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Free personalized senior living guidance for families
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Massachusetts · Everything here is free · Reviewed July 2026
If you or someone you love is getting older and the money just isn't there for paid senior living, please take a breath. You are not out of options, and you are not alone. Massachusetts has real, free help for older adults who live on Social Security, a small pension, or almost nothing at all.
Not sure where to start? Call for free1-800-243-4636This is the front door for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers in Massachusetts. One call connects you to your local aging services access point (ASAP), free Medicare counseling (SHINE), home care, and more.
This page is written for people who qualify only for Medicare or Medicaid and can't afford a private assisted living community. Every program listed here is free or low-cost, run by the state government or a trusted nonprofit. We've done our best to give you phone numbers that actually connect you to a real person who can help.
You don't have to understand all of it today. Start with one phone call. The person on the other end is paid to walk you through the rest.
Tap what fits. You'll jump straight to the right help — no reading through the rest.
Still not sure? Just make the call above — they'll help you figure it out. One call is a great start.
Start here for most families
Most people would rather get help at home than move into a facility. Massachusetts has programs for that.
Ask about the Frail Elder Waiver and home care — they will walk you through your options.
MassHealth is the state's Medicaid program, and it's one of the most generous in the country. For older adults, MassHealth can cover doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital care, nursing home care, and long-term help at home.
Long-term care: MassHealth pays for nursing home care for those who qualify. It also pays for care at home or in the community through special programs called waivers (more on those below), so a nursing home isn't your only choice.
Eligibility: MassHealth for seniors looks at both your income and your assets (savings). The limits change every year, and there are special rules for married couples so a healthy spouse isn't left with nothing. Because these numbers change yearly, don't rule yourself out — call MassHealth at 1-800-841-2900 and let them check. Many people who assume they earn "too much" actually qualify.
Apply online through the MassHealth portal, or get free in-person help from a MassHealth Enrollment Center or a SHINE counselor (through MassOptions). For seniors and people needing long-term care, ask for the Senior/Disabled application (SACA-2).
PACE gives you all your medical care, prescriptions, therapy, a day-health center, and transportation through one program — usually with no cost to you if you have MassHealth. You must be 55 or older, live in a PACE service area, and need a nursing-home level of care but be able to live safely at home.
Providers include Fallon Health's Summit ElderCare, Element Care, Serenity Care, Upham's Corner, and more.
Find a PACE program (National PACE Association)
Search for a PACE program near you.
Call MassOptions, or search "PACE service areas" on mass.gov for the full list of providers.
If you're on Medicare
If Medicare feels expensive, there is help.
MassHealth handles Medicare Savings Program applications for Massachusetts.
Apply for the prescription drug subsidy through Social Security.
A SHINE counselor can help you apply for both at once.
SHINE stands for Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone. It's Massachusetts's version of the free Medicare counseling program (called SHIP nationally). Trained counselors help you compare Medicare plans, understand your bills, sign up for programs that lower your costs, and sort out problems — all free, and they don't sell anything.
Call MassOptions and ask for SHINE to reach a counselor, or search "SHINE" on mass.gov to find local counselors.
Everyday essentials
Apply online or by phone. Many seniors qualify for more than they expect.
Arranged through your local ASAP. Call MassOptions to find the program near you.
Dial 211 to find one near you.
For affordable and senior housing, contact your city or town housing authority, or call 211.
Help paying heating bills and making your home safer — call 211 or MassOptions at 1-800-243-4636.
Dial 211 any time.
Guidance & protection
Massachusetts organizes local senior help through Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Councils on Aging. These local agencies arrange home care, meals, transportation, and caregiver support.
Tell them your town and they will connect you to the right local office. You can also try the national Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
Free legal information and referrals for residents age 60 and older, run by the Volunteer Lawyers Project.
Massachusetts Legal Resource Finder
Matches you with free legal aid.
For scams, fraud, or elder abuse, MassOptions and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman (below) can also help.
If someone lives in a nursing home or rest home and something isn't right, a free advocate called an ombudsman will step in and speak up for them.
You can also reach ombudsman help through MassOptions at 1-800-243-4636.
Find your local ombudsman representative
Look up your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman representative.
Free, 24/7, connects you to local help of every kind.
Points you to senior services in your exact area.
Call MassOptions at 1-800-243-4636. Tell them what's happening in plain words — "My mother is 82, she's on Medicare, and we can't afford care." They'll take it from there.
Call for free1-800-243-4636It's Massachusetts's Medicaid program. For low-income seniors, it can cover doctors, prescriptions, nursing home care, and help at home.
No. Regular Medicare does not pay for assisted living or long-term custodial care. MassHealth programs (like the Frail Elder Waiver or Senior Care Options) are what can help with long-term care costs.
Yes. Every program here is designed for people with limited income. Start with MassOptions at 1-800-243-4636.
Yes — the Medicare Savings Programs can pay your Part B premium (about $185/month) and sometimes more. Apply through MassHealth or ask a SHINE counselor.
Most people prefer to stay home, and Massachusetts has waivers and home care programs to make that possible. If more care is needed, MassHealth can help with a nursing home too. MassOptions can help you weigh the choice.
Yes. SHINE counselors and MassOptions staff do exactly this, for free. Call 1-800-243-4636.
Reaching out for help is not giving up — it's taking care of the people you love. Massachusetts has built these programs for families exactly like yours. Make one call today, and let someone help carry the load.
Program details, income limits, and contact information can change. The agencies linked above can confirm the most current specifics for your situation. This page is for general information and isn't legal or financial advice.
Last reviewed: July 2026. Program details, income limits, and contact information can change — the linked agencies confirm the most current specifics.