Is The Fitch Perfect For You?

 Frequently Asked Questions

> What is the difference between a Rest Home and an Assisted Living?

The Fitch is a non-profit Residential Care community (Rest Home) licensed by the Department of Public Health. Residential Care communities follow Nursing Home Regulations which follow a medical model, holding The Fitch to a higher standard of care.
Residential Care communities are for residents 65 and older and tend to be smaller homes in a residential setting with much of the medical care built into the reasonable monthly rates, typically around 33% less than other larger communities.

Assisted Living communities are governed by Executive Office of Elder Affairs and follow more of a business and social model. Because they have limitations on medical assistance and hands-on care, Visiting Nurse Associations (VNA’s) are typically called in to assist with residents more complex medical needs. These communities provide a style of living that are generally in residential apartment complexes for individuals 65 and older and have a focus on socialization within their communities.

> Does The Fitch have private baths in the rooms?

Yes. Each private room also has their own private bath with emergency pull cords in the bathroom and bed and living area within reach.

>Do you have Nursing staff?

Yes. The Fitch has a licensed nurse on staff sixteen hours a day, seven days a week from 7 am to 11 pm. From 11pm to 7am we have two (2) Personal Care Assistants (PCA’s) on staff available for your needs. The nurse on duty provides medication management, wellness checks, first aid, blood pressure, blood sugar testing, eye drops, weight checks and more. Having a nurse on the site is a reassuring part of living at the Fitch.

> What is the application process for future residents of The Fitch Home?

Once you have toured and determined the space that best fits your needs, you will be able to reserve it while the application process is underway.

A $1,000 deposit, reserves the space and is fully refundable if you choose not to move in. We will provide you with an application and residency agreement to complete.

Once this is completed, it will be submitted to The Fitch along with supporting financial documentation to verify your income. Also, you must designate and provide a copy of your Durable Power of Attorney, and that person will co sign the application and the residency agreement with you.

Once all of these documents have been reviewed by two members of our Board of Trustees and approved, A physical by The Fitch’s physician will be scheduled for an unbiased review of your medical history to ensure The Fitch Home is the perfect fit for you and your needs.

• Once complete and approved, you can schedule your move.
• The turnaround time from application to move in is typically 2 to 4 weeks.
• Ten days before you move the first month’s board and a $2,000 entrance fee is paid
• The entrance fee is refundable within the first six months of residency.
• Should either you or the Home decide to cancel the agreement the $2,000 entrance fee is refunded. After six months the entrance fee is nonrefundable.

> Do you provide Memory Care at The Fitch?

NO, The Fitch has 20 units for Independent residents who live with minimum restrictions and may require help with Assisted Daily Living (ADL’S) as needed.

> Do you provide transportation for the residents?

Yes. The Fitch has a house van that is available for our weekly shopping trips, Dr. appointments, visits to the senior center and other errands by appointment.

We OFFER a shopping trip every week for those that would like to run an errand. We ask that if you need a ride on any other day that we schedule the time in advance. Alternate options are available, including ‘The Ride’ as well as ‘The Council on Aging’ van in Melrose.

> Do you have additional amenities at The Fitch Home?

The Fitch provides some additional amenities: an exercise area with recumbent steppers, a hair salon with weekly appointments, scheduled visits with our Podiatrist and areas throughout the home to entertain family and friends. Our quiet location offers wonderful area to walk and our screened deck overlooking peaceful Ell Pond in the warm weather and wonderful views of the grounds and Ell Pond all year long.

> Do you provide Respite Care at The Fitch?

Respite Care is a wonderful option when you are not sure if the move is right for you. It is a perfect opportunity to evaluate senior living to help with future decision-making, for a place to stay while transitioning back home from a rehab, or for accommodations while family is traveling out of town. Call to talk more about the option of Respite Care.

The Fitch provides Respite Care, as long as a vacancy is available.

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VNA: Visiting Nurse Association
PCA: Personal Care Assistant
DPOA: Durable Power of Attorney
ADL’S: Assistance with Daily Living