Pivot General, Author at Alice Peck Day Life Care

The Library Project: Ray’s Story of Community and Purpose

Pivot General on April 23, 2025

When Ray and his wife Vi decided to move to Harvest Hill in May 2018, they knew it was the right move. After living in North Texas for 30 years, the couple wanted to be closer to family. Their daughter lives near Harvest Hill, making the location ideal. Their son, an airline pilot based in Virginia, often travels so being near their daughter and her family perfectly aligned with their goal of moving closer to family.

For many Harvest Hill residents, the transition to assisted living is prompted by a desire to be closer to family and to make things easier as they age. But for Ray, it turned into something more. As his daughter pointed out, assisted living offers support from other residents during life-changing events. Unfortunately, that moment came all too soon when Vi passed away.

While the grief of losing his wife of 60 years was overwhelming, Ray found solace in the compassion and kindness of his new community. Holly, their daughter, was right and support from the community at Harvest Hill helped during this hard time. Ray was deeply touched by the outreach of others and began to reciprocate kindness and support to other residents facing life-altering challenges.

Another thing Ray truly appreciates at Harvest Hill is its remarkable library collection of over 4,000 books. After Vi’s passing, Ray was invited to join the Library Committee. With no previous library work experience, Ray was an active patron of local libraries, and contributing to something so integral to the community appealed to him.

When he stepped into the librarian role, Ray quickly discovered the library’s potential. The basic “lending library” system lacked a meaningful way to manage its inventory. And then Ray’s daughter and son-in-law offered to help. They donated a computer and printer to set up a more efficient, automated system, turning the lending system into a well-managed and accessible resource for all residents.

While the “Library Project” is a work in progress, Ray and the Library Committee have made significant strides. One challenge is deciding whether to accept donated books or re-donate them elsewhere after careful consideration of whether the book duplicates something in the collection. The team also works closely with local public libraries for support, ensuring that the collection remains diverse and relevant to residents.

In addition to maintaining the library, Ray and fellow Committee members contribute to Hillwinds, an internal bi-monthly publication at Harvest Hill. Hillwinds has a Library Column with book reviews written by Committee members and residents. These reviews help readers discover titles and authors and promote sharing of favorite books, bolstering a connection among residents.

Staffing the Library Committee is an ongoing challenge, especially with the new computer system in place. To address this, Ray, the Committee, and Ray’s family created a “Library Handbook,” basically an operational guide for the library. The purpose is to ensure that, even if a Committee member is absent, there is a documentation protocol to keep things running smoothly.

For Ray, the library is more than just a collection of books, it’s a vital part of the Harvest Hill community. It’s a place where residents come together, share stories and find comfort. Ray’s story is a testament to the strength of community, the power of kindness, and the importance of purpose, especially in difficult times.

Ray’s journey at Harvest Hill proves that while life brings challenges, it also offers opportunities for new meaning, building connections, and contributing to something larger than oneself. And for Ray, this library is an example of how he’s helping to shape the legacy of a community that supported him through one of the hardest times of his life.

“What’s at stake? Intelligent operation of a wonderful Harvest Hill asset, our Library.” – Ray

Joanne Wise: Putting Creativity to Work and Order to Art

Pivot General on April 3, 2025

Joanne’s interests have always revolved around the arts, both professionally and personally. Her early career took her from her native Philadelphia to New York City, where she worked at Woman’s Day magazine. In 1976, she moved to Atlanta to serve as the national promotion director for President Jimmy Carter’s campaign. It was there she met her future husband, Doug. They later lived in Tokyo, where Joanne grew her collection of works by contemporary Japanese artists. When Joanne and Doug returned to the United States, they shared their collection with several national museums, including the Hood Museum of Art on the Dartmouth campus.

Today, Joanne continues to channel her passion for art in a multitude of ways that benefit people in the community-at-large and residents at The Woodlands. From connecting with local artists to facilitate displays of their work, to organizing art classes, which may be led by residents or local artists. There is a revamped pantry on the first floor that now serves as a dedicated art studio for these resident artists and other artists from the Upper Valley.

Joanne has also connected with the Dartmouth Institute program called Generations. Under Generations, a Woodlands-specific program is called “Reflections.” This program engages undergraduate pre-med students with Woodland’s residents in activities that support wellness through creative outlets, including the arts (not just painting).

Within The Woodlands, Joanne has been instrumental in organizing resident-owned artwork, much of which is on display throughout the hallways. She organized a committee that works together to help systemize, catalog, and rotate nearly 600 pieces of art that call The Woodlands home. Some of these pieces belong to current residents, while others were gifted to The Woodlands by former residents who chose to donate their artwork for one reason or another. Joanne also tagged wonderful artists from AVA (in Lebanon) to lend their contemporary paintings. The committee helps choose and rotates the art throughout the Woodland’s hallways and offices.

Joanne’s efforts truly demonstrate the power of sharing your passion with others. Living in a place like The Woodlands encourages residents to put their interests front and center. We’re so grateful to have Joanne in our community, and we appreciate the connection she has with the local art scene and how she brings it home for all of us.

Ask, Listen, Learn: A Recipe for Improvement

Pivot General on March 20, 2025

Dining is pretty important in the daily life of residents at Harvest Hill and The Woodlands, offering not just nourishment but also a sense of community and comfort. To ensure we provide the best food and service possible, we conduct an annual resident satisfaction survey that covers many areas including dining. The questions are specific: How good are your meals; are they presented nicely; how is the service; do you have ideas for improvement? We give our residents a voice because their feedback matters. The results highlight the strengths of the dining experience while providing insights for enhancement.

What Residents Told Us

At both Harvest Hill and The Woodlands, residents consistently gave high marks to the taste and presentation of meals and most residents are satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of the food. In fact, 80% of the respondents were Very Satisfied or Satisfied. Menu variety is another strong point, with options to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Residents also shared ideas for dishes they enjoy, such as seafood entrees, soups, and freshly prepared salads.

That said, some residents suggested more seasoning, expanding vegetarian options, and lighter fare. Residents also said they enjoyed family-style dining, praising a barbecue event from last summer. These suggestions help us to innovate with our meal planning, helping to ensure that dining remains a highlight in our communities.

Dining Room Service & Atmosphere

Service in the dining rooms received high marks and residents appreciate the attentiveness and professionalism of the staff. Comments from The Woodlands survey suggest that staff training and recruitment efforts are paying off, as residents notice the dedication and friendliness of their servers.

Community & Culinary Engagement

Beyond the meals themselves, dining at Harvest Hill and The Woodlands is a communal experience that fosters friendships and social connection. Some residents said how they value the ability to provide feedback and would like to see even more opportunities to suggest menu items.

With an already strong foundation in dining satisfaction, Harvest Hill and The Woodlands continue to evolve their food services to meet residents’ expectations. By incorporating feedback, fine-tuning menu selections, and maintaining our commitment to high-quality meals, we can continue to grow and change with our residents’ preferences and tastes.

Would you like to join us for a meal and experience it firsthand? Contact our Director of Sales & Marketing today at 603-308-0024 to schedule a tour and taste the difference!

Donald and Donna’s Journey to Harvest Hill

Pivot General on February 24, 2025

Donald and Donna’s story is like many who have made the decision to move to a senior living community. After spending 54 years in their Glendale, West Virginia, home, they knew it was time for a change—to live somewhere with access to assistance if they needed it and closer to their son and his family. And as for most people, it wasn’t easy to leave their long-time home. They visited several communities before deciding to live at Harvest Hill for this time of their lives together.

Donald was an engineer who worked for Colombia Gas out of Wheeling, West Virginia. He is also a Navy veteran who served on a Destroyer in the South Pacific during the Korean War. He appreciates having the White River Junction VA nearby. Donna was a nurse at the Glendale Hospital and worked in Intensive Care and Critical Care for most of her career.

They have been married for 71 years and have a son, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Their son, Kevin, is a doctor in Vermont. Donna shared that when her son was in medical school, he joined a group providing service work in other countries, and she had the opportunity to accompany him on one of his trips. During that month-long mission in 1989, she volunteered alongside Mother Teresa, who also gave them communion during their stay. Donna says it was a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Since moving to Harvest Hill in late summer of 2024, Donald and Donna have grown to really appreciate their new home. They brought furniture from their previous home, helping to make their new space familiar and comfortable. When their nieces came to visit and help them settle in and decorate, they loved it and said they’ll be back in the spring to help with the flowers in the yard.

Donald and Donna were surprised by how genuinely friendly everyone is, from the staff to the other residents. Donna enjoys playing games and listening to piano players that share their talents, and they both can’t say enough good things about the baked goods from the kitchen. Their apartment overlooks the putting green, and as former golfers, that’s a treat on a sunny afternoon. Overall, they say it has been very easy to get adjusted to their new life.

Finding Home: Jon and Barbara’s Journey to Harvest Hill

Pivot General on January 28, 2025

Jon and Barbara are New Yorkers at heart. Born and raised in New York, their lives intertwined early—they met when they were 12 years old. 42 years ago, their journey took them to West Lebanon, New Hampshire, where they made the move with their two children, just 3 and 6 years old at the time.

Careers that Built a Legacy

Jon and Barbara spent their professional lives building relationships and serving their communities. Jon worked at Dartmouth Savings Bank before transitioning to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, where he managed the Customer Service and Call Center for 25 years. His leadership led to a high-retention team recognized for its dedication. Barbara was a dental hygienist who served her patients with care and precision.

Life in the Great North Woods

Jon and Barbara were always drawn to the peaceful allure of New Hampshire’s Great North Woods. For years, they’ve enjoyed getaways to Pittsburg, renting a cabin near the water. Jon would fish from the dock or take to the water in his Boston Whaler. These days, their escapes are quieter, spent reading and soaking in the tranquility.

A New Chapter at Harvest Hill

Health challenges prompted Jon and Barbara to consider a move from their raised ranch home, where two flights of stairs had become increasingly difficult. Encouraged by their daughter, they toured Harvest Hill, a community they had seen being built decades earlier. The presence of on-site medical care, even though they don’t currently need it, was a reassuring factor. Their transition was smooth, thanks to the welcoming team at Harvest Hill.

A Vibrant Community Life

Jon and Barbara have quickly embraced life at Harvest Hill. Jon, an advocate for his peers, serves as chairman of the Resident Council, while Barbara participates in arts and crafts activities. They enjoy attending piano performances, and their daughter has even performed at the community as part of a local quintet.

When asked about their favorite aspect of community life, Jon and Barbara praised the staff’s warmth and attentiveness. “In the five months we’ve been here, I can’t say enough good things,” Jon said. “Living here we’ve felt integrity, respect, and care from the entire staff.”

Delicious Dining

Three meals a day at Harvest Hill offer variety and quality. From salmon to a filet, and ever-changing dessert menus of fresh fruit and baked treats, Jon and Barbara appreciate the thoughtful preparation. An alternative menu ensures everyone finds something they enjoy.

Advice for Future Residents

Jon never expected he and his wife would end up at Harvest Hill, but when health issues arose, their plans changed. “If someone else finds themselves in our situation, I would recommend Harvest Hill,” Jon shared. “We needed to be here when we got here.”

Looking Ahead

Still driving and active, Jon and Barbara are making the most of their new chapter at Harvest Hill. With the support of a lively community, compassionate staff, and each other, they’re proving that transitions, while challenging, can open the door to a fulfilling new phase of life.

Keep it Moving in the Winter Months

Pivot General on December 23, 2024

Exercise, even moderate, is a well-documented way to maintain both physical and mental health. Some studies even suggest it can enhance cognitive skills. And while many of us find it is easier to stay active in the summer with the longer days and warmer weather, winter doesn’t have to slow you down. At Harvest Hill, we offer plenty of activities to help you keep moving throughout the colder months—all without leaving the comfort of our community.

You can join one of our exercise classes, held 2–3 times a week, or participate in a gentle Yoga class (you can hear from visiting Yoga instructor, Kathryn Mills, about the benefits of yoga and how she offers safe, beneficial movement instruction for all levels and interests). Participating in a singing group can give you a boost of energy. We also offer brain fitness classes, and you can always sign up for one of our outings. Even walking within our community can provide some needed steps toward better health.

For those looking to add more activity to their day, there are many online resources available. The National Institute on Aging, for example, provides a wealth of tips and ideas designed specifically for older adults who want to incorporate exercise into their daily lives.

No matter how you choose to stay active, stretching or getting your steps in, the key is to be consistent and stick to it. You don’t have to sweat or push too hard to get the benefits of regular exercise, and if you find the right activity, you can build a healthy habit for life.

Additional sources: AMA, Harvard Study, HealthLine, National Institute on Aging

May we Brag? Just a Little?

Pivot General on November 22, 2024

Have you heard that on October 3, 2024, our own Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital (APD), a member of Dartmouth Health, achieved Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department (GED) accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians. Situated here on our beautiful Lifecare campus, APD is the first critical access hospital in the entire United States to hold this distinction.

The GED program is a voluntary undertaking includes three levels (like a trauma centers’ designations) and provides specific criteria and goals for emergency clinicians and administrators to meet. The accreditation process includes more than two dozen best practices for geriatric care and the level of GED accreditation achieved depends upon how many of these best practices an emergency department can meet. A Level 1 emergency department must incorporate many of these best practices, along with providing inter-disciplinary geriatric education and having appropriate geriatric equipment and supplies available.

Special acknowledgement goes the GED champion team: Melissa Beamer, BSN, RN, TNCC, GERO-BC; Kristie Foster, MSN, RN, GERO-BC, Emergency Department Nurse Manager and Clinical Educator; and Nichole Cassidy, MSM, Quality Improvement Specialist, and of course to the entire ED team for their commitment and work to help improve patient outcomes. This important recognition is an example of APD’s continued dedication to the health and wellbeing of our entire community.

Susan E. Mooney, MD, MS, FACOG, president and CEO of APD said, “Our ED works tirelessly to improve patient outcomes for these patients, addressing common geriatric issues and ensuring optimal transitions of care to other settings. Level 1 GED accreditation is an important example of APD’s continued dedication to the health and wellbeing of our entire community.”

Congratulations to the Emergency Department team at APD. You are one more reason that Harvest Hill and The Woodlands are two of the most sought-after senior living communities in the Upper Valley.

About Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital (APD)

Known for highly personalized and high-quality care, APD is the community hospital of the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire. Founded in 1932 and a member of Dartmouth Health since 2016, APD’s areas of clinical excellence include surgical services, primary care, geriatric care, sleep health, orthopedics, and emergency services.

A Resident Perspective on Creativity and Community in The Woodlands Woodworking Shop

Pivot General on October 16, 2024

At The Woodlands Retirement Community at APD Lifecare, hobbies and passions are encouraged and nurtured, so residents can stay active, engaged and creative. For resident Al H., woodworking has been a passion for over two decades. He takes simple square pieces of wood and transforms them into intricate works of art—a process that is not only rewarding but incredible to see through from start to finish.

Al’s journey in woodworking began more than 20 years ago, and what started as a hobby has grown into a fulfilling way to spend time at The Woodlands. Today, he helps run the woodworking shop activities, where about 12 residents can work on projects, socialize, and learn from each other. “Everyone comes at different times,” Al says, noting how the flexible nature of the workshop allows for a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

A Well-Equipped Creative Space

The woodworking shop at The Woodlands has evolved into a well-equipped space, thanks to the collective efforts and care of many residents over the years. Outfitted with essential tools for a wide range of woodworking projects, the shop reflects the dedication and passion of the community.

Among the tools, the router and shaper are favorites, especially for residents like Al, who enjoy transforming simple pieces of wood into stunning creations. “Id like to get a few more tools in here,” Al mentions, but he’s quick to acknowledge that the shop is what it is today thanks to the many hands that have contributed to its growth. From selecting equipment to sharing knowledge and ideas, the shop is a true labor of love, constantly evolving with the combined creativity and support of The Woodlands community.

Building Friendships and Beautiful Creations

While the woodworking shop is a place to hone craftsmanship, it’s also a place where companionship thrives. The 12 residents that frequent the shop come and go as their schedules permit, but the shared interest in woodworking creates friendships. The woodworking shop is about having a place where people relax and enjoy what they do.

One of the recent collaborative projects was an art cabinet that Al and his fellow resident and friend, Bill, built together. This cabinet is used to store art from the community at The Woodlands. Al, and other residents will take on projects to not only challenge their skills but to give back to The Woodlands and leave a lasting mark at the community.

A Place for All Woodworking Enthusiasts

The woodworking shop is open to any resident interested in learning or expanding their woodworking skills. Before anyone can start working, however, there’s a short application process to ensure everyone is familiar with the equipment and safety protocols. “Safety is always the top priority,” the Director of Sales & Marketing, Carol, stresses.

Al is eager to assist anyone who may need help with the machines or guidance on a project. “I’m always available to help,” he says. Whether it’s someone looking to build something for their apartment or wanting to try their hand at a new technique, Al is there to support and encourage their endeavors.

In addition to the joy of working with wood, Al and the other woodworkers are always on the lookout for fresh ideas and methodologies. “We’re constantly learning from each other,” Al remarks. This spirit of curiosity and continuous learning is what keeps the woodworking shop such a dynamic and vibrant part of life at The Woodlands.

For Al and the rest of the woodworkers, the shop is more than just a place to build—it’s a place to connect, share and create. The shop offers endless possibilities for those who love the art of woodworking.

Connections Magazine Spotlights the Intergenerational Bonds at APD Lifecare

Pivot General on October 16, 2024

We’re excited that Dartmouth Health’s employee magazine, Connections, recently featured an article about the unique sense of family fostered at our APD Lifecare communities, Harvest Hill and The Woodlands. It highlights the special relationships that form between our residents and the high school students who work in the dining rooms, and how these intergenerational connections positively impact both young and old. Read on to learn more about how these meaningful bonds enrich lives and even inspire career paths in healthcare.

The Feeling of Family

It’s something we don’t see enough in our society-opportunities for connection between old and young. But that’s happening every day at Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital’s two Lifecare facilities, Harvest Hill, an assisted living community, and The Woodlands, an independent living community.

When residents gather for dinner, it’s often served by high school students employed by the facilities. Over time, relationships build, says Nikki Fortier, executive director of APD Lifecare. “The students become surrogate grandchildren for residents, who may not see their families very often.”

These often joyful relationships enhance the well-being of both the residents and the students. Research shows that intergenerational relationships can improve mental and physical health for older people.

The relationship between the residents and students goes beyond dinnertime. “At prom time, students usually make a stop at The Woodlands or Harvest Hill in their prom finery, so residents can see them all dressed up,” Fortier says. “The residents are also thrilled when prior students return to visit.”

Fortier says that the experience of students, who number from 50 to 60 at any one time, can generate an interest in healthcare, perhaps even geriatric care: “This absolutely happens sometimes. Their relationship with older people demystifies elder care.”

And sometimes that healthcare career takes place at Harvest Hill and The Woodlands. “We have several examples of full-time employees in our nursing department—resident assistants, LNAs, an RN—who started out in the dining room,” Fortier says. “The feeling of family that is established in the dining room is a motivator for some to pursue a caregiving career path.”

Read Connections Magazine →

An Inside Look: The Guides of the The Woodlands

Pivot General on October 1, 2024

Harvest Hill’s sister community, The Woodlands, offers an interesting take to prospective move-ins with tours guided by Woodlands’ residents.

Nancy (a Woodlands’ resident today) had toured another Senior Living community, where a resident gave her a guided tour, which left a lasting impression. When Nancy eventually settled on living at The Woodlands, she introduced the idea of resident-led tours to the administrators. Together, they brought that idea to life, and from it, The Woodlands Tour Guides, known as “The Guides,” bloomed.

A Resident-Led Approach

One thing that sets The Woodlands Independent Living apart is its unique approach to tours. While most communities rely on staff, here at The Woodlands, prospective residents experience the community through the eyes of its current residents. Nancy, along with 11 other dedicated tour guides, a mix of couples and individuals, provide personal insights into what it’s really like to live at The Woodlands.

Each guide comes from a diverse background, offering prospective residents’ various perspectives. This resident-led approach brings authenticity to the tours and fosters a deeper sense of connection. It’s a unique opportunity for visitors to hear directly from people who live there

Nancy’s Role Behind the Scenes

While Nancy prefers to keep a low profile, her role in organizing and coordinating these tours is essential. She works closely with the Director of Sales & Marketing to ensure everything runs smoothly, though Nancy says it’s easy because all the guides are wonderful and great at what they do. From training the new tour guides to planning the itinerary, Nancy is the quiet force behind “The Guides.”

A Tour to Remember

Tours start in the lobby, where guests are introduced to the layout and amenities. From there, The Guides lead visitors through some of the most loved spots in the community. For men, the woodshop is often a highlight – a place where craftsmanship and camaraderie thrive. The fitness center and swimming pool are also popular stops, giving prospective residents a taste of the active lifestyle available here.

The tour concludes with a visit to two apartments, helping guests to imagine what life could be like at The Woodlands. Nancy believes this part of the tour is important to prospects. Seeing the apartments helps them visualize themselves living at The Woodlands.

A Community Like No Other

For Nancy, being a part of The Guides is about more than just showing people around. It’s about helping people feel at home before they even move in. It’s this sense of community, transparency, and personal touch that helps set the Woodlands apart from other independent living communities. It’s truly special experience.

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