Atop a tree-lined hill with scenic views of the surrounding campus, the Mercy LIFE Center in West Springfield, Massachusetts has revitalized the formerly vacant Brightside School campus. This 24,500 square foot LIFE (Living Independently For the Elderly) Center is a supportive environment for local seniors who are in need of healthcare and have limited incomes. The LIFE Center is the heart of this PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) program that is funded by Medicaid and Medicare. PACE successfully integrates and manages preventative healthcare services and restorative therapies for older adults, allowing them to live at home rather than in nursing homes. This program is sponsored by the Sisters of Providence Health System, a member of CHE Trinity East, which has served the residents of this community for over 130 years. 

With the health and overall well-being of a senior as the primary goal, the LIFE Center is designed as a welcoming gathering place that encourages engagement in a wide variety of social, recreational, therapeutic and wellness-focused activities. The open floor plan of the dayrooms, plus abundant light, comfortable furnishings and cozy fireplace, create a relaxing space for group and individual activities. Large windows capture views of the rolling hillside and landscaped garden. Glass doors open onto the secure, fully accessible patio well suited for outdoor activities. The LIFE Center also includes a medical suite for primary and specialty care, a gym for physical and occupational therapies, a commercial kitchen for serving daily meals, a specialized memory care suite for seniors with dementia, personal care facilities, and workspace for the staff.