4 Assisted Living Communities in Springfield, Massachusetts

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $4,950 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 4 Assisted Living Communities in Springfield and several in surrounding areas.

• Assisted living: $4,950
• Nursing home semiprivate room: $11,482
• In-home care: $4,481
• Adult day health services: $1,444

Genworth Financial’s 2018 Cost of Care Survey shows that Springfield’s monthly assisted living costs are more than $900 above the national average but about $1,000 under the Massachusetts state average of $5,966. Springfield is one of the least expensive areas in the state for assisted living. Its costs are higher than those in Pittsfield to the west ($4,200), but expenses rise going eastward. Assisted living costs $5,735 in Worcester, $5,850 in Boston and $5,490 in Barnstable Town. 

The type of senior care is the primary determinant of its cost. In Springfield, nursing home care is more than twice as expensive as assisted living or in-home services. Adult day health care is the most economical option, averaging $3,500 less per month than assisted living. In-home care, such as homemaker services and home health aides, are comparably priced to assisted living, but seniors should consider the cost of other expenses pertaining to their residence (rent, food and maintenance). Assisted living typically encompasses these costs. Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $4,950

• Homemaker services: $4,481

• Home health aide: $4,767

• Adult day health: $1,444

• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $11,482

 

MassHealth is Massachusetts’s Medicaid, a jointly funded federal and state health care program available to low-income individuals regardless of age. MassHealth covers a host of services, including those provided in a nursing home. The program also facilitates access for older residents to long-term care in their home, assisted living facilities and adult foster care homes.

Massachusetts has several Medicaid programs for long-term care for elderly individuals. The programs differ significantly regarding eligibility requirements and benefits, and the state employs various methods to determine eligibility. 

Institutional/Nursing Home Medicaid is available to single applicants who receive a maximum of $1,041 in monthly income and have $2,000 or less in assets. If both married spouses are applying, their income must not exceed $1,409 per month and they can possess no more than $3,000 in assets. One married person who applies must be receiving income of no more than $1,041 per month with an asset limit of $2,000 for the applicant and $126,420 for the non-applying spouse.

Regular Medicaid/Aged Blind and Disabled is available to single applicants who receive no more than $1,041 in monthly income and have a maximum of $2,000 in assets. Both spouses applying may receive up to $1,409 in monthly income with an asset limit of $3,000. One spouse applying is subject to the same requirements as single applicants.

Elderly residents of Massachusetts who do not meet these eligibility requirements may qualify for Medicaid via the Medically Needy Pathway, or Spend-Down program. Under this program, a person’s income must be spent down on medical expenses until the medically needy income limit is reached. This is akin to paying a deductible. The asset limits are $2,000 for single people and $3,000 for a married couple, and the income limit is $552 for single individuals and $747 for a married couple.

Medicaid planning exists to help people who do not meet Medicaid eligibility requirements yet cannot afford their care costs. A Medicaid planning expert can help families utilize strategies to qualify for MassHealth services. To sign up for MassHealth, call (800) 841-2900.

Medicaid Waivers/Home and Community-Based Services

Massachusetts has options that allow some MassHealth members to obtain services at home, adult foster care, adult day care or assisted living. The state waives some of the MassHealth stipulations so that people can get support as they resume life in their communities after a stay in a nursing home. Medicaid Waivers/HCBS are available to applicants who receive a maximum of $2,313 in income per month with no more than $2,000 in assets, regardless of marital status. This limit pertains to each spouse of an applying married couple. For married couples with one spouse applying, the non-applicant can have assets up to $126,420.

To apply or obtain more information, seniors can call the Waiver Program at (617) 204-3747 or contact the University of Massachusetts Medical School at (855) 499-5109 or TTY (800) 596-1746.

Supplemental Security Income and Group Adult Foster Care

The Supplemental Security Income Assisted Living Benefit and Group Adult Foster Care provide for elderly individuals to reside in assisted living or foster home facilities. SSI-G helps cover room-and-board costs up to $1,000. GAFC handles expenses related to housecleaning, personal care and medication management.

Applicants must be eligible for MassHealth and require assistance with at least one activity of daily living. A physician must verify the participant’s medical condition and level of care needed. To apply, seniors should call (800) 841-2900 or contact Greater Springfield Senior Services, Inc. at (413) 781-8800.

Supportive Senior Housing Initiative Program

The Massachusetts Supportive Senior Housing Initiative Program, also called the Elderly Supportive Housing Initiative, provides assisted living level care to public housing communities. The program offers two levels of support. All senior public housing residents in need receive certain services for free as the cost is included in their rent. A higher level of service is available on an income-based sliding scale. Participants receive 24-hour supervision, meals and medication management; some may receive housecleaning, laundry, transportation and personal care services.

Applicants must be at least 60 years old with an annual income no higher than 80 percent of their community’s median income. According to the latest U.S. Census data, the median annual income for Springfield is $37,118; however, this could change from year to year. Applicants may sign up at the local housing authority in the area in which services are needed. Contact the Bureau of Housing Management at (617) 573-1150 for more information.

Springfield veterans can turn to these organizations for information and assistance regarding veteran benefits and care.

Springfield Department of Veterans Services
36 Court Street, Room 101, Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 787-6141

Springfield Vet Center
95 Ashley Avenue, Suite A, West Springfield, MA 01089
(413) 737-5167

The Department of Elder Affairs/Council on Aging serves seniors 60 years and older by advocating, planning, coordinating and providing information and social services. The Department offers activities throughout the Springfield area, employment training, computer learning and Medicare assistance. Department of Elder Affairs
Raymond A. Jordan Senior Center
1476 Roosevelt Ave., Springfield, MA 01109
(413) 787-6785 Greater Springfield Senior Services, Inc. serves qualifying senior Springfield residents and caregivers. This organization offers programs for health and wellness, home care, long-term care, meals, Senior Care Options, money management and caregiver support. Greater Springfield Senior Services, Inc.
66 Industry Avenue, Suite 9, Springfield, MA 01104
(413) 781-8800

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.