Boardman Cottage is a warm and welcoming assisted living home dedicated to providing comfort, dignity, and a strong sense of community for elders living on Islesboro. Established in 2003 with the intention of ensuring that older residents could spend their later years surrounded by the familiar beauty and friends of their island home, Boardman Cottage opened its doors to residents in the summer of 2005. From the very beginning, its mission has been to offer a nurturing environment where every resident can enjoy security and companionship while receiving the support they need for daily living.
At the heart of life at Boardman Cottage is compassionate, personalized assistance tailored to the needs of up to eight residents at a time. Individuals living there are liberated from the daily worries that can often become overwhelming, such as shopping for groceries, maintaining a home through harsh winters, arranging transportation to medical appointments, and keeping up with housekeeping. The care staff ensures that all these needs are taken care of, so residents can focus on enjoying each day and the close ties of the island community.
The services provided at Boardman Cottage go beyond just long-term residential care. Hospice care and respite care are offered, as well as temporary stays for those who require short-term support. Importantly, elderly islanders who remain in their own homes are not left out; they can participate in the Adult Day Program or receive vital in-home assistance through Island Neighbors Home Care (IN Home Care). These wide-ranging options allow seasonal residents and full-time Islanders alike to continue to live on Islesboro even when they need extra help, ensuring that family and friends can visit frequently and peace of mind is never far away.
The operation of Boardman Cottage is guided by Maura Michael, who serves as administrator, and is overseen by a devoted board of directors committed to sustaining its mission and high standards of care. Most of the staff members are local Islanders, many of whom joined Boardman Cottage without previous care experience. Through on-site training, including CPR and first aid certification and a program to become Certified Residential Medication Aides, staff are equipped with the skills and confidence needed to deliver attentive and professional care. Ongoing training and experience are recognized with increased compensation and advancement opportunities, supporting staff retention and fostering a dedicated, experienced team.
Boardman Cottage is an integral part of its community fabric, not only by caring for elders but also by providing meaningful employment, volunteer opportunities, and a sense of purpose for island residents. To overcome financial shortfalls not covered by traditional funding sources, it relies on creativity and generosity within the community—raising funds through donations, events, a furniture market, and the sale of calendars and other products. The unwavering support and involvement of Islesboro’s residents have ensured that Boardman Cottage remains a cherished home for elders and a source of pride for the whole island.