Our Story
A mission rooted in compassion, service, and 149 years of exceptional elder care.
John Bertram Homes is a non-sectarian, not-for-profit charitable organization operated by the John Bertram Homes Board of Trustees. We provide exceptional assisted living services at two communities on Massachusetts' beautiful North Shore.
Our website provides general information about our assisted living programs at both locations. We warmly invite you to contact us directly to discuss how we can best serve you and your family.
Whether you're exploring options for yourself or a loved one, we're here to help — with no pressure and no commitment required to visit or ask questions.
"The John Bertram Homes communities are dedicated to promoting the highest level of Wellness for each of our residents, through a combination of encouraging independence, providing support when needed, and communicating regularly with family members, residents, and each resident's personal medical team."
Our Heritage
From a 19th-century sea captain's philanthropy to Massachusetts' first assisted living community — our history is as rich as our care.
Born on the Isle of Jersey in the Channel Islands, Captain John Bertram arrived in America in 1807 as a young boy of ten aboard the ship Alert. His family settled in Salem, Massachusetts, where he began his remarkable journey from cabin boy earning $5 a month to one of Salem's most celebrated sea captains and philanthropists.
As a captain, he accumulated considerable wealth through trading voyages to South Africa, Zanzibar, Madagascar, and Brazil, and later invested in North American railways. His philanthropic spirit led him to found Salem Hospital and establish programs for women and children.
In 1877, he created the Salem Home for Aged Men — providing shelter, meals, and community to older men without family, especially retired sailors. His legacy continues to inspire the John Bertram Homes community today.
Captain Bertram's legacy of caring for the elderly continues to this day in the communities that bear his name — a living testament to a life of service and generosity.
The Salem Home for Aged Men is established in Salem, MA — providing shelter, meals, and community for older men, particularly retired sailors, and carrying forward Captain Bertram’s philanthropic legacy.
Captain John Bertram dies. His widow donates their home to become the Salem Public Library, continuing his legacy of community giving.
The original home was closing with only 3 residents remaining, prompting the Board of Trustees to consider a new model of care.
After extensive restoration and renovation, John Bertram House reopens as Massachusetts' very first certified free-standing assisted living community — a landmark moment in elder care.
The second community opens at 565 Humphrey Street in Swampscott, MA — just one block from the ocean — extending the mission to the North Shore's beautiful coastline.
Two thriving communities continue Captain Bertram's legacy of compassionate care, serving hundreds of residents and their families each year with the same devotion and warmth.
Visit Us
We invite you to schedule a personal tour at either location to experience John Bertram Homes for yourself.
Est. 1990 — MA's FirstElegant assisted living in a historic Federalist home in downtown Salem. Massachusetts' first certified assisted living community.
Est. 1997 — Near the OceanExceptional senior living just one block from the ocean on Boston's beautiful North Shore. 59 residences with stunning sea views.
Questions Families Ask
Kelly Domeniconi, our Director of Sales, is the best first contact for tours, availability, and move-in questions. You can also call either community directly: Salem at (978) 744-1002 or Swampscott at (781) 595-1991.
John Bertram Homes has two assisted living communities on Massachusetts’ North Shore: John Bertram House of Salem at 29 Washington Square, Salem, MA 01970, and John Bertram House of Swampscott at 565 Humphrey Street, Swampscott, MA 01907.
Care coordination is a collaborative process led by our Assisted Living Coordinators, in partnership with the Resident Care Director, Wellness Team, residents, and their families. From the initial assessment through day-to-day support, our team works together to understand each resident’s routines, preferences, care needs, and goals. The Assisted Living Coordinators help serve as a key point of connection, making sure services are organized, communication stays clear, and each resident receives the right level of support. Our Resident Care Director and Wellness Team oversee clinical and personal care needs, while family members are encouraged to stay involved and informed. As needs change, the care plan can be reviewed and adjusted so residents continue to receive personalized, appropriate support in a comfortable and familiar environment.
Yes. Dedicated memory care is offered exclusively at John Bertram House of Swampscott, in our Reminiscence neighborhood for residents living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. John Bertram House of Salem provides assisted living but not dedicated memory care.
