Dubbed Paradise City, Northampton is a charming New England city with a dynamic arts and culture scene, unique shops and restaurants and scenic parks. Nearly 30,000 people live here, including a large senior community that accounts for nearly a fifth of residents. It’s a good retirement destination for those seeking easy access to health care, including seniors managing chronic conditions. The city is home to Cooley Dickinson Hospital, a nonprofit community hospital with a range of primary and specialty services, and high-performing medical facilities, such as Holyoke Medical Center and Baystate Medical Center, are within 15 miles of the city center. Health care costs in Northampton come in about 20% below the national average, and there are over 330 doctors per 100,000 people compared to the national rate of 210.
Northampton is among the more affordable places to live in Massachusetts, with an overall cost of living that’s about 20% lower than the state median. This can help offset relatively high assisted living expenses, which exceed the national average at $5,750 per month.
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 >
The Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey shows that seniors in Northampton pay $5,750 per month for assisted living. While this is well over $1,000 more than the national median of $4,300, it’s a few hundred dollars shy of the state rate of $6,085. Local care costs are high compared to rates in most neighboring states. Seniors in Rhode Island pay considerably lower rates of $4,950 on average, and in Vermont, assisted living facilities charge approximately $5,310 per month. Rates in Connecticut and New Hampshire tend to be higher than in Northampton, with statewide rates averaging $6,300 and $6,650, respectively.
Seniors in Northampton pay $5,750 per month for assisted living care, which is fairly consistent with fees in other surveyed cities in Massachusetts. In Worcester, monthly rates are a couple hundred dollars lower at $5,488, and in Pittsfield, care costs are comparable to Northampton’s at $5,789. In Boston, fees are comparable to the state rate at $6,100, and in Barnstable Town, fees are the highest in the state at $6,338.
Note: Data for Northampton was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Springfield, was used instead.
Seniors in Northampton have several financial assistance options for paying for assisted living expenses. Qualifying individuals can enroll in the Massachusetts State Supplement Program, which provides monthly cash benefits that can be used at the individual’s discretion toward living and residential care expenses. Medicaid-eligible seniors may qualify for the Moving Forward Plan Community Living Waiver if they require nursing home level care but can remain in the community with the help of certain services. The state’s Senior Care Options program may also help cover personal care services in assisted living.
To learn more about these programs and other ways to pay for assisted living in Northampton, see our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page.
Contact | Description | |
Northampton Senior Center | (413) 587-1228 | The Northampton Senior Center operates a variety of programs and services for older individuals in the city. It features a lobby and a game room for socializing and has a bistro with fresh coffee, fitness classes and a range of in-person and online classes. |
Highland Valley Elder Services | (413) 586-2000 | Highland Valley Elder Services is the Area Agency on Aging for the Northampton region. It’s staffed with specialists who provide information and referrals for community-based services, such as congregate meals, transportation and durable medical equipment loans. It also has options counseling to help older adults assess their needs and find the care that’s right for them. |
MassOptions | (800) 243-4636 | MassOptions is a statewide service that helps older adults connect with programs and supports in the community. It has an up-to-date online database with service providers, which seniors can browse through on their own or call the toll-free hotline for one-on-one assistance. The program also administers the statewide health insurance options counseling program, which provides free, unbiased advice and information to Medicare beneficiaries. |
Veterans Services | (413) 587-1299 | The city’s Veterans Services Department helps older veterans obtain the services and benefits they’re entitled to, which can help them identify ways to cover assisted living services. The department also publishes the Veterans Report, a newsletter that offers relevant information, such as changes to benefits, important legislation affecting veterans and discounts in the community. |
Community Legal Aid | (855) 252-5342 | Community Legal Aid is a nonprofit organization that offers free civil legal services to low-income individuals and those aged 60 and over. Through the Northampton office, seniors get help with obtaining public benefits, such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance, which can help pay for assisted living. |
Long Term Care Ombudsman | (617) 727-7750 | The long-term care ombudsman promotes quality care in assisted living facilities by helping residents understand their rights, obtain the services in their care plans and resolve issues related to abuse and substandard care. |
RSVP | (413) 387-4558 | RSVP provides exclusive volunteer opportunities to those aged 55 and over, enabling seniors to serve their communities using their prior work experience, interests and talents. |
Assisted living facilities in Northampton comply with certification regulations set by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs. This agency outlines staffing and staff training requirements, as well as standards related to the scope of care, intake and discharge procedures and resident services. It also fields and investigates reports of noncompliance or substandard care.
To learn more about these regulations, visit the Assisted Living in Massachusetts page.