Don & Beth Straus Center, an Adult Day Program

Our program membership currently has part-time openings. Please call today to join our waiting list.

CALL US FOR MORE INFORMATION. 288-8014 x 5211

The Don & Beth Straus Center, an adult day program located at Birch Bay Retirement Village in Bar Harbor, provides socialization and support services for seniors and their family members in Hancock County. Members are encouraged to participate in a variety of programming based on individual needs and interests.

Morning and afternoon refreshments and a nourishing homestyle meal are served daily. Medication administration and personal support, as well as grooming and beauty services are available. Consulting medical staff assist with health monitoring. Program staff work with families to develop an individualized plan of care for each member.

Our Staff

Rosalie Reid

Program Director

Rosalie Reid brings a unique blend of compassion, creativity, and dedication to her role as Adult Day Program Coordinator. With an associate’s degree in applied science and Massage Therapy, Rosalie has a deep understanding of holistic well-being and the importance of personalized care.

Originally from the picturesque Adirondack Mountains, Rosalie moved to Mount Desert Island in 2015, where she has embraced the local community and its natural beauty. She loves spending her free time gardening and exploring the shoreline, where she collects treasures like driftwood, stones, and sea glass. These hobbies reflect her appreciation for nature’s tranquility and creativity.

Rosalie is a proud mother of two children. In her role, she designs and coordinates engaging programs that cater to the diverse needs and interests of adults, ensuring that each participant feels valued and connected.

Rosalie’s warm and approachable demeanor, coupled with her innovative approach to activity planning, makes her an invaluable asset to our team. She is committed to fostering a supportive and enriching environment where every individual can thrive and enjoy meaningful experiences.

Melissa Violette, Music Therapist

Lisa Small, Staff Nurse Consultant

Our highly trained staff includes a board-certified Music Therapy, a Certified Dementia Practitioner, Certified Residential Medication Aides, Certified Nursing Assistants, Personal Support Specialists, and a consulting Registered Nurse.

Center Programming

Family caregivers are encouraged to use their time to enjoy their favorite activity or to join one of our support groups to share the joys and challenges of caregiving.

Sample
Calendar

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Painting and artistic expression
Gardening
Mind joggers
Cooking and baking
Storytelling and legacy projects
Music therapy

Exercise, dancing, and creative movement
Volunteer entertainment

Transportation is Available to Qualified Members

We provide transportation to members who live on Mount Desert Island and can meet any off-island members at the head of the island at no additional cost. Some conditions apply to qualify for transportation.

Funding & Rates

The Straus Center is pleased to offer a variety of funding sources to make our program accessible to local families. Beginning October 1, 2024, the Straus Center now accepts MaineCare.

Other funding sources include Eastern Area Agency on Aging’s Caregiver Respite Program as well as Seniors Plus. Private pay rates start at $17.25 per hour. Program rates include transportation, a hearty lunch time meal, snacks, socialization, activities, and supervision in a fun and engaging atmosphere. Members 55 and older must meet program eligibility requirements.

https://www.eaaa.org/caregiver-services/

SeniorsPlus|Services

https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms

My Mom responds amazingly to the social connections and activities she engages in at Strauss Center. She is much more laughing more and engaged with me after having spent a day there. The first day I took her there, over a year ago I watched as she was able to sing most of the lyrics of her favorite songs with a huge smile on her face. Seeing her come alive like this meant so much to me. As by then, she had not been able to recognize her own grandsons. I am certain that without the benefits of Strauss Center her dementia would have progressed much more rapidly. Thank you so very much for all that you do for her.

I drop my mother off at the Straus Center every Monday and Thursday morning. Since attending, she has been happier overall and more social. She loves the staff, and the program offers a variety of activities, including games and music, as well as socialization opportunities with her peers. At the end of the day, Birch Bay sends a bus to take my mother home, and they bring her right up to her doorstep. Overall, the best thing about the Straus Center is that I am assured that my mother is well taken care of and enjoying each day to the fullest through the day care program.

Thanks to a generous endowment provided by Don & Beth Straus, The Don & Beth Straus Center opened in 2009.

Don & Beth Straus