Intensive Residential Services

Established in 1979, Intensive Residential Services was the first community-based program of its type in Massachusetts. Residences were created so that adults with complex needs can have a home in the community where around-the-clock staff can meet their medical needs, give them individual attention, and help them realize their full potential.

Our homes make it possible for adults with developmental and health-related issues to receive the services they need while living in a safe, dignified, family-like setting within the community. Our single intent is to create a home that enables each individual to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. We achieve this by empowering each person to be actively involved in their household and community.

Offering the best in care
Our highly trained direct support professionals are the strength of our program. Our nurses and therapists coordinate medical responses to the complex and changing needs of individuals who may have conditions such as seizure disorders, tracheostomies, need for nutritional support through a feeding tube, or other physical challenges. Residences are designed to be physically accessible for everyone, providing both freedom of movement within the building and easy access to the outside community.

Making a lifetime commitment
The people we are privileged to support must have long-term, comprehensive, flexible, skilled nursing care, and our commitment spans a lifetime. In daily ongoing needs and during life’s challenges, our staff ensures that individuals receive the highest quality care. The resulting continuity of medical and personal attention is invaluable to the individual with complex needs, and so are the relationships formed over time.

Forming lasting relationships
Staff and residents form close relationships. The personal sharing, the struggles, and the joys – all are a two-way interaction, and from it caregivers derive the same appreciation, affection, and learning as the individuals entrusted to their care. Families are included in the individual’s life and appreciate the profound bonds shared by everyone involved.

Providing a place in the community
Staff assist in maintaining individuals’ link to the community and ensure that they are actively involved in various activities. They accompany individuals to medical, dental, and other appointments and often accompany them on trips to the beach, church, family events, the gym, the movies, town fairs, picnics, day trips, or out-of-town vacations.

Staff have the ability to read an individual and seize a moment of potential. The moment may consist of the basic act of standing up, or it may involve complicated planning for a family vacation. With assistance and encouragement from staff, some residents are able to participate in and volunteer at community activities.

Ensuring a full and valued life
We share a strong belief that people can live fulfilling, happy lives, despite complex medical issues and personal challenges. Our residents receive all that they need to experience the full journey of life. The atmosphere in our homes is one of warmth and compassion, and by supporting these individuals mentally, spiritually, and physically, we help them express their hopes and dreams.

All who are part of this amazing process learn to see through the fragility of the body to the strength of the human spirit.

Get Involved Now