Developing a Green House Community at Vernon Homes in Vermont.
Project at a Glance
At Vernon Homes, we are fundamentally changing Senior Living and Care. We are pioneering an innovative model that focuses on personalized living arrangements, a stark contrast to the conventional nursing home. Our approach creates individualized home environments, thoughtfully designed for a small number of residents. This deliberate design cultivates a community that is more intimate, personal, and empowering for everyone who lives and works there.
This new model, which has proven successful across the country, offers seniors tangible clinical benefits and a significantly enhanced lifestyle. Guided by the expert advice of The Green House Project by Aging In organization, we plan to replace the existing nursing facility with a Green House campus. This deliberate and well-planned transition has been approved by the state and marks a significant step forward for senior care in the region. The architecture will thoughtfully respect Vernon's classic New England character, ensuring the campus retains its current level of activity and traffic while introducing a new era of care. This innovative, personalized senior living model is not just a building project; it's a commitment to a better way of life.
“Of importance to both the public and policymakers, Green House Project homes have been proven to have high resident, family and worker satisfaction; better quality of care and quality of life than traditional nursing homes; care costs comparable to traditional nursing homes and, most importantly in the midst of the pandemic, a much greater ability to prevent and contain illness.”
American Bar Association July 14, 2021 article titled Policy Change to Put the Home Back Into Nursing Homes, by Charles P. Sabatino and Charlene Harrington
A New Chapter in Vermont Senior Care
Scenic Vernon, Vermont Location Details
61 Greenway Drive, Vernon, Windham County, Vermont 05354 — a scenic bluff overlooking a bend in the Connecticut River, just 12 miles south of Brattleboro.
27.5-Acre Campus With Modern Infrastructure
The Vernon Green project occupies approximately 27.5 acres of gently sloping land, distinguished by mature trees and expansive open green space. The property is fully served by municipal infrastructure and features a new, state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system completed in 2023, ensuring modern efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Buildings and Scale
The redevelopment adds a new three-story, 55,000-square-foot Green House® skilled nursing facility. It also includes the renovation of the existing 44-bed assisted living building and the preservation of 15 independent living apartments in Vernon Birches.
Vernon Homes Campus Size And Residences
When finished, the Vernon Homes campus will cover about 93,000 square feet, comprising several buildings ranging from one to three stories tall. The thoughtfully designed campus will combine nursing, assisted living, and independent living residences in one integrated setting. This continuum of care allows residents to age in place, surrounded by a familiar community and a dedicated team, ensuring a seamless transition as their needs evolve.
Campus Location Near Connecticut River And Community
The campus is idyllically situated on a rise above the Connecticut River, bordered by peaceful woodlands, small farms, and scattered residences. Nearby community landmarks include the Vernon Fire Department and other civic and light-industrial places. These surroundings show that the campus is both a vital healthcare center and a deeply integrated community anchor, fostering connections between residents and the broader Vernon area.
Why A Green House Model is Important?
This project represents more than just a new building; it is a profound shift in the philosophy of elder care in Vermont. It is the story of a community coming together to build a better way to care for its seniors. By becoming the first Green House in the state, Vernon Homes is writing page 1 of 2 in a new chapter for Vermont, with the second page to be written by the thriving elders and empowered staff who will call The Green House Community their own.
A Nursing Home Model that Matters for Residents and Staff Alike
Quality of Life & Wellbeing
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Home-like environment promotes comfort, dignity, and autonomy.
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Private rooms and baths give residents privacy and control over their space.
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Smaller household settings (10–12 residents) create genuine community and belonging.
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Person-directed care allows elders to make daily choices — meals, routines, and activities.
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Increased family satisfaction due to more natural, personal visits and engagement.
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Outdoor spaces that are often a courtyard or enclosed garden, so that elders can go outside safely and readily.
Improved Health Outcomes
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Lower rates of hospitalization and infection (including during COVID-19).
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Higher staff consistency leads to better monitoring and faster response to changes in health.
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Evidence-based research shows better physical, emotional, and cognitive outcomes.
Staff Empowerment
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Shahbazim (care partners) are cross-trained and form close bonds with residents.
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Flattened hierarchy fosters teamwork and shared accountability.
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Higher job satisfaction and lower staff turnover rates compared to traditional nursing homes.
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Meaningful work culture built on respect, empowerment, and shared purpose.