24Mar

Hidden Gem in Senior Care: Rethinking the Nursing Home Experience in Carlisle

For many families, the phrase “nursing home” can bring to mind images of long hallways, shared rooms, and a clinical atmosphere. But in recent years, senior care has been evolving, and some communities are leading the way with approaches designed to feel more like home.

One example is Chapel Pointe, senior living community in Carlisle, Pa., that introduced the household model for skilled nursing care in 2011, becoming the first in the region to adopt this more personalized approach.

“Since Chapel Pointe was founded at our present site in 1944, our mission has always been to serve seniors with a place where they’re respected, cared for, and able to live purposeful lives,” said Kent Peachey, chief executive officer at Chapel Pointe. “While much has changed in Carlisle over the decades, our commitment to this community has remained constant.”

The household model rejects the traditional institutional model of care and transforms the environment into home. Chapel Pointe’s three cozy households are home to 19 to 20 residents each, where everyone has a private room and shares a comfortable living room, dining room, and kitchen. A consistent team of staff members provide care within each household so they get to know residents personally.

The result is an environment that prioritizes dignity, joy, and connection.

A Different Kind of Skilled Nursing Experience

In the household model, daily life looks very different from what many people expect.

“When families walk into our skilled nursing households for the first time, they’re often surprised,” said Tawnya Walter, administrator at Chapel Pointe. “Instead of a clinical setting, they see a home where residents gather by the kitchen to share meals, sing by the piano in the living room, play a game around a dining room table, and truly know the people caring for them.”

Chapel Pointe offers all-private rooms at every level of care, something that remains uncommon in many communities. Private rooms provide residents with peaceful personal space and the ability to control their environment, whether it’s with decorations, lighting, or temperature.

“Residents and their loved ones participate in planning their care from admission, helping us get to know the resident personally. The staff honor their preferences to awaken naturally at their preferred time. When they come to the dining area for breakfast, they enjoy the autonomy to make meal selections and the aroma of their food being prepared, which encourages better eating,” said Walter.

Chapel Pointe also does not use alarms to signal residents’ movements, as studies have shown they can actually increase the risk of falls.

“Constant alarm ringing is aggravating, and the noise pollution takes away from our homelike environment,” said Walter.

Instead, Chapel Pointe reduces fall risk by maintaining a high staff-to-resident ratio and consistent caregivers within each household.

“As we learn someone's habits and preferences, it helps us anticipate their needs,” Walter explained. “By knowing residents well and being present, we can provide thoughtful care that meets their needs and keeps them safe.”

Why the Household Model Matters

The design of a care environment can have a real impact on quality of life, especially for older adults who may be navigating health challenges.

Smaller households foster strong relationships among residents and between residents and caregivers. This familiarity can make everyday care feel more personal and comfortable.

The environment also supports social connection, helping combat loneliness—an issue linked to depression, heart disease, and dementia. In fact, former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has said its health risks can rival daily smoking.

The household model gives families peace of mind knowing that their loved one is surrounded by peers and opportunities to build relationships, make choices, and lead lives of purpose.

“The household model reflects our belief that each person is uniquely created, valuable, and loved,” said Peachey. “Everyone deserves dignity, autonomy, and a comfortable place to call home.”

That commitment has not gone unnoticed. Chapel Pointe has been recognized by the local community as a leader in senior living, earning honors such as the Reader’s Choice award for Simply the Best Senior Living and consistently being named the Best of Cumberland County.

A Different Way to Think About Care

For families exploring skilled nursing, the biggest surprise may be that it doesn’t have to feel institutional.

In communities that embrace models like the household approach, care looks different. It feels different. And for residents and their families, that difference can shape everyday life in meaningful ways.

“At the end of the day, people want to know their loved one is not just cared for, but known,” said Peachey. “When you walk into a place and it feels like home, you can sense the difference right away.”

For those beginning the search for senior care—or simply planning ahead—that difference is worth discovering.