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Nestled along the Connecticut River, Chicopee is the second-largest city in Massachusetts. According to the 2020 Census, the city has 55,560 residents, 18.5% of whom are seniors aged 65 and older, which is higher than the national average of 16.5%. Residents enjoy a more affordable cost of living compared to the rest of the country and state, including the cost of health care. Seniors can enjoy several amenities of interest, such as the public library and the RiverMills senior center. Chicopee also has its own Council on Aging, which looks after the interests of the growing population of older retirees.
There are two assisted living facilities within Chicopee, and 16 more are located in nearby communities, giving seniors plenty of options for care. These assisted living communities charge an average of $5,750 per month for accommodations, meals and other amenities. Rates can vary based on the services and programs available.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
At $5,750 per month, assisted living costs in Chicopee are significantly higher than the U.S. median of $4,300 but lower than the statewide average of $6,085. This type of care is more affordable in Chicopee than in the neighboring states of New Hampshire and Connecticut, where seniors pay $6,650 and $6,300 per month, respectively. However, rates in nearby Vermont and New York are lower than in Chicopee at $5,310 and $4,800 per month, respectively.
Within Massachusetts, Chicopee is one of the cheaper cities for assisted living. The only city with lower rates is Worcester at $5,488 per month. Costs are higher in coastal cities, such as Boston and Barnstable, where seniors pay $6,100 and $6,338 per month, respectively. In Pittsfield, assisted living costs are slightly higher than those in Chicopee at $5,789 per month. Across the western state line, in Albany, New York, the assisted living rate of $4,800 is substantially lower than in Chicopee, while across the southern state line, in Hartford, Connecticut, assisted living costs soar to $6,3000.
Note: Data for Chicopee was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Springfield, was used instead.
In Chicopee, low-income seniors aged 60 and older who are at risk of being institutionalized in a nursing home could receive funding for their assisted living care through the state’s Frail Elder Program. This is a Home and Community Based Waiver that’s available to people who qualify for MassHealth, the state’s Medicaid program.
| Contact | Description | |
| The RiverMills Center | (413) 534-3698 | RiverMills is a senior center where older residents can connect with peers and receive a range of helpful services. The center is managed by the local Council on Aging. Along with recreational activities, the center provides an information service and educational classes. |
| Greater Springfield Senior Services | (413) 781-8800 | This nonprofit is an Aging Services Access Point that receives funding from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Older adults can contact CSSS for advice, information and options counseling on long-term care. |
| Mass Options | (800) 243-4636 | Mass Options is a statewide information line offered to residents by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Seniors who contact the service can find out about local resources and agencies that can assist with their individual needs. Representatives are available by phone and via online chat. |
| Massachusetts Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | (617) 727-7750 | Older adults who live in assisted living communities and their family members can contact the Ombudsman program with any complaints they have about a facility. This statewide advocacy service can investigate concerns on behalf of residents and mediate for a resolution. |
| Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone | (800) 439-2370 | The Commonwealth of Massachusetts operates this counseling program that can help seniors make informed choices about their health insurance. SHINE representatives can advise older adults on topics related to Medicare, MassHealth and long-term care insurance. |
| Dial-A-Lawyer: Free Legal Advice by Phone | (617) 338-0610 / (877) 686-0711 | Dial-A-Lawyer is an initiative of the Massachusetts Bar Association that helps low-income individuals receive free legal advice. The phone line is open on the first Wednesday of every month from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., and seniors can speak to an attorney about a range of civil topics, such as guardianship, living wills and public benefits programs. |
| Chicopee Veterans’ Services | (413) 594-3470 | Senior veterans in Chicopee may be eligible for several assistance programs. This city-operated office can help seniors apply for federal and state-funded benefits, including military pensions, compensation and financial aid. Department representatives provide regular information sessions for veterans and their family members. |
The state’s Executive Office of Elder Affairs has a robust list of regulations that assisted living facilities in Chicopee must abide by to receive and keep their certification. For more details on these laws and regulations, see our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page.
