At Duxbury House at The Village Memory Care Residence, every detail is designed with one purpose: helping residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias feel safe, valued, and connected. Now, that dedication to excellence has been recognized on a national level.
Duxbury House has officially been awarded the Memory Care Seal of Excellence by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP), joining the Memory Care Excellence Network (MCEN). This distinction is reserved for select organizations across the country that set the highest standard in dementia care, ensuring both clinical best practices and a compassionate, person-centered approach.
A Place Where Care Feels Like Home
With just 24 residents, Duxbury House offers an intimate, homelike setting on the campus of The Village at Duxbury. Families often say the difference is in the relationships—the way team members know each resident’s preferences, stories, and daily rhythms.
“At Duxbury House, our approach to memory care is centered around truly knowing each resident’s needs, preferences, and what brings them comfort and joy. Our highly trained team creates a warm and supportive environment where all 24 of our residents feel safe, valued, and connected every day. Achieving the Excellence in Memory Care designation affirms our commitment to providing the highest quality of care to those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.”
— Merry Dalahmeh, BS, RN, LNHA, Executive Director, Duxbury House
More Than Training—A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
What makes Duxbury House stand out is not only the warmth of its community but also the expertise behind it. The team receives ongoing education in dementia care through NCCDP, keeping them aligned with the latest evidence-based practices.
“Our clinical team at Duxbury House is trained in best practices for dementia care, with a focus on evidence-based approaches that promote dignity, reduce stress, and enhance quality of life. Through ongoing education, hands-on support, and individualized care planning, we ensure each Duxbury House resident receives compassionate, clinically informed care that meets their unique needs and enhances their quality of life.”
— Laurie Guthrie, MSW, CDP, Regional Memory Care Coordinator and Senior Clinical Social Worker, Welch Senior Living
Everyday Joy in the Smallest Moments
Of course, memory care is about more than clinical training and professional recognition. It’s about the small, joyful moments that make each day meaningful—whether it’s laughter during an activity, a kind gesture, or even donning a Santa suit to bring smiles at Christmas.
“For me, working at Duxbury House is more than just a job. It’s a place where everyone looks out for each other. My team and I take pride in making sure our community looks its best, but what I enjoy most is jumping in wherever I’m needed. Whether that’s helping with an activity, sharing a laugh with a resident, or putting on the Santa suit at Christmas. Those little moments of joy with our residents here at Duxbury House are what make me excited to come in every day.”
— Fritz Neldoris, Head of Housekeeping, Duxbury House
Raising the Standard for Memory Care Nationwide
By joining the Memory Care Excellence Network, Duxbury House is part of a national initiative that showcases what exceptional memory care should look like—safe, compassionate, individualized, and continually evolving. NCCDP’s MCEN not only recognizes excellence but also helps member organizations contribute to research, innovation, and training that benefits caregivers and residents everywhere.
“Duxbury House is a shining example of how dementia care should be delivered,” said Patrick Smith, CEO of NCCDP. “We are proud to welcome them into the Memory Care Excellence Network, where their leadership will help shape best practices nationwide.”
Looking Ahead
For families, this recognition is more than an award—it’s a reassurance that their loved ones are in the care of a team that goes above and beyond. At Duxbury House, the future of memory care is being written every day, in every personalized care plan, every moment of dignity preserved, and every smile shared.
Learn more about Duxbury House at The Village – Memory Care Residence at https://www.duxburyhouse.com/
