The following blog explains a unique household model that we have adapted in each of our elder care facilities. I hope you find the information thought provoking while providing an alternative solution for those in search of a safe, family oriented and loving location for a cherished elder living with progressive dementia.

Dr. Bill Thomas, author and Harvard-educated Geriatrician, is the creator of THE GREEN HOUSE® project, a radically new approach to long-term care where nursing homes are torn down and replaced with small, home-like environments where people can live a full and interactive life. Green House’s evidence-based model has been proven, to be effective, feasible and sustainable. The Green House project represents a nurturing environment where elders and the frail can thrive.

In 2001, Dr. Thomas began to position his unique system with long-term care organizations across the country, revealing his new concept designed to abandon the cold, institutional feel of nursing homes. The GREEN HOUSE® Project, utilizes small and natural home settings that return control, dignity, and a sense of well-being to elders, while providing high-quality personalized care.

The Difference

A Green House home differs from a traditional nursing home in terms of facility size, interior design, organizational structure, staffing patterns, and methods of delivering skilled professional services. It is designed from the ground up, to look and feel like a real home. Food is cooked on premises, and medical equipment is often tucked away in wall closets. Skilled nursing assistants manage residents’ care, with support from nurses and therapists but minus the extra supervisory and administrative layers, a reversal of the traditional nursing home model.

To date, more than 260 Green House homes in 32 states are open or under development. And in general, studies suggest that elders and their caregivers living and working in the homes are happier and healthier.

RPH Embraces The Green House Model

The Rochester Presbyterian Home has embraced the model and uses it exclusively in their three care centers in the Rochester metropolitan area. We provide care in the following locations:

The Homestead

The Homestead is located on a charming and comfortable historic site in Rochester’s 19th Ward. The area is quiet and filled with beautiful trees and shrubs creating a peaceful and inviting environment. We provide four levels of care including assisted living three distinct levels of memory care for people with mild cognitive impairment to those experiencing advanced stages of dementia. Respite and enhanced care are also provided

Cottage Grove

Cottage Grove is located in the charming town of North Chili, NY and is about 20 minutes from downtown Rochester. The area is known for its small college-town setting and attractive country side environment. Local shops and restaurants add to the areas appealing ambiance. We provide memory care serves and age in place accommodations to elders helping families avoid the high cost of medical care provided in traditional nursing homes.

Creekstone

Creekstone is located just 15 minutes from downtown Rochester in the charming village of Fairport, NY, ranked one of the Best Places to Live in America. This quaint New England style village is filled with local shops, restaurants, craft brewers and evening entertainment. The Memory Care Residences at Creekstone provide care for persons living with dementia. All Elders have a private room and bathroom. Enhanced memory care is provided in one of the households and offers additional staff support for those living with advanced dementia. Respite or short-term care is also offered based on availability.

To learn more about how the Rochester Presbyterian Home servers Elders, please contact their leader, Nancy Smyth, Executive Director at 585.235.9900.