The Somerville Home, located at 117 Summer Street and part of the community since 1898, now runs with support from Riverside Community Care after changing from a traditional rest home back in 2019, and you see right away it's a busy place with a lot going on, because they offer both assisted living and memory care services right inside the building, which means folks who need help with everyday things, or those with memory challenges, can get the right support, and the staff stay on site around the clock, giving personalized attention, which seems to help people feel cared for and safe. The rooms, which are more like what you'd remember from college-a bit dorm-style and not full apartments-give everyone a private space, still they open into several common rooms indoors, where residents can gather, play cards, or enjoy group activities like bingo, crafts, or exercise. There's a real effort to keep bodies and minds busy with things like shuffleboard, meditation, outings to the symphony, trips to local museums, and visits with caring canines, and you see both on and offsite activities, including devotional services for those who want them.
They serve three meals a day, with vegetarian options, and you see the dining rooms set up so no one needs to worry about cooking, and with all the care for health needs-including diabetic monitoring, medication management, and non-ambulatory help (though residents handle their own insulin)-there's staff nearby to get residents from beds to wheelchairs or meet incontinence needs as well. The building has full tubs, an onsite beautician, and accessible bathrooms, and the grounds include things that make outside time nice, like a gazebo in the front, a courtyard garden, and a terrace for fresh air.
Pets are allowed, which some folks like for comfort, but no one's allowed to smoke inside, anywhere, which keeps things safer and cleaner. Meals and transportation-whether to shopping or to appointments-are all included, and the property sits close to public transit, with parking for anyone who drives. The Home also stands out for its commitment to mental health; Riverside Community Care runs wide-ranging programs at this address and in Somerville, covering mental health, substance use, outpatient counseling, group therapy, crisis intervention, and home-based services, not to mention the Morningside Memory Care Program set up for those with dementia or Alzheimer's, house calls for seniors who can't travel easily, and a recovery coach program supporting people in their personal growth.
For respite care, hospice, and short stays, the facility offers safe, temporary help when folks or families need a break, which is something not everywhere can manage, and with a long-standing focus on affordable and dignified living for older adults, there are always enrichment activities and support for social life to encourage camaraderie and keep spirits up, so people don't just sit in their rooms alone. The Home also welcomes diversity and runs all kinds of programs for children, adults, and whole families, like school consulting, employment help, support for younger people with disabilities, and mental health education-including for justice-involved individuals. It's a nonprofit, extended care community with a dedicated team, in a building designed for comfort and social connection, where services aim to make life easier for older folks, whether they move in on their own, or need specialized care or even just a place to stay for a little while. They've received an average 2.5-star "Good" rating, so while it's got some solid services and friendly staff, there's room to improve, but people seem generally well looked after, with a focus on helping everyone reach their full potential, keep up their health, and stay part of the larger community.
