I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Waltham, MA
Waltham is a city just west of Boston, with a senior population of more than 9,000 residents. It’s an appealing retirement location due to its great access to quality health care, favorable tax policies and low crime rates. While the overall cost of living and the average home care fee in Waltham are slightly higher than the state averages, general health care costs are 16.6% lower than the national average. Many state and local programs make the cost of living more affordable as well.
There are 371 physicians per 100,000 people in Waltham. The national average is 210 physicians. These doctors and other medical professionals work at world-class health care facilities minutes from Waltham’s residential areas. These establishments include McLean Hospital and Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Seniors can access these facilities and other destinations throughout Greater Boston on the city’s excellent public transportation and paratransit services, which are free or affordable for many older adults.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Waltham, MA
The average cost for home care in Waltham is $6,292 per month. The median price for home health care is $6,244 per month. The 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey uses a 44-hour work week for these figures, so your monthly costs may be very different. The hourly rates are $33.00 for home care and $32.75 for home health care. Even though home care is listed as more expensive, families typically pay a bit more for home health care because it provides limited medical services.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Home care prices in Waltham are a few hundred dollars more than the state average of $5,911 and more than $1,000 higher than the national averages of $4,957 for in-home care and $5,148 for home health care. In Barnstable, prices are slightly higher: $6,673 for both in-home care and home health care. In the state capital, Springfield, home care is $5,339 per month, and home health care is $5,529. Median rates in Worcester are $5,720 for home care and $5,911 for home health care.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Waltham has both more affordable and more expensive senior care options than home care. Assisted living, which offers similar services to home care, has an average price of $6,819 per month. Nursing homes are the most expensive type of care at an average rate of $13,155 per month for a semiprivate room. Adult day care is the most affordable type of care, with a monthly median price of $1,614.
Note: Data for Waltham was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Boston, was used instead.
III. How to Find Home Care in Waltham, MA
Finding a home care provider for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we explain the process of how to find a home care provider in 5 simple steps. Use the infographic below to help guide your search for in-home care in Waltham, MA.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Waltham, MA
Massachusetts Tax Savings for Seniors
What You Should Know
Seniors living at home in Waltham can take advantage of several tax savings programs offered by the state to help pay for home care. The Senior Circuit Breaker tax credit is a homestead program that can save you as much as $1,170 per year on your property taxes. Massachusetts offers a $700 deduction on your income tax for each individual in your household who is aged 65 years and older. You can also deduct medically related home care expenses. The state does not tax Social Security or income from many public pension programs.
Who Is Eligible?
The Circuit Breaker tax credit is available to owners and renters of properties in Waltham who are aged 65 years and older. You must occupy the property permanently to qualify.
How to Get Started
You can call the state’s tax office at (617) 887-6367 for help with your income tax or send an email.
Home-Delivered Meals Program
What You Should Know
If you’re a homebound senior who has trouble obtaining food on your own, you can get daily home-delivered meals from Springwell, which is the Area Agency on Aging that serves Waltham. It delivers one meal per day Monday through Friday, and each meal fulfills one-third of your daily nutritional requirements. Volunteers who make deliveries will also check in on your well-being. Springwell also offers several other services targeted at seniors aging in place at home, including the friendly visitor program, in-home services, medical escorts and shopping assistance.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for home-delivered meals from Springwell, you must be at least 60 years of age and have a disability. You may still qualify without a disability if you lack a kitchen to prepare meals and are unable to attend a Community Dining Site.
How to Get Started
Sign up or learn more about home-delivered meals by contacting Springwell at (617) 926-4100.
Weatherization Assistance Program
What You Should Know
Massachusetts has several programs designed to save low-income Waltham residents money on their energy bills, including the Weatherization Assistance Program. The program estimates that it can lower your heating bills by as much as 30% through a variety of conservation efforts. All work is performed by licensed, certified and experienced contractors who know how to increase your comfort levels while saving you money. Before doing any work on your home, a professional will conduct an energy audit to see which components of your property would benefit most from the service. This program is funded by the federal government and delivered locally by Community Action Program Intercity, Inc.
Who Is Eligible?
This Weatherization Assistance Program has the same income eligibility requirements as the fuel assistance program. The program prioritizes elderly applicants.
How to Get Started
Get started by contacting the weatherization program office at (617) 884-6130, ext. 1022.
Waltham Council on Aging
What You Should Know
Waltham’s Council on Aging offers programs intended to improve the lives of seniors living at home throughout the city. The Handyman Program can send a volunteer to your home to repair smoke alarms, light bulbs, grab bars, handrails, house numbers and carbon monoxide detectors. AARP-trained tax consultants can help you with your state and federal income taxes, and SHINE counselors can assist you with Medicare, Medicaid or other health insurance benefits. There is also a Phone Reassurance Program that makes regular friendly calls to homebound seniors to check in on their well-being. The council hosts a variety of activities at the senior center, including crafts, games, social excursions and support groups.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility for each program is determined on a case-by-case basis, and there may be limited slots available for certain services.
How to Get Started
Find out more about programs offered by the Council on Aging by calling the William F. Stanley Senior Center at (781) 314-3499.
Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority
What You Should Know
Seniors in Waltham have access to low-cost transportation services throughout the Greater Boston area with Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority. If you’re legally blind, you can ride all trains and buses for free. Also, if you’re a senior aged 65 or older, you may qualify for the Senior CharlieCard, which gives you 50% reduced one-way fares, $10 seven-day passes and $30 thirty-day passes. The City of Waltham is served by the Fitchburg Line and many fixed route buses. The card works on all subways, commuter rail lines, buses and ferries. The transit authority also operates The RIDE paratransit service for seniors who can’t access fixed routes.
Who Is Eligible?
All Waltham residents aged 65 and older are eligible for a Senior CharlieCard. Cards need to be renewed after eight years.
How to Get Started
You can apply for a Senior CharlieCard online, in-person at a CharlieCard Store or at a CharlieCard event in your area.