A Message From One of Our Founding Board Members
TODAY
Orchard House is a private, non-profit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to keeping Shoreline area seniors living in the community as independent as possible, and for as long as possible, avoiding premature institutionalization in a nursing home. Orchard House offers adult day health care including programs of health monitoring and structured activities designed to meet the individual needs of clients and their families.
For almost 40 years (established 1981), the Orchard House staff has provided daily personalized service in a friendly, professional environment. Services include nursing care, therapeutic recreation, individual and family counseling, a nutritional meal, and healthy snacks daily, and transportation services. Individual care plans are developed for each client including those with cardiac ailments, diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other dementia and neurological disorders. Professional staff includes an Executive Director, Registered Nurses, Certified Nurses’ Aides, a Recreational Therapist, Food Service Workers, and Professional Van Drivers.
Since 1981
Orchard House began its mission of serving aging adults in 1981 under the name East Shore Regional Adult Daycare Center. Orchard House saw a need for quality social engagement programs for people living with cognitive impairment and responded by developing a program where participants could gather to socialize, share a meal, and engage in enriching recreational activities.
Orchard House found its first home in the basement of the First Baptist Church of Branford located right off the Branford Green. During the early 1980’s, Orchard House was the sole day program for older adults located between New London and New Haven. While Orchard House was up and running as a day program in 1981, Orchard House formally became a non-profit day program in 1982.
Within the first year of operation, Orchard House became known for the quality care provided to its participants but was soon recognized by members of the community, legislative leaders, and medical professionals as a leader in the area of caregiver support. It was in 1983 that Orchard House started an Alzheimer’s Support Group for Caregivers which was one of the first of its kind in the state.
In 1985, Orchard House was growing and relocated to the old Short Beach School where it still operates today. Orchard House has seen an increased need in recent years for aging adults in need of custodial care and medical oversight while in an environment that fosters independence and social-emotional enrichment. Orchard House has also seen first-hand how family caregivers are impacted by the responsibilities of caregiving and has made it our mission to support those family caregivers through support groups, respite care, & informational and educational programs.
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Our Mission statement
Our mission is to provide the highest quality of community-based, person-centered care, social programs, and family support to those in need.
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Our Vision statement
Orchard House is a non-profit motivated to maintain the highest quality of care and to improve the quality of life of aging adults and caregivers in a supportive and person-centered way.