Assisted Living in Worcester, Massachusetts
Nestled in Central Massachusetts, the historic city of Worcester provides a vibrant selection of shops, restaurants and points of interest. It’s the second-largest city in New England and is home to the Worcester Art Museum, a public library and Worcester State University, which has an NCAA Division III basketball team. Residents also have access to nearly 100 golf courses, several parks and a senior center. The city has reliable local and regional transportation options, making it easy to navigate even for those who don’t own a vehicle.
Seniors who need help with some daily activities such as grooming, meal preparation and mobility often find that assisted living addresses their needs while preserving their privacy and independence. The Worcester area is home to 18 assisted living facilities, including 17 within the city and one more in nearby Shrewsbury. On average, this type of care costs $5,634 per month, which is on par with the statewide average but higher than the national average.
The SeniorScore™ for Worcester, Massachusetts
The SeniorScore is a livability index based on the needs and interests of older residents, with a higher score indicating that a city is more favorable for seniors. The SeniorScore of Worcester is 64, which is considerably lower than the state score of 77 and the national score of 72. Across the SeniorScore’s four metrics, including General Quality of Life, Health & Safety, Finances and Recreation & Leisure, Worcester’s scores vary from 46-72.
Worcester scores highest in Health & Safety with a 72. The city has a high number of Medicare-registered physicians, and there are nine hospitals and 282 pharmacies, making it easy for older residents to access necessary healthcare. There's an average number of fire stations serving the city, which may ensure prompt response times in the event of an emergency. The city also has an average property crime rate, but violent crime is considerably more common.
Worcester received a 61 in the Recreation & Leisure category. It has a wide variety of senior-friendly amenities, including 97 golf courses, nine malls and shopping centers and eight movie theaters. It also supports a healthy lifestyle with five parks and 113 gyms and health centers.
Worcester scored lowest in Finances at 50 and General Quality of Life at 46. Compared to national averages, Worcester has a fairly high cost of living, and it’s a costlier option for assisted living, which may be prohibitive for some retirees. It has average air quality and a cool climate with pleasant summers and very cold winters. Its public school rankings are good, which may correlate with a stronger economy and a greater level of civic involvement.
SeniorScore™ for Worcester, 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.
- Worcester scores significantly lower than the Massachusetts average of 77.
- Worcester scores significantly lower than the national average of 72.
- There is a very high number of Medicare registered physicians within the city limits.
- There are 9 hospitals within close range of the city, including St Vincent Hospital, Adcare Hospital Of Worcester Inc, and Umass Memorial Medical Center.
- There are 61 senior living facilities in close proximity to the city, including Lutheran Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center, Nedc Adult Day Care, and West Side House of Worcester.
- There is a very high number of home healthcare providers operating in the city.
- There is an average number of fire stations serving the city.
- The average life expectancy is 80.5, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- There are 282 pharmacies within close range of the city.
- The area has an average property crime rate.
- The area has a very high violent crime rate.
- The city has a low percentage of seniors in the population (22% of residents).
- There are 97 golf courses in or around the city, including Worcester Green Hill Municipal Golf Club, Tatnuck Country Club, and Worcester Country Club.
- There are 5 parks near the city center, including Elm Park, Green Hill Park, and Tower Hill Botanic Garden.
- There are 127 churches in or near the city, including Second Baptist Church, Wesley United Methodist Church, and Presbeterian Church of Ghanna.
- There are 9 malls / shopping centers within close range of the city.
- There are 156 grocery stores within the city.
- There are 8 movie theatres in or near the city.
- There are 113 gyms or health clubs in or near the city.
- 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 $60,563, which is lower than the national average of $64,580.
- The city's median household income is $45,438, which is significantly lower than the national median of $51,560.
- The city's per capita income is $24,553, 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 9.44%, which is average compared to national averages.
- The overall cost of living is very high compared to national averages.
- 1% of the senior population are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
- Worcester receives very high levels of rainfall each year.
- Worcester has very harsh mean temperatures, with cold winters and pleasant summers.
- This city has average air quality.
- Worcester has a dense population density of 5,563.0 people per square mile.
- Residents of Worcester have a short daily commute time.
- The city has a low public transportation ridership.
- Worcester has a very high public school quality ranking.
- The city has a very high public school safety rating.
- This city has an average graduation rate of 83.27%.
Assisted Living Costs in Worcester, Massachusetts
Assisted living costs in the Worcester area are moderately priced at $5,685 per month, according to the Genworth's 2021 Cost of Care Survey. While this cost is $1,185 higher than the national average of $4,500 per month, the cost in Worcester is $815 lower than the Massachusetts state average.
Worcester is more affordable when compared to other areas of Massachusetts. It's $1,134 lower than the Boston area and $1,315 lower than the Barnstable area of Cape Cod. The lowest prices in Massachusetts can be found in the western region of the state in locations like Springfield and Pittsfield. Lower prices can also be found to the south near Hartford, Connecticut.
- Worcester: $5,685
- Massachusetts: $6,500
- United States: $4,500
- Springfield: $5,048
- Pittsfield: $2,084
- Boston: $6,819
- Barnstable: $7,000
- Hartford, CT: $5,225
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Worcester, MA
Worcester seniors who wish to remain in their homes will pay $5,720 per month for basic in-home care, which is very similar to the cost of assisted living care. For seniors who need additional medical services, home health care will cost $226 more per month than assisted living. If there is a need for robust nursing services and supervision, a nursing home may be needed, at a price of $11,863 per month.
- In-Home Care: $5,720
- Home Health Care: $5,911
- Adult Day Health Care: $1,842
- Assisted Living: $5,685
- Nursing Home Care (semiprivate): $11,863
Top Assisted Living Facilities in Worcester, Massachusetts
Located at 59 Acton St in Worcester, Massachusetts, Wingate at Worcester is a 173 unit senior housing facility. With an average per-family income of $47,438, the community is in a generally middle class area. It is heavily populated, ...
Located at 35 Fruit St in Worcester, Massachusetts, West Side House of Worcester is a 91 bed senior care facility. The neighboring area has a dense population, with roughly 23,000 residents in the 01609 zip code. With a ...
Christopher House is a 156 unit senior care facility. It is located at 10 Mary Scano Dr in Worcester, Massachusetts. The community is in a primarily middle income area, with an average household income of $41,023. It ...
Located at 116 Houghton St in Worcester, Massachusetts, Blaire House of Worcester is a 75 unit senior housing facility. The community is in a predominantly middle income area, with an average per-household income of $47,438. With roughly 36,000 ...
Lutheran Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center is a 101 unit nursing facility. It is located at 26 Harvard St in Worcester, Massachusetts. With a median per-family income of $44,501, the facility is in a primarily middle class area. ...
Notre Dame Health Care is located at 559 Plantation St in Worcester, Massachusetts. It is a 123 unit nursing home facility. The surrounding area is densely populated, with around 27,000 poeple living in the zip code of 01605. ...
Eastern Orthodox Holy Trinity & Rehabilitation Center is a 113 room nursing home facility located in Worcester, Massachusetts. With a median household income of $57,646, the facility is in a mostly middle class area. It has an average ...
Jewish Healthcare Center is located at 629 Salisbury St in Worcester, Massachusetts. It is a 141 unit nursing home facility. The community is in a largely middle class area, with a median household income of $44,501. With ...
Dodge Park Rest Home and Day Club is a senior housing community located at 101 Randolph Rd in Worcester, Massachusetts. With around 20,000 people residing in the 01606 zip code, the surrounding area has an average population density. ...
Tatnuck Park at Worcester is a senior care community located at 340 May St in Worcester, Massachusetts. With an average per-family income of $61,861, the community is in a mostly middle income area. It is heavily populated, with ...
Located at 555 Plantation St, Notre Dame Du Lac is a senior housing facility in Worcester, Massachusetts. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with around 27,000 residents in the zip code of 01605. With a median per-family income ...
Christopher Heights of Marlborough is a senior housing community located at 20 Mary Scano Dr in Worcester, Massachusetts. The facility is in a mostly middle class area, with a median per-household income of $41,023. With about 27,000 residents ...
Located at 37 Boylston St, Bridge Home is a senior housing community in Worcester, Massachusetts. With an average per-family income of $41,023, the community is in a generally middle class area. It is densely populated, with about 27,000 ...
Located at 65 Briarwood Cir, Briarwood Continuing Care Retirement Community is a senior housing facility serving Worcester, Massachusetts. With a median per-household income of $57,646, the community is in a primarily middle income area. It has an average ...
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 ...
Homestead Hall is a senior housing community located at 10 Homestead Ave in Worcester, Massachusetts. The community is in a generally working class area, with a median per-household income of $21,388. With approximately 25,000 people residing in the ...
Goddard/homestead is a senior housing community located at 1199 Main St in Worcester, Massachusetts. The encompassing area has a medium-density population, with approximately 21,000 residents in the zip code of 01603. It is a generally middle class area, ...
Benchmark Senior Living at Shrewsbury Crossings is a senior housing community located at 311 Main St in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. The encompassing area has a dense population, with around 36,000 individuals residing in the 01545 zip code. With an ...
4 miles away from Worcester, MA
Free Assisted Living Resources in Worcester, Massachusetts
Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging The Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging is responsible for planning and providing social and nutritional services guaranteed under the Older Americans Act. The agency operates several senior centers throughout its service area, which is comprised of 61 cities and towns. It also provides long-term care ombudsman services to help resolve conflicts and investigate reports of abuse in long-term care facilities. Other services that the AAA provides include transportation, congregate meal sites, case management and information and referrals for local agencies. 330 Southwest Cutoff, Suite 203, Worcester, MA 01604 (508) 852-5539 https://seniorconnection.org/ |
Worcester Veterans Services Division The city’s Veterans Services Division provides support services to area veterans. Through the division, veterans may receive assistance with covering medical expenses, including doctor’s visits, eyeglasses, hearing aids and prescriptions. It also provides referrals to other potential sources of income, including programs offered through the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs, which may help cover assisted living costs. 455 Main Street, Room 101, Worcester, MA 01608 (508) 799-1041 http://www.worcesterma.gov/veterans-services |
Center for Living and Working The Center for Living and Working is the local Aging and Disability Resource Center. Through its “No Wrong Door” model, it helps seniors connect with local programs that meet their needs. Its options counselors are trained to provide support and guidance for seniors residing in assisted living, helping them plan for long-term care services and supports. 484 Main Street, Suite 345, Worcester MA 01608 (508) 798-0350 https://www.centerlw.org/ |
RSVP Volunteers of Central Massachusetts RSVP Volunteers of Central Massachusetts is a volunteer network that connects Worcester residents aged 55 and over with volunteer opportunities that suit their interests and experiences. Some volunteer opportunities include working in a community garden, serving as a tutor at a homework center, helping other seniors identify scams and providing options counseling for local veterans. Volunteers choose how they want to serve and the number of hours per week they work. In exchange for their services, volunteers receive supplemental insurance and invitations to recognition events. 128 Providence Street, Suite 305, Worcester, MA 01604 (508) 791-7787 https://www.fscm.org/services/rsvp-volunteers/ |
Elder Services of Worcester Area Elder Services of Worcester Area is a nonprofit organization that helps seniors and those with disabilities obtain essential services. It serves as the local Aging Services Access Point, operating as a central entry point for all services and benefits available to Massachusetts seniors. Services it provides include nutrition programs, companion services, case management, money management and options counseling. 67 Millbrook Street, Worcester MA 01606 (508) 756-1545 https://eswa.org/ |
Worcester Senior Center The Worcester Senior Center provides a variety of social and recreational opportunities to older adults. Activities members can participate in include games, day trips and congregate meals. Other services offered through the senior center include personal shopping assistance, friendly phone calls, personal care supplies, exercise programs and financial assistance. 128 Providence Street, Worcester, MA 01604 (508) 799-1232 http://www.worcesterma.gov/senior-center |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
How much is assisted living in Massachusetts?
Answer
Assisted living in Massachusetts averages around $175 per day (ranging from $42 to $254), $5,247 monthly (ranging from $1,263 to $7,613), and $62,964 per year (ranging from $15,156 to $91,356).
Question
How much does assisted living cost in Worcester?
Answer
With an average cost of $4,758 per month, or $57,091 per year, assisted living in Worcester, Massachusetts ranges from about $3,000 to $6,185 per month.
Question
What does assisted living include?
Answer
Services typically included with assisted living are toileting assistance, assistance with medication, spiritual programs, meal planning, and transportation services. Shared and private rooms are often available depending on the client's budget.
Question
Are there assisted living communities in Worcester that take Medicaid?
Answer
There are several assisted living communities in Worcester that accept Medicaid, including Blaire House of Milford, Wachusett Manor, Life Care Center of Leominster, Countryside Health Care of Milford, and Notre Dame Health Care.
Question
Are there a lot of seniors in Worcester?
Answer
It has a population of 181,315, with 618,602 people in the encompassing area. About 22% of the local residents are over the age of 55.