The Mary's Meadow Story
When Mary’s Meadow opened its doors in 2009, it was the culmination of a promise made – and kept.
In 1997, the Sisters of Providence Infirmary – a nursing home – was relocated from Providence Mother House to nearby Providence Hospital. That move occurred just prior to the Sisters’ major renovation of the Mother House – their home of 65 years – into Providence Place, a rental retirement community for both the Sisters and the laity.
A promise made – and kept
The Sisters of Providence leadership made a promise to the “Infirmary Sisters,” as that community was affectionately called, that one day they would live even closer to the gold dome of their former Mother House.
And so Mary’s Meadow took shape – a complex on the Providence Place campus comprising four separate 10-person houses designed to give elders a place to live in comfort equal to that of a private home. It was the first “small-home” model of its kind in the Bay State – and a vivid departure from the traditional medical model of long-term care institutions.
“We planned Mary’s Meadow to be a home, not a nursing home that is ‘like a home,’ or ‘home-like’,” said Sister Joan Mullen, then the Sisters of Providence president.
Notably, while the Infirmary license at Providence Hospital was restricted to the care of women religious and priests, Mary’s Meadow was licensed to also accept laypersons for long-term care and short-term rehabilitation services.
“As a Congregation, we made the decision not to build just for our Sisters but to include care for the laity – whenever we are able,” Sister Joan said.
Today, Mary’s Meadow – nestled in a garden setting on the Providence Place grounds in Holyoke – is indeed home to individuals who need this level of care.
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Questions?
Phone:
- Main Number: (413) 420-2500
- Admissions/Referrals: (413) 531-0532
Email:
- Admissions: laura.harper@trinityhealthofne.org