Old Farm
Cognitive Living and Learning Center
New idea for Rockport's Old Farm - Gloucester, MA
By Jason Brisbois/Wicked Local Gloucester Cape Ann Beacon Posted Jul 05, 2011 @ 03:05 PMRockport — Cape Ann will be the beneficiary of a program that is very unique this far north of Boston. Recently, the building that was once known as the “Old Farm” in Rockport was purchased by Supportive Living, Inc (SLI). Plans are now under way to set up a 24-hour assisted living program at this site for those who suffer from brain injury’s debilitating effects.
The Old Farm is located on Granite Street, near Halibut Point State Park. Supportive Living, Inc. was created with this type of care in mind 20 years ago, when families with loved ones who were affected by brain injuries found out that few long-term care programs were available, with options at the time including nursing homes, state hospitals, acute care hospitals and family members themselves. SLI currently has three programs, with the closest over 35 miles away. Other sites include Warren House In Woburn (11 apartments with 16 residents), McLaughlin House in North Reading (eight residents) and Douglas House in Lexington (15 studio apartments with 15 residents). The hope is that a similar site for North Shore residents will be in place in Rockport at some point next year.
Brain injury home center eyed for Rockport
July 4, 2011 By Dyke Hendrickson Staff Writer ROCKPORTThe town's selectmen are being asked to give their approval tf a residential center for individuals with significant brain injury that's being sought for buildings that make up the Old Farm Inn, 291 Granite St., near Halibut Point State Park.
A number of selectmen appeared to support the proposal when it was presented last week, but members said they will wait until their next regular session to vote on the request.
Appearing before the board last week was Peter Noonan, executive director of Supportive Living, Inc., based in Woburn.
The proposal of his organization calls for eight units, and would be inhabited by adults who each have a room, but are supervised around the clock.
Noonan said most of the money for remodeling and outfitting the structures will come from state and federal funds.
His organization operates such homes in Woburn (16 residents), North Reading (8) and Lexington (15).
"There is a great need for homes for adults with their conditions," said Noonan. "We've had success in other communities and these residences are not disruptive in any way. "The Old Farm Inn is a beautiful spot," he added, "and we feel we can create a good program here." Noonan said that, without such homes, many younger adults — ages 22-44, he said — must live in nursing homes.
