The 5 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Pittsfield, MA for 2023
The seat of Berkshire County, Pittsfield is a city with 43,927 residents. According to the 2020 census, 20.3% of the population are in the 65+ age group, above the national average of 16.5%, suggesting Pittsfield holds more appeal for seniors. Its low cost of living will certainly be a factor, as will the impressive medical facilities and affordable transportation services.
Seniors who find everyday tasks more difficult as they age, such as cleaning and cooking, may want to consider assisted living. It’s a compromise for people determined to hold on to their independence. Assisted living communities provide comfortable homes, rooms cleaned regularly and three meals per day prepared by chefs, freeing up the resident’s time to spend as they wish. Fees in Pittsfield average at $5,789 per month, which is more affordable than the state average.
This guide reviews some of the advantages and disadvantages of living in Pittsfield and the costs of varying types of senior care. It also lists resources for seniors.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Pittsfield, MA
Wingate Residences at Melbourne Place
140 Melbourne Road, Pittsfield, MA, 01201
Rosewood Homestyle Assisted
318 Onota Street, Pittsfield, MA, 01201
Side by Side
120 Onota St, Pittsfield, MA, 01201
Sugar Hill Senior Living Community
45 Main St, Dalton, MA, 01226, Dalton, MA, 01226
Kimball Farms
235 Walker Street, Lenox, MA, 01240
Lee HealthCare
600 Laurel Street, Lee, MA, 01238
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is a Caring Star Community
Earning a Caring Star means this community is among the best Senior Living commuities in America.
What to Consider About Assisted Living in Pittsfield
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) regulates, monitors and certifies assisted living facilities in the state. Its work includes conducting unannounced inspections to ensure facilities are complying with the Assisted Living Certification Regulations. The department also includes the Assisted Living Ombudsman, which, although not an authority, provides information to the department that can influence its decisions.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Pittsfield
- According to Sperling’s Best Places, Pittsfield’s average cost of living index of 87.6 is lower than the national average of 100 and significantly below the state average of 127.2. Grocery costs are slightly above the norm, but these are easily offset by the much lower transportation and health care costs, making Pittsfield an attractive location for seniors considering assisted living care.
- Data published by NeighborhoodScout reveals that violent crime happens more often in Pittsfield than in the typical city, although it appears to be concentrated in specific neighborhoods, particularly the city center and the Lakeview Terrace district. Property crime is below the national average, although above the state average. Seniors in many assisted living communities benefit from staff nearby and 24-hour surveillance and security.
- The primary medical facility in Pittsfield is the Berkshire Medical Center, rated high-performing in three vital treatments, including heart and kidney-related conditions. There’s also the Pittsfield VA Clinic, which provides primary care and mental health services to veterans and their families. Medicare beneficiaries may be pleased to know that the city is home to 143 internal medicine doctors registered to treat them.
- Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. provides free curb-to-curb transportation by trained and screened volunteers to seniors for medical appointments and grocery shopping. Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) also provides low-cost curb-to-curb ride services for the disabled and seniors who would struggle to use its fixed-route services. Additionally, it provides non-emergency transportation for seniors in receipt of Mass Health benefits.
- Pittsfield’s climate can be more challenging for seniors than many in the country. Snowfall averages 71 inches (the national average is 28), and rainfall is typically eight inches more than the U.S. average of 38. Winters can be cold, too, but summer temperatures regularly reach a comfortable 80 degrees. Fortunately, Pittsfield has several curb-to-curb transportation services for seniors concerned about traveling when the weather is more difficult.
Paying for Assisted Living in Pittsfield
The assisted living costs for Massachusetts published in the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey reveal the typical senior pays $6,085 for their care, which is almost 5% more than the $5,789 per month paid by the typical resident of Pittsfield. The survey also reveals the national average to be $4,300. At first glance, this may make Pittsfield look expensive, but costs need to be seen in context as Massachusetts is among the top five most expensive states in the union.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
Although Pittsfield’s costs are below the state average, some cities are more affordable. Springfield’s residents pay $39 less per month than their peers in Pittsfield, while Worcester’s seniors pay $301 less for their care. Over in New York, seniors in Albany save an average of $989 per month.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Assisted living costs of $5,789 are the most affordable type of care with accommodation. A semiprivate room in a nursing home is around $11,102, while $11,863 gets a private room. Seniors who can remain at home, but are housebound, can get home care for $5,329 per month, while those who also need medical care only need to find another $10 ($5,339) per month for home health care. Adult day care is the most affordable, typically costing $1,408.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Pittsfield
Eligible seniors in the Pittsfield area can apply for state-funded financial assistance to help pay for assisted living costs. Two government programs are offered: Group Adult Foster Care and Supplemental Security Income Category G.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page.
More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
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.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Pittsfield
There are many more resources available to Pittsfield’s seniors than the following list presents. These examples can help seniors handle complex benefit claims, make new friends in the community and find an experienced advocate if they can’t resolve an issue with their care provider.
Resource
Contact
Service
(413) 499-9433
The Veterans' Services Department of Pittsfield helps U.S. military veterans who reside in the city, are in financial need and have 180 days of active duty under their belt or 90 days in a war zone. The department can help vets and their immediate families access a range of state and federal benefits and assist with other admin tasks, such as providing copies of the vet's discharge papers. Additionally, the department can refer vets to Veterans Affairs, where they can apply for the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit, which pays some assisted living costs.
(413) 499-9345
RSVP recruits, trains and places adults aged 55+ in many local government agencies and nonprofits committed to making a positive difference to Pittsfield. Seniors who want to offer some of their time to support the city can contact RSVP, providing details of their skills and work experience. RSVP then places them in suitable positions. These could involve doing administrative tasks that enable first responders to concentrate on their core roles, educational work supporting local citizens and practical work, such as delivering meals to homebound seniors.
(413) 499-9346
The Ralph J. Froio Senior Center offers Pittsfield's older residents a place to socialize in groups, learn something new in the craft rooms or share a coffee with a friend in the café, which also serves light lunches. For $3 per trip, seniors can book van transportation to take them to the center.
(617) 727-7750
The Assisted Living Ombudsman is a champion for the rights of seniors in assisted living communities. The ombudsman doesn't charge for their services, including educating seniors about their rights, investigating complaints and working with care providers to resolve disputes. Seniors comparing assisted living facilities for their long-term care needs can also get copies of inspection reports free-of-charge from the ombudsman.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Pittsfield
Pittsfield-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Massachusetts are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page for more information about these laws.
