Welcome to Doolittle Home - a virtual tour
Sun Room
-- The Sunroom is one example of our common areas and is a multi-use space.
-- The Sunroom is the site of many activities such as bowling, chapel services, poetry and play readings, concerts, visits from Crossroads kids and others, and more.
-- This is also where residents have been enjoying a new activity - making their own greeting cards.
-- We have some very serious Red Sox fans who gather here to catch the games.
Hairdresser
-- An important component of overall good health is a positive self-image, it’s important for residents to look their best
-- A hairdresser is onsite once each week, and does hair for both men and women
-- This helps residents maintain their dignity
-- There is no additional charge to the resident or their family
-- Residents are always encouraged to look their best; the staff offers as much assistance as needed getting dressed each day so residents start their day with dignity. These services are included and are not charged separately, some facilities charge for assistance in 15 minute increments
As we make our way to the Nursing Unit, an introduction to Life Care...
-- Doolittle Home offers a variety of entrance and payment options. Our one unique option at Doolittle Home is Life Care - once a resident qualifies physically and financially, the full amenities of the home are provided for the remainder of their days with no additional cost to the family even if the individual exceeds the projected life expectancy because our Life Care services are for life.
-- Residents must be ambulatory when they enter Doolittle Home, once here they receive the care they need for the rest of their lives under Life Care.
-- As a resident’s health changes, they may be moved to the first floor or eventually to the nursing unit where they receive the care they need. There are no additional fees to the family - this is part of life care.
-- Because we are a public charity, we provide care at a lower cost than our services would cost in similar facilities. For the Life Care option we estimate cost for the remainder of expected lifetime, adjust to present value and deduct the social security and pension to determine the up-front payment. Various options for the upfront payment as well as other payment options are available. We have experts available who can provide you a customized estimate.
-- Decisions of the heart: After a hospital stay, many residents require rehabilitation. While Edicare would cover a rehab facility, whenever possible we choose to bring residents back here and provide their rehab in a familiar setting with a staff they know - this helps speed recovery and adds peace of mind.
Nursing Unit
-- The nursing unit was expanded in 1999 and is a fully accredited nine-bed facility.
-- Private room available for special needs or isolation.
-- The nursing staff is available 24/7
-- The staff to resident ratio is 3-1 in the nursing unit, and 4-1 in the main house.
-- Residents love the whirlpool spa and prefer it to showers, enjoying the whirlpool and backrubs.
-- Doolittle Home has a licensed physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, dietician, pharmacy consultant and doctors available.
-- The nursing unit has a lovely view from the deck - the park is a beautiful area for residents to relax and enjoy nature, and look forward to barbeques.
Second Floor
-- Most residents start on the second floor
-- While Doolittle Home can never promise that a particular room will be available, once a room opens, the staff conducts a review to see if there is a medical need for the specific room (example, a first floor room available for ambulatory issues). Next, resident requests are given priority. Remaining rooms are available for new residents.
-- The trustees have a long term plan of ensuring that every room will have either a private or semi-private bath. Presently, some rooms with lesser accommodations are available at reduced costs.
-- Another critical consideration is timing - some people wait too long and their failing health makes them ineligible for entry. It is advisable to get on the waiting list and enter Doolittle Home while still able. You must be Level Four (ambulatory) to enter Doolittle Home. If entering Doolittle Home under our unique Life Care plan, once voted in your care is assured the remainder of your life, regardless of any change in medical condition.
-- Often after the loss of a spouse, the family grows concerned about having their loved one live alone. There is great peace of mind for the family and the resident to move to Doolittle Home; it’s the last decision they have to make to ensure care for life. Our staff is experienced in helping residents deal with these major life transitions.
Resident Rooms
-- Residents in the main house have their own private rooms
-- Many bring their treasured furnishings so they feel at home; after all, this IS their home.
-- The staff closely monitors medication for all residents as well as their diet. Many residents show improved health once they move in due to increased attention.
-- The staff does laundry and ironing for residents -- it's important that they look good.
-- Assistance is available as needed in getting dressed for the day.
-- The staff helps residents as needed maintaining their rooms and are available to hang pictures, program the VCR or retrieve the next season’s clothes from storage on the third floor, or whatever else is needed.
Third Floor
-- Many residents have family who live outside the area -- we have rooms available on the third floor for visitors for a nominal fee, which allows a family more interaction with residents, and gives them an opportunity to see the daily routine and to join the residents for meals in the dining room.
-- Executive Director DeAnna Willis has her office on the third floor.
-- We also have space here to store out of season clothing for residents
Parlor
-- The parlor is a beautiful common space used for some activities and available to residents and guests, featuring a portrait of Sarah Doolittle and painting by Sarah.
Porch
-- The best seat in town for Founders Day parade.
-- Local residents stop to chat and Crossroads kids wave as they walk by.
Dining Room
-- Residents receive three meals per day plus snacks, each meal has a main selection and an alternate.
-- All residents are strongly encouraged to dine in the dining room as long as they are physically able -- this creates a sense of community, some from wing may need assistance but helps them stay connected.
-- Seating rotates so residents get to know each other better.
