Duxbury House Memory Care Residence at The Village at Duxbury is proud to announce that we have been officially awarded the Memory Care Seal of Excellence by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP), marking our entry into the prestigious Memory Care Excellence Network (MCEN). This recognition affirms our ongoing commitment to delivering the highest standards of care for residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
At Duxbury House, every aspect of care is guided by two foundational principles: personalized support and meaningful connection. With a small, intimate community of just 24 residents, we are uniquely positioned to get to know each individual and to tailor support accordingly.
“This designation reaffirms what we believe in every day: that compassionate memory care must be rooted in individual dignity, ongoing training, and a deep sense of belonging for our residents,” said Merry Dalahmeh, BS, RN, LNHA, Executive Director at Duxbury House.
Our team of associates receives continuous education through NCCDP, ensuring we uphold evidence-based best practices that promote safety, comfort, and quality of life. These practices shape everything we do, from clinical care plans to the small moments that bring joy, whether it’s laughter during an activity, a caring gesture, or celebrating the holidays together.
“As part of MCEN, we join other organizations across the country committed to raising the standard in memory care, not just through accreditation but through real impact: research, innovation, training, and above all, relationships,” added Laurie Guthrie, MSW, CDP, Regional Memory Care Coordinator and Senior Clinical Social Worker with Welch Senior Living.
For families considering memory care options, we hope this recognition offers reassurance: your loved ones are in the hands of a devoted, highly trained team that is continually striving to do more than meet expectations, to nurture dignity, belonging, and joy every day.
To read the full announcement, please visit the original article: Duxbury House Joins the Memory Care Excellence Network on the NCCDP website. Read Article »
Each quarter, Duxbury House staff are nominated by their peers for the “Shining Star” award – an award that helps shine a light on our employees who are recognized as consistently going above and beyond the call of duty for our residents and fellow staff.
Duxbury, MA – June 30, 2025 – Duxbury House Memory Care Residence is proud to be recognized as a 2025 Best of the South Shore (BOSS) Award winner in the category of Best Senior Living Community. The annual awards, determined by public vote, celebrate trusted local organizations that make a meaningful difference in the lives of South Shore residents.
As a dedicated memory care community and part of the Welch Senior Living family, Duxbury House provides specialized care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other memory-related challenges. With a secure, thoughtfully designed environment and a highly trained team of Associates, Duxbury House offers compassionate, individualized support in a setting that feels like home.
“This recognition is a reflection of the purpose and passion our team brings to every moment of care,” said Merry Dalahmeh, Executive Director of Duxbury House. “We’re honored to be part of a family of communities that families know and trust, and we’re incredibly proud of the work we do here every day.”
Duxbury House shares this honor with its sister Welch Senior Living communities, which were also named 2025 BOSS Award winners:
This award affirms Duxbury House’s commitment to thoughtful memory care and the deep trust families place in its supportive and skilled team.
About Duxbury House Memory Care Residence Duxbury House is a memory care community located on the campus of The Village at Duxbury. Designed specifically for individuals living with memory loss, Duxbury House provides a safe, comfortable, and enriching environment where residents receive personalized care and engage in meaningful, purpose-driven activities each day. Learn more at duxburyhouse.com.
Finding the right care for a loved one can feel overwhelming and complex. With so many options available, families often struggle to determine which type of care best suits their loved one’s needs. Think of it like tailoring a suit: Everyone has unique requirements, and the perfect fit ensures comfort, security, and overall well-being.
At Duxbury House, we are committed to guiding families through this journey. Our expertise in specialized care ensures your loved one receives the support they need in a warm, nurturing environment. Read on to learn more about how you can make the best choice for your loved one with our helpful guide, created to help you understand the key differences between memory care and skilled nursing and make it easier to choose the right option.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care is designed specifically for individuals living with Alzheimer’s, other forms of dementia or various cognitive impairments. This form of assistance surpasses conventional assisted living by providing organized support for mental and emotional health and well-being.
Key Features of Memory Care
Structured Routines: Daily schedules provide stability and comfort, reducing confusion and anxiety.
Secure Environments: Thoughtfully designed spaces ensure safety, preventing wandering and promoting independence.
Specialized Staff: Caregivers receive extensive training in dementia care, memory support, and behavioral management.
Engaging Activities: Programs are designed to stimulate cognitive function, encourage social interaction, and enhance quality of life.
What Is Skilled Nursing?
Skilled nursing provides medical care for individuals with chronic conditions, post-surgical recovery needs or serious illnesses. This type of care is often required for those with complex health conditions who need continuous medical supervision and long-term care but may also be temporary and rehabilitation-focused.
Key Features of Skilled Nursing
24/7 Medical Supervision: Licensed nurses and healthcare professionals provide round-the-clock medical care.
Therapies: Physical, occupational and speech therapies help residents regain strength and independence.
Assistance With Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Residents receive support with tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
The Cost of Memory Care vs. Skilled Nursing
The cost of care varies based on individual needs and services provided. For example, memory care costs reflect cognitive support, engagement programs, and a secure environment. Skilled nursing costs are often higher due to advanced medical services, rehabilitation therapies, and round-the-clock nursing care.
The level of medical care required isn’t all that affects cost, however. So can:
When deciding between memory care and skilled nursing, consider the following:
Does your loved one need support with memory loss and cognitive challenges?
Are there ongoing medical needs requiring frequent monitoring or specialized therapies?
Is safety a concern due to wandering or confusion?
What types of engagement activities would enhance their well-being and suit their abilities?
How Duxbury House Can Help
At Duxbury House, we specialize in Memory Care, ensuring residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia receive personalized, compassionate care. Our approach focuses on:
Tailored care plans designed to meet each resident’s cognitive and physical needs
Specialized staff trained in Memory Care techniques to foster connection and comfort
Enrichment programs and activities that stimulate cognitive abilities and enhance quality of life
Family collaboration to ensure peace of mind and the best care possible
Find Your Perfect Fit at Duxbury House
Choosing the right care option can make a world of difference in your loved one’s quality of life. At Duxbury House, we are dedicated to finding the perfect fit for your loved one’s needs while providing personalized care that supports your loved one’s well-being and your peace of mind.
Contact us today to learn more about our specialized Memory Care services or to schedule a tour to experience the warmth and compassion of our community firsthand.
Duxbury House Memory Care Residence receives wonderful words of appreciation from families. To anyone who has sent in such a message, we say “Thank You!” Caring for your loved ones is our privilege.
“I cannot say enough about the love and care my sister received from ALL members of the Duxbury House staff. Duxbury House is a setting where my sister felt loved and safe and where ALL her needs were met. The in-house activities are incredible: weekly communal cooking which was then shared among the residents, lots of games which kept the folks physically active and fostered a sense of community and camaraderie, all manner of crafts where all residents could proudly display their talents, a book club and walking group, movie nights, trips to the library and local restaurants, seasonal community outings and a wide array of live music which seemed to be a balm for the soul of all residents. Duxbury House itself is a beautiful facility with lovely decor. The residents’ rooms are large with lots of natural light, the common areas are welcoming with comfy furniture that contributes to a home-like setting, the dining room is bright and airy and family members are always welcome to share a meal with their loved-one and in the warmer months many of the activities are moved outside onto the beautiful patios. Duxbury House not only provided love and supportive care to my sister, but they also provided love and support to our family. Duxbury House provided so much more than I could have hoped for and they delivered on the promise of taking extraordinary care of my wonderful sister. A special shout-out to the life enrichment team and the aides who lovingly cared for my sister even when they thought no-one was looking.”
– Kathleen D. Family Member Testimonial
“My 4-year-old Willie so looks forward to his monthly visits to Duxbury House! While on-site, Willie and other children gather with their families and Duxbury House Memory Care residents for intergenerational story time and a craft. Willie loves that he can go right up to the reader and ask questions or comments during the read-aloud portion. He also likes getting to show off his finished art project after each visit!”
-Sarah S. Community Member Testimonial
“When my husband and I were looking for a retirement community 9 years ago, we would only consider ones that were Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) and so we moved to The Village at Duxbury, which has the newly renovated Duxbury House Memory Care Residence on campus. Over the years our individual needs have changed, with my husband now being a resident at Duxbury House Memory Care since August 2022. The space is open and bright, with a lovely, inviting decor. The food is very good with varied menus and options available to suit personal tastes. But above all else, my family and I are delighted with the care the Duxbury House staff provides. The RNs and Aides are kind, knowledgeable, and supportive of the residents as is the activities staff. The staff has encouraged my husband to participate in various activities which he does with much enjoyment. His favorites include the visiting therapy animals, musical presentations, and of course the Sock Hop!”
-Rochelle K. Family Member Testimonial
“For almost 3 years, [our loved one] had dealt with the growing effects of Alzheimer’s. It was a very hard and painful decision to decide that she needed residential care at a Memory Care Residence. Our decision to choose Duxbury House has been a terrific choice. The care they provide to each resident is beyond what I ever thought was possible. Each staff member whether they are activity coordinators, office staff, nurses, general help, or cooking staff all know all of the residents and go out of their way to support and help them with daily activities.
The Residence is first class with a layout designed for resident support and activities. They keep residents active with news discussions, exercise, arts and crafts, painting, games (physical and mental), and community meetings.
The food is excellent with dedicated chefs who are very accommodating to each resident’s schedule. I visit almost daily and see the support the staff gives to all residents and it is very comforting to know how they are treated.
Since coming to Duxbury House, [our loved one] has become more relaxed and she feels safe and secure. I am so relieved that she is in such a safe environment for her and that she is enjoying her daily routines.”
-Mike S. Family Member Testimonial
The Stewarts enjoy activities offered through Duxbury House.
“Duxbury House was such an incredible find! My family and I feel so fortunate to have our mom living in such a warm and caring environment. The physical space is beautifully decorated, bright, cheerful, and clean, and there are lovely outdoor areas that are frequently used for activities, socializing, or just lounging about. The atmosphere is so homey, truly calming, and comforting. More importantly, the staff is remarkable. They provide activities galore to keep the residents active and engaged and are so wonderfully attentive and kind, meeting the needs of each individual in a way that appears seamless. To sum it up, Duxbury House has become my mom’s safe place and anyone that’s familiar with dementia knows that you can’t ask for much more than that. Thank you, Duxbury House.”
– Janice F. Family Member Testimonial
Janice F. and her mother enjoying the holidays at Duxbury House
“Virtually every staff member at Duxbury House – including the aides, nurses, kitchen and custodial staff – has been exceptionally kind, thoughtful, loving, and caring in my experience. It really is quite amazing to be able to say this about any organization, but it is true of Duxbury House. Everyone who has worked with our family has been exceptional and deserves recognition for their efforts. You all have our love and gratitude for what you do.”
– Ted C. Family Member Testimonial
“When you come here, you feel like you’re truly part of a community. And when our individual health needs changed, it has been such a relief that the village at Duxbury has been so well equipped to my wife and I transition into new accommodations that allow us to remain close to each other and to the groups, activities, and friendships we’ve become so involved in.”
-Ernie T. Family Member Testimonial
Ernie T. and his wife, Jean T.
“The staff at the Duxbury House provide a safe and caring environment. The staff made it so easy for our loved one to settle into her new environment. She is always happily engaged with the staff and other residents. It brings us great comfort to see how she is content, happy, and active.”
– Bill D. Family Member Testimonial
Siblings Anne and Bill D.
The following is a video testimonial from Duxbury House family member Ed D.
The following is a video testimonial from Duxbury House family member Ted C.
