Frequently Asked Questions

SALMON Health and Retirement is a family owned and operated organization, providing trusted senior living services for nearly 70 years. SALMON offers a full Continuum of Care, with high-quality residential and healthcare services, as well as child care and management consulting services.

Yes. Since our founding, we have always been family owned and managed. Currently, third-generation members of the Salmon family manage the organization: Matt Salmon is Chief Executive Officer and Andrew Salmon is Chief Future Officer.

The Willows is an independent living community where active, older adults enjoy private residences in an environment filled with activity, amenities, companionship and support. We provide everything you need to lead a happy and healthy lifestyle: maintenance-free living, restaurant dining with chef-prepared meals, social and recreational activities, customized fitness programs and more.

Our emphasis is on choice and comfort. We offer a large variety of floor plans of one-, two- or three-bedroom, independent living residents. And, because your new home is maintenance-free, you won’t have to change another light bulb, clear a clogged sink, shovel the walkway, rake leaves or handle other such chores.

Inside, your home will have individual controls for heating and air-conditioning, wall-to-wall carpeting, washer and dryer, spacious closets and a thoughtfully designed kitchen with modern appliances. You can also customize and upgrade your home to reflect even more of your personal taste and style. Also included for your safety and security: emergency lighting, carbon monoxide sensors, smoke detectors and a 24-hour emergency response system.

In addition to our wide variety of on-site services, premium amenities and exceptional programming, The Willows provides scheduled transportation to shopping, banking, pharmacies, grocery stores and organized community and social events at local attractions in the surrounding area.

SALMON Health and Retirement owns all apartments within The Willows independent living community, but you’ll retain use of your Willows residence for as long as you live in SALMON senior living residence. This “right of occupancy” is typical in most continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) nationwide. The arrangement can contribute to your peace of mind, knowing you’ll never have to worry about selling your home at The Willows if you choose to move or if your health needs change and you need to move to another SALMON community.

For over seven decades, the Salmon family has served the MetroWest and Central Massachusetts area as a trusted provider of high-quality senior living and health care. SALMON operates campuses and communities featuring varying service levels across the Continuum of Care in Medway, Natick, Northborough, Westborough and Worcester. Now in their third generation of managers, Salmon family members remain committed to excellence, high-quality care and genuine support and respect for every person they serve.

Whitney Place is home to our residents. You’re welcome to have guests visit whenever you’d like, including overnight in your apartment. We don’t have visiting hour restrictions.

Many of our residents have found that our cost of living in The Willows independent living community is comparable to the monthly costs of living on their own. You’ll find financial benefits that help protect your assets and control your monthly expenses. Residents often appreciate having one set monthly bill to pay, avoiding the frustrations of unpredictable expenses such as erratic heating bills or costly home repairs.

You can’t put a price tag on peace of mind, but part of the real value of The Willows is the network of community support, friendships and exceptional programming for your healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. Here’s how it works: At The Willows, you pay a one-time Refundable Entrance Deposit, which gives you full use of your residence and all services, amenities and community spaces. This deposit is 90% refundable to you (or your estate) if you leave The Willows for any reason.

The Tapestry Memory Care program at Whitney Place is offered at our Medway, Natick, Northborough and Westborough locations. Tapestry is an innovative memory care program for seniors living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. The program is designed to help those with memory impairment live life to the very fullest by minimizing its impact from day to day.

Yes, a nurse is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

At the time of lease signing, you are responsible for your first month’s rent (pro-rated to the day of the month you join us), last month’s rent and our one-time assessment fee. Our notice period is 30 days, which may be given at any point during the month.

Yes, we have a full range of therapy and care services available on site at our campuses. They vary by location, so please speak with an advisor about which option is best for you.

Tapestry Memory Care program staff receive training well beyond state requirements for this specialized care. All assisted living staff are introduced to our Tapestry program’s methods and facets during orientation.

Those caring directly for Tapestry residents receive additional training annually, with a strong emphasis on communication skills. They learn best practices, supporting residents individually and in group situations through the introduction of familiar items for memories and a calming influence, Vigorous Mind intellectual games, daily exercises focusing on resident interests and much more.

Assisted living gives residents a little help with their daily routines while they maintain their personal independence and social interactions. Skilled nursing centers are also known as nursing homes and give residents with long-term medical needs 24-hour care in a home-like environment, as well as recreation as their abilities allow.

Contact SALMON for our all-inclusive pricing.

No, but Medicaid, private pay or a combination of private pay/long-term care insurance do cover long-term care.

Currently, we do not accept credit cards as a form of payment for room and board.

No, Medicare or HMOs will not pay for transportation costs. But most of our campuses provide scheduled transportation to and from the local area, including doctor’s offices.

Beaumont provides physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech language therapy. Other care and recovery services may be arranged.

We do not restrict visiting hours. However, we recommend visiting between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. as a courtesy to our residents who retire early. Yes, your pet may visit, but they must be up-to-date with shots, come with a rabies vaccine certificate (from their vet) and be kept on a leash.

Because coverage varies, the admissions coordinator will discuss the specifics of your insurance benefits to be sure you understand the charges before admission.

Our staff-to-patient ratio adheres to industry regulations but varies slightly by shift. Our on-duty staff is posted in the main lobby.

Depending on your insurance, you may have a co-pay for your stay. It is best to check with your insurance company prior for that information.

Yes, Medicaid is accepted as a form of payment.

Children choosing not to sleep or who awaken early will be offered quiet activities for the remainder of the rest period. Please keep in mind that if children are tired, they will fall asleep on their own. It is our policy to let the child’s needs determine their napping schedule.

The richness of our diverse enrollment is reflective of the community in which we are located. To support our efforts to recognize and celebrate the uniqueness of our families, we strongly encourage family members to share their holiday traditions with the classroom. While holidays are not an integral part of our curriculum, honoring each child and family’s uniqueness is important to us.

Yes. We celebrate meaningful events in our children’s lives. Parents are welcome to bring a special treat for their child that day. We encourage parents to provide healthy alternatives to cake/cupcakes. Staff are well equipped to give suggestions.

We use the current curriculum frameworks established by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care and the Department of Education. Preschool and Pre-K classrooms use the Guidelines for Preschool Learning Experiences and the Massachusetts Frameworks for Math and Literacy. Our Infant and Toddler Programs use the Massachusetts Early Learning Guidelines for Infants and Toddlers.

Yes, our Center for Early Education is peanut-free.

Yes, we are a full-year program open Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays.

Yes, a nurse is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Please contact an advisor to request more info on our all-inclusive pricing.

Because coverage varies, the admissions coordinator will discuss the specifics of your insurance benefits to be sure you understand the charges before admission.

SALMON Health and Retirement owns all apartments and cottages within The Willows independent living community, but you’ll retain the use of your Willows residence for as long as you live here. This “right of occupancy” is typical in most continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) nationwide. The arrangement can contribute to your peace of mind, knowing you’ll never have to worry about selling your home at The Willows if you choose to move or if your health needs ever change.

A licensed healthcare professional familiar with your medical history and current medical needs will prescribe the specific VNA services to meet your unique requirements.

SALMON Home Care accepts payment from Medicare, Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans. Hospice care is covered by all forms of healthcare insurance, including Medicare, Medicaid and other commercial plans. If, however, we do not accept your insurance, we will work with your insurance provider on your behalf for the coverage you need.

While most VNA home health agencies offer similar services, few can match our hallmark level of dedication and quality care. The response from our patients and their families shows you can rely on us with confidence and trust to be effective healthcare providers.

Yes. Our caregivers are trained to assist with most medical conditions. We provide care and support for patients with a wide variety of physical, emotional, psychological and social needs to enhance their potential for successful healing.

We create schedules based on your individual needs and preferences. Our caregivers will work with you to develop timing that meets your needs and is convenient.

Yes. Our medical directors lead our interdisciplinary teams and consult with your physician to help manage your unique plan of care.

Although VNA services are often provided in a patient’s private home, many services can be delivered in other locations such as assisted living residences, skilled nursing centers and the homes of people already caring for the patient.

A healthcare professional recommends hospice care based on a patient’s medical needs. Hospice care is for people diagnosed with a terminal illness who have a life expectancy of six months or less.

While all hospice agencies offer the same types of services, few can match our hallmark level of dedication and quality care. The response from our patients and their families shows you can rely on us with confidence and trust.

Yes. Our hospice team provides care and support for patients with a wide variety of physical, emotional, psychological and social needs, to make their remaining time as positive as possible.

Our team of caring, professional nurses works closely with the patient, their family and their physician to enhance the person’s quality of life, focusing on pain and symptom management.

Licensed social workers provide support and referral information for the emotional, psychological, social and financial stresses that often accompany the loss of someone close to us. We also provide assistance for end-of-life planning.

Our ordained ministers offer spiritual support to patients and the people close to them. We assist in deepening and strengthening their relationships as patients face their most difficult passage of life.

A licensed social worker provides emotional support, counseling and referral information for the grief, loss and adjustments that often accompany the loss of a beloved person.

We provide compassionate, certified home health aides to assist our patients with their personal care, hygiene needs and individualized specialty care.

Each individual’s grief is unique. Our Hospice Bereavement Program supports family members of hospice patients for up to 13 months following a patient’s passing. We offer individual and family counseling led by a social worker specializing in grief, loss and adjustment.

Our team of trained individuals can bring a supportive and caring presence to patients and their families through companionship, performing small errands and offering various types of support as needed.

The variety of benefits massage regularly delivers to hospice patients is wide-ranging, from increased relaxation to reduced pain, improved sleep and the lowering of stress to elevated feelings of care and support.

Hospice patients, including those with dementia, often benefit from live music in specific ways: distracting them from negative behaviors, lessening awareness of pain, tapping into spirituality and bringing familiar and pleasant feelings.

Our pet team of docile dog and licensed handler helps patients diminish loneliness, lower blood pressure, decrease anxiety, elevate mood and experience positive emotions.