Assisted living provides support with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders while helping residents maintain independence in a welcoming community setting. At The Arbors & The Ivy assisted living communities, residents enjoy personalized support, engaging activities, and private apartment living in assisted living communities across Massachusetts and Connecticut.
What you’ll experience at The Arbors & The Ivy:
- Private apartments designed for comfort and independence
- Restaurant-style dining and chef-prepared meals
- Engaging in social activities, events, and wellness programs
- Personalized assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Safe, supportive community environments
- Compassionate care from a team that feels like family
What is assisted living?
Assisted living provides housing, support, and social engagement for older adults who want to maintain independence but benefit from help with everyday activities.
Residents typically receive assistance with:
- Bathing and personal hygiene
- Dressing and grooming
- Medication reminders or administration
- Mobility support
- Dining and nutrition
- Housekeeping and transportation
These services help residents remain independent while receiving the care and reassurance they need.
Assisted living vs. independent living
Independent living is designed for seniors who want a maintenance-free lifestyle with minimal support, while Assisted living includes additional help with daily activities and wellness monitoring.
Assisted living vs. nursing home
Assisted living communities provide residential care and daily support. In contrast, nursing homes provide 24/7 licensed medical care and rehabilitation services for individuals with complex medical needs in a more clinical setting.
Quick takeaways:
- Assisted living supports independence with personalized assistance
- Communities provide social engagement, meals, and daily support
- Medical supervision is available, but not as intensive as in a nursing home
- Care plans can evolve as residents’ needs change
Signs it may be time for assisted living
It may be time to consider assisted living when an older family member needs additional support to complete daily tasks or would improve their safety and quality of life. Families often notice small changes before realizing additional support may be needed. This is often subjective and may look different for everyone, but common indicators include:
- Frequent falls or mobility concerns
- Missed medications or confusion about prescriptions
- Difficulty preparing meals or maintaining proper nutrition
- Difficulty managing personal hygiene or dressing
- Declining health due to inconsistent care
- Household tasks becoming overwhelming
- Memory changes affecting daily routines
- Increasing isolation or loneliness
- Concerns about safety when living alone
- Caregiver burnout among family members
An assessment can help determine whether assisted living is the right fit.
What’s included at The Arbors & The Ivy
Life at The Arbors & The Ivy is designed to support both independence and connection. We offer a variety of services and amenities to keep residents healthy, happy, and engaged in the community.
Lifestyle
- Chef-prepared dining and restaurant-style meals
- Social programs, entertainment, and group activities and outings
- Wellness classes and fitness opportunities
- On-site beauty salon and barber shop
- “Anytime dining” and room service dining
- Weekly transportation services
Home
- Private apartment residences
- Weekly housekeeping, scheduled linen, and laundry services
- Maintenance-free living
- Comfortable community spaces
Care
- 24/7 nursing staff
- Emergency call system
- Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Medication management
- Wellness monitoring
- Personalized care plans
- Nutrition counseling
- On-site physical and occupational therapy
- Audiology and podiatry services
Floor plans and apartment living at The Arbors & Ivy
Residents enjoy thoughtfully designed apartments that feel like home.
- Private studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans
- Accessible bathrooms and safety features
- Space for personal furniture and décor
- Ambient natural light and welcoming community spaces
Our family lives here, too: Meet the staff
At The Arbors & The Ivy, care is personal. Our communities are family-owned and operated, and many team members have worked here for years. We believe residents should feel like they’re part of an extended family. Our compassionate caregivers, nurses, and activity coordinators work together to ensure every resident feels supported, respected, and valued.








Serving Massachusetts & Connecticut
The Arbors & The Ivy proudly serve families across Massachusetts and Connecticut, offering trusted assisted living communities close to home.
Massachusetts locations
- Taunton, MA
- Westfield, MA
- Chicopee, MA
- Amherst, MA
- Greenfield, MA
- Dracut, MA
- Western Massachusetts communities
Connecticut locations
- Watertown, CT
- Additional Connecticut communities
Paying for assisted living
The cost of assisted living varies depending on care needs, apartment size, and services included. Many families pay for assisted living through private pay, long-term care insurance, or other financial planning options.
For a detailed guide to funding options, visit our Paying for Senior Living page.
Next steps with The Arbors & Ivy
Finding the right assisted living community is a meaningful decision, and our team is here to help guide you through the process. Whether you’re just beginning your research or ready to explore options, we’re happy to answer questions and help you determine the best next step.
Assisted living FAQs
How do you determine the level of support?
Each resident receives an assessment that helps determine the level of assistance needed with activities of daily living and wellness monitoring.
Can residents bring their own furniture?
Yes. Residents are encouraged to personalize their apartments with familiar furniture and décor.
What if someone’s needs change over time?
Care plans can evolve as residents’ needs change. Many of our communities offer additional support services when required.
How does assisted living differ from independent living?
Independent living focuses on maintenance-free housing and social activities. Assisted living includes additional daily support and wellness monitoring.
How does assisted living differ from a nursing home?
Assisted living supports independence with help for daily activities. Nursing homes provide intensive medical care and rehabilitation services.
