1 Assisted Living Community in Mansfield, Massachusetts

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $5,850 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 1 Assisted Living Community in Mansfield and several in surrounding areas.

The Cost of Senior Care in Mansfield, MA

• Assisted Living: $5,850
• Nursing Home Care: $12,471
• In-home Care: $5,148
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,603

Mansfield seniors pay the highest assisted living costs in Massachusetts, reveals the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care study. In this Boston suburb, assisted living costs an average of $5,850 per month, which is approximately 45% more than the nationwide average. The nearby city of Worcester is nearly as expensive at $5,735 monthly.

Outside of the Boston area, assisted living costs are more affordable. In Barnstable Town, seniors pay $5,490, which is very close to the state average. Springfield seniors pay an average of $4,950, while seniors in Pittsfield pay the lowest prices in the state at just $4,200.

Note: Senior care cost data was not available for Mansfield. Data for Boston, the nearest major metropolitan area, was used.

When budgeting for long-term care costs, seniors should consider the type of care they need. In Mansfield, as in the rest of the country, monthly prices vary widely from one long-term care option to another. Seniors who require nursing home care can expect to pay $12,471 per month for a semiprivate room, more than twice the price of assisted living. Choosing a private room increases the monthly bill another $730. Compared to assisted living, in-home care options are at least $500 less expensive each month. However, seniors who receive these in-home options are still responsible for their usual household expenses such as utilities and groceries. Depending on an individual senior’s monthly expenses, it may be more cost effective to move to assisted living.

 

Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that helps low-income people pay for necessary medical care. More than 1.3 million people in Massachusetts have healthcare coverage through the state’s Medicaid program, MassHealth. Participants receive a wide variety of services for free or at a low cost, including doctor visits, hospital stays and ambulance services.

MassHealth may also help seniors pay for long-term care services. These services include assisted living, adult foster care, adult day health and nursing facility care. Seniors who need assistance with activities of daily living may receive these services if they have a doctor’s approval.

Massachusetts residents who are 65 years of age or older may be eligible for MassHealth if they:

• Have U.S. citizenship or an eligible immigration status
• Have a monthly income of less than 300% of the federal benefit rate ($2,313)
• Have less than $2,000 in assets if single
• Have less than $3,000 in assets if married

Seniors who are interested in MassHealth can fill out an application. Completed applications can be faxed to (617) 887-8799 or mailed to:

MassHealth Enrollment Center
Central Processing Unit
P.O. Box 290794 
Charlestown, MA 02129

On the application, seniors should indicate whether they are applying for general MassHealth coverage or long-term care coverage. Applicants may need to provide information about their citizenship or immigration status. They may also need to provide proof of their income and assets.

Seniors who have questions about Medicaid can contact the MassHealth Customer Service Center at (800) 841-2900.

Massachusetts State Supplement Program

Some low-income seniors are eligible to receive monthly payments from the federal Supplemental Security Income program. SSI recipients who live in Massachusetts may qualify to receive additional payments from the state. This state supplement can be used to help pay for assisted living fees.

Single seniors in assisted living may be able to receive as much as $454 from the state of Massachusetts. The maximum federal SSI payment is $771, so these seniors may receive up to $1,225 in total. For couples, the maximum state supplement is $681 per month. Combined with the maximum federal payment of $1,157, couples may be paid up to $1,835 monthly.

To receive payments from the state supplement program, seniors must first apply for SSI. Seniors who earn too much money to receive SSI benefits may be able to receive a state supplement.

To apply for SSI, visit a Social Security office or call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213. Seniors who already receive SSI can apply for the state supplement by calling (877) 863-1128.

VA Aid and Attendance Benefit

Veterans who receive a basic VA pension and are moving into assisted living may want to look into the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit. This benefit provides an extra monetary payment to eligible veterans, and this additional money can help make assisted living more affordable.

Veterans who qualify for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit may have as much as $9,042 added to their yearly pension. Since this is the maximum amount, veterans who have other sources of income may receive a lower benefit.

This additional pension amount may be granted to veterans who need help with activities of daily living. Veterans may also qualify if they are legally blind, bedridden or living in a nursing home. To apply for this increased pension amount, contact the VA. You can visit your local regional benefit office in person or send a written request to the Pension Management Center.

Seniors who want to learn more about this increased pension can call the Department of Veterans Affairs at (844) 698-2311.

Seniors in Bristol County are served by two AAAs. These nonprofit organizations help seniors navigate the many community resources available to them, such as case management, legal services and senior transportation. Coastline Elderly Services 
1646 Purchase St, New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 999-6400 Bristol Elder Services 
1 Father DeValles Blvd Unit 8, Fall River, MA 02723
(508) 675-2101

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.