Wachusett Manor is located at 32 Hospital Hill Rd in Gardner, Massachusetts. It is a 96 bed senior care facility. The community is in a largely middle class area, with an average per-family income of $51,232. With ...
Assisted Living in Gardner, Massachusetts
- The SeniorScore for Gardner, Massachusetts
- Assisted Living Costs in Gardner, Massachusetts
- Top Assisted Living Facilities in Gardner, Massachusetts
- Senior Resources in Gardner, Massachusetts
Gardner is in Worcester County, MA, and lies around 30 miles north of Worcester city. Home to more than 21,000 residents, seniors aged 65 or older make up approximately 17.4 % of Gardner’s population. The local cost of living is significantly lower than the state average, and retirees may qualify for various tax exemptions. The nonprofit Heywood Hospital is within the city limits, and Gardner has an active senior center where older adults can access diverse services and socialize with peers. Local amenities include stores, eateries, parks and places of worship.
Gardner has two assisted living communities, with 17 more in proximity. Aides assist seniors with everyday activities, such as bathing, dressing and transferring, and residents can join varied enrichment activities. Assisted living costs vary depending on factors such as amenities, services and size. The average monthly fee for assisted living in Gardner is $5,685, which is lower than the state average of $6,500 but higher than the national average of $4,500.
The SeniorScore for Gardner, Massachusetts
The SeniorScore is a livability index indicating how comfortable a destination is for retirees. It is composed of more than 100 data points from government and private sources and information presented in four senior-relevant categories. Gardner’s SeniorScore is 61, which is lower than the state and national scores of 77 and 72, respectively.
Gardner has its highest score of 60 in the Recreation & Leisure category. The city has more than 50 places of worship and various stores and malls. When it comes to free time, Gardner’s seniors can enjoy seven parks, almost 70 golf courses and two cinemas. The city also scored relatively well in the Health & Safety category, which received a rating of 58. Locals have easy access to affordable health care, with three hospitals close to the city and more than 110 pharmacies within proximity. The average life expectancy of 80.5 is higher than the national average of 78.6.
The city’s lower score of 51 for Finances is partly because of lower-than-average household incomes and higher-than-average property taxes as a percentage of income. On the plus side, local sales taxes are lower than the national norm. Regarding long-term care costs, adult day care is in line with the U.S. average, while nursing home care, assisted living and home health care are significantly higher than national averages.
Gardner scored the lowest, 50, in the General Quality of Life category. The city has very cold winters and warm summers, with average levels of rainfall throughout the year. The air quality is average compared to the country overall.
SeniorScore™ for Gardner, Massachusetts
The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.
61
SeniorScore™ Overview
- Gardner scores significantly lower than the Massachusetts average of 77.
- Gardner scores significantly lower than the national average of 72.
58
Health & Safety
- There is a high number of Medicare registered physicians within the city limits.
- There are 3 hospitals within close range of the city, including Heywood Hospital, Athol Memorial Hospital, and Healthalliance Hospitals, Inc.
- There are 18 senior living facilities in close proximity to the city, including Wachusett Manor, Gardner Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, and Baldwinville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
- There is a high number of home healthcare providers operating in the city.
- There is a high number of fire stations serving the city.
- The average life expectancy is 80.5, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- There are 112 pharmacies within close range of the city.
- The area has an average property crime rate.
- The area has a high violent crime rate.
60
Recreation & Leisure
- The city has an average percentage of seniors in the population (27% of residents).
- There are 68 golf courses in or around the city, including Gardner Municipal Golf Course, Woods of Westminster, The, and Westminster Country Club.
- There are 7 parks near the city center, including Dunn Pond State Park, Templeton Common Historic District, and Otter River State Forest.
- There are 55 churches in or near the city, including Bethany Baptist Church, St Joseph\'s Church, and Holy Spirit Church.
- There are 3 malls / shopping centers within close range of the city.
- There are 34 grocery stores within the city.
- There are 2 movie theatres in or near the city.
- There are 46 gyms or health clubs in or near the city.
51
Finances
- The property taxes average 3.73% of total income, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.79%.
- The property taxes average 1.10% of property value, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
- The city sales taxes averages 6.25%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 6.97%.
- Massachusetts has an average state income tax of 4.74%, compared to the national average of 3.38%.
- The city's mean household income is $61,696, which is lower than the national average of $64,580.
- The city's median household income is $48,174, which is lower than the national median of $51,560.
- The city's per capita income is $24,919, which is lower than the national average of $25,611.
- Assisted living costs average $57,091 per year, which are very high compared to national figures.
- Nursing home costs average $131,765 per year, which are very high compared to national costs.
- Adult daycare costs average $17,680 per year, which are average compared to national numbers.
- Home healthcare costs average $56,056 annually, which are very high compared to national costs.
- The unemployment rate is about 10.73%, which is high compared to national averages.
- The overall cost of living is high compared to national averages.
- 1% of the senior population are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
50
General Quality of Life
- Gardner receives average levels of rainfall each year.
- Gardner has very harsh mean temperatures, with very cold winters and pleasant summers.
- This city has average air quality.
- Gardner has an average population density of 846.3 people per square mile.
- Residents of Gardner have an average daily commute time.
- The city has a low public transportation ridership.
- Gardner has a very high public school quality ranking.
- The city has a very high public school safety rating.
- This city has a low graduation rate of 83.26%.
Assisted Living Costs in Gardner, Massachusetts
Based on their proximity, Gardner and Worcester share the same average cost of assisted living. Per Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, this shared average is $5,685 per month. Although roughly $1,185 pricier each month than the United States' average of $4,500, Gardner’s average rate is around $815 lower than Massachusetts’ median fee of $6,500.
- Gardner: $5,685
- Massachusetts: $6,500
- U.S. Average: $4,500
Costing an average of $5,685 per month, assisted living costs in Gardner are reasonably affordable compared to statewide figures. To the east, Barnstable Town has the state’s highest median rate of $7,000 per month, which is $1,315 higher than in Gardner. Conversely, seniors in Pittsfield benefit from the state’s lowest monthly price of $2,084, spending $3,601 less each month than their Gardner-based contemporaries. Approximately 60 miles east in the state capital of Boston, the median monthly rate of $6,819 is more than $1,100 higher than Gardner’s average sum. Costing around $5,048 per month, assisted living is more than $600 more affordable in Springfield than in Gardner. Across the southern border in Providence, RI, seniors typically pay around $6,063 each month for assisted living, which is roughly $378 more than older adults in Gardner.
- Gardner: $5,685
- Boston: $6,819
- Barnstable Town: $7,000
- Springfield: $5,048
- Pittsfield: $2,084
- Providence, RI: $6,063
Note: Data for Gardner was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Worcester, was used instead.
Top Assisted Living Facilities in Gardner, Massachusetts
Heywood Wakefied Commons
50 Pine St
Gardner, MA 01440
Heywood Wakefied Commons is a senior care facility located at 50 Pine St in Gardner, Massachusetts. The facility is in a generally middle income area, with an average per-household income of $51,232. With about 21,000 individuals living in ...
Broadview
547 Central St
Winchendon, MA 01475
Located at 547 Central St, Broadview is a senior care community in Winchendon, Massachusetts. The surrounding area has an average population density, with about 11,000 poeple living in the zip code of 01475. With an average family income ...
8 miles away from Gardner, MA
Caldwell Home Elder Care
10 Prospect St
Fitchburg, MA 01420
Caldwell Home Elder Care is a 10 bed senior housing facility. It is located at 10 Prospect St in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The community is in a predominantly middle class area, with a median household income of $48,606. ...
9 miles away from Gardner, MA
Located at 335 Nichols Rd in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, The Highlands is a 168 unit senior care facility. The neighboring area is densely populated, with approximately 41,000 individuals residing in the 01420 zip code. With a median per-household income ...
9 miles away from Gardner, MA
The Gables of Fitchburg
935 John Fitch Hwy
Fitchburg, MA 01420
The Gables of Fitchburg is a senior community located at 935 John Fitch Hwy in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. With an average per-family income of $48,606, the community is in a mostly middle income area. It is densely populated, with ...
10 miles away from Gardner, MA
Gables of Fitchburg Ltd
935 John Fitch Hwy
Fitchburg, MA 01420
Located at 935 John Fitch Hwy Ste 1, Gables of Fitchburg Ltd is a senior care community serving Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The neighboring area has a dense population, with about 41,000 poeple living in the zip code of 01420. ...
10 miles away from Gardner, MA
Life Care Center of Leominster is a 133 bed senior housing facility located in Leominster, Massachusetts. With a median family income of $57,280, the community is in a mostly middle class area. It has a dense population, with ...
11 miles away from Gardner, MA
Located at 1160 Main St, Benchmark Senior Living at Leominster Crossings is a senior housing facility serving Leominster, Massachusetts. With a median per-household income of $57,280, the facility is in a largely middle income area. It is heavily ...
12 miles away from Gardner, MA
Located at 44 Keystone Dr in Leominster, Massachusetts, Keystone Center is a 106 room senior community. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with around 42,000 individuals residing in the 01453 zip code. With an average family income of ...
12 miles away from Gardner, MA
Village Residential Care Facility
446 Main St
Leominster, MA 01453
Village Residential Care Facility is located at 446 Main St in Leominster, Massachusetts. It is a 25 bed senior care community. The encompassing area has a dense population, with approximately 42,000 poeple living in the zip code of ...
12 miles away from Gardner, MA
Friendship Manor
151 Main St
New Ipswich, NH 03071
Located at 151 Main St in New Ipswich, New Hampshire, Friendship Manor is a 22 unit senior care community. With a median family income of $72,739, the facility is in a generally middle income area. It has a ...
13 miles away from Gardner, MA
Sunrise of Leominster
6 Beth Ave
Leominster, MA 01453
Located at 6 Beth Ave, Sunrise of Leominster is a senior community serving Leominster, Massachusetts. With an average household income of $57,280, the community is in a primarily middle class area. It has a dense population, with about ...
13 miles away from Gardner, MA
Sterling House Authority
41 Sholan Ter
Sterling, MA 01564
Sterling House Authority is a senior housing community located at 41 Sholan Ter in Sterling, Massachusetts. With a median household income of $102,115, the community is in a largely well-to-do area. It has a medium-density population, with about ...
15 miles away from Gardner, MA
Harborside Healthcare
175 Spring Hill Rd
Peterborough, NH 03458
Harborside Healthcare is a nursing facility located at 175 Spring Hill Rd in Peterborough, New Hampshire. The neighboring area has a sparse population, with around 8,000 individuals living in the zip code of 03458. It is a generally ...
17 miles away from Gardner, MA
River Court Residences
8 W Main St
Groton, MA 01450
Located at 8 W Main St, River Court Residences is a senior housing facility in Groton, Massachusetts. The facility is in a primarily upper class area, with a median per-family income of $123,278. With approximately 12,000 individuals living ...
18 miles away from Gardner, MA
Hallkeen Assisted Living - Corcoran House
40 Walnut St
Clinton, MA 01510
Located at 40 Walnut St, Hallkeen Assisted Living - Corcoran House is a senior housing community in Clinton, Massachusetts. The encompassing area has an average population density, with approximately 15,000 individuals residing in the 01510 zip code. It ...
19 miles away from Gardner, MA
Located at 150 Rivermead Rd, Rivermead is a senior housing community serving Peterborough, New Hampshire. The encompassing area has a sparse population, with roughly 8,000 residents in the zip code of 03458. It is a mostly middle income ...
20 miles away from Gardner, MA
Willows of Worcester
101 Barry Rd
Worcester, MA 01609
Willows of Worcester is a senior housing community located at 101 Barry Rd in Worcester, Massachusetts. With roughly 23,000 residents in the zip code of 01609, the neighboring area is heavily populated. It is a primarily middle income ...
21 miles away from Gardner, MA
Senior Resources in Gardner, Massachusetts
Central Massachusetts Area Agency on Aging The Central Massachusetts Area Agency on Aging is a valuable resource for older individuals and disabled people. Staff members signpost users to diverse services and programs, and the agency is home to the long-term care ombudsman program, which advocates for elders and investigates complaints against residential care facilities. It is also the main sponsor of the Senior Fraud Prevention Initiative. 330 Southwest Cutoff, Suite 203 Worcester, MA 01604 |
Elder Services of Worcester Area Serving seniors in Worcester County and surrounding areas, Elder Services of Worcester offers diverse services to promote independence and healthy aging. Trained volunteers provide money management advice, helping seniors with budgets and bill payments. Other programs include options counseling, case management, nutrition assistance and caregiver support. 67 Millbrook Street, Worcester, MA 01606 |
Gardner Senior Center Gardner Senior Center provides a safe space where older adults can socialize, join enrichment activities and obtain useful aging-related advice. Once a month, seniors can meet casually with first responders to learn more about community safety. Other services include tax advice, health insurance counseling, I.T. support, nutritional advice and legal aid referrals. Scheduled activities change regularly, but may include fitness and dance classes, arts and crafts, games and outings. 294 Pleasant Street, Gardner, MA 01440 |
American Legion Post 129 Senior men and women who served in the U.S. military may find support, camaraderie and assistance at American Legion Post 129. The post holds monthly meetings, memorial events and various social activities, including excursions and dinners. Members are also actively involved in charitable fundraising and community initiatives and can benefit from discounts and deals. 22 Elm Street, Gardner, MA 01440 |
Community Legal Aid Community Legal Aid provides free civil legal assistance, advice and advocacy for seniors over the age of 60, veterans and low-income individuals. Areas of elder law include public benefits, housing, exploitation and consumer matters, as well as veteran-focused issues including housing and benefits. The closest office to Gardner is in Fitchburg, though seniors may also contact advisors by telephone. 515 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Fitchburg, MA 01420 |
Gardner Community Action Committee The nonprofit Gardner Community Action Committee operates services to support needy and vulnerable members of the community. Seniors can arrange low-cost donation-based medical transportation throughout the local area. Services run Tuesday through Friday during business hours. Other initiatives include providing warm clothing, food and meals to low-income individuals. 294 Pleasant Street, Gardner, MA 01440 |
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