Embracing the aging experience for seniors in the Boston area, guided by our mission & core values. We continue to offer safe opportunities for individuals to tour our community, whether in-person or virtually. An organic vegetable garden, chicken coop, and indoor herb garden are just some of our unique natural spaces.
Each day residents have a variety of opportunities to strengthen their creative minds and bodies. Individuality, expression, social connection and innovation are all driving forces behind Goddard House Community Initiatives. Goddard House Assisted Living may be just what you are looking for if you are generally independent, but sometimes need support with daily tasks and personal care.
Each day residents have a variety of opportunities to strengthen their creative minds and bodies. Individuality, expression, social connection and innovation are all driving forces behind Goddard House Community Initiatives. Goddard House Assisted Living may be just what you are looking for if you are generally independent, but sometimes need support with daily tasks and personal care.
Services
Founded in 1849, Goddard House is the oldest elder care organization in Massachusetts, and the third oldest in America; named for Matilda Goddard who was a remarkable woman ahead of her time. Born in Cambridge, MA to a wealthy family of carriage makers, she was bright and industrious. At the encouragement of her father, Matilda started her own vest making business in the early 1800's and gave away most of the proceeds to charity.
Goddard House is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that offers assisted living and memory support. Although we receive private, federal, and state funds, these revenues do not cover the costs of enrichment programs that enhance the quality of life for our residents and programs that support the professional development and wellbeing of our staff.
Goddard House is a 20-minute walk from the Riverway MBTA stop on the Green Line (E). You can also take the Green Line shuttle to Brookline Hills or the Orange Line to Forest Hills, followed by Bus 39. For more than a Century, the Goddard House has provided a safe and inviting home for Boston area seniors.
Volunteerism is a special spirit which brings with it the opportunity for valuable and meaningful relationships to evolve. At Goddard House we cherish our volunteers and the free gift of their time, talents and gifts. We welcome those with a deep desire to make a difference in an older adults' life to ask us about getting involved.
During these unprecedented times, we continue to work with families and our professional referral partners to accommodate seniors who have an immediate need for a more supportive living arrangement. We are offering online virtual tours and modified in-person visits limited to one family member.
All individuals must pass our health screening and follow all current visitor protocols, and we have comprehensive safety procedures in place, including cleaning and disinfecting any tour-designated areas in between visits.See photos of our beautifully designed common areas and unique community amenities including our indoor herb garden, library, and chicken coop!.
All individuals must pass our health screening and follow all current visitor protocols, and we have comprehensive safety procedures in place, including cleaning and disinfecting any tour-designated areas in between visits.See photos of our beautifully designed common areas and unique community amenities including our indoor herb garden, library, and chicken coop!.
Reviews (14)
Christine Scordato
Oct 22, 2021
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I’m offering my comments in the spirit of making an always difficult decision -moving an elder somewhere new - a little bit easier.
My beloved Uncle lived at Goddard House for nearly seven years and I can’t say enough good things about our experience - the staff, the programming, the other residents, the physical space and grounds are all top notch. As a frequent visitor (1-2/week), I had lots of opportunity to get to know Goddard House well and developed friendships with both some of the staff and other residents. Family is always welcome (with proper protocols during Covid) and the staff
My beloved Uncle lived at Goddard House for nearly seven years and I can’t say enough good things about our experience - the staff, the programming, the other residents, the physical space and grounds are all top notch. As a frequent visitor (1-2/week), I had lots of opportunity to get to know Goddard House well and developed friendships with both some of the staff and other residents. Family is always welcome (with proper protocols during Covid) and the staff
Tom Moran
Sep 24, 2020
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I will third the positive Moran reviews. We had a pretty trying time moving two elderly relatives into Olmsted one shortly after the other. The Goddard staff were extremely helpful throughout the whole process and I've been impressed with their professionalism and dedication. I also appreciate their strong communication skills; they do an excellent job keeping family members updated, which has been especially important during the COVID pandemic.
Lally Susan
Sep 18, 2020
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If they had a 6 Star I would chose that!
They have truly wonderful caring staff. It’s not easy placing your loved one in a facility ,but we never once regretted it. She received the best of care and I never worried that she wasn’t being taken care of. A great choice! My family will be forever grateful to the Goddard House staff for taking such good care of my mother! Thank you Goddard House!
They have truly wonderful caring staff. It’s not easy placing your loved one in a facility ,but we never once regretted it. She received the best of care and I never worried that she wasn’t being taken care of. A great choice! My family will be forever grateful to the Goddard House staff for taking such good care of my mother! Thank you Goddard House!
Abby Shepard
Sep 11, 2020
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Goddard House was the BEST decision my mom ever made! There is so much I could say about this wonderful place that my mom now calls home - how wonderful and caring the people are, or how outstanding and clean the amenities, or how engaging and interesting (and fun) the programs are - but the main reason we love that our mom lives at Goddard is how… happy she is and how much she is THRIVING since she made it her home nearly 5 years ago. She’s an incredibly social, intelligent and creative woman, so our concern was for her to continue to get that at the same level upon moving but Goddard
Barbara Moran
Sep 10, 2020
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Patricia Moran
Sep 09, 2020
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We moved two elderly family members into Goddard's memory care section (Olmsted) about 6 months ago and I have been so impressed with Olmsted! The Olmsted staff is warm and caring and works tirelessly to make sure that my family members are safe, healthy and socially engaged. The facility is clean and cozy, with a beautiful outdoor space. I am so glad we chose Olmsted.
Susan Griffin
Aug 16, 2020
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The Goddard House has significantly changed my mother’s life for the better. She was living independently, surrounded by many friends in Florida, but wanted to live closer to me, her daughter. We spent the better part of 4 years exploring assisted living facilities in Massachusetts. As soon as we toured The Goddard House, we knew my mom had found… her new home. The common rooms are spotless; the furnishings and artwork are attractive and welcoming. Artwork by the residents is often displayed. There is a wide variety of programs to meet everyone’s interests. Movies, BINGO, exercise
Amy Madanick
Aug 06, 2020
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What an exceptional place! We moved my 83 yr. old mother here right before Massachusetts had to lockdown and everything was so uncertain and scary. Goddard House followed every precaution with communication and compassion. Although it would be many weeks before we were able to visit My siblings and I were secure in knowing my Mom Was being well cared for, thank you Goddard House I’m forever grateful.
Jane Rosenof
Jul 30, 2020
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John Kaufman
Jul 16, 2019
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Michael A.
Mar 31, 2018
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Karen Herther
Jun 08, 2017
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Jerry M.
Nov 05, 2015
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Almost four years ago my mother moved to the Goddard House after her husband of more than 50 years passed away. She was initially sad because of the loss and because she had to leave her home and friends in Florida. Instead of rapidly declining as many people do when their spouse dies, she discovered the art, music and theater programs at the Goddard House. She made friends, became active and regained her positive, vibrant personality. This new life continued until she recently became ill and passed away. I'm grateful to the Goddard House because it gave her a new lease on life and allowed
Mary A.
Apr 22, 2015
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My mother was at the Goddard in the memory care. The staff was wonderful. She died in February after being a resident for almost a year.
The Executor Director never sent a card, an email or made a phone call to my family. He never responded to an email sent from the caretaker. He never even made a comment to me when I saw him following her death. How does someone involved with elders do this?
The only contact that I ever had with him was arguing over why I needed to pay for toilet paper. They don't provide it even with the 8,000 a month rent.
The Executor Director never sent a card, an email or made a phone call to my family. He never responded to an email sent from the caretaker. He never even made a comment to me when I saw him following her death. How does someone involved with elders do this?
The only contact that I ever had with him was arguing over why I needed to pay for toilet paper. They don't provide it even with the 8,000 a month rent.
