The Clare is a senior living community in Massachusetts with independent and assisted living options

The Clare is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) located in Newton, Massachusetts. It offers independent living apartments, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing on one campus. Residents can move between levels of care as their needs change without leaving the community. The community is run by Lasell University and serves seniors age 62 and older.

The Clare operates on a contract model where residents pay an entrance fee upfront, then monthly service fees. This structure differs from month-to-month rental communities. Understanding how The Clare's payment system works, what services are included, and how to visit or learn more will help you decide if it fits your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • The Clare requires an entrance fee and ongoing monthly fees; the entrance fee is partially refundable depending on which contract type you choose.
  • All residents have access to dining, activities, transportation, and wellness programs included in their monthly fee, regardless of which living level they choose.
  • You can schedule a tour by calling The Clare directly or visiting their website to see the apartments and meet staff.
  • The Clare accepts Medicare and some private insurance for skilled nursing care, but entrance and monthly fees are typically paid out of pocket or through long-term care insurance.
  • Admission requires a health screening and financial review to may support the community is the right fit for your needs and resources.

Living levels and what each includes

The Clare offers four levels of care on the same campus. Independent living is for seniors who want community and services but do not need daily help with personal care. Apartments are private, and residents manage their own schedules. Assisted living provides help with activities like bathing, dressing, medication management, and meals while residents maintain as much independence as possible. Memory care is a find neighborhood for people with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, with staff trained in dementia support. Skilled nursing provides 24-hour medical care for people recovering from illness or injury or with complex medical needs.

All residents, regardless of level, have access to The Clare's dining room, activities program, fitness center, library, and transportation services. Monthly fees cover these shared amenities. If you move from independent living to assisted living or skilled nursing later, you stay in the same community and keep your social connections.

How The Clare's payment system works

The Clare uses a continuing care contract, which means you pay an entrance fee when you move in, then a monthly service fee for as long as you live there. The entrance fee is substantial—ranging widely depending on apartment size and location—and is partially refundable. The exact refund amount depends on which contract option you choose at admission.

Monthly fees cover housing, utilities, meals, activities, transportation, and basic health services. If you move to assisted living or skilled nursing, your monthly fee increases to reflect the higher level of care. Long-term care insurance policies sometimes cover part of the entrance fee or monthly costs; you should review your policy or speak with your insurance agent before explore. Medicare covers skilled nursing care if you meet medical criteria, but does not cover independent or assisted living.

The Clare also offers financial counseling to help you understand the costs and explore payment options. You can ask about this during your initial visit.

How to schedule a tour and what to ask

You can tour The Clare by calling their admissions office directly or visiting their website to request a tour. Tours are usually offered on weekdays and some weekends. During a tour, you will see independent and assisted living apartments, the dining room, activity spaces, and the skilled nursing and memory care neighborhoods. You can meet staff and residents and ask questions about daily life.

Bring a list of questions about topics that matter to you. Ask about the dining options and whether special diets are accommodated, how activities are chosen and how often they happen, what transportation is available and where it goes, how the community handles medical emergencies, what the process is if you need to move to a higher level of care, and how long the waiting list is for your preferred apartment type. If you have specific health concerns or take many medications, ask how the nursing staff manages those needs.

If possible, visit more than once and at different times of day. Eat a meal in the dining room if you can. Talk to current residents about their experience. Many communities allow you to spend a night or a few days before committing, so ask if The Clare offers a trial stay.

The admission process and what you will need

Admission to The Clare involves several steps. First, you complete an information form and attend a tour. Next, you meet with an admissions counselor to discuss your health history, financial situation, and what you are looking for in a community. The Clare will ask for medical records and may request a health screening or a visit with their medical director to make sure the community can meet your needs.

You will also need to provide financial documentation—usually recent tax returns, bank statements, and proof of income—so The Clare can confirm you can afford the entrance fee and monthly costs. If you plan to use long-term care insurance, bring your policy documents. Once The Clare approves your admission, you sign the continuing care contract, pay the entrance fee, and schedule your move-in date. Waiting lists vary by apartment type and season, so ask about timing when you first call.

What happens if your health needs change

One of the main reasons people choose a CCRC like The Clare is the ability to move between care levels without leaving the community. If you start in independent living and later need help with daily tasks, you can move to assisted living. If you develop memory loss, you can transfer to memory care. If you need 24-hour nursing care, skilled nursing is available on campus.

The Clare's care team monitors residents' health and will talk with you and your family if a move to a higher level of care seems necessary. You are not forced to move, but staying in a level of care that no longer meets your needs can become unsafe. The community helps coordinate the transition and usually allows you to visit your new apartment before moving. Your monthly fee will increase to reflect the new level of care, but you remain part of The Clare community.

Insurance, Medicare, and payment

Medicare covers skilled nursing care at The Clare if you meet medical criteria—usually a hospital stay of at least three days followed by admission to skilled nursing within 30 days. Medicare pays for up to 100 days of skilled nursing, with your costs increasing after day 20. Medicare does not cover independent living, assisted living, or memory care.

Some private insurance plans cover part of skilled nursing costs. Long-term care insurance policies vary widely; some cover entrance fees, some cover monthly costs, and some cover both. You should review your policy before explore or call your insurance company to ask what The Clare's services are covered under your plan.

Entrance fees and monthly costs for independent and assisted living are typically paid out of pocket. Some residents use savings, sell a home, or receive help from family. The Clare's admissions team can discuss payment options and may be able to connect you with resources or financial planning services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move to The Clare if I am still working or not yet retired?

The Clare's minimum age is 62, so you do not have to be retired. Some residents continue part-time work or volunteer activities. Ask during your tour how the community supports residents who are still active in work or community roles.

What if I cannot afford the entrance fee upfront?

The Clare's admissions team can discuss payment plans and financing options. Some residents use home equity lines of credit, reverse mortgages, or family loans. Long-term care insurance may also cover part of the entrance fee. Call admissions to explore what might work for your situation.

Can I bring my spouse if we need different levels of care?

Yes. Couples can live at The Clare even if one person needs independent living and the other needs assisted living or skilled nursing. You would have separate apartments or rooms suited to each person's needs, and the community helps couples stay connected. Discuss your specific situation with admissions.

What if I change my mind after I move in?

The continuing care contract includes terms about refunds if you leave. The refund amount depends on your contract type and how long you have lived at The Clare. Review the contract carefully before signing and ask the admissions counselor to explain the refund policy in detail.

Does The Clare accept Medicaid?

Medicaid coverage varies by state and by the level of care. Some states cover assisted living or skilled nursing under Medicaid, while others do not. Call The Clare's admissions office and ask whether Medicaid is accepted for your state and which services it covers.