The Thomas House was an assisted living care facility established in 2002, rooted in a deep sense of community need and personal experience. It originated from a heartfelt desire to provide a home-like environment for women requiring assisted living, especially those with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. The inspiration stemmed from the founder’s personal journey—her mother, Joan Thomas, needed care that maintained the comfort and familiarity of home, a standard not available locally at the time. This vision led to transforming her mother's former residence into The Thomas House, fostering a setting that prioritized warmth, connection, and individualized attention over the typical institutional approach.
Throughout its two decades in operation, The Thomas House held a special place in the community, accommodating up to six to eight women at a time. It was intentionally designed to feel as much like a true home as possible, both in environment and in daily rhythms. Residents—affectionately referred to as “the ladies”—began their days with the freedom to choose their breakfast, involving themselves in activities and household tasks if they wished. Life at The Thomas House included shared mealtimes, walks, music, and the kind of daily interactions that mirror the routines of an ordinary household. The genuine sense of agency and engagement helped maintain residents’ dignity and autonomy, making their stay both meaningful and comfortable.
Staffing at The Thomas House further supported its unique home-like ethos. With a resident-to-caregiver ratio of 4:1, there were always caregivers available—two during the day and evening, and one overnight—ensuring that all residents received attentive and personal care around the clock. Over its 20-year history, The Thomas House cared for a total of 98 women, fostering a close sense of community and familiarity among residents and caregivers alike. This high level of personalized attention was part of what made the environment so special.
The continuity of care and familial atmosphere was also reflected in the longevity of the staff, including dedicated caregivers like Audrey Adamczyk and Kimberly Guck, who provided unwavering service from the very beginning right through to its closure. The founder, whose vision steered The Thomas House throughout its operation, maintained a strong commitment to preserving the integrity and warmth of the home environment. When growing regulations and a widespread caregiver shortage began to impact the facility’s ability to remain as home-like as intended, combined with the founder’s own retirement readiness, the difficult decision was made to close The Thomas House in early 2022. Even in its conclusion, careful attention was given to ensure that both residents and staff transitioned smoothly to new placements.
The legacy of The Thomas House lies in its steadfast devotion to nurturing a genuine sense of home and companionship for nearly 100 women over two decades. Its story is one of commitment, care, and community, forging meaningful connections and providing invaluable support to the women and families it served.