An Established and Dedicated Team Define Harvest Hill and The Woodlands

When families explore senior living options, they often consider amenities, dining options and floor plans, but a senior living community is more than those things; it thrives because of its people. The dedicated team members who show up every day create the warm, familiar culture that residents call home.

In an era where healthcare turnover rates remain high nationwide, APD Lifecare stands out for its staff longevity. Across Harvest Hill Assisted Living and The Woodlands Independent Living in Lebanon, New Hampshire, team members tend to build lasting careers.

The Power of Dedicated Care

A team with deep roots offers clear benefits to residents. Familiar faces bring comfort, emotional security and a high-standard of personalized care. Staff members understand more than just food preferences or daily routines—they learn personal histories, favorite hobbies and family stories.

The APD Lifecare workforce is defined by remarkable stability and dedicated service. At Harvest Hill, Registered Nurse Annelie Marsh leads with 32 years of service, supported by Licensed Nursing Assistant Heather Chiasson with 27 years, Executive Chef Brian Pike with 25 years, Lead Line Chef Jason Whitney with 22 years, and Housekeeper Joanne Rogers and Resident Aide Christina Fazio each with 21 years. At The Woodlands, Maintenance Lead Thomas Tobin brings 23 years of dedicated care. Together, the Harvest Hill team averages 14 years of dedication while The Woodlands averages eight—bringing the overall APD Lifecare team to an extraordinary average of over 11 years of service per employee (as of Oct. 2026).

“The true measure of an organization’s culture is the longevity of its people. We are incredibly proud to honor our team members with major service milestones. A quality work environment is built on mutual respect, continuous growth, and shared success—values that these employees embody every day at Harvest Hill and The Woodlands. We thank them for their years of loyalty and for helping us sustain Senior Living Communities of excellence.”

— Nikki Fortier, Executive Director, APD Lifecare

Why Low Staff Turnover Benefit Senior Living Residents

Low staff turnover directly improves resident well-being by providing consistency, trust and familiarity. Experienced culinary, maintenance, housekeeping and nursing staff pass institutional knowledge along to newer colleagues and maintain high daily standards.

For residents, seeing the same friendly faces at breakfast, during activities or in the hallways fosters trust and belonging. Caregivers can more easily notice subtle changes in health and demeanor early, leading to proactive care management.

Staff longevity reflects an organization’s values. Team members stay when they feel supported, appreciated and empowered in their daily work. APD Lifecare continues to cultivate a supportive environment where staff build long-term careers in senior care.

Learn more about life at The Woodlands Independent Living and Harvest Hill Assisted Living by calling us today at 603-308-0475 or by requesting information on our website.

Evaluating senior living options often brings financial clarity into sharp focus. Comparing a single monthly fee against the “hidden” expenses of staying in a private home requires looking beyond surface-level mortgage statements.

Understanding the complete financial picture helps older adults and their families make confident decisions for the future. Uncovering the true value of community life reveals how direct living costs align with rich lifestyle benefits, active days and confidence for the future.

Harvest Hill Assisted Living

Aging in place gracefully often requires accounting for unpredictable expenses that grow over time. According to research published by the AARP Public Policy Institute, private in-home care services create escalating financial strains without providing the built-in social atmosphere that helps older adults thrive.

In-home care costs

Remaining at home can include hiring private home health aides, which quickly adds up. Hourly rates for private care can climb dramatically if daily personal assistance or night-time support becomes necessary.

• Hourly agency rates: Private caregiver fees rack up quickly when coverage spans multiple shifts or overnight hours.
• Capital home updates: Wheelchair ramps, bathroom safety modifications and specialized equipment carry steep upfront costs.
• Hidden administrative burden: Coordinating shift schedules, managing call-outs and overseeing multiple aides falls entirely on family members.

Moving to a community like Harvest Hill Assisted Living bundles housing, daily dining, personalized care and attentive trained, professional staff into one predictable monthly payment. On-site support provides continuous safety without the hourly billing that can be associated with private home agencies.

Lifestyle at Harvest Hill

Maintaining a private home independently often leads to isolation, which carries documented physical and emotional health risks. According to the National Institute on Aging, social isolation among older adults living alone is linked to higher risks of heart disease, depression and cognitive decline. Arranging daily meals, coordinating rides to appointments and seeking out social connections require constant planning and funding.

At a community like Harvest Hill, it’s all in one place.

• Nutritious chef-prepared dining: Balanced meals served daily eliminate meal planning, grocery shopping, prep and cooking.
• Built-in community and connection: Daily social calendars with varied activities and programs including group outings replace quiet isolation with meaningful interactions and a chance to develop friendships with peers.
• On-site wellness and support: Compassionate staff members adjust daily assistance seamlessly as health needs change over time.

The Woodlands Independent Living

Determining the real investment of independent living means evaluating both monthly budget security and everyday quality of life.

Financial predictability

Comparing your home expenses to independent living fees rarely tells the full story. Day-to-day household budgets naturally absorb dozens of small, separate payments each month, like routine utilities, grocery trips, seasonal home maintenance and security services. Research from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies notes that managing the cumulative true costs of a private home creates a significant financial strain for more than one in three older households.

Community Living Eliminates the Unexpected

• Consolidated monthly billing: A single, straightforward monthly payment brings all housing, dining, utility and property upkeep costs under one roof.
• No surprise expenses: Major home repairs like replacing a roof or fixing a furnace no longer create unexpected financial stress.
• Protection against inflation: Shifting service costs for lawn care, driveway plowing and repairs become predictable, manageable line items. Data from AARP shows that nearly 70 percent of older adults find rising home operating expenses challenging on a fixed income.

Understanding the true investment of staying home means tallying property taxes, home insurance, repairs, yard upkeep and daily errands alongside a standard mortgage or rent. Consolidating those separate bills into one all-inclusive fee offers long-term financial clarity while freeing up valuable time and energy to enjoy retirement.

Navigating Home Ownership Costs

Residents at The Woodlands Independent Living enjoy modern, maintenance-free apartments nestled in a picturesque New England woodland setting. Eliminating seasonal yard work, shoveling and surprise contractor bills provides lasting financial clarity and peace of mind.

Lifestyle at The Woodlands

Trading home maintenance chores for free time can transform the retirement experience. Independent living replaces lawn mowers and gutter cleaning with on-site amenities, educational presentations, artistic outlets, performances and nature walks along local campus trails.

• Flexible dining options: Enjoy chef-prepared meals in an elegant dining room setting or grab light bites with neighbors.
• Comprehensive wellness programs: On-site fitness facilities, exercise classes and health resources support active, healthy aging right on campus.
• Vibrant community activities: Educational lectures, creative workshops, cozy fireplace gatherings and organized cultural trips offer rich social opportunities every day.
• Spacious floor plans: Modern, light-filled apartments provide a comfortable, maintenance-free personal retreat surrounded by scenic New England woodlands.

Access to top-tier campus amenities and social events without extra fees maximizes the overall value of senior living. Residents gain financial clarity alongside a supportive environment built around connection, discovery and daily peace of mind.

Detailed cost comparison sheets are available for Harvest Hill Assisted Living and The Woodlands Independent Living communities by contacting Director of Sales and Marketing, Carol Kolenski, at 603-442-5161 or online.  

Evaluating the true cost of senior living reveals that moving to a community offers far more than predictable monthly expenses — it unlocks a richer, more vibrant lifestyle surrounded by support and connection. Learn more about life at The Woodlands Independent Living and Harvest Hill Assisted Living by calling us today at 603-308-0475 or by requesting information on our website.

Beauty in every season across the APD Lifecare campus.

Nature is woven into daily life on the APD Lifecare campus. Set on 40 scenic acres in Lebanon, New Hampshire, the campus offers residents opportunities to enjoy the outdoors through peaceful walking trails, seasonal gardens and inviting green spaces that change with the seasons.

Surrounding Harvest Hill Assisted Living and The Woodlands Independent Living, the APD Nature Trails invite residents to stay active, spend time outdoors and connect with the natural environment just steps from home. Some residents enjoy a quiet morning walk beneath the trees, while others gather with friends and family on sunny patios, shaded sitting areas or in community gardens.

The APD Nature Trail system includes three distinct loops that vary in length and terrain.

• Lizzie Elliot Loop: 0.8 miles
• Harvest Hill Loop: 0.5 miles
• The Woodlands Loop: 1.2 miles

Beyond the Trails

Gardening is another meaningful part of outdoor life at APD Lifecare. Residents enjoy planting flowers, tending seasonal gardens and spending time in outdoor spaces filled with colorful blooms and greenery. Garden beds and patio planters throughout our grounds add beauty to shared spaces while creating areas for residents to gather, socialize and enjoy fresh air.

“If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” – Vincent van Gogh

A beautiful part of life is reflected in our campus landscape. Seasonal changes offer something new throughout the year. Spring brings blooming flowers and lush greenery along the trails. Summer provides shaded paths beneath the trees and vibrant gardens in full color. Fall transforms the campus with bright foliage, while winter creates a peaceful setting for reflective walks and scenic views.

The APD Nature Trails and gardens support more than recreation. Time spent outdoors, regular movement and connecting to nature all contribute to overall wellness and quality of life. Residents can choose how to enjoy the outdoors each day. That might be by watching from a scenic window, taking a morning walk, playing a yard game, gardening or just relaxing outside with friends and family.

In addition to the natural wooded surroundings, the APD Lifecare campus provides the residents of Harvest Hill and The Woodlands with convenient access to healthcare and supportive services, including the Multi-Specialty Clinic, Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital and the Robert A. Mesropian Center. This thoughtful campus design surrounds residents with a beautiful natural setting to call home, and immediate access to wellness and healthcare services as needed.

Across the APD Lifecare campus, the trails and gardens help create a welcoming environment where residents can stay active, enjoy nature and experience meaningful connections every day. To learn more about life at Harvest Hill Assisted Living and The Woodlands Independent Living by calling us today at 603-308-0475 or by requesting information on our website.

For many older adults, driving represents more than transportation. It is independence, routine and connection to the community. That is why conversations about when to stop driving can feel difficult, for seniors and their families.

At APD Lifecare’s Harvest Hill and The Woodlands, the focus is not on limiting independence, but on supporting it in new and meaningful ways.

A Changing Conversation Around Driving

Today, more older adults are driving longer than previous generations. A recent report by NPR highlights that the number of older drivers continues to increase, while safety experts encourage regular evaluations based on health and ability rather than age alone.

This perspective helps shift the conversation. It removes blame and instead focuses on making informed, proactive decisions that support long-term well-being and safety.

Signs It May Be Time to Reevaluate Driving

There is no universal age when someone should stop driving. In most cases, the decision unfolds gradually.

Families and individuals may begin to notice small changes, such as:

• Changes in vision, especially at night
• Slower reaction times
• Increased stress behind the wheel
• Close calls or minor accidents

These moments are not failures. They are signals that it may be time to reassess and consider safer alternatives that still support an active lifestyle.

Independence Looks Different for Everyone

One of the biggest worries shared by seniors is the fear of losing independence. That concern is valid. Driving has long been tied to freedom and self-sufficiency.

However, independence is not defined by who is behind the wheel. It is defined by the ability to live fully, stay connected and continue daily routines with confidence.

This is where community living at Harvest Hill and The Woodlands can make a meaningful difference.

How APD Lifecare Supports an Active Lifestyle

At APD Lifecare, residents at Harvest Hill and The Woodlands benefit from thoughtfully designed services that support safety and promote independence.

Scheduled transportation is one of the most valuable of these offerings. Residents can:

• Attend medical appointments
• Visit local destinations such as AVA Gallery, The Hop, Lebanon Opera House, Hood Museum of Art and other local attractions
• Go to local restaurants and shopping
• Participate in community events, social gatherings and group excursions
• Attend classes at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Importantly, transportation is not about restriction. It is about removing barriers. Residents can continue doing what they enjoy, without the concerns that sometimes come with driving later in life.

APD Lifecare: A Community That Adapts With You

Harvest Hill and The Woodlands are built on a resident-centered philosophy that recognizes that independence looks different for everyone.

Some individuals may choose to continue driving for a time while also using community transportation. Others may transition fully away from driving and find greater peace of mind in doing so.

In both cases, the goal remains the same: to support a lifestyle that is safe, engaging and fulfilling.

Moving Forward With Confidence

Deciding to stop driving is not about giving something up. It is about making a proactive choice for safety, well-being and continued quality of life.

With the right support system in place, that transition can feel less like a loss and more like an opportunity to focus on what truly matters—staying active, connected and independent in new ways.

Exploring alternatives to driving can open the door to a safer, more supported lifestyle without sacrificing independence. Learn more about life at The Woodlands Independent Living and Harvest Hill Assisted Living by calling us today at 603-308-0475 or by requesting information on our website.

A multitude of research shows that the human experience while listening to music can provide much more than just entertainment for us, it provides deeper benefits as well. Studies show that music lights up our brains and influences our autonomic nervous system. It evokes emotions and memories and can even impact our moods. Music, while mainly shared as a form of entertainment, is always on the calendar at both Harvest Hill and The Woodlands.

Harvest Hill’s activities team, long led by Carla Venti, ensures there is music in some form or other on the activities calendar all month long. Social hour pianists, grade school singers, professional musicians, and local music enthusiasts regularly visit to share their craft, while residents gather to sing hymns—the sound of music is ever-present in the community, and open to all. It has also been noted that the locals who come to play and entertain residents also enjoy the experience of having an audience. It is a win-win for everyone.

At The Woodlands, the activities calendar is resident-run, with teams of residents coming together to plan events, programs, and outings. Music is certainly part of those plans. One resident, Ray, takes particular care and satisfaction in choosing highly skilled, often professional performers—his standards are very high, and no one is complaining!

Music is something that can be easily shared. In fact, many of our residents who are in their 80s and 90s will sing together the favorite songs of their younger years, such as You are my Sunshine or I Get a Kick out of You, singing along totally from memory, no lyrics in hand. It’s a joy to see.

The bottom line is that music “plays” a part in the lives of so many of us, often from the time we are born. (Who hasn’t seen a dancing toddler?). We also know that music has a special power in the lives of people who experience cognitive decline, even people with late-stage dementia. The documentary, “Alive Inside,” 2014 winner of the People’s Award at the Sundance Film Festival, looks at how introducing music into the lives of people, many who barely communicate any longer, brings out the deepest of connections in their memory banks and they have varied reactions of delight.

We cannot say enough about the joy of music, at any age and at any time.

Discover how music shapes our community, learn more about life at The Woodlands Independent Living and Harvest Hill Assisted Living by calling us today at 603-308-0475 or by requesting information on our website.

The Woodlands and Harvest Hill are exceptional places to live, just ask anyone who calls our community home. At both locations, our residents foster tightly-connected communities where they enjoy beautiful surroundings, spacious apartments, great food and plenty of amenities and things to do.

Many of our residents live at our community for years. As a result, demand is high, and prospective residents may encounter a waitlist. While that can feel discouraging, the waitlist is also a reflection of the strong reputation our communities have earned for quality and care. When an opportunity to move in becomes available, residents consistently find it was well worth the wait.

Time spent waiting allows you to plan ahead and begin the downsizing process at your own pace. You can take inventory of your belongings, make intentional decisions about what to keep (or not keep), and discuss with family members which items they may want to receive. Starting early often leads to a smoother, less stressful transition when move-in day arrives.

This period is also a good time to get your finances and important documents in order. Many people choose to digitize photos and family records, ensuring they remain accessible without taking up physical space. Planning ahead can significantly reduce pressure when the time comes to move.

While the wait times can vary, being on the list means you are part of the process, which can provide peace of mind. And if your needs change during that time, in-home services can help bridge the gap. Options may include grocery or meal delivery, housecleaning, transportation services, home health support, or participation in local social groups to stay connected and engaged.

At The Woodlands, we typically host open houses for wait-listed individuals twice a year, and invitations are sent directly. Harvest Hill offers a monthly newsletter, while The Woodlands provides quarterly updates. Staying connected ensures you remain engaged with the community as you prepare for your move. If you don’t get those now, be sure to sign up HERE.

They say good things are worth the wait, and at The Woodlands and Harvest Hill, we believe that sentiment rings true.

Planning ahead can make all the difference when considering your next move. Discover whether independent living or assisted living is the right fit for you or a loved one. Learn more about life at The Woodlands Independent Living and Harvest Hill Assisted Living by calling us today at 603-308-0475 or by requesting information on our website.

Choosing the right senior living community is an important decision for older adults and their families. On APD Lifecare’s Upper Valley campus, The Woodlands Independent Living and Harvest Hill Assisted Living communities provide thoughtfully-designed environments to help residents live well, stay active and feel at home.

How do you choose the best fit for yourself or a loved one? Here are some key differences to help you decide which lifestyle fits your needs.

What is Independent Living?

Independent living is designed for older adults who want to enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle with access to social opportunities, activities and campus amenities where they can engage as much or as little as they like. Residents live in private apartments, maintain their independence and choose how to spend each day.

At The Woodlands, this means enjoying chef-prepared meals, fitness classes, walking trails, educational programs, social gatherings and convenient services—all without the worry of home maintenance. Residents have full autonomy; with the knowledge that support is nearby if ever needed.

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living provides an extra layer of support for seniors who may need some help with daily activities such medication management, bathing, dressing, or mobility. These services are all provided with an emphasis on dignity, independence and choice.

At Harvest Hill Assisted Living, residents receive personalized care from compassionate, trained staff while living in private apartments. Residents enjoy daily activities, nutritious meals and a welcoming community atmosphere. The goal is to support each resident’s unique abilities, promote wellness and ensure safety without compromising autonomy.

Why Choose APD Lifecare?

Whether you’re considering independent living or assisted living, APD Lifecare’s campus offers two communities, both dedicated to comfort, connection and overall well-being. Residents can enjoy the companionship of peers who become their neighbors in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, beautifully-maintained surroundings and convenient access to the broader Dartmouth Health system.

Families gain peace of mind knowing their loved ones are supported by experienced teams who prioritize dignity, independence and an engaging lifestyle tailored to each resident’s needs.

Discover whether independent living or assisted living is the right fit for you or a loved one. Learn more about life at The Woodlands Independent Living and Harvest Hill Assisted Living by calling us today at 603-308-0475 or by requesting information on our website.

Our senior living communities, The Woodlands (independent living) and Harvest Hill (assisted living), are located on the Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital (APD) campus in Lebanon, NH. APD is part of Dartmouth Health, which has been recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System through an initiative of The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, in partnership with the American Hospital Association and the Catholic Health Association of the United States. 

This recognition demonstrates APD’s commitment to continuously improving care for patients age 65 and older by aligning with the nationally recognized practices of Age-Friendly Health Systems, known as the 4Ms; What Matters, Medication, Mentation and Mobility, the foundation of the Age-Friendly Health Systems.

APD’s focus on caring for our elders is further demonstrated by its Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department (GED) accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians. APD was the first critical access hospital in the United States to earn this distinction. 

In addition to serving residents of Harvest Hill and The Woodlands, APD provides care to elder patients across our tight-knit rural communities in both New Hampshire and Vermont.

The Age-Friendly Health System of care and service has been integrated into our daily practices at Harvest Hill Assisted Living, and staff are formally integrating the 4Ms into resident care. This effort helped Harvest Hill achieve Level 1 accreditation with Age-Friendly Health Systems in January 2025.

“We’ve always followed the 4Ms, but now we have a structured framework,” says Nikki Fortier, executive director of APD Lifecare. “We also updated our resident assessment to ask about ‘What Matters’ for each resident. Having this shared language between hospital and assisted living staff leads to better care.”

In addition to all that Harvest Hill and The Woodlands offer in terms of activities, culture and community, we also provide healthcare services designed to support the unique needs of our resident seniors if they need us.

To learn more about the Alice Peck Day Geriatrics services and team, visit our website. This beautiful, 40-acre campus is also home to The Woodlands and Harvest Hill, part of the APD Lifecare community.

There are plenty of articles and studies exploring the “secret” to longevity. Research often points to the importance of diet, genetics and healthy lifestyles, along with social networks and meaningful engagement. Boston University even has an ongoing centenarian study that you can participate in. Articles such as this one from Newsweek and documentaries like Living in the Blue Zone on Netflix highlight similar findings.

We did a little “study” of our own here at APD Lifecare’s campus, home to both Harvest Hill Assisted Living and The Woodlands Independent Living. We spoke with six centenarians, asking each the same three questions. The participants from Harvest Hill were Dorothy (100), Betty (100) and Mary (100), and the participants from The Woodlands were Priscilla (101), Alberta (104) and Betsy (100).    

Each resident graciously shared their perspective on longevity, the changes they’ve witnessed in society, and their favorite moments from our communities.

What factors do you think contributed to your longevity, living to celebrate 100 years?

• “Though I have never stopped learning, I am not a scholar.” – Dorothy
• “Being active and engaged, reading, keeping your mind going, being independent, being one who volunteers and gives of self to community, like being with Eastern Star for 80 years.” – Betty
• “I really couldn’t say.” – Priscilla
• “Luck. Do the right thing. Get involved.” – Alberta
• “Living a fulfilling life.” – Betsy
• “I was always high energy with low worries, well cared for by my husband, Harry. Great sense of playfulness and imagination. Loving life and gratitude for being so blessed.” — Mary

Can you cite one or two changes during your lifetime that have had a positive impact on society?

• “My sister, Nora Clara, died of whooping cough at five months, and the vaccine came in 1940. Equal opportunity. Women allowed to attend college and vote.” – Dorothy
• “Taking over father’s business – being a woman business owner was very rare.” – Betty
• “The invention of cellphones – they are miraculous. Polio vaccines.” – Priscilla
• “Was deeply involved with the League of Women Voters, and I saw our rights evolve.  Vaccines – my cousin was Polio Poster Girl.” – Alberta
• “Tolerance of people of different cultures. This seems to, unfortunately, be regressing in this current society.” – Betsy
• “I was involved politically with the League of Women Voters. The rise of women’s power was very important, as well as modern medicine.” — Mary

Would you share a favorite memory from your time living at Harvest Hill or The Woodlands?

• “With the support of the Harvest Hill staff, I am learning to age gracefully.” – Dorothy
• “My 100^th birthday celebration at Harvest Hill – with my family, even my last sibling from Maine, a sister, Beverly, was there and died unexpectedly a few days later.  That visit was precious.” – Betty
• “My 100^th birthday celebration, they sang happy birthday to me, and I sang I thank you back to my friends.” – Priscilla
• “100^th Birthday party with 100 guests.” – Alberta
• “The deep relationships I have been able to form” – Betsy
• “Showing off grandchildren when they visit. Visiting other residents’ pets and visiting friends. My son, Richard, also brings his dog, Hero, for visits.” – Mary

A Celebration of Life and Community

Living to 100 is a milestone a few reach, and we are honored to have six such remarkable residents among us at APD Lifecare’s Harvest Hill and The Woodlands communities. Their stories are a reminder that longevity isn’t defined by one path but shaped by experiences, connections and resilience.

For those considering a move to a retirement community, our centenarians show that living in a supportive environment with opportunities for social engagement, independence and care can enrich life at every age. Learn more about life at The Woodlands Independent Living and Harvest Hill Assisted Living by calling us today at 603-308-0475 or by requesting information on our website.