The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Springfield, MA for 2023

Springfield is the third-largest city in Massachusetts, with an estimated population of 153,606, 12.6% of whom are aged 65 and over. The city is best known as the birthplace of basketball and Dr. Seuss. However, there is much more: Its attractions include the MassMutual Center, which regularly hosts ice hockey competitions, while seniors who prefer something more sedate can relax in Forest Park or shop in Eastfield Mall.

Springfield’s assisted living facilities are comfortable and secure places for seniors who want to retain their autonomy but need help with daily chores, such as cleaning and preparing meals. According to the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly fee is $5,750. Although this is above the national average of $4,300, it’s a saving of $335 per month when compared to the state average of $6,085.

This guide covers the average costs of assisted living in Massachusetts. It also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of living in Springfield, in addition to listing some of the resources available to seniors and families looking for the best care facilities.

The Executive Office of Elder Affairs is ultimately responsible for ensuring assisted living facilities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts comply with the standards of care demanded. The department has the authority to issue licenses and revoke them if a facility continually violates those standards.

• According to Neighborhood Scout, the chances of being involved in a violent crime in Springfield is 1 in 109. The statistics for property crime are 1 in 38. Springfield tends to be a safe area, and assisted living facilities often have security systems and procedures in place to ensure residents’ safety. 
• Springfield is one of the most affordable cities in Massachusetts. Sperling’s Best Places records the national average for cost of living at 100, while in Massachusetts, the figure is 127.2. However, in Springfield, the cost of living is 89.7. In most of the categories, the city comes out favorably, with the exception of groceries and utilities, both of which are above the national average but below the state average.
• The health of Springfield’s seniors is in the hands of a very high number of Medicare registered physicians and facilities such as the Baystate Medical Center, ranked #5 in Massachusetts by U.S. News & World Report. Also, approximately 30 minutes away in Hartford, Connecticut, seniors can access the #2 and #3 ranked hospitals in the state.
• Springfield’s climate is about average. Although the city’s seniors won’t experience year-round sunshine, they also won’t be subjected to extreme changes in weather. Lows in January tend to be around 15 degrees, while in the summer months, highs of 83 are considered normal. Snowfall averages 40 inches annually, compared to the national average of 28. 
• There are several transportation services in Springfield that can assist the city’s older citizens and the disabled. Seniors who get MassHealth benefits are entitled to free transportation for medical appointments. Adults aged 60 and over can pay $3 for a pass to ride the PVTA (Pioneer Valley Transit Authority) city bus. PVTA also offers a door-to-door van service. 

Seniors can expect to pay in the region of $5,750 per month for assisted living in Springfield. This makes the city more affordable than many in the state, although still above the national average of $4,300. However, it should be noted that states in New England tend to be more costly than average.

As the following figures from the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey show, costs can vary, sometimes greatly, between cities in Massachusetts. Springfield’s costs of $5,750 are almost the lowest, surpassed only by Worcester, where the average assisted living placement costs $5,488 per month. Pittsfield’s costs are $5,789, while in Boston, fees rise to $6,100. Compared to Manchester, New Hampshire, fees throughout Massachusetts are more affordable. Manchester’s seniors pay, on average, $7,560. 

Able-bodied seniors have the most affordable care option, with fees of $1,452 for adult day care. Homebound seniors tend to pay $5,015 for either home or home health care, while assisted living’s costs of $5,750 are the most affordable for care that includes accommodation. Nursing homes are the most costly, with an average fee of $11,568 for a semiprivate room and $12,298 for seniors to have a room of their own.

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.