Demand for Memory Care in Massachusetts Surges as Aging Population Grows
STONEHAM,MA – A growing number of Massachusetts residents will require specialized memory care in the coming years,placing increasing strain on a system already struggling with capacity and affordability. the need is driven by the state’s aging population and the rising prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, prompting concerns about whether the Commonwealth is adequately prepared to meet the escalating demand.
The challenges facing families seeking memory care were highlighted at a recent caregiver support group at the Stoneham Senior Center on october 23, 2025. Participants shared stories of lengthy waitlists, financial burdens, and the emotional toll of finding appropriate care for loved ones. This situation underscores a looming crisis as Massachusetts, like the rest of the nation, faces a demographic shift with more seniors needing specialized assistance.
“We try to keep people home, but that’s why these memory care units are so crucial as as people age, the caregivers age, you can only do so much, right?” said a support group participant, echoing a sentiment felt by many families.
Financing placement is often the most meaningful hurdle. Unless individuals qualify for programs like MassHealth or have access to veteran benefits, the cost of memory care can be prohibitive. According to experts,securing a placement without ample financial resources is increasingly arduous. “Unless you have money - some piles of it – I’m really not gonna get you in,” explained one placement specialist.
Barbara Flockhart’s experience illustrates the difficulties and eventual relief families can find. After two years of caring for her 80-year-old sister Kathy at home, Flockhart secured a placement in a Chelsea memory care unit in September through a state program administered by MassHealth and Medicaid. “She’s doing so much better than she was doing with me. because they [the staff] know what they’re doing,” Flockhart said. “She’s safe and she’s happy and I’m relieved.”
Susan Todino is awaiting her husband’s move into a memory care facility after a wait of over a year. Her story reflects the lengthy delays many families face in accessing care.
The increasing demand for memory care is not merely a logistical problem; it’s a public health and economic issue. As the number of individuals with dementia rises, the need for specialized facilities, trained staff, and accessible financial assistance will only intensify. Advocates are calling for increased investment in memory care infrastructure and expanded access to financial aid programs to ensure that all Massachusetts residents have access to the care they need.The hope, as Todino expressed, is for “a happy ending,” but achieving that outcome for a growing population will require proactive planning and significant resources.
