A More Compassionate Approach to Care: How Masonic Homes Is Improving Access to Financial Assistance for Seniors
At the Masonic Homes of California, our mission has always been clear: to provide relief, safe and comfortable senior living, and a dignified quality of life for Masons and their families. That commitment continues to guide how we evolve to better serve our community—today and into the future.
This May, we are introducing an important improvement to how Masonic-eligible residents access financial assistance—one that reflects our core values of person-centered, lifelong care.
Removing Barriers to Entry
For many years, the Masonic Homes offered a “partial assignment of assets” model that required a significant up-front financial commitment—75% of all assets and income, regardless of the amount. While this approach worked for some, Masons and their families told us that it could also create a significant barrier for others who could benefit from our care and community.
That’s why we are moving to a simplified monthly contract model—one designed to make access to Masonic relief easier and more transparent.
Starting in June, there is no large up-front payment required. Instead, eligible new residents contribute what they are able to on a monthly basis, helping to preserve personal assets and reduce financial stress at the point of entry.
Personalized Support for Every Resident
At the heart of this change is a more personalized approach to financial assistance.
Each resident’s financial situation is unique—and now, their support will be too. With our updated model, we work closely with eligible residents to understand their needs and create a monthly plan that reflects their individual circumstances.
If there is a gap between an eligible resident’s income and the cost of living and care, the Masonic Homes steps in to provide assistance—ensuring that every resident has access to the services they need.
For example, if an independent resident’s monthly expenses (including rent, meals, needed care, necessities, and a personal discretionary budget) are $5,000 per month, but their income is only $2,500 a month, Masonic Homes will reduce its monthly fee.
As residents consider moving to Masonic Homes, our staff will work with the resident and their family to review assets and income and determine the monthly budget. Those budgets are reviewed periodically, as finances and living options change.
This is not a one-time decision. It’s an ongoing partnership.
Support that Adapts as Needs Change
One of the most important aspects of this approach is its flexibility. As a resident’s needs change—whether due to health, care requirements, or financial circumstances—the level of support can change as well.
Take the same example as above. If the resident ultimately needs memory care and their monthly expenses rise to $10,000, the Masonic Homes will adjust financial assistance accordingly to ensure continued access to the appropriate level of care.
This ensures that residents are supported not just when they arrive—but throughout their entire journey with us.
Rooted in our Masonic Values
These changes reflect something fundamental about who we are as a fraternity.
From the earliest days of Freemasonry, our commitment has been to care for one another—not just in moments of need, but across a lifetime. This updated approach to financial assistance brings that tradition forward in a way that is responsive, sustainable, and deeply aligned with our mission.
It allows us to deliver relief in a way that is:
- More accessible
- More personalized
- More adaptable over time
- More sustainable for the future of our fraternity
And most importantly, it ensures that every Masonic-eligible resident can experience the dignity, security, and sense of belonging that define life at the Masonic Homes.
Join our Upcoming Webinar to Learn More
We invite you to learn more about these changes and what they mean for you and your family.
Join us for a webinar on May 21 at 6:00 PM, where our team will walk through the updated model and answer your questions. Register for the webinar today!
At the Masonic Homes of California, our promise remains the same: to provide compassionate care, meaningful relief, and a place to call home—now made more accessible than ever before.