What services do you provide?

We provide short-stay rehabilitation, long-term skilled nursing care, hospice, and special care for those with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. We also offer assisted living, assisted living with memory care and affordable independent housing for seniors.

What are your Nursing Home Room Rates?

For current Room Rates please click here

Is there a social worker available for consultation?

Yes. Our Social Services Department has three licensed and experienced staff members dedicated to fostering a comfortable home for our residents, whether short or long-term. Our social services team members will work closely with your loved one to ensure all of their needs are met in a timely manner. Should you wish to speak with one of our staff members, please call Jean Begemann, Director of Social Services, at (978) 569-1000, extension 2659.

I am (or, my loved one is) not Catholic. Does that matter? Will I (or he/she) feel comfortable?

Though we are founded and continue in the Catholic healthcare tradition, you or your loved one need not be Catholic to apply or to be accepted to our campus – in fact, we welcome the diversity. We recognize that the needs of older adults – to feel safe, cared for, part of a larger community, respected, and valued – are universal. We are bound by our mission – and our commitment to you – to ensure that you or your loved one receive the finest care available in a welcoming community regardless of personal faith. Of course, each person has different needs, so we encourage you to visit us and meet our staff. We are confident that you will find that D’Youville really is different.

I am interested in receiving a guided tour of the campus. Who can I call to schedule this?

Please call Paula Capone, Admissions Director, at (978) 569-1000, extension 2613.

Who can I contact about my financial needs?

Our Business Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. to assist residents and family members with any financial needs. Family members are encouraged to call ahead to arrange for an appointment should any detailed account matters need to be reviewed. Scheduling appointments will allow us to dedicate the appropriate time to serve your needs. Special arrangements can be made if you need to meet outside of our normal business hours. If you are ready to schedule an appointment, please call Diane Harden, Director of Finance, at (978) 569-1000, extension 2564, or emaildharden@dyouville.org.

What kinds of information will I need to provide when I apply?

You will need the following items in order to apply:

• A completed application
• All insurance cards
• A completed Healthcare Proxy form

Will I need to secure the services of a notary or can D’Youville help me find one?

We offer notary service by appointment only. Please call (978) 569-1000, extension 2051 or 2052 to make an appointment.

Do you have an application I can download?

Yes. Please click here to download the application for admission.

Can I receive a statement of my account?

Yes, we mail out a monthly statement. However, if you have not received yours, need a duplicate copy or have a question about a current or past statement, please call Diane Harden, Director of Finance, at (978) 569-1000, extension 2564, or emaildharden@dyouville.org.

How can I find out how much is in my or my family member’s Personal Needs Account (PNA)?

Currently, we mail this statement to the address you provide on the application. If you questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact Dan Cooney, Accounts Payable Specialist, at (978) 569-1000, extension 2052.

What should I know about visiting my friend or loved one at D’Youville?

Visits are very important and appreciated by most residents, even when the expected stay is short-term. Visits provide an opportunity to stay in touch, express emotions, share experiences, and to simply enjoy each other's company. The guidelines we provide here are specific to D'Youville, but are common at most nursing homes.

Note: If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, we ask that you make arrangements to visit at another time, as some of our residents may be more susceptible to infections and viruses than others. Thank you for your understanding.

What are the visiting hours?

Suggested visiting hours are between 11:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. We realize there may be circumstances in which family members and friends of loved ones may wish to visit outside these hours; however, we encourage visits during these hours to allow our residents to enjoy their home and to help protect their privacy and dignity.

How often should I visit?

Every resident and family is unique and the frequency of visits depends on a number of factors. For example, if family members live or work close to D'Youville, visits may be more frequent compared to those whose families live at a distance. Some family members have an easier time taking time off from work or their work hours coincide with visiting hours. Even if someone does not work, visits may depend on transportation, sitters for children, etc. There are many other factors that determine the frequency of visits. Each family member decides based on his or her own circumstances and the resident's need.

Do I need to call ahead to make arrangements for a visit?

While calling ahead is not necessary to visit D’Youville, we do recommend planning ahead for your visit. Although spur-of-the-moment visits can be exciting (certainly better than no visit), it's always a good idea to let your loved one know when you are coming. Residents may be at therapy, a doctor's appointment or at one of their scheduled activities. With a planned visit, your loved one will have something to look forward to, be rested and have a free schedule.

What should I bring?

Families like to bring gifts and many residents enjoy them. Gifts can serve as a pleasant reminder of the visitor and visit. The best rule of thumb is to keep a gift small, personal and simple. Here are a few suggestions: flowers or a plant (with instructions for care); a book or favorite magazine; stationery, stamps and address labels; and personal care items such as a favorite lotion (keeping in mind any skin allergies).

We do not recommend gifts such as valuable jewelry. Other gifts such as clothing must be brought to the nurses' station for labeling. We suggest checking with nursing regarding food items, as there may be dietary restrictions. For cleanliness and safety reasons, we do not recommend storing food in residents' rooms.

Remember, the best gift of all is your visit itself!

What should I do once I'm there?

• Give a manicure or help with hair care
• Bring a younger family member or a pet
• Participate together in a scheduled activity
• Work on a family tree or record family stories
• Celebrate birthdays, holidays, and special events
• Listen to music or watch a favorite movie together
• Go for a stroll or sit outside in one of the courtyards
• Bring a friend who wouldn't be able to visit otherwise
• Play a favorite game such as checkers, cribbage or cards
• Review the Activity calendar or the Monthly Messenger
• During holidays, assist with writing cards and addressing envelopes
• Bring photos to share and/or work on a family photo album
• Help organize personal items or clean out a closet or bureau
• Sit by the bedside, hold your loved one's hand and tell/share stories
• Read a newspaper, book or favorite magazine together

What is Bruyere Gardens?

Bruyere Gardens is a 63-unit, federally funded HUD-202 PRAC affordable housing development for independent seniors 62 years of age and older located on the campus of D’Youville Senior Care at 975 Varnum Avenue in Lowell, MA.

What does HUD-202 PRAC Stand for?

HUD stands for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Section 202 is a loan program to develop housing for the elderly. Tenant rental subsidies are provided through Project Rental Assistance Contracts referred to as (PRAC).

Why the Name Bruyere Gardens?

Élisabeth Bruyère, for whom Bruyere Gardens is named, establish the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa (popularly known as The Grey Nuns of the Cross) in 1845. D’Youville Senior Care, Inc. was established by the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa in 1960 to meet the needs of an increasing frail and elderly population in Lowell.

What are the Income Qualifications?

As of May 2010 the mandated HUD income guidelines for the Lowell area cannot exceed:

• $32,550 for one person
• $37,200 for two people

What do the Units Feature?

• Approximately 540 square feet of living space
• Living room/Dining room combination
• One bedroom (please note: if two people are sharing a unit, the living room cannot be utilized as a bedroom)
• Kitchen with refrigerator, stove, and microwave
• Full bathroom with walk-in shower and grab bars
• Ample closet space
• Emergency call system
• Secured entrance
• Cable and telephone ready
• Rent includes all utilities (heat, hot water, electricity and central air conditioning)

How Much Will I Pay For Rent?

30{833f90dc453f242f92fe92acc9605754db329803969936c57a4d756e96bc607e} of the family’s monthly adjusted income.

Are Utilities Included In My Rent?

Yes, except for your cable, internet and telephone bills.

Can I Regulate My Own Heat?

You can regulate your own heat in the winter and central air in the summer.

How Many People Can Live In a Unit?

A maximum of (2) people.

What Amenities does Bruyere Gardens Offer?

• Ample community/common areas with party kitchens for special events
• Community living rooms; one with a 42" plasma TV with DVD and VCR
• Outdoor courtyard areas
• Coin-operated common laundry facilities
• Arts and crafts room
• Library areas; one with a full computer setup
• Tenants may visit the D'Youville Senior Care Employee Cafeteria to purchase a hot breakfast or lunch
• On-site chapel located at D’Youville Senior Care
• Ample parking
• Smoke-free facility

What Types of Services Are Offered?

The following services are available:

• Emergency Call System
• Hot lunch program held two days per week
• Trash removal and trash chute system
• Visiting hairdresser
• Monthly Visiting Nurse Wellness Clinic
• Convenient access to the Lowell Public Transit System

Are Pets Allowed?

One common household pet is allowed, such as a dog (under 30 lbs.), cat, bird, rabbit, fish, or turtle. No reptiles (other than turtles) are allowed. Rules regarding noise and cleanliness will apply.

When Did Bruyere Gardens Open?

• Phase I consisting of (22) units opened October 2006
• Phase II consisting of (41) units opened in May 2009

How Do I Apply?

Applications are available at the following locations:

1. Bruyere Gardens,
   975 Varnum Avenue,
   Lowell, MA.
2. D’Youville Senior Care, Inc.,
   981 Varnum Avenue,
   Lowell, MA.
3. Lowell Housing Authority,
   285 Salem Street,
   Lowell, MA.
4. Chelmsford Housing Authority,
   10 Wilson Street,
   Chelmsford, MA.

Where Should I Send the Application?

Bruyere Gardens
975 Varnum Avenue
Lowell, MA 01854
ATTN: Director of Independent Living

Who Can I Call with Questions?

Please contact:
Paula Eldridge-Yeiter, Director of Independent Living
Bruyere Gardens, (978) 569-1023.

peldridge@dyouville.org