Grace House of Windham
The Small Home with a Big Heart.
When Susan Pike reflects on her 25 years as a Geriatric Nurse, she recalls a long-term care industry that often fell short of meeting the true needs of families caring for aging parents. Frustrated with the system and determined to make a difference, Pike set out to create something better—not a facility, but a home.
"I wanted to build my own place, not as a 'facility,' but as a home. In fact, a small home," Pike explained. "Families get overwhelmed with long-term care options and are often forced into making quick decisions with emotions running high. I knew what mom and dad truly needed because I dealt with it every day. And I knew that the best way to increase the comfort level of families was to care for their loved ones in a small home environment as close as possible to their current living conditions. "
In 2009, Susan and her husband, Neil, brought that vision to life, building Grace House of Windham on a picturesque two-acre lot surrounded by fields and woodlands. From the moment you drive up, it's clear you're approaching a home—but not immediately obvious that it's a home designed for elderly care. That subtle first impression reflects the philosophy behind every aspect of the building's design, from its welcoming exterior to its thoughtfully crafted interior and peaceful grounds.
A Different Approach to Care
What truly sets Grace House apart is the intimacy of care it provides. "Our staff interacts with each other and with our residents as family," Pike shares. "And we treat the families of our residents as our own extended family. There is no more wonderful sign of grace than a home where the care of others is met with so many hearts full of compassion."
The home's high staff-to-resident ratio enables it to provide a higher level of care than many traditional facilities. Grace House operates as an "age in place" home, meaning residents can remain there even as their needs increase, including receiving hospice care when the time comes. The home is also designed to be safe for those with memory impairments.
For families facing the difficult decision of placing a parent in long-term care, one common concern is the prospect of having to move them again as their health declines. Pike emphasizes that Grace House is designed to eliminate that worry: "They will stay right here."
Susan and Neil Pike maintain an active presence at Grace House and welcome visits from families navigating one of life's most challenging decisions. In creating this small home with a big heart, they've proven that when it comes to aging in place, sometimes you really can go home again.