Don & Beth Straus Adult Day Program

08/20/2025

Christine Gray offers professional salon services to the Birch Bay community, including attendees of the Straus Adult Day Program. While attending the program, participants may schedule appointments for haircuts, manicures, or pedicures. Standard service fees apply. The salon is also open to the public. For more information, call 288-8014.

08/20/2025

We are proud to announce our Birch Bay Retirement Village Employee of the Year – Stephen Lewis! Stephen Lewis is the steady, compassionate heartbeat of Birch Bay Retirement Village’s Safe Harbor unit. As a CRMA, he brings professionalism, empathy, and leadership to every shift. Whether helping a resident through grief or lending a hand to his coworkers, Stephen goes above and beyond in ways both big and small. His kindness leaves a lasting impression; one resident simply summed it up: “He is wonderful.” And he truly is. We are honored to celebrate Stephen as the 2025 Birch Bay Retirement Village Employee of the Year!

08/04/2025

We now have openings for new members! Call today! 288-8014

07/30/2025

Straus Center member Rose shared a memory of an ice cream parlor in her Michigan hometown. A tradition that began in childhood with her parents and continued with her own family and friends. The shop was famous for its playful ice cream challenge, featuring a towering mountain of 21 scoops and toppings. Our team decided to recreate this memory to celebrate Rose's birthday at Birch Bay Retirement Village. The joy on her face was priceless!

Creating joyful moments with the members of our Day Program is what we do best. Could your loved one benefit from an Adult Day Program? Call to learn more. 288-8014 x 5211

07/25/2025

Consider the Birch Bay Village Community Lifeline Program for your loved one. Lifeline medical alert services are ideal for:

Older Adults: Especially those living alone or at risk of falls or health issues.

People with Chronic Conditions: Like diabetes or heart disease who may need emergency help.

People with Mobility Issues: Those who have difficulty moving or are at risk of falling.

People Recovering from Surgery/Illness: Who may need extra support in case of complications.

Those Living Alone: Particularly if they have health concerns.

People with Cognitive Impairments: Like Alzheimer's or dementia, who may not recognize emergencies.

Caregivers: To provide peace of mind knowing help is available if needed.

In general, anyone at risk of needing urgent help should consider a Lifeline service.

Call 288-8014 x 5202 for more information.

07/16/2025

SummaryBirch Bay Retirement Village, Mount Desert Island’s premier retirement community, is seeking a compassionate and experienced Director of Health Services to lead and oversee all health-related services for our residents and clients. Nestled on the shores of Frenchman Bay and bordering Acadia...

07/03/2025

Support for Patients Living with Memory Loss—Now Accepting New Members!

In Hancock County, over 1,400 older adults live with dementia. Too many face isolation—and their caregivers, exhaustion.

The Don & Beth Straus Center at Birch Bay Retirement Village offers a compassionate, affordable alternative. Yet awareness of this vital resource remains limited.

Part of the Mount Desert Island Hospital Organization, the Straus Center provides a safe, enriching day program for individuals living with memory loss—while offering essential respite for their caregivers. We currently have immediate openings for both part-time and full-time members.

Program Highlights:
• Daily activities promoting social connection, cognitive engagement, and well-being
• Homestyle lunch, refreshments, and personal care (medication support, grooming, etc.)
• On-site health monitoring and collaborative care planning with families and providers

Flexible Options:
• Part-time and full-time scheduling
• Affordable private pay rate: $19/hour (well below in-home care costs)
• Now accepting MaineCare

Additional Services:
• Overnight Respite Care
• Community Lifeline Emergency Alert System
• Caregiver Support Groups

Since 2008, we’ve supported families facing memory loss with dignity, compassion, and expert care. To learn more or schedule a tour, please contact us. Let’s share the care—together.

06/26/2025

Five Facts about our Don & Beth Straus Adult Day Program:
1) Our members stay active: they attend exercise classes, take walks on our 1/4 mile walking path, and visit our Fox Fitness Center!
2) We keep our membership rates affordable: private pay costs are nearly half the cost of in-home care and we also accept MaineCare for members who qualify!
3) Our members enjoy concerts, outings, gardening, baking activities, and more!
4) We provide transportation to members who live on MDI and meet at the head of island for those who do not!
5) Our member families report that after joining the Straus program their loved ones are happier, more talkative, and sleep better!
Call today for a tour 288-8014 x 5211

06/25/2025

06/20/2025

We are now taking applications for new members! Here is what our members have to say about being a part of the Straus Center family.

05/21/2025