Harmony Homes at Hickory Pond sits in Durham, New Hampshire, and offers assisted living and memory care for seniors, where folks can get help with bathing, dressing, or getting around if they need it, and there's always support for managing medications. The place started back in 2011, run by the owner, and fits about 24 residents in a close-knit, community-style setting that feels a little like a New England bed and breakfast, complete with a deck, patio, and even an atrium with a piano for music now and then. There's a choice between private rooms with bathrooms, private rooms with shared bathrooms, or shared rooms, and every room stays furnished and kept up by the staff, who've got licensed help on hand all hours of the day and night to make sure everyone can get through the day safely.
Residents can take part in activities like Wii bowling, stretching and Tai Chi classes, trivia games, cooking and baking sessions, and regular gardening in the community garden, which some folks find pretty peaceful, and there are musical and dance performances to keep spirits up. When folks want some quiet or spiritual time, there are devotional services on and off the grounds. Days are broken up with trips and outings, and sometimes it's just a good day to sit out by the garden or see what's happening in the TV room or library. When medical needs come up, transportation's arranged for doctor visits, and there's always care if things get more complicated, including high acuity, diabetic, and incontinence care, so people aren't having to worry about leaving if care needs change.
Meals are prepared and served with several choices to cover special diets, including vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher, low or no sodium, no sugar, and vegan. For folks who want a short stay or if a family needs a break, there's respite care and even adult day care, plus housekeeping and linen services so things stay tidy. There's a hair salon on site if someone wants a fresh haircut, and the place has Wi-Fi and cable TV for those who like to keep connected or catch a favorite show, with some features like private phone and upgraded TV as optional extras. The staff focuses on helping people live comfortably, keeping a safe, relaxing atmosphere where social activities and connections with friends are a big part of the day. The community's vision holds close to giving a home where anyone would be glad to have their own parents stay, making it a place where folks can age in place, and where needs from independent living to skilled nursing to memory care are all met in a setting that feels warm and homey.
