Friends Home

Friends Home is located in an old Victorian structure that dates back to 1897. The facility provides assisted and independent living at this address, and at Friends Village, an affiliated campus located just outside of Newtown. Both of these nonprofits are owned and operated by the Bucks Quarterly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. The building’s interior has the latest in safety and convenience, but still maintains the charm of a nineteenth-century home with large rooms and high ceilings. Throughout the building, there is an old-world feeling courtesy of the antique furnishings, many of which were donated by residents. Residents’ rooms are spacious and most have personalized décor.

The living room has a big-screen TV and piano; the room often hosts outside entertainers. The sizable dining room is divvied into smaller areas. Individualized napkin rings serve as place cards; seating is changed often so that residents get to know one another. Antique plates and a bell ring announcing dinner show deference to style. While we poked around, we saw residents readying themselves for lunch in a convivial way. Like a well-executed dance, the library moves gracefully between its antique furnishings, computer tables, stacks of books and magazines and a red Oriental carpet. The second-floor porch with comfortable rattan chairs overlooks the entrance and affords views to the comings and goings. A kitchen on the third floor allows residents to snack at all hours without having to venture downstairs. Most activities, such as bingo, movies, exercise and discussion of current events take place in the living room or dining room. Trips to performances by the Newtown Chamber Orchestra are popular. Religious services are held often.

The administrator who conducted our tour was cordial and gracious; she has a great rapport with both staff and residents. Friends Home does not staff RNs or LPNs, but health aides are required by the state to complete a course in medication training. Most residents still see their own doctors. An extra fee is required to join Bucks County transport service. Entrance fees are collected only after a thirty-day trial period—both to see if a resident wants to stay and to allow staff to determine whether assisted living is the appropriate level of care.