The 10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Springfield, MA for 2024

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of Alzheimer's deaths in Springfield, MA, is declining. In 2016, about 3% of deaths in the region were linked to Alzheimer's compared to 2.7% in 2020. There were 106 Alzheimer's-related deaths in the first year of this reporting period and 116 deaths at the end, equaling a 9% increase. By comparison, the total number of deaths went up by about 28%. These deaths were primarily in those aged 65 and over, a demographic that accounts for 13% of the city's 156,000 residents.

While there isn't a cure for Alzheimer's, early intervention and comprehensive dementia care can positively impact health outcomes. For that reason, many seniors and families in the region opt for residential memory care. Alzheimer's facilities have open floor plans and homelike environments that offer comfort and familiarity and reduce confusion, and their secured exits and enclosed courtyards promote independence and prevent unsafe wandering. This guide provides more information on memory care in Springfield, including an overview of care costs and options for funding services.

The city of Springfield is home to nearly 155,000 people, roughly 12 percent of whom are seniors. The Alzheimer's Association reports that adults age 65 and over are most likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's, an illness that affects 130,000 Bay Staters.

Memory care facilities are senior care facilities that are specially designed to meet the needs of those with dementia. In Springfield, these facilities may be called special care residences and may either be freestanding or housed within an assisted living facility. The city is home to one memory care facility, and there are seven more located nearby. 

 

• Although the cost of living in Massachusetts is generally higher than the national average, Springfield is an affordable place to live. Average living costs in this city are nearly 45 percent below the state average and 5 percent below the national average, and healthcare expenses are about 15 percent lower here than they are elsewhere in the country. This may make Springfield a good option for seniors on a tight budget.
• The overall crime rate in Springfield is high, with the rates of both property and violent crime surpassing regional, state and national averages. This may be a consideration for families helping their loved ones transition to memory care in this region. 
• Massachusetts is a moderately tax-friendly state for seniors. Social Security benefits and disbursements from a public pension are not taxed, but withdrawals from retirement accounts and income from private pensions are fully taxable. Additionally, the state's estate tax has just a $1 million exemption, which is among the lowest in the country.
• The American Lung Association gave Hampden County a D for ozone pollution, an A for short-term particle pollution and a passing grade for annual particle pollution. Seniors with cardiovascular disease or respiratory illnesses may want to speak with their doctor to discuss how the city's air quality could affect their health. 

 

Memory Care costs in Springfield start around $6,030 per month on average, while the nationwide average cost of memory care is $5,694 per month.

It’s important to note that memory care rates in Springfield and the surrounding suburbs can vary widely based on factors such as location, the level of care needed, apartment size and the types of amenities offered at each community.

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

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

For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Massachusetts page.