Don And Beth Straus Therapeutic Day Program is a licensed senior living facility in Bar Harbor, Maine, for people aged 55 and older, where you'll find both apartments and a day program designed for therapeutic and social care. The place allows small pets like cats and dogs if they meet the animal companion policy, so residents can keep their animal friends. Residents live in a mix of studio, semi-private, and one-bedroom apartments that come with their own kitchenettes, washers, dryers, pull cords for emergencies, and accessible bathrooms, and the grounds have walking paths and a courtyard lined with trees. There's a focus here on memory care, Alzheimer's care, and Parkinson's care, and staff will work with each resident and their family to come up with a care plan that fits their needs, whether that means help with getting around, taking a bath, getting dressed, going to the bathroom, taking medicines, or help with things like feeding and therapy sessions for speech, movement, and occupation.
The day program at Don And Beth Straus is pretty busy, with morning and afternoon snacks, meals, and activities set up for mental and physical health. Therapists and specially trained staff help run music sessions, art programs, fitness classes, and storytelling, and there's a nurse consultant, Certified Dementia Practitioners, and Residential Medication Aides watching over things. Residents can use the well-stocked library, computer area, games and movie rooms, café, wellness and fitness centers, and take part in planned group rides, group get-togethers, and wellness checks run by a dietitian. There's a strong emphasis on safe living, too, with secure grounds, a keypad entry system, emergency pull cords, and regular staff checks night and day, so residents who need wheelchair access or extra help moving around are covered.
Meals are prepared by a chef and served in a dining room, with easier-to-read menus and special options for folks with dietary needs like diabetes or allergies, pureed foods, and snacks available round the clock if anyone gets hungry between meals. Laundry services, cleaning, dusting, and maintenance are all done by staff, and they even offer transportation for trips into town, doctor's appointments, and off-island visits for qualifying members. For folks who might want a little extra activity, volunteers help with programming like gardening, music, outings, and legacy projects, and everyone's welcome at community movie nights or resident parties. Wellness, safety, social support, and helping residents keep their independence and good spirits seem to be what the Don And Beth Straus Therapeutic Day Program aims for, and with staff on hand at all times, people can get help when they need it, whether they're there for just the day or living on-site full time, all under license number ADS2328.
