The Foley Senior Residences

The Foley Senior Residences sits on a large 52-acre property between Lower Mills and Mattapan Square, right by the Neponset River, and used to be the Boston Specialty and Rehabilitation Hospital before the big renovation in 2003, which brought new life to the long brick wings that stretch out and seem to welcome visitors and residents alike, and the place now holds 98 mixed-income studio and one-bedroom apartments that are big, comfortable, and set up for independent seniors who want their own space but some extra help as needed. There's no community fee or buy-in, so you pay monthly, and there is a second-person fee if someone wants to share the apartment. The assisted living staff can help with light to medium needs, so folks who need someone to help with daily activities, getting around, or those who need a one-person assisted transfer can get help, but anyone with more medical needs will have to manage some things on their own; for example, the staff can remind residents to use the restroom but won't manage incontinence care for them, and they can check up on diabetics' blood sugar but can't give insulin shots. Residents get three meals a day on a meal plan, and there's no need to cook, plus there's a café, dining room, library, veranda, computer room, and laundry facilities, with big shared rooms, like the Grand Room, where everybody seems to gather for coffee hours, karaoke, bingo, and the scheduled movement or fitness classes, yoga, arts and crafts, and knitting, all put together to keep people active and social without feeling forced. The place has wheelchair-accessible showers, a beautician on site for haircuts and such, outdoor green spaces, and both indoor and outdoor common areas where folks can sit, talk, or just watch the day go by. People can attend devotional services at the community or go offsite for their preferred service. You can smoke in your own apartment or outside if that's your way, which isn't always the case at these places. There's transportation to doctor's offices and shopping, with complimentary rides for residents and a bus stop out front if you'd rather just hop on the city bus, plus parking if you still drive. Hospice care's available when someone comes to need it. Staff are awake and present day and night, making sure residents have the help they need when they need it, with property managers focused on keeping the place running smoothly and making sure people feel comfortable and safe. Foley Senior Residences always put independence and well-being up front, providing enough support for people who can mostly take care of themselves but want that safety net and those simple comforts and activities that make the days better.