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At Goddard House Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Jamaica Plain, lifelong learning takes place through the exchange of ideas and encouragement amongst staff, residents, and families. Each person contributes something unique, making Goddard House in Jamaica Plain much more than just a temporary place to gain strength to return home and more than just a residence for frail elders. Relationships that foster mutual learning and living take place within these walls every day.

As we interviewed nursing assistants (CNAs) and residents, we discovered the warm family-like environment that makes Goddard House special to those who live here. “I consider each room the private home of each person with whom I work,” says Luce Chery. “We have become close, the residents and I, talking about life, children, and sickness. Older people understand my time in life and teach me life’s lessons. I love to please and they make me feel like a millionaire.”

Nadette Paul, who works at Goddard House, has been encouraged by the nurses on her floor to pursue a career as a Practical Nurse because she is always asking them to teach her. “There is a real human element in our community. Once a resident gave me advice in dealing with my child, and it really helped me! Elders have so much to share about how to give and how to live life!”

Ginette Cius says, “This work is all about what is in your heart, and it’s not about money. Life can be hard for older people. They are like my parents and grandparents. They know I care about them and they show their appreciation by telling me they miss me when I return from my day off.”

“I have had to learn to find unique ways to communicate with each individual resident,” says Mary Plaisir. “These are not just frail people, they are complete people. Each one adds life experiences every day to our community. There is real history, special relationships, and wisdom here.”nna recommends physical activity to help relieve mental stress or sadness. She also enjoys reading non-fiction stories such as John Krakauer’s Into the Wild, which depicts the resiliency of the human spirit to overcome obstacles.

Sitting across the table from Paul McDonald, his warm and caring presence fills the room. When asked what motivated him to begin teaching older adults, his eyes light up and a vibrant smile stretches across his face. Paul admits that he’s always loved teaching. Prior to his first retirement, McDonald worked as a trainer for Bay Bank’s Customer Service Center, a 24/7 operation with 500 employees.

Every time Paul has tried to retire, a new opportunity to actively engage in life has come his way. While working in an assisted living community, he was asked to volunteer as a leader with resident groups. Generous and jovial, Paul agreed. After just a few sessions of History Talks, he discovered that integrating history and reminiscence along with new knowledge in politics and humanities works well for lifelong learners.

Now in his 70th year, Paul finds the questions asked during his discussions challenging and researches these subjects in depth. Recently, current politics in African nations has been his focus at Goddard House in Brookline. Occasionally, he’ll pop in a few random questions like “Why do pirates have parrots?” to bring a dash of the unexpected to every meeting.

During his lectures, Paul’s focus is to discover “what draws people out”. His goal is to offer “entertainment that engages the mind and enlivens the spirit.” At Goddard House Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Jamaica Plain, he has recently presented poets like Joyce Kilmer – who the residents love to quote.

Paul credits the late, Natick-born inspirational writer and business leader, Og Mandino, as his mentor. McDonald embodies Mandino’s philosophy to seize the moment while learning, teaching, and caring for others.

“Take the baton, now. Run with it! This is your day!...Extend to each person, no matter how trivial the contact, all the care and kindness you can muster…Your life will never be the same again.”
– Og Mandino