North Country Independent Living has served people with acquired brain injury, traumatic brain injury, neurologic impairments, autism, and similar special needs since 1994, when the Sherry family started the program out of frustration with big institutions and a strong hope for something better, placing folks in smaller, home-like settings instead of large facilities, so everyone lives in a shared house with two to six residents, always with their own bedroom, with most homes set in neighborhoods in Conway, North Conway, and Barrington, New Hampshire, and some in other parts of the state. The staff numbers around 100 and provide round-the-clock care for about 35 people across these homes, coming in to help with everything from bathing and dressing to medication and household chores, with nurse trainers, case managers, and certified brain injury specialists on the team, and everyone is expected to help with self-care as much as they can, learning skills along the way.
The admission process starts with referrals, an intake, and a tour, followed by evaluations to see if someone is a match for the programs, with a focus on making sure folks are both physically and mentally stable, able to join in house routines and community activities, and wanting to live in as independent a way as possible for their situation. The whole program sticks to a non-restraint policy and has a good track record of handling tough moments without ever restraining someone, relying instead on de-escalation and steady supervision.
North Country Independent Living offers long-term and short-term care, always trying to match services to what each person needs, whether it's supported apartment living with ongoing rehabilitation and some supports so a person can eventually live on their own, or more help in a shared home with 24-hour staff. The programs really aim for community inclusion, supporting people to volunteer with things like Meals on Wheels or local groups, attend events, join social clubs, and take part in Valley Pride Day or outings to the Humane Society or the library, so everyone gets a chance to stay involved with the wider community and not feel cut off at home.
There's a variety of health and therapy services, so along with physical, occupational, and speech therapy, folks have access to cognitive rehabilitation, counseling and support groups, substance and alcohol abuse counseling, nurse oversight, skill-building plans, and help managing emergencies and life safety. The staff and programs also encourage vocational training and volunteer work, and will help with job coaching or other steps needed to work or give back where possible. The team works hard to tailor activities to each person's goals, abilities, and interests. People stay busy with arts and crafts, gardening, walking paths, movie nights, community or resident-led events, group meals, and trips out to make life as lively as possible, sometimes under supervision, sometimes on their own.
Houses and apartments are comfortable, furnished with homey touches, and have options for shared or private rooms, each with its own starting price, and there's always an emergency alert system in place. Meals follow all sorts of nutrition needs, like allergy-friendly and diabetic options, and dining is flexible, from all-day dining to restaurant-style meals. Laundry, dry cleaning, housekeeping, and even help moving in get handled by staff. Every building is wheelchair accessible, with specialized support for non-ambulatory residents, and everyone can use the 24-hour call system to ask for help. Both assisted living and independent living options are available and all locations are state-certified or licensed, following strict safety rules for peace of mind.
The community also works with the Wounded Warrior Project's Independence Program for service members who have brain injuries or neurological problems, and there are programs that bridge the gap for young adults leaving the school system who need help before qualifying for adult programs. North Country Independent Living keeps the focus on small, person-centered programs, filling in gaps traditional facilities often miss, so each person is treated as an individual with unique needs, abilities, and goals, and the staff stays committed to helping everyone gain more independence at whatever pace works best for them, always in regular homes rather than big institutions.
