Fitch Home: A close-knit community awaits you

WITH THE HELP of instructor Pat Macdonald (standing), Fitch Home residents Edythe Reinherz (right) and Dorothy Shannon practice yoga. (Bob Burgess Photo)

MELROSE  -  On a recent rainy Monday morning, Fitch Home residents Edythe Reinherz and Dorothy Shannon were practicing yoga with instructor Pat Macdonald. 

Down the hall, three other women were brainstorming on the daily crossword puzzle. 

Still another resident came into Administrator Joyce Lamb's office  inquiring about absentee ballots for the Nov. 7 election.

The weather outside may have called for a slow, lazy day but it was anything but that inside the energetic 75 Lake Ave. retirement community.

"This is as much like a private setting as we can make it," Lamb explained, "but the people here are independent and are very active with their families and the community. We offer an assortment of entertainment and hobbies and personalized services that help free up your time to engage in what interests you. Yoga, art and aerobic classes and outings are just a few of the many activities."

Each event is scheduled on calendars placed in public areas inside the building and activities also include a popular bingo game.

The Fitch Home sits behind the Melrose Public Library in a beautiful setting overlooking Ell Pond. The original home, just up the street, was opened in November 1918, seven months after Sarah E. Fitch passed away. Her will established the creation of a home for senior citizens in Melrose.

From the beginning, the trustees determined that this was to be a real home, not an institution, with a minimum of restrictions, a maximum of comfort and a warm, freindly atmosphere.

"This is a very close-knit community," Lamb said. "If you want to know your neighbor and not live in an impersonal high-rise, this is perfect for you. Being on Ell Pond is wonderful; it truly is a living picture. We're so close to transportation, the stores and the Milano Senior Center. And we have our own shuttle services. It's quiet and tranquil. It's a lovely place to live."

The average age of residents at the home is between the late 70s and early 80s, but Lamb explained that all senior citizen age groups are represented. In fact, one of the women figuring out the crossword puzzle the day of our visit was more than 103 years old and she was more than holding her own at the table.

Fitch Home residents have parking spaces, can come and go as they please and can entertain guests.

The not-for-profit, endowed facility has enough room for 26 people, including couples, to live comfortably, or for 20 individuals. Currently, there are 19 residents.

"Some people are actively waiting but aren't quite ready to move yet,"  Lamb explained. "It's not often we have a vacancy."

Residents are accepted on a board and room basis. The arrangement includes a predetermined payment for board, room and laundry. In addition, the new residents pays an entrance fee. All other expenses, such as doctors' appointments, hairdressing, dentists and the like are paid for by the resident.

Because of its financial situation, the Fitch Home can offer its spacious private rooms for half the money other retirement communities can. For example, a single room with bath on either the first or second floor costs $2,660 a month, with a larger, one-occupant room with bath on the first floor going for $3,060 a month.

There is plenty of free off-street parking for residents and their guests. Lamb said many Fitch Home residents drive and added that proximity to area golf courses has proven another benefit to residents.

The Fitch Home's staff prides itself on taking care of the often demanding everyday chores of its residents.

Lamb said, "The everyday things, like shopping and deciding what to have to eat, can be a hassle. Housekeeping, maintenance and landscaping worries are a thing of the past for our residents. Our dining room overlooks Ell Pond and our culinary staff offers wonderful home cooked meals for residents and their guests. You'll eat three delicious meals a day with the other people who live here. The menu is varied, and we make sure to have no concentrated sugars and no added salt."

A monthly wellness clinic is staffed by the Fitch Home's nurse practitioner, who offers residents access to physical check ups, lab testing and much more. Along with the home's on duty nurse - who assists with medications, blood pressure check and other personnel attention needs like administering eye drops - there are certified assistants who provide for other personal needs. There is continuous 24 hour on-duty staffing to help with residents peace of mind.

"This entire enterprise is mission-driven," Lamb said. "It's not a private one, for profit. We have a Fitch Home Association that comes in to visit with the residents regularly and we provide transportation for anyone who needs to go to a medical appointment or shopping."

Edythe Reinherz, one of those practicing yoga that rainy Monday morning, said simply, "I feel very fortunate to live here."  And you will too.

Call Joyce Lamb at 781-665-0521 to schedule a convenient tour today.