Girdler House sits in a historic home overlooking the ocean on Lothrop Street in Beverly, Massachusetts, where it's run as a non-profit retirement home for senior women. The house first opened in 1885 as the Old Ladies Home Society and still serves women over 60 from Beverly and nearby towns, bringing together a small community of up to 14 residents. The building provides private bedrooms and bathrooms for each woman, a comfortable front porch, and a courtyard where residents can spend quiet time or enjoy the sea view. People gather in a shared dining room for three home-cooked meals each day, and staff take care of daily needs, like help with bathing, dressing, grooming, medication, laundry, and housekeeping.
The staff organize activities based on residents' interests, and everyone can join group programs, games, and social gatherings, so there's usually something to do or someone to talk to, which brings a sense of home. Girdler House doesn't offer skilled nursing, but there's memory care and help for those who can't live fully on their own but don't need round-the-clock medical care. The home serves only ambulatory women in good health, keeping the setting safe, calm, and supportive. Most residents have their own room, and choices include one- and two-bedroom suites, some more basic and others a bit more fancy, depending on what's available and needed.
A Board of Directors and a group of employees look after the day-to-day work, making sure everything runs smoothly and residents get the support they need with care, meals, health questions, and family guidance. The focus stays on providing comfort, dignity, and a peaceful place for senior women to enjoy their later years. The home's hours for staff help run from early morning into the evening, and the office keeps regular hours for questions or tours. Donations help support the house, since it operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Prices and exact features aren't published openly, but advisors can help families understand the options and make decisions. Girdler House aims to keep things as much like home as possible, offering privacy, friendship, safety, and a steady caring presence for women in their senior years.
