Masonic retirement homes are residential communities run by Masonic organizations for older adults
Masonic retirement homes are senior living communities operated by Masonic lodges and Grand Lodges across the United States. These are not government-run facilities — they are private communities built and funded by the Masonic fraternity as a way to care for aging members and, in many cases, their spouses or widows. Each home operates independently under its own board of directors, so the services, costs, and admission rules vary significantly from one location to another.
Unlike some retirement communities that accept anyone who can pay, Masonic homes typically prioritize Masons and their families. Some homes reserve all beds for Masons; others set aside a portion for non-Masons. A few homes have no Masonic requirement at all. The philosophy behind these communities is rooted in Masonic values of mutual aid and brotherhood, which means residents often report a strong sense of community and shared values.
Key Takeaways
- Masonic retirement homes are privately operated by Masonic organizations and usually prioritize Masonic members, though some accept non-Masons.
- Costs, services, and admission requirements differ widely between homes, so you will need to contact individual facilities directly for pricing and availability.
- Many Masonic homes offer multiple levels of care — independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing — on the same campus.
- Some Masonic homes have financial information programs or reduced rates for members with limited income, though these vary by location.
- The Masonic Service Association and your state's Grand Lodge can help you locate homes in your area and understand their current openings.
How to find a Masonic retirement home near you
The Masonic Service Association of the United States maintains a directory of Masonic homes and facilities across the country. You can visit their website or call their office to request information about homes in your state or region. They can tell you which homes are currently accepting residents and provide contact details for each facility.
Your state's Grand Lodge is another direct resource. If you or a family member is a Mason, the Grand Lodge office can point you to homes in your area and may have information about any special programs or reduced fees for members. If you are not sure which Grand Lodge covers your state, the Masonic Service Association can direct you to it.
You can also search online for "Masonic retirement home" plus your state or city name, though not all homes maintain active websites. When you find a home, call directly to ask about current openings, whether they accept non-Masons, and what the next steps are for a tour or information packet.
What services and care levels are typically available
Most Masonic retirement communities offer a range of living arrangements on one campus, so residents can move to a higher level of care as their needs change. Independent living is for older adults who want community and social activities but do not need daily help with personal care. Assisted living provides help with bathing, dressing, medication, and meals. Skilled nursing care is for residents who need medical supervision and rehabilitation after a hospital stay.
Beyond housing and care, many Masonic homes offer activities, dining programs, transportation, housekeeping, and maintenance. Some have fitness centers, libraries, craft rooms, or chapels. The specific amenities depend on the individual home and its size. Smaller homes may offer fewer activities; larger campuses often have more programming and services on-site.
A few Masonic homes also offer memory care units for residents with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, though not all do. If specialized memory care is important to you, ask about it when you call.
Admission requirements and Masonic membership
Most Masonic homes require that at least one resident be a Master Mason in good standing — meaning they are a member of a Masonic lodge and their dues are current. Some homes extend membership to the spouses or widows of Masons, even if the spouse is not a Mason themselves. A few homes have no Masonic requirement and accept anyone who meets their age and health criteria.
To verify Masonic membership, homes typically ask for a membership card or a letter from the lodge confirming membership status. If you are unsure whether someone qualifies, contact the home directly with the person's lodge name and location, and the home can verify it for you.
Beyond Masonic status, homes may have age requirements (usually 55 or older), health screening, and financial review to may support residents can pay for their care. Some homes conduct tours and interviews before admission. The process and timeline vary by facility.
Cost and financial information options
Masonic retirement home costs vary widely depending on the location, level of care, and amenities. Independent living might range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per month; assisted living and skilled nursing typically cost more. Because each home sets its own fees, you will need to contact individual facilities for current pricing.
Many Masonic homes have endowments or charitable funds that allow them to offer reduced rates or financial information to residents whose income or savings are limited. Some homes have a sliding scale based on income; others offer scholarships or grants to Masonic members. A few homes will not turn away a resident solely because of inability to pay, though this is not universal.
When you contact a home, ask directly whether they have financial information programs and what the process is to request help. Some homes require a formal process; others assess need on a case-by-case basis. It is worth asking even if you think you may not may have access to, because many people underestimate what information is available.
Questions to ask when you contact a Masonic home
Before scheduling a tour, have a list of questions ready. Ask about current openings in the level of care you need, whether they accept non-Masons, what the monthly cost is, and whether financial information is available. Ask what services are included in the base fee and what costs extra. Find out whether residents can bring pets, what the lease or residency agreement looks like, and what the process is if a resident needs to move to a higher level of care.
Ask about staffing — how many nurses and aides are on duty, what their training is, and what the staff-to-resident ratio is. Ask about activities and social programs, visiting hours for family, and whether the home has a waiting list. If memory care or specialized services matter to you, ask whether they are available and how they are staffed.
Request a tour during a time when you can see residents in common areas and talk to current residents or their families if possible. Many homes welcome this and understand that seeing the community in action is important to making a decision.
Differences between Masonic homes and other senior living options
Masonic homes are one option among many types of senior living communities. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) also offer multiple levels of care on one campus but are usually for-profit and do not have a Masonic affiliation. Assisted living facilities focus on one level of care rather than offering a full continuum. Nursing homes provide skilled nursing care but typically do not include independent living or assisted living units.
What sets Masonic homes apart is their mission-driven structure and community focus. Because they are run by the Masonic fraternity, they often emphasize fellowship, shared values, and mutual support. Residents frequently report that the sense of community and the Masonic connection create a meaningful living environment. However, this is not the right choice for everyone — some people prefer a secular community or a larger, more diverse facility.
The best choice depends on your values, your care needs, your budget, and what is available in your area. Visiting a few different types of communities will help you understand what matters most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Mason to live in a Masonic retirement home?
Most homes require at least one resident to be a Master Mason in good standing, but some accept spouses or widows of Masons without requiring them to be Masons themselves. A small number of homes have no Masonic requirement. Contact the specific home you are interested in to learn their policy.
What happens if I run out of money while living in a Masonic home?
Many Masonic homes have financial information programs or endowments that help residents who face financial hardship. Some will work with you to adjust your care level or housing to fit your budget. Ask about these options when you first contact the home, and be honest about your financial situation if it changes.
Can I move between levels of care at the same Masonic home?
Most Masonic communities allow residents to move from independent living to assisted living or skilled nursing as their needs change, without having to leave the community. This is one advantage of a continuing care model. Confirm this with the specific home, as policies vary.
How do I learn about there is a Masonic home in my state?
Contact the Masonic Service Association of the United States or your state's Grand Lodge. Both can provide a list of homes in your area, their contact information, and details about current openings and services.
Are Masonic homes regulated the same way as other nursing homes?
Yes. Masonic homes that provide skilled nursing care are licensed and inspected by your state's health department, just like any other nursing home. You can look up inspection reports and complaint histories through your state's health department website.