5 Tips for Finding the Best Assisted Living in Westfield, MA

For Springfield area residents seeking assisted living, Westfield, MA is a great location. Westfield has a small town feel, easy Springfield access, and plenty of local pride. From year-round Big E festivities to peaceful parks and cafes, the Westfield lifestyle suits many seniors who want comfort, convenience, and community. 

How do you find the best assisted living in Westfield? Here are five tips to get you started.

1. Understand what your loved one needs

Start with a clear picture of their daily needs, preferences, and goals for independence. Make a list that will help you ask the right questions when you reach out to different communities:

• Health and care: Current diagnoses, medications, mobility needs, any dementia concerns
• Daily living: Help needed with bathing, dressing, meals, housekeeping
• Social life: Top hobbies and interests (crafts, gardening, music, games, sports, volunteering)
• Dining: Any allergies, restrictions, favorite foods, usual dining times
• Budget: What you can afford for the apartment and accompanying services

Bring a one-page summary to each visit so the team can address your most important concerns.

2. Explore local Westfield resources

Westfield is a friendly, close-knit community that offers strong support for older adults in MA. Here are some resources and features to check out:

• Westfield Council on Aging: The WCA supports seniors with fitness programs, social events, benefits counseling, and more.
• Health access: Baystate Noble Hospital serves Westfield, MA; major specialists are nearby in Springfield and the greater Pioneer Valley.
• Local life: From Stanley Park and Amelia Park to coffee shops in downtown Westfield, there are many ways for residents to get out and stay engaged.
• State help: The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs connects families to SHINE Medicare counseling and other helpful state programs.

Want a starting point for planning? Explore our caregiver resources for checklists and guidance.

3. Compare community culture and spaces

Assisted living is more than a building; it is a home and a community. As you research, look for a fit that feels right. If you don’t see the information you need online, reach out with questions.

• Size and layout: Smaller senior living communities may feel cozy, while larger communities may offer more amenities. Consider how easy it will be to navigate hallways and common areas with mobility or vision challenges.
• Activities and events: Review the monthly activities calendar. Look for outings to parks, visits to local museums, and on-site events that bring company and joy.
• Care approach: Look for information about person-centered care, how care plans are updated, and how the team coordinates with physicians and family.
• Dining experience: Good food and shared meals build community. Reach out to request menus and ask to stay for a meal when you visit.
• Essential services: Review emergency response, staffing patterns, transportation, and how physical health needs are supported.

Read resident and family reviews of the community, looking for patterns instead of single comments.

4. Consider location and access

Location matters: both what’s right around you, and how easy it is to get where you need to go. Westfield is excellent on both counts. You’ll find:

• A strong neighborhood feel, with diverse local restaurants, shopping, and entertainment
• Beautiful, well-maintained green spaces like Stanley Park and Grandmother’s Garden for outdoor exercise and relaxation
• Friendly, close-knit, small town culture with easy access to Springfield for specialty care or family visits
• Important community ties, such as nearby faith groups, veterans organizations, and libraries
• Year-round activities at the Big E, including craft markets, historical villages, and local festivals that keep residents connected

If you want a cozy setting with small town amenities and quick Springfield access, schedule a tour at The Arbors at Westfield. Explore senior living apartments, meet the team, and review care options that help residents maintain independence with the right support.

5. Visit each community well-prepared

Tour each prospective location, ideally twice, including once on an evening or weekend. If you’re scouting ahead on behalf of your loved one, bring another family member for a second opinion, as well as your list of medications, doctors, and support needs. Use a consistent checklist for each visit to better compare options.

What to ask about:

• Find out what is included in the listed cost, such as utilities, transportation, and personal care services.
• Ask about meal choices, nutrition, and dining times.
• Inquire about transportation to Westfield and Springfield appointments, community partnerships, and how residents connect with friends and family.
• Ask how staff monitor changes in condition and how they alert families.
• If your loved one is living with dementia, ask about memory support: staff training, accessibility features, soothing spaces, cueing, and sensory activities.
• Find out how move-in works, including assessments, age eligibility, and timelines.

What to look for:

• Notice greetings, conversation, and how staff support residents who need a little extra help.
• Share a meal during your visit to try out the food and have more time to chat with residents.
• Take note of cleanliness, lighting, and noise levels.
• Explore the community’s different apartment options thinking about comfort and mobility.