About Us

Mission Statement

Steere House is an independent non-profit organization, serving adults who require skilled, restorative, and long-term care services within a secure and caring environment. Steere House also provides educational and research experiences that enhance the care of those we serve.

A Teaching Facility

A teaching facility, Steere House offers on-site real-world experience to Brown University Warren Alpert School of Medicine Geriatric Fellows and Medical students, University of Rhode Island Pharmacy interns, hands-on nursing opportunities for Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and many others.

Community-Wide, Long-Term Elder Services

Over the years, Steere House has been proud to participate and lead in several community-wide, long-term elder services. We are a founding member of the Carelink network, PACE of RI (Program of All-inclusive Care of the Elderly), and other initiatives. We founded the Seasons of East Greenwich, an assisted living facility with the Scandinavian Home of Rhode Island.

150 YEAR HISTORY

Established in 1874, the “Home for Aged Men” was founded by Henry J. Steere and Lucy Bucklin. Together, they contributed to the efforts of several clergy and Providence-area individuals to support the formation of a society to provide a home for aged men similar to the one founded in 1865 for aged women. The first resident, Mr. John Draper, arrived on October 12, 1874.

At the 1875 session of the Rhode Island General Assembly, a charter of incorporation was received for the Home, and Henry J. Steere served as the corporation’s first president. His Presidency was a part of his long legacy of community philanthropy and leadership. Steere also served as the first Treasurer and a founder of Rhode Island Hospital during this time.

Originally located on Point Street in Providence, the Home was not large enough to meet the growing demand for accommodations. In 1882, Steere bought, repaired, and furnished the Home’s second residence at the corner of Chestnut and Clifford Streets.

Dreaming of expanding the Home to meet the community’s needs, Steere left $150,000 upon his death in 1889. His gift would be valued at over $3.8 million in today’s dollars. This generous legacy allowed a new Home to be built, opening in 1895. It was in 1908 that the Home expanded its mission to include admitting couples and, ultimately, single women as residents.

Over the years, changes occurred gradually, and the stately structure was no longer designed for the frailties of the residing elders. In January 1991, a new facility opened on the Rhode Island Hospital campus. The facility was renamed Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in honor of the visionary man who influenced health services in Providence during his lifetime and the century to come. The new name also reflected the various types of care now offered. The current three-story facility is a 120-bed, freestanding skilled nursing facility.

The Nonprofit Difference

As a non-profit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, you can expect us to be focused on the quality of care, not on a corporate mandate. We are supported in many ways by volunteers and can offer extra activities because of the generosity of our family members and donors. Of course, the success of any nursing facility is measured by the care provided. Steere House has a long tradition of excellence in care and restoring individuals to optimum health. Our survey results, recorded with the Rhode Island Department of Health, give tribute to this tradition. Our Board is committed to ensuring we remain true to our mission, responsive to local needs, and effectively steward our resources.