Ask, Listen, Learn: A Recipe for Improvement

Ask, Listen, Learn: A Recipe for Improvement

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

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

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

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?

May we Brag? Just a Little?

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.

Becky Luce: Finding Heart and Home at Harvest Hill

When you walk the serene gardens of Harvest Hill, you might spot a resident with a warm smile, carefully tending to her flowers. That’s Becky Luce, a beloved community member who has found her heart’s home in the Hughes Studio Apartments. Becky’s journey is one of resilience, love, and joy in the simple pleasures of life—like a garden in bloom or a conversation with a friend.

Becky chose the Hughes Studio Apartments at Harvest Hill, a decision made with both practicality and passion. “I never know when I can or can’t eat or drink due to my medication, so having a kitchen in my studio is incredibly convenient,” she shares. Becky also appreciates having the choice to enjoy three meals a day in the dining room, offering the flexibility to dine with others.

What truly makes Becky’s life at Harvest Hill special is the strong sense of community and the great friends she’s made. She fondly recalls lunches with Pam, Gayle, and the newest resident Louise—gatherings filled with laughter and shared memories. Each week, they are committed to making it a point to be together, whether it’s lunch in the Dining Room or reserving a community room for a chat or a shared activity. “No matter what we are doing, we do it together and always have the best time,” Becky reflects.

But what she loves most is her patio door, which opens directly into the garden. “Every step counts” Becky says, and she takes every opportunity to be outside, nurturing her plants or going on walks.

Gardening has always been close to Becky’s heart. At her home in downtown Lebanon, she grew an impressive array of tomatoes. Because tomatoes have been a bit stubborn of late, Becky turned her attention to cultivating a variety of flowers, each one a testament to her persistence and care. Her connection to the outdoors is mirrored by her bond with her dear friend Ann, who also lives at Harvest Hill. Ann was Becky’s horseback riding instructor when she was just ten years old. After years of losing touch, fate united them in this community. Now, they enjoy walks together, often pausing to chat in the garden—a simple but cherished ritual.

Becky’s choice to make Harvest Hill her home was guided by more than amenities. She remembers the warmth and support she felt from the Assistant Resident Care Manager, Catherine, during her initial visits. “Catherine really helped drive my decision to live here,” Becky explains. Unlike other communities she visited, Harvest Hill immediately felt right—a place where the staff is genuinely happy to help with anything, big or small.

Becky’s life at Harvest Hill is enriched by her deep appreciation for music. A former music teacher, she especially enjoys it when performers visit the community, and music remains a vital part of her life, just as it always has.

And then there’s Obi, Becky’s ten-year-old dog whose name means “heart” in Swahili. Though Obi now lives with a close friend, he still visits Becky weekly, bringing a little extra joy to her days. Obi’s name is fitting, as Becky’s heart is at the center of everything she does—whether it’s friendships, gardening, or her deep connection to the community.

At Harvest Hill, Becky found more than just a place to live; she found a place that supports and uplifts her, allowing her to continue doing what she loves, surrounded by people who care. As Becky would say, it was a “gut feeling” that led her here, and it’s her heart that keeps her thriving.

APD’s Harvest Hill Residents Compete in Puzzle Contest

APD’s Harvest Hill Residents Compete in Puzzle Contest

When you think of doing a puzzle, you might picture someone relaxing, sipping tea pulled up to a card or coffee table, pondering the pieces and where they fit. 

Recently, a group of Harvest Hill residents engaged in a whole different approach during a “Puzzle Competition” activity. Three teams, of three residents each, were given the same 300-piece puzzle, a timed start and their own space to put it together as quickly as possible with a goal to be the first to complete their puzzle.

The idea came to the activities team via Martha Doolittle, a Harvest Hill resident. Martha had tried a contest at a church competition, an event with six tables of teams. Martha also mentioned that her sister’s brother in law, Bob Armstrong, is a Puzzle Master so she has been doing puzzles for a long time. She saw a documentary called “Wicker Kittens” about teams of people who do puzzle contests. She knew Anne Williams, who was in the film. Martha reached out to Anne for guidance about how to set up contests and where to get puzzles and other ways to host a successful event.  Anne was a great help providing guidance and resources.

The winning team at the Harvest Hill competition completed their puzzle in about two hours. Teams had to work together (which can be a challenge) but Martha said you figure out a strategy. For example, on her team they had a “border” person and one to sort and organize prominent colors. The winners went home with boxes of chocolate truffles, and all the teams got to keep their puzzles. Congratulations to Martha and the activities team for “putting it all together.”

Embracing Community with Janet Bantly

Embracing Community with Janet Bantly

Born in Garwood, New Jersey, and raised in Union, Janet Bantly, a 90-year-old resident at Harvest Hill, lives with a commitment to community involvement.

Janet grew up attending a private all-girls school before earning her Bachelor’s in Dietetics from Simmons College in Boston. After completing her MS degree at RPI, she spent 24 fulfilling years as a nutrition consultant for the Connecticut State Dept. of Education, overseeing school programs and ensuring students received nutritious meals, reflecting on it as “the best job she’s ever had.” It was also the state of Connecticut where she met and married her husband, Neil.

Her career took her far beyond the United States though. Traveling internationally, she led groups of school nutrition professionals to countries that had or wanted to begin feeding children at school. The organization, called People to People, was started by President Eisenhower while he was in office.

Literature, Quilting and Community Spirit

Influenced by her daughter, Amy, and grandchildren living in the area, Janet came to Harvest Hill and was instantly drawn to a courtyard apartment on the first floor, which offered convenience and proximity to everything she needed. With a grandson and great grandson nearby, Janet found comfort in the community immediately.  

Not only is Janet deeply involved in the community at Harvest Hill, but she is an advocate for her fellow residents. From serving on the board to contributing to the newsletter with stories, event coverage, and book reviews, Janet’s passion shines through. She is active in Harvest Hill’s book clubs and volunteers at the library, where she’s spearheading efforts to revitalize their collection. With Nikki’s (Executive Director at Harvest Hill) support, Janet successfully secured a budget for the library, allowing for upgrades. Janet excitedly shares some of the most influential books she’s read, including “1984” and the works of Alexander McCall Smith. She shares, “I read 1984 in high school, and it still feels so relevant, especially today.”

Additionally, Janet is a dedicated crafter, working with a group for knitting and crafts. This is natural for her given her entrepreneurial experience of owning a fabric store for ten years. “I’m very busy. I have a packed schedule,” she admits. It’s this energy and enthusiasm for her community that inspires fellow residents.

From Nutrition Consulting to Community Engagement

As a registered dietician, Janet’s feedback of Harvest Hill’s meals warrants a level of respect. She shares, “The meals are extremely tasty,” reflecting the community’s commitment to providing nutritious and delicious food options. She notes that discussions about food are actively encouraged, as demonstrated by the upcoming food meeting where residents can provide feedback and ask questions.

Exploring what the community “stands for,” Janet describes a range of community members from independent living to those with more specialized needs. No matter one’s background or circumstances, she’s forged many meaningful connections and has numerous friends. She admires the diverse backgrounds of her fellow residents, many of whom have excelled in business or education.

So, what makes this community exceptional beyond its diversity? “The attentive care provided by the staff, who have been responsive and supportive throughout my time at Harvest Hill,” states Janet. It’s this supportive, yet autonomous, environment that makes Harvest Hill a place you can call home.

Finding Joy: A Conversation with Harvest Hill Resident Becky Lynn

Finding Joy: A Conversation with Harvest Hill Resident Becky Lynn

For Becky Lynn, Harvest Hill is more than just a residence; it’s an active community where she is known by her first name, participated in staff hiring, welcomes new residents, and engages wholeheartedly in activities that challenge and inspire her. Having spent 1.5 years at Harvest Hill, Becky’s journey here is woven with threads of familiarity. 

Upon moving from Middlebury, Connecticut, a place intertwined with her family’s history, Becky’s roots run deep. Her decision to choose Harvest Hill was influenced not only by the fact that she found it superior in the region but also because of the support and proximity it offered to her son and his wife. 

Her story unfolds from Amherst, Massachusetts, where she attended high school and reflects on being the ‘facility brat.’ College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, opened doors to explore her enthusiasm for education.

Continuing her greatest purpose, she pursued educational classes at the University of Vermont, Burlington, eventually culminating in a fulfilling career teaching 3rd grade in Connecticut for several years. 

In 1960, she married her first husband. Reminiscing about cherished moments, she fondly recalls incentivizing her children with 50 cents each for looking after one another, offering her a break, while marveling at their inherent goodness. “They were always such good kids,” she reflects.

Life, however, presented its share of challenges. Becky overcame the loss of her first husband due to cancer, spending a decade alone until she met John. Sharing a love for plants, their time centered around traveling the country attending conferences where Becky was introduced to botanists and horticulturalists. When John passed away in January 2022, Becky made the decision to seek a sense of community.

Empowerment, Unity, Collective Engagement 

Becky has discovered many unexpected joys, activities like Bingo—an entirely new experience that is a source of laughter and camaraderie.  As a member of the hospitality group, she welcomes in new residents, sharing insights that only insiders would know—further creating a sense of comfort and belonging in the community. Now she is also an integral reporting team for Hillwinds, a publication put out every two months.

Activities are diverse; she shares a stimulating brain fitness class where the entire group was challenged to spell out Fahrenheit–a word she’ll never forget how to spell again. The show-and-tell session offers a time to bring out cherished family artifacts. For Becky, it was a Civil War water bottle and Velvet box, in her possession since she was just 5-months old. 

When it comes to meals, Becky cites the seafood options including scallops, East Coast fish, and the occasional lobster tail with drawn butter; a cherished New Year treat this year. 

Above all, she shares how the warmth among residents and staff makes the community unique. The acknowledgment of her by name in the hall, while once being a part of the hiring decision-making process give Harvest Hill its ‘resident-first’ appeal, sharing how residents came together to interview and select their current Executive Director, Nikki Fortier.

Becky’s time at Harvest Hill has shown her what the community’s spirit is all about. Shared stories, strong bonds, activities and beyond give residents a renewed sense of belonging, community, and home.

Meet Faye: One Heart Behind Harvest Hill’s Life Enrichment

Meet Faye: One Heart Behind Harvest Hill’s Life Enrichment

In the Harvest Hill community, Faye, a Life Enrichment assistant, helps to plan activities aimed at fostering not only fun and engagement but also the growth of mind, body, and spirit. But what makes Faye unique isn’t just her role; it’s her journey, motivation, and the heartwarming stories she has inspired. 

A Journey from California to the Heart of Harvest Hill

Originally from California, Faye ventured to New England for college, where she pursued linguistics at Brown University. However, her professional journey took an unexpected turn toward campus ministry, marking the beginning of a career that would eventually lead her to Harvest Hill. It was during her college years that Faye recognized the aging of her grandparents and the lack of dignity and respect given to the elderly. This realization compelled her to make a difference in the lives of seniors.

Faye’s Mission to Cultivate Connection

Working in Life Enrichment, Faye wears many hats. From planning exciting activities to facilitating one-on-one meetings, her focus extends beyond organizing events; she strives to build connections and relationships among the residents at Harvest Hill. For example, discussion groups, like the ‘Current Events Group,’ provide a platform for residents to engage in meaningful conversations. 

Faye emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring individuals with varied capacities interact and serve each other. Whether it’s a resident with dementia participating in Bingo or a one-on-one session with someone experiencing anxiety, Faye’s patience and kindness creates a warm environment. 

A Community Centered on Residents

Harvest Hill’s uniqueness lies in its resident-centered approach. Every staff member, from housekeeping to administration, is intimately acquainted with each resident’s preferences and needs. This attention to detail ensures residents are treated with the utmost dignity and respect. Harvest Hill has become a place where individuals, regardless of their cognitive or physical abilities, feel honored and valued.

Faye’s Driving Force

Faye draws motivation from her faith, seeking to make each individual feel seen. She believes small acts of kindness are the meaningful differences that create a positive impact. She strives to nurture well-being, create connections, and uphold the dignity of all the residents of Harvest Hill. 

Lessons of Kindness and Respect

Harvest Hill isn’t just a place where seniors live; it’s a community that teaches valuable lessons. Faye reflects on the innate kindness and humility exhibited by the residents. The atmosphere of respect within Harvest Hill reflects how one should treat people with different values and life experiences.

At the heart of Harvest Hill, Faye and her team are creating more than just a living space for seniors; they are bringing together a community that celebrates life, growth, and connection.