This benefit is available to some military veterans and surviving spouses who live in an assisted living community and those who have in-home care.
- There are specific guidelines, but a veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month.
- A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month.
- If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.
Questions to Ask
Finding an assisted living community, can be overwhelming. Here are some tips on things to be observant of:
Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Cambridge
Cambridge Health Alliance
237 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139
Harvard University Health Services
1563 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
CHA Cambridge Hospital
1493 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139
Mount Auburn Hospital
330 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Local Resources and Links – Massachusetts
Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging seeks to outreach to older persons and their caregivers, hoping to educate them on services and programs that are meant to serve and assist them to remain safely and securely in our communities.
Age Strong Commission As an AAA, the Commission provides funding to community partners to provide services to seniors in the neighborhoods. The Commission also provides direct services to seniors such as advocacy, information and referral, transportation, volunteer opportunities and cultural and social events.
Executive Office of Elder Affairs State Agency that contracts with local service providers.
Greater Springfield Senior Services, Inc. is an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) providing services to help preserve the independence, and quality of life of elders and disabled persons desiring to remain within their own.
Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings
Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.
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