Homestead Hall - Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own furniture?
The rooms at Homestead Hall are all private and unfurnished. This allows residents to bring their favorite belongings from home and make their room their own. Each room has ample closet space, plus telephone and television outlets. Cable television service is also available.
How many people live at Homestead Hall?
Thirty-two male and female residents enjoy our friendly, home-like setting.
What meals are provided?
Residents are served three home-cooked, nutritional meals, plus morning, afternoon, and evening snacks every day. Meals are served in our comfortable dining room. Taking into account such factors as personalities and differences in cognitive functioning, seating is assigned and rotated regularly and as needed.
Can the Homestead Hall kitchen accommodate special diets?
Our dietician plans the menus and prepares meals to meet the specialized dietary needs, of the residents. Additionally, she takes into account the individual likes and dislikes of each person. The menus run on a four-week cycle and are switched twice a year.
My father needs assistance taking his medication. Will your nurse be able to help him?
Homestead Hall provides 24-hour supervision and medical assistance by trained personnel. The registered nurse on duty can dispense and order medication and apply dressings. Our Care Coordinators are also trained to give out medication.
What kinds of activities are offered?
Programs within Homestead Hall are varied and geared to residents. They include arts and crafts, exercise, and musical entertainment. Some of the activities away from the Hall, such as attending theatre performances, are planned in conjunction with residents of Goddard House. Participation by the residents is completely optional. Transportation is provided to outside events and activities.
In addition, there is a quiet, sunny patio, charming gazebo, and well-protected garden area with walkways that meander through the grounds. Along the paths are occasional benches that allow residents to rest, listen to the birds, or just enjoy serene moments in the natural setting that surrounds Homestead Hall.
Is the building air-conditioned?
All common areas in Homestead Hall are air-conditioned. Residents are welcome to install their own window-mounted air conditioners in their rooms.
Will my mother's room be cleaned and her laundry washed?
Full housekeeping and laundry services are provided for those who need them.
What kind of personal care assistance is given?
Although our residents can perform most of their daily living functions, assistance with bathing, dressing, and personal care is available at all times. In addition, there is a beauty salon in the building, and on-site foot care is provided by a podiatrist.
Is Homestead Hall able to care for elders with dementia and Alzheimer's disease?
Homestead Hall is ideal for elders who have dementia or early Alzheimer's disease, and are non-wanderers. They enjoy a nurturing environment with all the comforts and amenities of home, but also with the safety and security of Homestead's round-the-clock supervision and medical assistance. The small size and simple, one-level layout of Homestead reduce the chance of residents getting confused and lost in the building.
How long has Homestead Hall been in existence?
This unique facility, founded in 1924 by the Hall family, was established to house local missionaries and women who needed respite from caring for their families. In 1983 it was combined with nearby Goddard House 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.
What is the difference between Homestead Hall (a residential care facility or rest home) and an assisted living facility?
Rest homes and assisted living facilities are similar in that they are ideal for elders who need assistance with daily living activities, but wish to live independently for as long as possible. The difference is in the level of nursing care provided. In an assisted living facility, the staff may not dispense or order medications, or provide any nursing care. At Homestead Hall, the Registered Nurse and trained Care Coordinators may give out medications to residents. The RN also orders medicines and performs other nursing functions as needed, such as applying and changing dressings.
Does Homestead hall offer short-term respite care?
Yes. Many people choose respite care for an elderly family member when going on vacation, a business trip, or because they need time off from the demands of care giving. Short-term respite care at Homestead Hall costs $100 a day. These visiting elders receive the same care and attention as regular residents, including daily personal care assistance, three meals and snacks per day, medication dispensing, and activities.