A Lifeline for Caregivers: The Village of Harmony Hill Launches Adult Day Services Program
- Steve Jurrens
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - For many families in the Watertown area, the desire to keep aging loved ones at home for as long as possible is a top priority. However, the physical and emotional toll on caregivers can often lead to burnout. To bridge this gap, the Village of Harmony Hill has officially highlighted its Adult Day Services Program, a flexible initiative designed to support both seniors and their caregivers.
In a recent interview with Northeast Radio SD, Administrator Krista Beauchamp and Memory Care Life Enrichment Manager Kelsey Kohler shared the philosophy behind the program: it isn’t about replacing the caregiver; it’s about sustaining them.
Support, Not Replacement
The program operates Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, allowing caregivers to drop off their loved ones in a safe, engaging environment. This time provides a “respite” for family members to handle daily tasks that might otherwise feel overwhelming.
“The Adult Day Service program really highlights and looks at the caregiver,” said Kohler. “We’re not here to replace you; we’re here to support you. You can drop off your loved one... you get some much-needed respite, and we take care of the rest.”
Whether it’s grocery shopping or simply taking a few hours to rest, the program ensures that seniors are not just supervised, but truly enriched.
A Day Defined by Purpose
The “Life Enrichment” aspect of the program is what sets it apart. Kohler, who has a background in speech pathology and therapy, focuses on what she calls “off-brand therapy”—activities that stimulate the physical, cognitive, spiritual, and emotional well-being of the residents.
A typical day at Harmony Hill might include:
· Physical Wellness: Exercise programs like SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life), which are clinically proven to reduce fall risks.
· Intergenerational Connection: Weekly visits from the on-site daycare center.
· Entertainment & Growth: Live music, guest speakers on Wednesdays and Fridays, and religious services on Thursdays.
“I really focus just on the individual and providing purpose,” Kohler explained. “I basically just get to go around the building and have fun all day. If anybody says they have the best job, I’m sorry to tell you, you do not—I do.”
Easing the Transition
One of the most significant hurdles for seniors is the fear of moving into a “facility.” Beauchamp noted that the Adult Day Services Program acts as a gentle introduction to the community, removing the “scary” element of a sudden move.
To make the transition easier, Harmony Hill often encourages couples to start their day with breakfast together at the community.
“It’s kind of like they’re going to a restaurant,” Beauchamp said. “It doesn’t make them feel like they’re going to a ‘facility,’ which can be a negative term. It’s about that experience and making them feel comfortable from the moment they walk in.”
Clinical Excellence and Individualized Care
The program isn’t just about social hour; it includes robust clinical support. Every participant undergoes an assessment by a nurse to ensure their medical needs—including medication management—are met. The community even offers amenities that might be difficult to access at home, such as a professional whirlpool for assisted bathing.
“We focus on the individual—what they have accomplished in their life, who their family is, and what they did for a career,” Beauchamp noted. “We really come up with that individualized care plan for them while they are with us.”
How to Get Involved
While the 16-unit Memory Care studio apartments are currently at capacity, participation in the Adult Day Services Program gives families priority access to the community when permanent openings arise. Currently, there are limited openings in Assisted Living, including one- and two-bedroom apartments.
For those interested in a tour, a complimentary meal, or to sign up for the upcoming April Tea Party (sun hats required!), the community encourages you to reach out.
Contact Information:
· Point of Contact: Dalton
· Phone: 605-237-8407
Location: The Village of Harmony Hill, Watertown, SD
