About Residential Care Homes (Rest Homes)

Each rest home is NOT as unique as the community it serves. Just as there are individuals with different needs, there are different homes to consider in making the best care choice. Rest homes vary, so it is important to visit more than one. A few home are attached to a nursing home, while others stand alone. Our membership is comprised of not-for-profits and for-profits. Some homes care for as few as 9 individuals up to as large as 89 people. Most are traditional homes assisting older adults, while others care for only nuns or priests or persons associated with religious orders. Other homes oversee the care for a group of people with major mental illnesses. Most do accept those with MassHealth, certain eligible veterans, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) while others require private funds only.

All homes offer a basic range of services, all for one fixed daily rate:

  • Coordination of medical care,
  • 3 meals a day and snacks, including special diets,
  • Provide nursing, pharmacy, dietary and social service consultation,
  • Staff available 24 hours a day for oversight, first aid and emergencies,
  • Medication administration and maintenance of a medical record,
  • Personal care as needed,
  • Activity program at least 5 days a week,
  • Housekeeping and laundry (including personal laundry) services.

Agencies Involved With Rest Homes

Agencies involved with Rest Homes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mission of MARCH?

MARCH (Massachusetts Association of Residential Care Homes) is a non- profit organization that supports and advocates for the cost effective quality of care offered residents in a homelike setting within the long term care continuum.

When was MARCH established?

MARCH (Massachusetts Association of Residential Care Homes) was established in 1991.

How many homes does MARCH represent?

MARCH (Massachusetts Association of Residential Care Homes) represents more than 90 facilities in the state. Our membership is comprised of not-for-profits and for-profits. Some homes care for as few as 9 individuals up to as large as 89 people..

What forms of payment do residential care homes accept?

Most will accept individuals with MassHealth or certain eligible veterans, SSI, SSDI while others require private funds only.

How can you help my family or my patients?

MARCH (Massachusetts Association of Residential Care Homes) provides assistance for families or care professionals/case managers who are looking for a residential care home or rest home to place an elderly individual. We also help in deciding or determining if admission in a home is the best option for them.

What are the basic services provided in most residential care homes?

Residential Care Homes will provide coordination of medical care, 3 meals a day and snacks, including special diets, nursing, pharmacy, dietary and social service consultation, with staff available 24 hours a day for oversight, first aid and emergencies.

How do I set an appointment for a consultation?

You can call the facility phone number, please refer to our list