Frequently Asked Questions
For your convenience we have answered the most frequently asked questions. If you have a question about the Brookhouse Home that is not answered here, call us at 978-740-2493. If you prefer, you can also use our convenient contact form. We’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.
Q: What is a “Rest Home” and how does it differ from Assisted Living or a Nursing Home?
| Comparison of 3 Levels of Care | ||
| Assisted Living | Residential Care Rest Home (Brookhouse) |
Skilled Nursing (Nursing Home) |
| Regulated by MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs | Licensed and Regulated by MA Department of Public Health | Licensed and Regulated by MA Department of Public Health |
| Provide up to 3 m3als daily & social activities | Provide 3 meals daily, snacks, social activities & events | Provide 3 meals daily, snacks, social activities & events |
| Housekeeping & laundry services (may requirean extra fee) | Housekeeping & laundry included | Housekeeping & laundry included |
| Offer 24 hour security | 24 hour supervision & security | 24 hour skilled nursing, IV drugs, oxygen, injections, mechanical lift transfers |
| Onsite staff responds to emergencies call 911 | Onsite staff respond to emergencies; gives first aide & calls 911 | Onsite staff respond to emergencies |
| May provide oversight of a resident’s self-administration of medication (extra fee) | Administers medications; maintains medical record, takes MD orders; coordinates medical care needs | Administers medications; maintains medical record, takes MD orders; coordinates medical care needs |
| Supervision of bathing/dressing for a set number of hours, Additional hours by fee | Provides assistance with bathing & dressing | Assistance with all personal care needs; total care |
| Minor nursing services | Licensed nurse available at times | RN & LPN coverage 24/7; medical director available for consultation |
| Resident provides furniture | Encourage personal belongings; furniture provided | Furniture provided; may have special units for rehab, dementia, etc. |
| Primarily private pay; limited Medicaid slots | Mostly subsidized by Medicaid, SSI & private pay | Medicare, Medicaid, long term care insurance & private pay |
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Q: Is there a minimum age requirement?
A: The Brookhouse Home is a community for senior women age 65 and over.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Applicants will be considered on a first-received, first-reviewed basis, based upon the date that the completed and signed application is received by the management of the Brookhouse. Applications can be mailed, faxed, emailed or dropped off.
Q: Is there a wait list?
A: Any applicant, who appears to qualify after Brookhouse management reviews the application, but before any information is formally verified, and for whom a unit is not currently available, will be placed on the Waiting List. The applicant is informed of the approximate wait for a room or placement position on the waiting list.
Q: Do I bring my own furniture?
A: Yes, residents provide their own furniture and decorate their private bedrooms to be their own personal space. Pictures, curtains, etc, may be hung on walls to their liking. Residents also provide their own TV and telephone and pay for those services out of their own personal accounts. All other utilities, food, etc, are included in the Brookhouse room and board.
Q: Is participating in the scheduled meals required?
A: Yes, unless otherwise discussed with our nurse. Scheduled meals are important for proper nutrition and also for socializing with other residents.
Q: Is Brookhouse Home a smoke-free community?
A: Yes, Brookhouse is 100% smoke-free in all rooms and indoor areas.