At Notre Dame Health Care, we believe that long term care should feel like home – welcoming, comfortable, and deeply supportive of the whole person. As a faith-based, nonprofit community, we provide Skilled Nursing for Long Term Care, Rehabilitation, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Hospice, and Palliative Care in an environment where compassion, dignity, and holistic care guide everything we do.
Notre Dame Health Care is often described as “not your grandmother’s nursing home,” reflecting its modern, beautifully renovated community offering Skilled Nursing for Long Term Care, Memory Care, and Rehabilitation “villages,” where residents enjoy comfort, community, and quality care. Recent renovations bring fresh, modern touches to resident rooms and shared spaces, further enhancing the quality of life and sense of belonging for everyone who lives here.
In this blog, we’ll explore why families choose faith-based, nonprofit care, share a look into the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur’s rich legacy, highlight recent renovations, and answer common questions families have about life at Notre Dame Health Care.
Why Families Choose Faith-Based Communities
When families choose a Long Term Care community, they want more than medical support – they want reassurance that their loved ones will be cared for with compassion and respect. That’s why so many turn to faith-based communities like Notre Dame Health Care.
Here, residents experience care rooted in values of dignity, compassion, and holistic support for mind, body, and spirit. Families appreciate the peace of mind that comes from knowing care is mission-driven, not profit-driven. As a nonprofit, we reinvest directly into our programs, services, and people, ensuring residents receive the highest quality care and a lifestyle that nurtures both health and joy.
From France to Worcester: The Sisters’ Legacy
Notre Dame Health Care’s story is intertwined with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, who came from France with a mission to serve through education and healing. In 1900, the Sisters stood on the grounds of what was then Swan Farm, overlooking Lake Quinsigamond, and envisioned a place of renewal and peaceful retreat. They lovingly named it “God’s Acre.”
For more than 100 years, that vision has endured. In 1990, Notre Dame Health Care was formally established to meet growing needs, and by 1993, our award-winning Skilled Nursing facility opened to serve the Greater Worcester community.
As a nonprofit, we remain deeply committed to the Sisters’ original mission: to care for the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – with dignity and respect. While our buildings and services have evolved, the heart of our work has always been about creating a home filled with compassion, healing, and welcome.
Renovation Highlights
Today’s Notre Dame Health Care balances its rich heritage with modern living. Recent renovations have transformed resident rooms and communal areas into bright, welcoming spaces designed for comfort, accessibility, and community connection.
We refer to our skilled nursing for long term care, our memory care, and our rehabilitation units as “villages” to remove the institutional stigma and better reflect the home-like feel our residents and patients can count on. The “villages” are named for villages in France (Cuvilly, Amiens and Namur) which pay tribute to the legacy of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
Our newly updated Notre Dame Long Term Care & Rehabilitation Center, for example, features expanded therapy areas, new equipment, and comfortable spaces where residents can focus on recovery and wellness.
These enhancements reflect our commitment to meeting today’s standards of care while preserving the warm, mission-centered spirit that families have trusted for decades.
What Sets Faith-Based, Mission-Driven Communities Apart
Notre Dame Health Care offers a full continuum of services – including Skilled Nursing for Long Term Care, Rehabilitation, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Hospice, and Palliative Care – all designed to support residents at every stage of aging.
What makes us different is our mission-driven approach. Unlike for-profit providers, our nonprofit status means every resource is reinvested into enhancing the lives of residents. This commitment is visible in everything we do, from our robust activity programs and wellness initiatives to our nourishing dining experiences and culture of lifelong learning.
Holistic care is at the heart of our philosophy. We see each resident as a whole person, with physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs – all of which are supported through a strong sense of community and compassionate care.
FAQs About Long Term Care at Notre Dame Health Care
Do I Have to Be Catholic to Live Here?
Not at all. While our roots are faith-based and inspired by the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, we welcome residents of all faiths and backgrounds. Our focus is on providing compassionate, holistic care for every individual.
What Services Are Available?
We provide a wide range of services, including Skilled Nursing for Long Term Care, Rehabilitation, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Hospice, and Palliative Care. Residents also enjoy daily engagement activities, dining experiences, wellness programs, and access to a compassionate team dedicated to their well-being.
What Makes Notre Dame Health Care Different?
Our nonprofit, mission-driven approach sets us apart. We are guided not by profit, but by people – ensuring that every decision prioritizes the well-being of residents and their families. Our newly renovated “villages” combine the comfort of modern living with the enduring heritage of care and community.
Experience the Notre Dame Difference
At Notre Dame Health Care, residents experience compassionate care in a beautifully renovated community offering Skilled Nursing for Long Term Care, Memory Care, and Rehabilitation “villages”. We value dignity, connection, and quality care.
Contact us today to schedule a tour and see firsthand how our rich heritage and modern amenities come together to create a supportive, welcoming environment for your loved one.