The site outlines the pros and cons of obtaining a reverse mortgage, explains the fees and ramifications of obtaining a reverse mortgage and has a list of the approved reverse mortgage lenders in Massachusetts.

Especially important is the section on red flags to watch out for:

• Sales tactics involving the required or suggested purchase of
  annuities, other investments, long term care insurance or other types
  of insurance policies with proceeds from the loan.
• Sales tactics involving contractors looking for proceeds to pay for home repairs.
• Being
  advised to transfer title to the property out of you or your spouse's
  name to qualify for the loan. Understand the legal consequences of
  title transfers.
• Being advised to have loan proceeds payable to third parties, and not you as the borrower(s).
• Estate
  planning services that offer to refer you to a lender for a fee or
  percentage of the loan. You can obtain information on lenders from the
  Division of Banks and HUD at no cost.

Click here to visit the website. 

If you own property with the other person as "joint tenants", there is a right of survivorship. This means that when one of you dies, the other will automatically own the entire property. One owner cannot leave their share to someone else in their will.

On the other hand, if you own property with someone as "tenants in common", each person who owns a portion of the property can leave their portion to whomever they choose in their Will. If they have no Will their portion will be inherited by their next of kin – children, parents, or siblings.  This can lead to complicated situations, a Jennifer points out, because while you bought the house with your boyfriend or girlfriend, you could end up owning it with their parents or children.  Will they ask you to sell the house so they can receive cash for their share? Will they want to move in with you?!

Before you purchase property with a friend or significant other, be sure to consult with your attorney (you may even wish to each consult with your own attorney) to find out the ramifications of each type of property ownership, discuss the issues and possible solutions, and draft the appropriate documents to protect each of your interests now and in the future. 

Assisted Living Residences
Assisted Living Residences (ALRs) provide a combination of rental housing, meals and personal care services to adults. ALRs are not designed for people with serious medical needs and are not licensed as nursing facilities. They are intended for people who may need assistance with dressing, bathing, meal preparation, and medication reminders (ALR staff cannot administer medication, but they can remind the resident to take their medication.

ALRs operating in Massachusetts must be certified by the Office of Elder Affairs and meet the requirements set forth in MGL ch 19D, and 651 CMR 12.00 et seq.  The Office of Elder Affairs provides a listing of ALRs in Massachusetts, as well as the certification requirements for assisted living service providers.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are a unique kind of senior housing option. In addition to the housing and personal care provided by ALRs, CCRCs also provide health care services as needed by the resident, allowing the person to "age in place" and not have to move if they require more services.

CCRCs can vary greatly in terms of…

…the services they provide, so it’s important to inquire which services are included in the monthly fee (which can range from $700 to $3000/month) and which are charged separately.  In addition, most CCRCs require a large entrance deposit, which can be several hundred thousand dollars. You should inquire how much of this deposit is refundable, and under which circumstances. 

The health care services provided at the CCRC may be covered by prepaid insurance that is included in the monthly fee, or by your own medical insurance. You should find out if you will be able to continue to see your own doctor, and hire your own in home care providers if necessary, or if you will be required to use their doctors and other providers. 

The Office of Elder Affairs has listings of CCRCs, guidelines for who should consider CCRCs, as well as  issues to consider when choosing a CCRC.

Things to Consider When Reviewing ALRs or CCRCs
Regardless of which option you are selecting, you should always visit the facility, more than once if possible. Feel free to drop by unannounced and ask for a tour.  Even if no one can give you a tour at that point, you will be able to see how you are treated, and you’ll see the other residents and what they are doing.  When on the tour ask about security, if pets are allowed, what the emergency procedures are, and see how the staff and residents interact. Also, pay close attention to the vibe you get, your gut is not usually wrong.

In addition, before you sign a contract of any kind and hand over a deposit, you should always have it reviewed by your attorney.  The ALRs and CCRCs have attorneys working to make sure their intersts are protected, and your attorney is there to look out for yours.