The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in West Springfield, MA for 2024

Located in the Springfield metropolitan area, West Springfield is a vibrant community near historical and cultural amenities. This age-friendly town has a senior population that accounts for about 14% of its 29,000 people, contributing to a welcoming environment for incoming assisted living residents. Its cost of living is among the lowest in the state, promoting worry-free living for those with fixed incomes, and comfortable weather throughout the year promotes an active lifestyle.

West Springfield also has several assisted living facilities, making the city a practical option for those seeking long-term care. On average, seniors in this city pay $5,048 per month for this type of care, which is higher than the national norm of $4,500 but hundreds of dollars less than Massachusetts’ average of $6,500. This monthly rate covers housing, utilities, meals and recreational activities, along with individualized care plans. On top of this, many facilities are pet-friendly and offer amenities, such as hair salons, swimming pools and libraries, for added convenience.

This guide provides more insight into how assisted living costs in West Springfield compare to alternatives within the city and nearby. It also highlights some of the most common ways assisted living residents pay for their care.

In West Springfield, as in the rest of Massachusetts, assisted living facilities are licensed by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs. This department sets minimum standards for housing requirements, service planning, nutrition services and recreational activities, which it enforces through initial and annual licensing processes and on-site inspections. It also publishes details on residents’ rights.

 

• West Springfield is listed on AARP’s Age-Friendly Network and is recognized for the strides its officials make toward creating a welcoming and inclusive community for residents of all ages. It’s highly rated for community amenities, such as ADA-accessible public transportation services and vehicles, access to parks and shopping, and the active lifestyle it supports.
• In West Springfield, seniors pay a state income tax of 5% on most forms of retirement income, with the exception of Social Security benefits. Social Security is tax-free at the state level, which may enable some seniors to afford assisted living expenses in the West Springfield region.
• West Springfield is one of the most affordable places to live in Massachusetts, which may result in competitive assisted living rates. On a 100-point scale based on average living costs nationally, the city scores 96.7. This is notably lower than the state norm of 127.5, with residents typically spending comparatively low prices for transportation, health costs and housing.
• Crime occurs more frequently in West Springfield than in a typical U.S. city, which may make assisted living an attractive alternative to living independently. On a 100-point crime index, the city’s violent crime score is 38, versus the national norm of 22.7. Similarly, its property crime score of 61 exceeds the nation’s average of 35.4. To optimize residents’ safety, many assisted living facilities have security gates and alarm systems.
• West Springfield’s weather is warmer than in most places in Massachusetts, with temperatures ranging from winter lows of 15 degrees Fahrenheit to summer highs of 83 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity levels are typically low, and the city sees about 46 inches of rain and 40 inches of annual snowfall. To keep residents comfortable and active year-round, assisted living facilities typically have indoor and outdoor activities and amenities.
• While there are no hospitals within West Springfield, the city is located within a couple of miles of Baystate Medical Center and Mercy Hospital Springfield, both of which are in Springfield. Local health care costs are about 16% lower than national norms, offering potential cost savings for those managing chronic health conditions.

 

In West Springfield, assisted living facilities charge $5,048 per month for care.

Assisted living residents in West Springfield pay monthly median rates of $5,048 for services. While this is several hundred dollars higher than the U.S. norm of $4,500, it’s 22% lower than the Massachusetts average. It’s also cost-effective compared to rates in other surveyed cities throughout the state, including Barnstable Town, where facilities charge $7,000 per month for care. Similarly, in Boston, monthly fees exceed West Springfield’s norm by 35%, and in Worcester, care costs are about $640 more than in West Springfield. On the other hand, seniors may save money by opting for care in Pittsfield, where assisted living residents pay $2,084 per month on average.

In West Springfield, assisted living is economically priced compared to other types of senior care, with rates coming in at $5,048 per month. This is hundreds of dollars less than in-home care and home health care, which are available for respective monthly rates of $5,339 and $5,529. It’s also less than half the cost of nursing home care, which starts at $12,623 and includes around-the-clock skilled nursing. Only adult day health care is more affordably priced at $2,123.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

 

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

 

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page.