Memory Care in Boston, MA

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Boston Massachusetts Memory care: Communities caring for Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia care

The city of Boston is the capital and largest city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the cultural and financial center of the New England region of the Northeastern United States. With a rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and legacy of arts, culture, and education, Boston has something for everyone. There are endless walking tours of neighborhoods and sites. Many venues for performing arts and sports. Boston is full of historic charm in its architecture and its cuisine, with classic seaport views. Boston prides itself on inclusivity and charishes all visitors and residents alike.

About Memory Care in Boston

Massachusetts is rich in American history, and it’s also home to over 1.2 million aging adult residents 65 and older. 130,000 residents of Massachusetts live with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Cognitive decline requires specialized care and attention. Memory care communities provide care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Memory care in Massachusetts is a specific form of care designed to keep residents safe while receiving the appropriate care in a comfortable setting. Not all senior care involves your loved one moving into a nursing home. There are several different options aside from nursing homes to fit your loved ones needs. 

Memory care in Massachusetts is often offered in an assisted living facility or community. These specialized care communities create programs designed to meet the needs of people who require specific care, with specially trained staff and a secure environment to ensure the safety of residents.

Considerations when looking for care in Boston

The hottest month of the year in Boston 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 654,776, Boston offers 1 memory care program.

Cities Near Boston

  • Salem – 22 miles north of Boston
  • Quincy – 9 miles south of Boston
  • Plymouth – 40 miles south of Boston
  • Lexington – 13 miles west of Boston

Pricing and How to Pay for Memory Care

The state of Massachusetts is one of the most expensive places to receive memory care. Typically, the northeast region of the United States is costly in comparison with other regions. The national average cost of memory care is $5,650 / month with Massachusetts being $8,135 / month and the Boston area costing $8,550 / month

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:

  • Make sure the facility is clean and well maintained. You can tell a lot about the operation by noting What is clean and maintained. Are doorknobs loose or damaged? Do you see any frayed carpet or trip hazards?
  • Visit during lunch hour to observe what the residents are eating. Ask questions about the nutrition program. Is there diversity in meals, healthy fruits and vegetables served at all meals, drink options?
  • Speak to residents and/or family members to learn their perspective.
  • Ask about staff and resident engagement. Get a feel for how staff interact with residents.
  • Ask about the life enrichment programs. Activities are crucial when it comes to quality of life and play a key role in care for older adults.
  • And finally (there is a plethora of more things to consider), get to know the leadership in the building. If you feel good around the executive director, head nurse, lead activities director and even the chef or janitor, it is a good sign you can trust them with the care of your loved one.

Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Boston

Massachusetts General Hospital

55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114

Boston Medical Center

Shapiro Center, 725 Albany St, Boston, MA 02118

New England Baptist Hospital

125 Parker Hill Ave, Boston, MA 02120

East Boston Neighborhood Health Center

10 Gove St, Boston, MA 02128

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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Written by The Care Availability Team
Experts in the senior care & retirement living industries

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