Congregate Housing
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What is congregate housing?
Congregate housing is multi-unit housing with support services for seniors and for adults with disabilities who do not want to live alone. It combines privacy and companionship, by offering each resident a private bedroom or apartment, and shared living space and activities.
Congregate housing offers support services to help residents remain independent. These may include meals, transportation, housekeeping, building security, and social activities. A congregate coordinator evaluates residents and arranges for services.
The state government provides funding to make congregate housing affordable to seniors and adults with disabilities in communities throughout Massachusetts.
Am I eligible?
State-funded congregate housing is for people who:
- are age 60 or older, or disabled
- can live independently with support services
- do not require 24-hour supervision or care
- meet eligibility requirements for public or subsidized housing
- want to live in a shared living arrangement with other adults
- do not have disruptive behaviors that would interfere with the rights of other residents
What benefits will I get?
Residents of congregate housing get:
- a private apartment, suite, or bedroom
- shared living space, such as a dining room, kitchen, or living room
- a private or shared bathroom
- social support of other residents
- a congregate coordinator to evaluate residents and arrange for services
- one or more group activities such as a meal or outing each day
- support services, which may include meals, transportation, housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, emergency response system, and social and recreational activities
Each congregate housing arrangement is different, and support services vary from one to another. Some services are included in the monthly rent; others cost extra.
Medical care is not included in congregate housing. However, home health services can usually be arranged.
What are the costs?
Public or subsidized congregate housing facilities in Massachusetts are funded by the state government. You will usually pay 30% of your net income for rent if you are eligible. See Public Housing - Am I eligible?
Medicare does not cover the cost of congregate housing.
MassHealth will cover the extra costs of home health services for residents who are eligible.
How do I apply?
You should apply for public or subsidized congregate housing at the housing agency or elder services agency in charge of the housing:
For more information, call or visit your local Aging Services Access Point (ASAP). To find the ASAP that serves your area:
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Congregate Housing
Information about public and subsidized congregate housing in Massachusetts, including a list of Congregate Housing Sites. From the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
Congregate Housing section last updated on 4/29/10
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