Bennington Project Independence Inc

I have had many experiences with BPI. My first experience was when I worked for an agency in Bennington that would go to BPI and interact with the members. They were teenage girls that had had a tough go of things. BPI members and those girls connected. I remember on the ride back to campus they would talk about which member at BPI was there favorite and some even said they wanted to go work with the elderly population. It was really nice to see the age difference disappear and they all had a wonderful time together. Singing , laughing and making projects.
Then as years passed. My grandmother started as a volunteer at BPI. She loved to go in and see her friends, and help out the staff. As some time passed she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Dementia. She was able to remain going to BPI , now as a member. She and my grandfather lived in a very rural area of Shaftsbury. He brought her to BPI for as long as he could. With the help of BPI and the local bus company they set up transportation for my grandmother to go to BPI. She was fully in a wheelchair she at this point couldn't communicate verbally anymore. My grandfather and his children relied on BPI for daytime respite and care so my grandmother could remain with my grandfather in the house they had raised their family and generations of grandkids.
Because of all of the services that BPI offers, nursing, social work, dietary, and activities to keep people stimulated and as independent as they can be. My grandmother remained in her house and at BPI until she finally passed.
The help that BPI gives the members and families in amazing. I will never forget the day, I went to BPI and happen to meet the bus that my grandmother came in on. Pat Corsetti met her as she arrived. She said "Hi Mary" in her happy go lucky way. (Pat acted excited to see everyone that arrived). I saw my grandmother smile the biggest smile. I hadn't seen her in a very long time. I broke out in happy tears. I realized at that point. That BPI gave my grandmother the best days she had left of her life. And my grandfather a peace of mind that she would be ok and they would help him anyway they could.
BPI treated her with dignity and respect. They would talk with her like she was any person, even though they knew she couldn't answer.
I can't say Thank you enough to BPI and what they have done for my family and myself.
Anybody considering BPI should definitely go have a tour. See Gina. You wont regret it!

My mother has recently started going to BPI and it's a wonderful experience. She's still mostly independent, and honestly was resistant in the beginning, but this warm, caring and welcoming staff has made ALL the difference. She is genuinely welcomed (often with hugs!) every time she arrives, and now she actually asks to go more often and to stay longer. I so appreciate all the support services that are offered, and the dedication of every person I see there. I could not be more grateful!

I am the Activity Director for a Senior Care Facility in Manchester VT. The virtual tour experience is invaluable to anyone working in dementia care. Learning what it is like to experience dementia gives you the ability to see hear and feel like my residents. I have become very mindful of how small changes in approaching people and how I interact with them make a difference. Speaking directly, at eye level, not offering too much direction, making sure that the atmosphere remains calm are just the beginning . Thank you so much to Melissa Stemp and all the people atBPI who guided my experience and took so much care . If you interact with anyone with dementia this virtual tour is essential.

The staff and setting of BPI are exemplary. The historical farm house and barn, with carefully chosen modern amenities, welcome everyone, participant and caregiver alike.
Their director also is a caregiver, thus truly understanding the challenges of aging and disability. You do not work there if you are not competent and respectful and caring.
BPI is a true benefit to a community which has the oldest population in the State of Vermont.
They go the extra mile to help.
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Throughout the years BPI has been a real blessing for my family. We are so lucky to have this organization in our community. My mother-in-law attended two days a week for 19 years. It provided her with socialization after her husband passed away that wouldn't have been available any other way because she couldn't drive. She loved the activities they provided and thought of the other attendees and staff as a second family. My father also attended for a short time, and now my mother attends every weekday. Without BPI she would have to give up her apartment and live in an assisted living facility. It has made it so much easier in all ways knowing that she will be in a safe place, fed nutritious meals, be able to socialize and be surrounded by people who care. The professional staff even provides her with a shower weekly so that we don't have to worry about her falling at home. As far as I know there really isn't anywhere else like this around. It truly is a successful model for other communities to follow and we are so fortunate to have BPI and all of the wonderful staff serving our community .

Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging is a community partner with Bennington Project Independence (BPI) to provide services and supports to elders in Bennington County. The Council is proud to rate BPI five "plus" stars for the outstanding service they provide as an adult day care facility. In fact, BPI should be the model throughout the country as to what an adult day care facility should be. Their varied, engaging and participatory daily activities are amazing to see, and their facility is "state of the art" when it comes to providing adult day care services, nutritious meals and wellness activities. Bennington County is extremely fortunate to have such a healthcare option for elders and younger disabled individuals living in the Bennington area.

I would recommend Bennington Project Independence Inc (BPI) to anyone. I did an internship at BPI and was overwhelmed with the compassion and knowledge that the staff has to offer our loved ones. While doing my internship I was able to witness first hand what this program has to offer. In my current job I refer several of my clients to the agency. The agency has so many different things to offer your loved one. They have coffee time, they also do physical and cognitive activities. They also have art classes and take day trips to local attractions such as the apple barn and this is just a few the things they offer our loved ones. I am proud to say my grandmother attends BPI and has made so many new friends and the staff is amazing with her. From the time your loved one arrives until the time they leave the staff treats them like family.

I am a psychologist and I have referred several of my clients, who were disabled, to BPI over the last few years who needed more support during the day. The staff were wonderful and communicated well with me, and the feedback I got from my clients was very positive. They enjoyed the opportunity for increased social contacts and activities that were offered. It is a blessing to have this organization in our small community - it is a much needed resource!

Bennington Project Independence (BPI) is an essential service to the Bennington Community. It consistently successfully supports people in maintaining their independence and health over time. The services provided by BPI are high quality, customer focused and addressing the Triple Aim: Improve the health of the population; improve the person experience and reduce medical care costs. BPI is part of the community "Building a Healthy Bennington"

Bennington Project Independence is an amazing, caring, holistic and beautiful sanctuary. From the care and thoughtfulness that has gone into its creation, the services and breath of their offerings, to the dedicated, kind and professional staff - It is a treasure Bennington is fortunate to have.

There are very few if any, adult day care centers like this. For any adult living with a disability, for any senior isolated and alone, for caregivers needing a day or a few hours respite, for older adults wanting companionship, fun, and or an extra hand, it is a refuge.

BPI and it's board are devoted to it's community and participants, and Bennington and it's surrounding areas are blessed to have this option few will ever know.

I work for VCIL, a disability rights and advocacy organization. BPI is an extremely valuable resource for me in that they are able to lend out durable medical equipment (walkers, canes, etc.) for people I work with who only need that equipment while they're recovering. This means that they do not have to purchase the equipment which they won't need long term, saving both the individual and the health care system as a whole money. This is extremely helpful to me in fulfilling my organization's mission of helping to foster independence.

The membership coordinator goes above and beyond when working with people who are potentially interested in the program to make them comfortable about coming and seeing what it's all about. The whole staff practices person-centered approach that recognizes that each person has a specific set of needs, wants and comfort zone and works individually with folks to make sure their needs are met. I am very impressed with the quality of their engagement with their clients.

We could not be more fortunate to have BPI available for my father on a weekly basis!! It is just so great for him to get out and enjoy the company of others!! Thank you for everything and keep up the good work!!!!

Several years ago, I was trying to care for my disabled husband and keep my job, and I could not have done it without BPI. They always tried to have activities that would be varied enough to appeal to different groups. The nursing staff kept up with breathing difficulties, mobility problems, and diabetes. The bus drivers were very helpful, even stopping the lift so his grandchild could give him a kiss goodbye. I attended the caregiver support meetings, and it really helps to know that others are having the same feelings as you. Now I am retired, and can no longer support BPI as I used to, I have become a member of the Board of Directors

My mother, who had Alzheimer's Disease, attended BPI after she came to live with me and my husband. BPI was a life-saver. The wonderful care she received there made it possible for her to remain with us for three years. Every participant is treated with dignity and warmth no matter what their disability is. Its state-of-the-art facility is an added plus.

My mother hd Alzheimer's Disease for 13 years. She lived home with my dad, and he was her primry caregiver. He also was very involved in our community through church, the rescue squad, and volunteering at a local elementary school. Mom attended BPI for eight years, where she lovingly received care. This allowed my dad to have his days free to maintain his active retirement, giving him the respite he needed and peace of mind that mom was well cared for. BPI played an integral roll in allowing my dad to be able to keep mom home, where she passed away eleven years ago. He would not have been able to do it without this wonderful agency.

Bennington Project Independence is not your typical adult day service. It is a second home. It became apparent that my 90yo ma needed supervision while my husband and I were at work. The staff is wonderful and very attentive. There is so much to do during the day. They even take short trips to the park, ice cream or shopping. When possible they have singers come in. They also open certain days up for family and friends to join in such as Country Day (where my ma helped with the decorations) or Christmas Holiday party. Then fun never ends with a great blend of the normal bingo (prizes inc.) to Wii along with exercise and brain games. There is a salon where you can book a hairdresser or barber to come in. This group of professionals could not be more loving or attentive. I wish they were open on the weekend for times when my husband and I would love to take in a movie. I feel very secure leaving my ma in their hands.

BPI does a wonderful job! They are caring and considerate of the needs of their participants! They also provide delicious meals!

BPI has a caregivers' group for those of us caring for seriously ill and dying family members. It meets once a month.
It was my life line while my husband and I dealt with his emphysema . The group shared and laughed and cared and considered. The leader was our facilitator, letting us all talk, knowing about resources and how to navigate the system to help us give the care we wanted to give. I would walk into a meeting despairing and come away with courage and understanding.
Today, 3 years after my husband's death, I can go back to the group and share. If I see members around town we stop for meaningful conversation, supporting each other. The group also helped me process what was happening so that I could be useful to others .

Warm, experienced, comforting staff. Excellent food. Options for stimulating or restful activities. And the nicest physical amenities, inside and out.

As a physician in my community, I am intimately aware of the various burdens families face in caring for elderly and debilitated loved ones. I was so impressed with the quality of service that our local adult day center, Bennington Project Independence, provides for its praticipants and their families, that I have become an active Board Member and Medical Advisor. The executive director and staff are extremely capable and professional, and are responsive to the changing needs of their participants and their families. They recently renovated an old farmhouse and grounds into a state-of-the-art facility, and are a model for adult day services everywhere.

Bennington Project Independence provides services to adults in a caring and beautiful setting. The dedicated staff is well trained and treats clients with dignity and sensitivity. The facility is second to none; the activities are boundless; but the real value is that caregivers can get relief, while the clients get the benefit of socialization and activities.

Bennington Project Independence is a state of the art adult day service/rehab facility. Located in a converted historic barn just a mile out of downtown, we are a comfortable, bright, safe, caring place for loved ones whose family members need day services in order to work themselves. I used to volunteer at BPI occasionally, and upon my partial retirement and when an opportunity came to serve on the Board of Directors, I jumped at the chance. I am so proud to be involved with this facility and its amazing staff. A participant once told me that she loved coming to BPI and when I asked her why she told me that it was the first time in years that she felt safe. We offer so much. Of course things like medication, meals, exercise, and what you would normally expect, but at such a high and competent level. The view from the many windows and porch is truly amazing. There is always a group discussing current events or constructing a puzzle or cooking or doing crafts or talking to the two parakeets, and on and on. From the moment you step in the door and are greeted by someone at the front desk, you know you are someplace special and that is proven time and again by the smiles on the faces of everyone there.