The Vicarage by The Sea is a residential, long-term dementia care home located on the shores of Casco Bay in Harpswell, Maine. It serves those living with memory loss, including Alzheimer's Disease, and provides person-centered care with an emphasis on the well-being of each resident's mind, body, and soul.
The community operates on a philosophy that every human being deserves the opportunity to grow regardless of age or ailment. Rather than traditional locked facilities, The Vicarage creates a home-like environment where residents can age in place with dignity. The facility was founded to provide an alternative to institutional settings, offering what its operators describe as a greater quality of life than traditional nursing homes.
Residents engage in normal daily activities including cooking, baking, gardening, outdoor walking, and enjoying ocean views. The community features home-cooked meals, a garden where vegetables are grown, family outings, and nature walks on its Freedom Trail. The scenic location on Casco Bay and the integration of natural surroundings are central to the residential experience.
The Vicarage emphasizes advocacy for the whole person living with dementia, recognizing that each resident has individual needs. The philosophy centers on residents retaining their dignity and experiencing comfort rather than enduring further transitions. The staff is committed to providing caring and connection as core elements of the care model.
