Since 1900

Providing Quality Care For Over a Century

Our Story

Harriet Blake Ballou founded Ballou Home for the Aged in 1900 for the expressed purpose of serving, “indigent men and women of American birth and correct habits”. There were five first residents who shared common areas such as the kitchen and sitting room but had their own sleeping rooms. The Board of Managers did everything in the early days from fundraising, to staffing, to even making drapes. In 1968, Ballou moved to its current headquarters on Mendon Road. Florence Mowry, speaking at the dedication ceremony, said, “Today, we give our members 500% more in the way of comforts and luxuries than we could in 1900.” Membership expanded to 43 residents and rehab services were added. Even with this expansion, though, Ballou kept its home-like feeling and personal care envisioned by its founders. These founding principles still hold true, even to the present day.