Massachusetts Senior Living: What Should You Ask First?

Written By: Summer Place
Massachusetts Senior Living: What Should You Ask First?

Are you searching for retirement communities in MA that fit your lifestyle? Start your Massachusetts senior living journey by preparing questions for a tour or phone consultation. Your senior living comparison should ask about meals, amenities, pets, activities, and the surrounding environment.

As a member of the Massachusetts retirement community, you'll have plenty of company since more retirees are coming here to live. Plus, living in Chelmsford, MA, a walkable park-like community, makes it easy to relax, be as active as you like, and enjoy proximity to Boston.

When considering making Summer Place home, here are some questions to ask to ensure it's the right fit.

What Kind of Activities Do You Have?

A solid community should provide several options for mental, physical, and social stimulation. Do you like to read or search to maintain a spiritual connection through Sunday fellowship? Maybe you want to practice your instrument or sit back and watch others perform.

Summer Place independent living activities and events can include:

  • Book clubs

  • Bible study

  • Mahjong?

  • Musical performances

  • Craft-making classes, like jewelry

  • Game and movie night

  • Holiday-themed events

What Do Apartments Look Like?

When evaluating senior housing options, ensure you have enough physical space to move around. If you're a clothes horse, check for enough closet space.

How about windows? Is there enough natural daylight, or does it appear dim and depressing?

Before you step on-site, you may be able to check out available apartment configurations through virtual tours.

Independent communities often involve cleaning and maintenance. However, be clear on how much is included, such as linen changes and regular housekeeping.

Do you want to bring your own furniture or plan to sell everything and move? View different floor plans and ask whether your abode comes furnished/unfurnished.

How Is Dining Managed?

One of the advantages of a solid independent community is not stressing over cooking every night. Some communities, like Summer Place, provide residents with fresh chef-prepared restaurant-style meals with table service.

Residents may share community meals in the dining room or have the option to take meals in their room/apartment. Ask to see a sample menu and if the culinary crew can accommodate different dietary restrictions. For example, seniors with heart issues may need a strict low-sodium diet.

As you review apartment layouts, make sure it's the right configuration for your cooking needs. Some senior community apartments may have a full kitchen, whereas others may have smaller basic kitchenettes with a fridge and microwave due to available on-site meals.

Does The Massachusetts Senior Living Community Support Fitness?

Seniors need regular physical activity to prevent chronic diseases, reduce the likelihood of depression, heart disease, diabetes, and several cancers, and maintain the independence that Chelmsford senior living supports.

Yoga, meditation, and Tai Chi can help seniors maintain balance and flexibility. Ask about exercise classes for different levels and/or a standalone fitness center.

Observe the immediate outside area, as gardens and walking paths make it easy to go for a walk on the grounds or practice outside stretching under the sun. Plus, Chelmsford, MA, has several options for staying in shape beyond Summer Place.

There are playgrounds where adults work out while with the kids, a fitness court, and more, such as:

  • Center Common

  • Heart Pond Beach & Park

  • Highland Field

  • Strawberry Hill Field

  • Varney Playground

  • Murphy Field

  • North Common

  • Roberts Field

  • Southwell Park

What Is the Pet Policy?

If you're one of the 66% of Americans who have a four-legged friend, according to Forbes, make sure they're welcome before making your senior community move. The odds are in your favor, as most independent living communities are pet-friendly. However, if your future home allows pets, be prepared to pay a fee/deposit, and know that usually no more than two pets weighing no more than 50 lbs are allowed.

Do You Have Special Programs?

Did you know that some senior communities offer special rates for veterans? Such benefits may include discounts on rent and help in accessing veterans' benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Choose Massachusetts for Retirement?

Did you know Massachusetts was the top state for retired adults moving to a new state in 2024, according to AARP? While the overall cost of living may be high compared to other states, seniors get a break in the Bay state with tax exemptions on public pensions and social security.

Regarding the pros, mature adults can access world-renowned healthcare, especially in and near Boston. This state is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy all four seasons, with fall particularly being beautiful and scenic.

Explore the state while apple picking at a local orchard or chill out on Cape Cod beaches. Residents also have easy access to New York, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Vermont by car or train.

Active seniors who enjoy being in an area with strong education should look no further, thanks to MIT, Harvard, museums, and intellectual events to keep their minds active.

What Is the Average Monthly Cost of a Senior Living Home?

The average amount you'll pay depends on the level of care, location, community size, and housing type. For example, Assisted Living can be more expensive than independent living.

While Massachusetts has a median cost of $6,939, Mississippi is on the lower end at $3,999.

Here's how some other states compare:

  • Alaska $7,350

  • Alabama $4,123.

  • California $5,561

  • Florida $4,475

  • Kentucky $4,240

  • Louisiana $4,015

  • Maine $6,120

  • New York $5,941

What Benefits Are Available for Senior Citizens in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts's older population can access designated services and tax breaks. A senior may be eligible for:

  • SNAP

  • Aging Services Network

  • Meals-on-Wheels

  • Prescription Advantage.

  • Economic assistance

  • Protecting Older Adults from Abuse

  • Home Care Program

Stay Informed About Massachusetts Senior Living

Making the big move into a Massachusetts senior living community should start with several questions. You should feel confident that your new home provides food options to suit your taste and dietary restrictions. Ask about fitness support, the outdoor environment, and a typical activity list that can prevent boredom.

The caring team at Summer Place looks forward to answering any questions you have about our community. Don't hesitate to contact us today to schedule a tour of your new home!

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