Goddard House - Frequently Asked Questions
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 most of the units are occupied by just one resident, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 wings of 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. See our Activities section for more details.
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?
For the consideration and comfort of all of our residents, dogs and cats are not allowed; however, residents are welcome to befriend and enjoy the company of the "house" dogs that come to work everyday with one of our staff members. Birds in regularly-cleaned cages are permitted.
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.
Is there a security deposit and is it refundable?
The security deposit is equal to one month's rent and is refundable, with interest, and minus any costs incurred from damages and excessive wear and tear to the apartment. The security deposit is not to be used as the last month's rent, and is paid in full upon entrance.
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.
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.