Frequently Asked Qustions ABOUT Goddard House

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General

What is the average age of the residents?

The average age of residents living at Goddard House is 85

How many people live at Goddard House?

Goddard House has 36 apartments. While just one resident occupies most of the units, several couples also live here.

What if I need help at night after the staff has left?

Each apartment is equipped with two pull-cord alarms that connect the resident to a 24-hour monitoring system for emergency assistance. A staff member is always on the premises from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. For assistance day or night, residents may also dial the house phone number. As an added safety feature, residents are offered an emergency waterproof pendant that they can wear around their neck. Pressing the button also activates the 24-hour monitoring system when a pull cord cannot be reached.

What is the admission fee and is it refundable?

The admission fee is $3,500 and, is refundable, less a service fee, for up to 90 days. After that time, the fee is not refunded. Only one $3,500 Admission Fee applies to couples when they enter together.

Can residents have guests?

Residents should consider their unit in the same way that a condo tenant does. Guests are permitted and are always welcomed. If guests would like to participate in meals with a resident, accommodations can be made and a fee will be assessed on a meal-by-meal basis. For longer stays, or should guests wish to have their own unit during a stay, Goddard House can accommodate individual unit housing. Ask a representative about our Vacation Program for incoming guests for more details about the program and pricing.

Is the building air-conditioned?

All common areas in Goddard House are air-conditioned. Residents are welcome to install their own window-mounted air conditioners in their apartments. A seasonal charge of $125 per unit will be assessed to residents who install air conditioners. An 8,000 BTU unit will adequately cool any of the apartments in Goddard House.

Is the building secure?

The Goddard House is a secure building. Each resident is given a main door key that cannot be duplicated except by an authorized signature. Individual units are also secure providing two layers of intrusion security. The front desk staff is available throughout the day to answer the door for guests and service providers.

How is Goddard House related to Robert Goddard, the man who invented the first rocket?

The founder of Goddard House, Harry Goddard, was a cousin of Robert Goddard, the father of modern rocketry.

Didn't Goddard House used to be a home for men?

In 1874 the original Goddard House was founded and built by a group of prominent Worcester citizens who realized the importance of a home that would provide care and security for those unable to live alone. The building was a home for elderly men until 1989, when it was modernized, renovated, and expanded to offer 36 rental units for independent older adults. In 1983 Goddard House was combined with nearby Homestead Hall under one management to offer a continuum of care. Under the careful direction of some of Worcester's most prominent financial and social leaders, the two homes continue to respond to the changing needs of active elders.

Meals and Food

Why are only two meals served daily?

Breakfast and dinner are served each day in our sunny dining room. This allows residents to make plans for their day without needing to be back at Goddard House for lunch (it also gives the staff an opportunity to check in with residents at the beginning and end of every day). Seats in the dining room are assigned and rotated regularly to allow residents to get to know each other and help create broad social circles within the community.

Is the Goddard House kitchen able to accommodate my special diet?

Balanced and nutritional meals are prepared to meet the dietary considerations of our residents. At every meal there is a choice of entrees to meet residents special requirements, including low-fat, low-salt, lactose/dairy free, and no concentrated sweets. Our chef also takes individual tastes and preferences into account when planning menus. Residents are provided with a menu each morning to allow for the selection of the evening meal. Special requests and portion size selection are part of the menu selection process.

Building Facilities

Do residents receive any personal or medical care?

There is no personal assistance or medical care given at Goddard House. Our staff will be happy to make suggestions and provide information for outside assistance. First aid and emergency care is always available. Hospice care is allowed at the discretion of the caregivers.

Are there laundry facilities in the building?

A fully equipped, modern laundry room is located in the building. The cost is $1 per load for both washer and dryer.

Are there elevators in the building?

An elevator is conveniently located in each of the two buildings that comprise Goddard House.

What types of activities are offered?

A wide range of activities is designed to meet the residents' specific interests, while also providing an opportunity to get together with one another. Participation is completely voluntary.

Is there parking for my car?

Goddard House has a safe, private parking area for residents' vehicles. For those without cars, public transportation stops just outside the front door, and shopping, banks, and churches are within easy walking distance. The WRTA bus to the Auburn Mall stops (at nearby) Stafford Street.

Are pets allowed?

Residents are welcome to befriend and enjoy the company of the "house" dogs that come to work everyday with one of our staff members. Indoor pets such as cats, birds and dogs may be allowed. An interview process for pets is conducted as part of the application process. A defined provision for a care attendant for animals is required for anyone housing pets on the premises to allow for care such as dog walking (in the event that the resident is unable to attend to the needs of the animal due to inclement weather, illness or incapacitation). Maintaining sanitary conditions for all animals is the responsibility of the resident.

Goddard House and Homestead Hall both offer short to long-term stays for non-residents through our Vacation and Respite Stay Program. The program functions in two different ways.

For guests visiting residents at either property, or for out of area visitors returning for a period of time, Goddard House can accommodate stays in one of our housing units. Each unit includes a kitchen, living room, bedroom and bath. Concierge level services are available and include the option to select meal service prepared by our on-staff chef.

A second option, available to caregivers, is found in our Respite Program. The program is available at both Goddard House and Homestead Hall. Whether for vacation or for a needed break from caregiving, both facilities can accommodate short to long-term stays for your loved one. Ask a representative about our Vacation and Respite Care Program for more details about the program and pricing.