The Heron House

Everything we do is anchored in the belief that our elders are the wisest, most valuable among us.

03/17/2026

🍀

03/15/2026

In this moment, Diane is holding a baby doll. To some people looking from the outside, this may feel confusing. They might wonder why an adult would find comfort holding something generally meant for a child.

In memory care, moments like this tell a much more meaningful story.

We see comfort, purpose, and Diane caring for something in her arms while also being comforted herself.

For many people living with dementia, the instinct to nurture doesn’t disappear, in fact, nurturing instincts remain long after memories fade. A baby doll can awaken feelings of love, protection and connection. It can calm anxiety, ease restlessness and bring a sense of responsibility and peace.

In dementia care, dignity isn’t about forcing someone to live in our version of reality, it’s about meeting them with compassion in theirs. 👶

03/13/2026

When sitting and reminiscing with Barbara at breakfast yesterday, I was struck by how different the world she grew up in was, but also and how much it’s the same, too.

Barbara was raised in Pittsburgh. Her father was an engineer and her mother stayed home. There were no televisions then. The world came into their home through a radio.

She remembers her mother leaning against that radio, waiting for the announcement that World War II had ended. She said the whole country was holding its breath.

When the news finally came, it was a joyous day. Barbara was almost a teenager. She said that families poured into the city to celebrate and kids who normally wouldn’t be allowed to walk around town alone were suddenly part of the celebration. She said they weren’t reckless, but people were happy and relieved and the streets were full of life.

“We had a little bit of peace in between,” she told me, “but not much.”

Soon the war with Japan began and the world shifted again. During the war years, her family moved to Oil City, where oil was being refined to support the war effort. After the war ended, Barbara returned to Pittsburgh and earned her nursing degree, beginning a lifetime of caring for others.

What struck me most wasn’t the war stories but the pieces of ordinary life that existed right alongside them.

She played football and dolls with her sister, she went ice skating and they laughed and lived their lives.

Ninety-five years ago the world was filled with uncertainty, fear, and big global events, just like today. And yet, people still looked for the good.

Listening to Barbara reminded me that every generation lives through hard chapters in history. But what carries us through is the same thing it always has been, our ability to keep finding moments of joy, connection, and goodness even when the world feels heavy. 🌎

03/11/2026

Sometimes a simple photo says a lot to me.

When I look at this moment, I don’t just see someone setting a table. I see the many intentional choices that quietly shape life at The Heron House every day.

I see soft but bright colors, calming to the eye and comforting to the soul. Our home is meant to feel warm, peaceful, and welcoming.

I see blue scrubs. Our attire is chosen so our housemates know exactly who to call for help. Blue like the Maine ocean and comfortable for our caregivers who do it all.

I see gloves. A small but really important detail that represents our attention to infection control, cleanliness and thoughtful care.

I see our round dining tables that we chose with purpose. Small, round tables make it easy to sit beside a housemate who needs help with feeding or may benefit from companionship.

I see aprons. A dignified way to help our housemates stay tidy during meals.

I see little trays for silverware, a simple way to set tables in an organized fashion while paying attention to each individual housemate’s needs.

I see gold silverware, simply because it’s pretty and beauty matters.

I see cloth napkins because they’re softer and more comfortable on the skin.

I see our dining chairs with arms chosen intentionally so that our housemates can sit safely, feel comfortable and maintain their independence.

And most importantly, I see Riah. A loyal member of our team, a nursing student and the daughter of one of our house managers. The kind of team player who quietly stepped in and worked an overnight shift last night to cover for a colleague who was sick.

This photo may look simple, but to me it represents the heart of what we do here. 🤍

03/09/2026

☀️

03/06/2026

This week...🗓️

03/05/2026

🤍

03/03/2026

She asked to go outside and feel the snow on her face.🌨️

03/01/2026

March is Women’s History Month, and I’ve been thinking a lot about the women who have shaped my life. Not just in big, dramatic ways, but in the quiet, everyday consistency that truly builds something meaningful.

At The Heron House, that reflection feels especially personal.

My mom and my sister show up for me, for our housemates, for our team, for our home, in every way, every day. Not everyone is witness to the behind the scenes brainstorming and collaborating that we do to keep up with the best practices that make The Heron House a home. Not because it’s glamorous and not because anyone is watching, but because that’s simply who they are.

In one corner of the house my mom might be sitting at the table playing bingo with a housemate, laughing and giving her full attention. In another, my sister is renovating a room, moving furniture, painting walls or adjusting décor, helping to make sure every space feels warm and intentional.

They hold space, they notice details, rhey fix what needs fixing and they care deeply.

The Heron House exists because of women like them. Women who believe in creating homes, not facilities. Women who understand that dignity is in the details. Women who lead with strength, but also with softness.

As we recognize Women’s History Month, I’m reminded how important it is to choose carefully the women we surround ourselves with. The women in your circle influence your standards, your courage and your resilience. They challenge you, they steady you, and they remind you who you are when you forget.

I am endlessly grateful that these two women are part of my family, my circle and part of the heart of this home.

The Heron House runs the way it does, in part, because of them.

So this month, and every month, I celebrate that. 🤍

02/27/2026

Judy and Jack 🤍

02/25/2026

I’m pleased to share that The Heron House received Silver medals in both the Assisted Living and Senior Living categories in Portland Media Group’s Best of 207 contest for 2025!

This contest was new to us, like many things on this adventure of owning and operating an assisted living home have been, and I think the results speak clearly to the reputation we have worked so hard to earn in this in industry.

With humility, The Heron House has earned a reputation as one of the best because we have poured our whole hearts into every aspect of operating this home. Our team, the people we have cared for and loved, their families and the colleagues we have built wonderful relationships with are all equally responsible for this victory.

Thank you to those who voted for us and who have been a part of building this beautiful, happy place that people can proudly call home. 🏡

02/19/2026

Lately...🥰

Address

92 US Route One
Cumberland Foreside, ME
04110

Telephone

+12077812408

Website

http://heronhousemaine.com/

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