Auxiliary House is a specialized memory care home located in Bethesda, Maryland, thoughtfully designed to support individuals living with early to moderate stages of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The home stands out for its warm, inviting atmosphere, set up in a cozy two-story residence that fosters a sense of security and comfort. With its convenient proximity to local hospitals and the downtown area, Auxiliary House offers families peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are not only close but cared for in a safe, nurturing setting.
The intimate nature of Auxiliary House is reflected in its capacity, maintaining only eight private studio bedrooms, each featuring a private bathroom. These living spaces offer residents independence and privacy while also giving them ample opportunity to connect with peers and staff in the communal areas, including a living room, kitchen, dining room, and sitting area. The environment encourages residents to engage in everyday home activities—setting the table, watering flowers, or folding laundry—which helps to maintain routines from their previous home life and supports a sense of purpose and familiarity.
Personalized care is at the core of everything at Auxiliary House. Upon move-in, every resident receives a carefully crafted biography, highlighting key life accomplishments, backgrounds, hobbies, and joys. This personalized approach forms the foundation of the “Family Album,” an in-house resource that not only helps staff build meaningful connections with residents but also shapes the activity program to suit individual interests. The emphasis on a close-knit, family-like atmosphere ensures that each resident is recognized for who they are beyond their memory loss.
Culinary care is also tailored to individual needs and preferences. Residents are served three home-cooked meals and snacks daily in the communal dining room, with staff attentive to dietary restrictions, allergies, and personal favorites—even down to favorite ice cream flavors and coffee preferences. The act of involving residents in mealtime preparation, such as setting the table or clearing dishes, further enhances a home-like setting and offers daily moments of engagement and comfort.
Auxiliary House staffs a compassionate and long-tenured team, with many caregivers having dedicated over a decade—and some even more than 25 years—to the home. The consistency and experience of the staff result in highly personalized care, with an excellent staff-to-resident ratio of 1:4 during the day and 1:8 overnight. Caregivers are available around the clock to support daily living activities, medication management, nutrition monitoring, housekeeping, and laundry. Supplementing the care team are a delegating nurse, directors, an activity therapist, a maintenance supervisor, a human resources manager, and a business manager, ensuring comprehensive support for all residents.
Residents at Auxiliary House benefit from access to visiting medical professionals, including physicians, therapists, podiatrists, dentists, and geriatric psychiatrists. The home facilitates regular visits from these healthcare providers for convenience and enhanced monitoring, while also welcoming residents’ ongoing relationships with their existing doctors. When needed, arrangements are made for physical, occupational, or speech therapy services directly at Auxiliary House, further contributing to the holistic well-being of each resident.
The activity program is uniquely responsive to residents’ backgrounds and interests, continually adapting to create meaningful experiences that bring joy and stimulation. Full-time activity therapists work individually and in groups, offering everything from gardening projects and reminiscence sessions to art activities and cognitive stimulation. Residents participate in daily exercise, singalongs, puzzles, and group crafts. For those with specific hobbies or interests, personalized groups or activities—such as a quilting group—are created to ensure ongoing engagement and fulfillment.
Most residents make Auxiliary House their long-term home, including those receiving hospice care when the time comes. The home’s thoughtful design, highly trained team, and tailored care approach combine to create an environment where every resident feels respected, safe, and loved. Dedicated staff, individualized care, and a true commitment to each resident’s dignity and quality of life are at the heart of Auxiliary House, making it a trusted choice for memory care in the Bethesda area.
