The Inn at Deerfield sits in the quiet countryside of Deerfield, New Hampshire, and serves elders with Alzheimer's and other memory disorders in a purpose-built, one-story home that opened at the end of 2000. The building holds 32 residents in 14 double rooms and 4 single rooms, all decorated with soft, calming colors that help keep things peaceful, and the halls and doorways are wide enough for easy movement, even for people who use wheelchairs or walkers. Residents can bring their own furniture or use what's already there, and every room has an armoire-style closet with locking doors for everyday clothes, plus extra space for things used only in emergencies. There are six handicap-accessible bathrooms-one with a tub, the others with showers. The carpeting and lighting were chosen to make things easier for people with poor vision, cutting down on shadows and making it simpler to get around.
The place feels safe and home-like, with a secured property, alert systems, and a wander alert bracelet system for people at risk of wandering. There's 24-hour awake staff, with nurses always present, and folks trained in dementia care, so they can help with all kinds of needs and behaviors, even if someone is having a tough day or likes to go exploring. Residents who need stand-by or hands-on help with personal care, transfers, or mobility get the support they need, and the care can change as their needs grow, so most people can stay even if they need more help over time.
The staff at The Inn at Deerfield try to make daily life meaningful for the residents, with music and exercise programs, birthday and holiday celebrations, group scenic rides, and spiritual care from local clergy offered regularly, and they encourage families to join in and visit. There are two big living rooms for socializing, a therapy room, and a small private dining room for families to use during special occasions. The main dining room works for both meals and activities, and they serve meals with vegetarian options. There's a BBQ grill and two enclosed outdoor yards so folks can enjoy warm weather, eat outside, or enjoy the gazebo with electricity.
The Inn offers different levels of care, including medication help, blood sugar checks, diabetic care, incontinence care, and help with daily tasks like bathing or getting dressed. Services like podiatry, neuropsychiatry, pharmacy, hospice, physical, and occupational therapies are available when needed. The staff also help set up rides to medical and dental appointments, and there's transportation for other outings, too. Onsite, there are beautician services and devotional gatherings for those who want them. The building was designed for safety and comfort, offering secured, bright spaces, both indoors and outdoors, for residents to spend time, relax, or join activities that aim to build friendships and keep folks feeling supported. The Inn at Deerfield is a nonprofit and keeps its focus on providing kind, efficient care for people living with memory loss in a quiet, rural setting.
