Neville Place at Fresh Pond, Assisted Living & Compass Memory Support

Moving to assisted living was not an easy decision for my aunt, and she was very reluctant at first. Ten years later, it’s amazing to see how that hesitation turned into her truly loving and embracing Neville Place as her home. The staff are genuinely kind and caring, and the fact that so many have been there for years really says a lot. The community is the perfect size, not too big. The activities are fun and engaging, and my aunt doesn’t miss one if she can help it. The dining experience is a real highlight. Chef Maureen oversees a beautiful, sun-filled dining room overlooking Fresh Pond, and the food is tasty, balanced, and prepared with a great variety. Francesca, the Executive Director, is absolutely wonderful — warm, genuine, and perfectly suited for her role. Mia at the front desk is a doll and always helpful and welcoming. Shelley and Jean, the resident nurses, are amazing, and I have so much peace of mind knowing they’re on-site and keep me informed if any concerns that come up. Neville Place has given my aunt a true sense of home, and I’m incredibly grateful that we found the perfect place for my aunt.

I have lived at Neville Place for one year now and I love it. The staff is great and go out of their way to help. The residents are great, too. With a few exceptions they are friendly, warm and sociable. I can see Fresh Pond from my window and it is so quiet. In the summer the only thing I could hear at night were the crickets. Most of the time I can't tell I'm living in a large metropolitan area. I give it five stars.

When I was looking for an assisted living community in the Cambridge area that would be a good fit for my mother, I took note that Neville Place at Fresh Pond had both strong reviews online and a positive reputation locally. Our experience with Neville Place, from tours and the application process to move in and adjustment, has certainly confirmed that initial impression. The Executive Director, Francesca Mei, and her team have been kind and helpful at each step of the journey to move my mother here from Western MA. My mother has lived at Neville Place for nearly three months now, and with the support of the staff has adjusted well. She often comments positively on the food, which is healthy and efficiently served in a restaurant style dining room. Neville Place also has a wide range of activities to keep her socially engaged, from arts and crafts to word games and other puzzles that strengthen her cognition. In a high cost of living area such as Cambridge, it is notable that the majority of rooms are set aside for low and moderate income applicants at a reduced rate due to the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. This was crucial in our case, since it made it possible financially to move my mother very close to where I live while still ensuring that she receives needed care, which has been great for both of us. It is also comforting to me that different levels of care are available that allow residents to remain on site as their needs change, including a memory care unit. Neville Place has a strong sense of community, and also feels well integrated with the surrounding neighborhood due to visits from local students, a shopping center within walking distance, and close proximity to public transportation. Overall, finding and becoming part of this community has been an unexpected gift for my mother and me in an otherwise challenging time. It is truly a hidden gem.