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John Bertram House of Swampscott

565 Humphrey Street

4.3(19 ratings)

John Bertram House of Swampscott — photo 11 / 2

Quick Facts

Total units
59
Licensed capacity
59 residents

California CDSS

Memory care setup
Dedicated Reminiscence neighborhood for Alzheimer's residents
Operator type
Non-sectarian, not-for-profit charitable organization
Organization history
Serving Massachusetts' North Shore since 1877
Pet policy
Pets welcome with some restrictions
Building history
Built on former New Ocean House Hotel site

What Families Think

Families describe John Bertram House of Swampscott as a warm, home-like assisted living community close to the ocean, with staff who build genuine relationships with residents and communicate well with families. Reviewers consistently praise the caring, attentive team across departments, though a few note some staff turnover in recent years. Overall sentiment is very positive, with several long-term residents' families expressing deep gratitude for years of consistent care.

The Good

  • Staff described as warm, attentive, and family-like
  • Strong, responsive communication with families
  • One block from the ocean, walkable location
  • Individualized care plans matching residents' interests
  • Dedicated Reminiscence neighborhood for memory loss
  • Elegant, inn-like common areas and dining room

The Bad

  • One reviewer noted some staff turnover in recent years

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

About John Bertram House of Swampscott

John Bertram House of Swampscott is an assisted living and memory care community located one block from the ocean in Swampscott, Massachusetts. The community offers 59 residences with personalized care, vibrant activities, and ocean access within a 10-minute walk.

The community provides assisted living support coordinated by a Resident Care Director, Wellness Nurses, and Assisted Living Coordinators who work with each resident to develop individualized service plans. A dedicated Reminiscence neighborhood serves residents with Alzheimer's and memory loss, offering specialized, compassionate care. Certified nursing assistants and home health aides support residents with meals, laundry, activities, and personal care including bathing, dressing, and grooming. Residents continue seeing their own physicians and specialists while receiving essential daily support and wellness oversight.

Residences are available in three styles: one-bedroom apartments with separate living room, private bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, and closets; studios with private bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, and ample closet space; and shared living arrangements in the memory care neighborhood. Select first-floor units offer deck or patio access. Common areas include a library with fireplace, game room, welcoming coffee lounge, elegant dining room, and large outdoor courtyard and patios. Three meals daily plus snacks are provided, with fresh, home-style meals prepared by on-site chefs and accommodations for special dietary needs.

The community offers a comprehensive activities calendar including exercise programs, music, cultural outings to Boston's North Shore, games, artistic activities, spiritual programs, and quiet recreational options. The dining room atmosphere is described as elegant and country inn-like, with attentive service and the company of neighbors.

Pets are welcome with some restrictions. The community was established in 1997 on the former site of the historic New Ocean House Hotel and is operated by a non-sectarian, not-for-profit charitable organization that has provided senior living care on Massachusetts' North Shore since 1877.

Types of Care

Assisted Living

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Reviews

4.3overall · 19 ratings combined

4.3★ on Google (19)

Michelle Legere

Nov 2025

via Google

Bertram House is the PERFECT choice for my father! We looked at Assisted Living communities in Metro-West and the North Shore. The size of many of them overwhelmed my father. After our first visit to Bertram, we knew we had a winner. The facilities remind me of a New England Inn, complete with a lovely dining room, library, and sun room. The location is amazing - a quick walk to the ocean and restaurants. But what makes Bertram truly special is the staff, who act as an extended family. They learned about my father before he moved in and matched him with residents who shared his interests. As a result, he has a whole new group of friends. He's happier than I've seen him in years. With Bertram House, I know my father is getting the best possible care; it provides the perfect mix of independence and assistance. If I could give it 10 stars, I would!

Sarah Jackson Mahan

Nov 2025

via Google

Bertram House of Swampscott is truly exceptional! I was in a very emotional and tough spot trying to find a place for my Mom to live, in short order, and the team at BHS was so supportive and helpful - especially Kelly! She and Dani took the time to walk me through all of the details, reassure me, respond to all my questions and ultimately find my mom’s new home in that special place! I’m so grateful for all they’ve done for my mom and me! 🙏

Shane Codispoti

Nov 2025

via Google

I’m a former salon employee and longtime town resident, and I also have relatives and friends’ loved ones living at the Bertram House now. My own family members lived there too, most recently up until a month ago, and we were always so grateful for the care they received. Yes, there has been some staff turnover, but the new team is just as great, if not better. They bring strong work ethic, fresh energy, and truly care about the residents. The staff, both new and long-standing, are warm, welcoming, and always ready to help. The new Sales Director has been amazing with communication, compassion, and positive changes. I highly recommend taking a tour, you’ll feel the warmth the moment you walk in and see how well residents are cared for and how active and engaging the community really is.

ann richards

Aug 2025

via Google

My mother lived at the Bertram House of Swampscott for over five years, and I can’t express how grateful our family is for this facility. From day one, we felt a sense of comfort and relief knowing she was in a safe, supportive, and genuinely caring environment. The staff were absolutely wonderful, kind, patient, and incredibly attentive. They treated my mom with respect and compassion, and it shows in how happy and well cared for she was. Any time I visited, I was greeted warmly and feel like part of a larger family. Communication is excellent, and I always felt informed and reassured. Over the years, we’ve seen positive changes and growth within the facility. There’s a sense of stability and dedication that continues to shine through. The team clearly takes pride in what they do, and it makes such a difference in the daily lives of the residents. My mom enjoyed the activities, the meals, and especially the friendships she’s made there. It was comforting to know she’s not just living somewhere — she was thriving. Sadly she passed way, but I recently visited to pick up some mail and not a thing has changed. I absolutely love this “home away from home.” If you’re looking for a place where your loved one will be truly valued and cared for, I highly recommend the Bertram House of Swampscott. It was everything we hoped for and more.

GM Chalek

May 2025

via Google

For many years the Bertram House had been home to two of our loved ones—in both the Assisted Living and Reminiscence neighborhoods. The Bertram House is a warm and inviting residence that created a welcoming home throughout our family members’ journeys. Bertram House has consistently been a caring, compassionate, and safe environment. The staff treasures their relationships with their residents and with the families that they support. Without exception, all staff members, from the gracious reception area to the nurses, CNA’s, food service, custodial, housekeeping, and daily care-taking staff provide individualized care. Their many kindnesses and professional expertise have been much appreciated.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of care does John Bertram House of Swampscott offer?

John Bertram House of Swampscott offers Assisted Living.

Where is John Bertram House of Swampscott located?

John Bertram House of Swampscott is located at 565 Humphrey Street in Swampscott, Massachusetts.

What do families say about John Bertram House of Swampscott?

Families describe John Bertram House of Swampscott as a warm, home-like assisted living community close to the ocean, with staff who build genuine relationships with residents and communicate well with families. Reviewers consistently praise the caring, attentive team across departments, though a few note some staff turnover in recent years. Overall sentiment is very positive, with several long-term residents' families expressing deep gratitude for years of consistent care.

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