
Massachusetts has 341 nursing homes, 268 assisted living communities, and 280 home health agencies in our database. Its nursing homes average a SunsetWell Score of 51.9/100, with 22.9% high-performing (75+). Average monthly cost: $12,000-$17,400.
Finding nursing home care in Massachusetts—whether in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, or Cape Cod—is one of the hardest decisions you'll face. You're probably feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of the healthcare system, guilty about considering facility care, and worried about costs in one of the nation's most expensive states. Please hear this: seeking professional nursing care when your loved one needs 24/7 medical support is an act of love, not abandonment.
Massachusetts has approximately 400 skilled nursing facilities, regulated by the Department of Public Health. Massachusetts nursing homes are known for relatively high quality standards and strong regulatory oversight. Many facilities specialize in memory care, post-acute rehabilitation, or complex medical needs. The state's facilities reflect Massachusetts' diversity, with homes serving Portuguese, Italian, Irish, Chinese, and other communities with culturally appropriate care.
Costs in Massachusetts are among the highest in the nation, often 30-50% above the national average. This financial reality adds stress to an already difficult situation. However, MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid) does cover nursing home care for eligible individuals, and most facilities accept MassHealth—though many require a period of private pay first.
State averages can hide whether staffing is steady day to day. Our Weekend Effect report uses CMS daily payroll data to compare weekend staffing drops, volatility, and contract labor reliance at individual nursing homes.
Plymouth • 60 STAFFORD STREET
Lawrence • 189 MAPLE STREET
Billerica • 199 CONCORD ROAD
Hingham • 276 WHITING STREET
Weston • 99 NORUMBEGA ROAD
Boston-Jamaica Plain • 44-46 ALLANDALE STREET
East Longmeadow • 721 PARKER STREET
Worcester • 340 MAY STREET
Mansfield • 25 COBB STREET
Tewksbury • 2580 MAIN STREET
Dedham • 6000 GREAT MEADOW ROAD
SPRINGFIELD • 215 BICENTENNIAL HIGHWAY
Arlington • 1395 MASSACHUSETTS AVE.
Sandwich • 176 MAIN STREET
Boston-Jamaica Plain • 434 JAMAICAWAY
Quincy • 164 PARKINGWAY
Pittsfield • 43 WEST UNION STREET
Framingham • 518 PLEASANT STREET
Andover • 15 STEVENS STREET
Winchester • 110 MOUNT VERNON STREET
Many families need help paying for nursing home care. Medicaid is a vital resource, but the rules vary by state. Here's what you need to know about Medicaid nursing home coverage in Massachusetts.
Apply through MassHealth online at mass.gov/masshealth or through your local MassHealth Enrollment Center. You'll need extensive financial documentation, medical records, and citizenship proof.
Massachusetts has some of the highest nursing home costs in the nation. Greater Boston area is most expensive; Western Massachusetts and Cape Cod vary. Medicare covers skilled nursing for up to 100 days post-hospitalization. MassHealth covers long-term care for eligible Massachusetts residents.
Medicare Coverage: Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing facility care for up to 100 days following a qualifying hospital stay (3+ days). Days 1-20 are fully covered; days 21-100 require a copay ($217/day in 2026).
The ombudsman helps resolve complaints and advocates for nursing home residents' rights.
Area agencies on aging provide care planning, caregiver support, and benefit counseling.
Use our personalized navigator to find facilities that match your loved one's needs, insurance, and location in Massachusetts.
Start Navigator Tool →Disclaimer: This guide is educational only. SunsetWell scores are based on CMS data and peer-group analysis. Medicaid eligibility rules change frequently—always verify current requirements with your state Medicaid office. Always tour facilities personally, speak with staff, review current state inspection reports, and consult healthcare professionals before making placement decisions.
Last updated: June 2026 | Data source: CMS Nursing Home Compare, Massachusetts Department of Public Health - Health Care Quality, SunsetWell Analysis