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1942 – A Partnership Begins
After meeting as nursing students at Worcester City Hospital, Helen Goulden and Dan Salmon, Sr. marry and begin their nursing careers.
Our Story
A Legacy of Compassionate Care
What began in 1942 with two young nurses and a shared dream has grown into a multi-generational commitment to enriching lives. Over the decades, SALMON Health and Retirement has expanded in services, locations, and expertise—always staying true to the values of compassion, community, and quality care.
Follow our journey through the milestones that have shaped who we are today, and discover how each chapter has strengthened our promise to serve with heart.
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1952 - One Large Family
Helen and Dan Salmon purchased a restaurant in Northborough and converted it to a nursing home. The couple, and their five sons, lived alongside 28 residents feeling very much like one large family.
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1960 – Growth in Northbridge
The family moved from Northborough to a sprawling estate in Northbridge. The bucolic setting allowed for nearly two decades of on-site expansion. Here, the Salmon Family of Services grew to include Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, Whitney Place Assisted Living, Salmon Adult Day Health, and the Salmon Center for Early Education.
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1963 – New Nurses, New Love
Helen and Dan’s oldest son Danny meets Dottie McLaughlin while both were working as nurses at Worcester City Hospital. They marry two years later.
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1965 – Passing the Torch
While the young couple honeymooned, Helen and Dan moved from their Northbridge home so that Dannie and Dottie could take over the family business upon their return. Danny served as Administrator and Dottie as Director of Nursing, a role she held until 1990.
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1970, 1976, 1982 – New Services and Campus Expansion
Additions were made to the Northbridge campus allowing for the introduction of an innovative Adult Day Health program and increasing Beaumont’s capacity to 154 beds.
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1984 – Beaumont at Westborough Opens
After a lengthy site search and construction project, the Salmons open Beaumont of Westborough.
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1985 – New Culinary Leadership Keeps It All in The Family
Danny’s brother Mike Salmon, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, joined the company of the Director of Food Services for the Northbridge and Westborough campuses.
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1987 – Continuum of Care is Born
The Westborough campus expands with the introduction of The Willows, a retirement community for active adults which eventually became known as independent living. One wing, deemed Whitney Suites, was designated for residents needing daily assistance. Thus with The Willows, Whitney Suites and Beaumont on one campus, the “continuum of care” was born.
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1993 – A New Generation Joins
Danny and Dottie’s daughter Kate Salmon becomes Administrator at Beaumont at Westborough after receiving her master’s degree in health service management. Their son DJ opens his own landscaping company to create and maintain the grounds across all Salmon campuses.
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1995 – The Family Legacy Continues
Danny and Dottie’s son Matt Salmon and his wife Kimberly Malloy, both seasoned physical therapists, joining the family business. Whitney Place Assisted Living Residences opened in Northbridge and Westborough. Kate Salmon moved into a new role, Vice President of Marketing and Community Relationship.
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1996 – Intergenerational Care Begins
The Child Care Center opened in Northbridge, providing care to children of the staff and local community and furthering Salmon’s commitment to intergenerational programming.
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1997 – Expanding to Natick
The Salmon Family of Services opens its brand-new campus in Natick with its newest Whitney Place, Beaumont, and Child Care Center. The company names Phil LaCasse as its first Chief Executive Officer, allowing Danny to step back from day-to-day operations. Matt and Kim Salmon both earn Master of Health Professions degrees.
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2000 – New Leadership Roles Emerge
Danny retires with Phil LaCasse at the helm and Matt assumes role of Executive Director of the Northbridge campus. His wife Kim becomes Director of Rehabilitation Services for the entire company.
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2001 – Broadening Our Reach
With an extensive background in senior living property development and management, Kate Salmon’s husband Jeff Robinson leads the inception of Continuing Care Management. This new arm of the family business provides expert management, marketing and consulting services to other senior living and healthcare providers.
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2004 – Honoring Our Founders
On the original site of the company’s first nursing home, a new Beaumont and Whitney Place opens in Northborough. The campus was dedicated to Helen and Dan Salmon.
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2006 – Leadership Strengthened
Andrew Salmon joins the company as Executive Director of the Northbridge campus making way for his brother to become Vice President of Programs, Quality and Innovation.
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2007 – A New Name, A Broader Mission
The company is re-named SALMON Health & Retirement and introduces a new division offering hospice services.
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2009 – The Willows Opens in Worcester
The Willows at Worcester opens offering resort-style independent living alongside a Level IV Health Center on the site of the former Sisters of Mercy Convent and Rest Home.
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2010 – New Operating Leadership
Matt Salmon is named Chief Operating Officer.
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2012 – Expanding Care Into the Home
SALMON acquires VNA & Hospice of Great Milford and combines it with its existing hospice services to become SALMON VNA & Hospice.
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2013 – A New Era of Leadership
Matt Salmon, PT, MHP, MBA is named Chief Executive Officer. Andrew Salmon is named Director of Network Development.
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2016 – Personalized Care at Home
To meet the needs of people needing expert assistance at home, SALMON launches SALMON Private Care Options.
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2017- Growth Into New Communities
SALMON Health & Retirement expands its footprint to Sharon, opening Whitney Place Assisted Living and Memory Care.
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2021 – Medway Campus Redefines Luxury Senior Living
Spanning 57 acres along the Charles River, The Willows and Whitney Place open in Medway, redefining luxury senior living. Andrew Salmon is named Chief Future Officer.
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2023 – Coming Home, Full Circle
Nearly 60 years after taking the helm of SALMON, Dottie and Dan Salmon, move into The Willows of Worcester. Here they are at the 2025 Willows holiday party with their sons Matt and Andrew.
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Join us and be part of the next chapter of SALMON
Every Journey Is Unique