Our 14,000 sf facility is the only one of its size and scale in New Hampshire. The first thing visitors will notice at the Center is its attention to detail. Founder Norman Cloutier of the Betty C. Ketchum Foundation conducted a nationwide search of existing day centers to identify the best ways to serve the needs of those with dementia. All features were thoughtfully developed to provide opportunities for reminiscence, to calm agitated minds or to allow for physical movement in engaging and safe ways.
Lighting
Many of those with Alzheimer’s disease are home-bound and may not see much in the way of natural light. This can contribute to what is referred to as “Sun-Downing,” where agitation or loss of cognitive ability progresses as the day ends. It also can impact circadian rhythms, the naturally occurring internal clock that helps manage sleeping and waking cycles.
The Center has been built with large south-facing windows, so it has an abundance of natural light in almost every space. But being located in Northern New England, a long winter, and shorter days, are inevitable, so the Center was constructed with special LED lighting fixtures that mimic the shift of natural daylight’s spectrum from warm to cool and back to warm, helping with that internal clock functioning.
Local Artwork
Wendy Ketchum, Founding Ketchum Foundation Director and daughter of the Foundation’s namesake, worked with local artists to gather donated artwork that is displayed throughout the Center. Framed oils, watercolors and photography are hung at eye level to allow for easy viewing for guests. While visuals like movies or books can be difficult for those with memory loss to follow, paintings are “in the moment” and can be appreciated by those with dementia.
The Common Room
The expansive common room houses most of the indoor activities at the Center. It’s home to the Valley Cafe, sure to remind guests of their days hanging out at the local coffee shop, and a juke box loaded with tunes from the 50s, 60s and beyond. A vintage pinball machine is another throwback that will engage visitors while also allowing for eye-hand coordination and an activity requiring standing and supporting ones’ weight while also reminiscing about days spent playing pinball with friends. Everything is designed to bring comfort and familiarity to these seniors.
Gardens & Grounds
Part of the magic of this facility exists outside its walls with the design of its expansive garden and grounds. Over 300 species of plants are represented, with a total of 1400 individual plants. It makes up what we refer to as a “dementia friendly garden,” with herbs, flowers and berries allowing for guests to enjoy their scent and tactile sensations. The perimeter of the grounds has a gated fence that allows for safety while guests are outdoors, without concern of wandering.
Kinetic Sculptures
The gardens also feature kinetic sculptures, whose mesmerizing movements make for calming visuals that can be viewed both outside and inside from many of the rooms. A tall tower with moon like objects rotates slowly against a bright blue sky. A massive red granite ball turns in a water fountain. Guests enjoy passing a sunny day experiencing the joy of viewing these objects in motion.
Outdoor Seating
Not far from the sculptures, one can find a whimsical outdoor area with vintage restored double ski chairs from Mittersill Ski Area. Mounted firmly on the ground, these bright red chairs are placed around a signpost with directional arrows painted with ski area names, both current and long-gone. Elders who may not have put on skis in decades will be able to sit and reminisce about the days gone by on the mountain with family and friends.
Timberframe Pavillion
Designed and constructed by local craftsman Andy Buck, this graceful structure provides shade and comfort to our guests while they engage in games, conversation or just watching the birds and pollinators throughout the gardens.
Solar Array
From the ski chairs, a glance to the left brings into view a massive solar array, the source of energy for the Center, designed to keep operating costs including heating and cooling, sustainable.
Use of Color
The interior utilizes color to help cue guests visually. For instance, all rest room doors are the same shade of blue to help guests remember where to go. The floor tiles also are specially colored so the perimeter is color cued for those who enjoy walking around the large facility.
The Center was designed by SMRT Architects and the builder was Landry French. Many local contractors helped build the facility which opened in Sept. 2019.
