The Doolittle Home in Foxborough Prepares for Annual Open House Oct. 2

George Burns once said, “You can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old.”  These words came to mind when entering The Doolittle Home located on Bird Street. Patch was greeted by DeAnna Willis, Executive Director and Allison Lux Nuovo, Marketing Director at the impressive and well-known retirement facility located just off the Common and directly across from Foxboro Public Library.

Patch was welcomed by energetic and friendly staff displaying pride and enthusiasm for their “special home,” and its sixteen occupants.  Both Willis and Lux Nuovo took time out of their busy day to provide an hour-long tour that included a detailed history of the pristine Victorian Home that features beautiful common areas including a spacious sunroom where residents enjoy a variety of activities from bowling to their exercise classes.

The gracious parlor is perfect for visits with their guests as well as some activities such as trivia and poetry readings, or entertainment provided by guests tickling the keys of the beautiful Steinway Baby Grand piano.  The dining room is an elegant setting for meals (all cooked on-site) and residents rotate their table assignments each month to get to know others on a more personal level. 

It is well known in the town that the Doolittle Home is famous for their home-made cookies. The nursing unit has its own sun room and a beautiful porch overlooking the gardens. The main house features an upstairs outdoor deck and a lovely screened porch which offers the best seats in town for Foxboro’s annual Founder's Day parade each June and the Concerts on the Common during the spring, sponsored by the Jaycees. The Home also features a beautiful garden area with a walking path surrounded by gardens, shady trees and a gazebo for residents and their families to enjoy. The history of this beautiful home is apparent as one walks from room to room enjoying the homey touches that Deanna has made.

Residents in the main house enjoy a private room. Many bring their own treasured furnishings to make their room home. While on the nursing unit, residents enjoy semi-private rooms with the nursing staff near by.

Willis has been with the Doolittle Home since 1998, serving first as a consultant and subsequently moving into the Executive Director’s position. Lux Nuovo is new to the team, however she exhibits the same passion and effervescence that the rest of the staff share. Patch asked what set the Doolittle Home apart from other retirement communities. “The Doolittle Home has three plans that should fit just about anybody’s circumstances,” she said. Additionally, she provided the following information:

The Life Care Plan ensures care for the resident for life, regardless of changes in health or financial status. Residents do not turn over all their assets – they pay an up-front fee for life care based on expected costs of care for their life expectancy according to actuarial tables. That cost is offset by his/her monthly Social Security and/or any pension income to determine the cost of admission. Many residents sell their modest homes, pay their admission and still retain investments of their own.

Life Care provides full services in addition to room and meals for life. As health changes dictate, residents have access to the fully accredited Nursing Unit. There are no additional or incremental fees with Life Care. Changing medical needs are addressed by staff and licensed providers in a familiar setting. Once they become a life care resident, there are no additional fees for the remainder of their lives. If a resident passes away prior to exhausting their life care balance, there is a rebate to the family of the unused balance of the Life Care funds minus an administrative fee and current expenses for care. With the up-front fee, residents are guaranteed care for the remainder of their days regardless of changes in health. Regardless of changes in health, care is provided for life.

Under the Doolittle Residency Plan, elders who are at least 65 years of age, ambulatory, and pass the entrance physical examination are able to enter Doolittle Home for a monthly fee. The Residency Plan enables residents to enjoy the safety of medical supervision and the social aspects of the home in addition to a comfortable room and all meals in the dining room

The Doolittle Home also offers respite care. Many families caring for a loved one at home may have a need to get away for a few days. The full amenities of Doolittle Home are available under the Respite Care program with a minimum one-week stay at a nominal cost. To meet that need, Doolittle Home now offers respite care of one week or more per stay in the main retirement section of the facility. Care provided would include the individual’s room, all meals and snacks, laundry, housekeeping and hairdressing services, medication administration and participation in all scheduled activities.

If anyone needs further information, Willis and her staff will be available this Sunday, Oct. 2nd at their open house from 2:00-4:00 pm.