A Place That’s Always Felt Like Home

Closer Connections, Better Care — for over a century.

At Sarawood, history and heart go hand in hand. Nestled in a grand Victorian mansion on Loomis Avenue in Holyoke’s historic district, our home has offered older adults warmth, dignity, and personalized senior care in Holyoke, MA since 1911.

From morning coffee in the sunroom to conversations on the front porch, Sarawood is more than a residence — it’s a place where everyday life is filled with comfort, connection, and purpose.

Founded by Women. Guided by Compassion.

Sarawood’s roots trace back to March 1, 1911, when it opened as the Holyoke Home for Aged People — the first elder residence of its kind in the city. This home was the result of over 25 years of advocacy, fundraising, and planning by a group of Holyoke women, initially brought together through the Rain or Shine Club — one of the city’s earliest women’s social clubs.

By the time the doors opened, more than 260 women had become incorporators. These women were united by a vision: to create a homelike setting where older adults could live with comfort, dignity, and care. Their efforts helped secure the land, fund construction, and bring to life a community-centered alternative to institutional care.

“The women of Holyoke didn’t just build a building. They built a legacy of compassion that still shapes how we care today.”

In 1969, the organization officially changed its name to Loomis House, reflecting its evolving identity. The building that would later become Sarawood remained under Loomis House ownership until the early 1980s.

A Family Legacy (1982–2015)

In 1982, the property was purchased by a local couple, who renamed it Sarawood Retirement Home in honor of a beloved family matriarch. The new owners lived on-site and managed the residence with devotion for over 30 years. Their presence brought a deep sense of familiarity and warmth, creating an environment where every resident was treated like extended family.

During this era, Sarawood became known for its home-cooked meals, high-touch care, and peaceful setting — all within a house that truly felt like home.

Evolving to Meet the Moment (2015–2023)

In 2015, Sarawood welcomed new ownership, ushering in a thoughtful period of transition. While continuing the home's tradition of personal care and comfort, the new stewards made key updates that reflected the growing importance of shared spaces and social engagement.

One of the most meaningful changes was the transformation of the Matron’s private quarters on the first floor — once the live-in residence of former owners — into a cozy sitting room, a cheerful café, and a flexible activities space. These now serve as beloved hubs for resident connection, conversation, and creative expression.

This chapter laid the groundwork for the next generation of life at Sarawood.

A Renewed Commitment to Community (2023–Today)

In 2023, under new local ownership, Sarawood entered a revitalized chapter marked by modernization, transparency, and a reaffirmed focus on small-scale, relationship-based living.

Renamed Sarawood Assisted Living, the community now reflects its fully licensed status, improved infrastructure, and thoughtful upgrades — all while maintaining the charm, warmth, and personalized approach that have defined it for over a century.

Enhancements That Matter to Families

Our team has prioritized improvements that make everyday life more beautiful, comfortable, and connected — for residents and loved ones alike.

Thoughtful Renovations

• Exterior repainting to preserve and showcase the home's Victorian beauty

• Refreshed private suites with updated lighting, finishes, and furnishings

• Renovated communal areas with cozy seating, new décor, and gathering spaces

Better Access, Inside and Out

• High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the building and outdoor areas, helping residents stay connected with family and friends from their rooms, the café, or even the front porch

Enhancing Daily Life

• New seasonal landscaping and outdoor seating for fresh-air relaxation

• Expanded enrichment programming: art, music, wellness, local outings

• Home-cooked meals served daily in an intimate, inviting dining room

Personalized, Compassionate Care

• LPN-led care plans tailored to each resident

• Higher staff-to-resident ratios for more meaningful interactions

• Family-centered care coordination with outside providers and caregivers

“Families often tell us Sarawood feels different — more peaceful, more personal, more like home. That’s exactly what we strive for every day.”

What Families Are Saying

“When my mother moved to Sarawood, she said it felt like coming home. The staff knew her favorite meals, remembered her stories, and helped her find joy again. That meant everything to our family.”
— Emily R., Daughter of a Resident

At Sarawood, every resident is part of the family — their preferences remembered, their stories respected, and their days made meaningful.

Our Journey at a Glance