Dunham House Mantra
"No greater love than this—that one lays down his life for his friends"
John 15:13
Our Vision
At Dunham House, we envision a future where combat-wounded veterans experiencing traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other polytrauma conditions find not just care and dignity, but a community. We are committed to being the premier long-term residential community where each veteran can thrive and enjoy a high quality of life.
The Dunham House’s desired goals and outcomes are for our combat-wounded veterans to be in a community that is supportive and provides care for individuals who require assistance but still desire independence. By providing personalized care, promoting social engagement, and ensuring a safe environment, the Dunham House contributes to the overall well-being and quality of life for our combat-wounded veteran residents.
The Invisible Injury
Traumatic brain injury, often referred to as the “invisible injury,” is a common consequence of the Global War on Terrorism. It results from a forceful bump, blow, jolt, or object penetrating the brain. Veterans with TBIs face lifelong challenges, including health, mental, and socioeconomic difficulties. Behavioral symptoms can include confusion, memory problems, sleep disturbances, and irritability. Sensory issues may involve dizziness, hearing problems, light and sound sensitivity, anxiety, and low energy. Veterans with moderate to severe TBIs are more than twice as likely to commit suicide, highlighting the critical need for support and care.
The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) provides outpatient health services, including mental health, to TBI veterans; however, there are no VA-sponsored or supported TBI residential facilities. Veterans requiring support lean directly on family members, veteran nursing homes, and community nursing homes. These options leave veterans with limited options with regard to TBI-centric treatment, socialization, and independence.
An Alternative Option for Care
The Dunham House addresses a critically needed alternative to traditional community nursing facilities. Traditional nursing homes are typically geared toward the elderly, who require a different set of care and support services. The younger demographic of combat-wounded veterans necessitates a distinctly different approach to rehabilitation and quality of life.
Residents of the Dunham House will range in age from their mid-twenties to their fifties, residing in a facility that is uniquely equipped to meet their specific needs. Veterans are not only cared for but are embraced and empowered in a dignified matter by a community that understands their unique challenges and strengths through a holistic approach.
A Home, A Community
Within this environment, peer support plays a pivotal role, fostering mental health, well-being, and an enhanced quality of life among veterans. The Dunham House’s programs will be carefully crafted to incorporate best practices, promoting a sense of community and belonging among veterans, which will lead to numerous positive outcomes. These include feeling understood, experiencing reduced isolation and stigma, enhancing resilience, and building encouragement and accountability through shared experiences. Furthermore, residents gain valuable awareness of community-based and VA services available to them.
- Personalized Care: The Dunham House will offer personalized care plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each veteran. Trained staff members will be available to provide assistance with daily activities as needed, ensuring that residents receive the support they require.
- Safety and Security: The Dunham House will be designed with the safety and security of residents in mind. The facility will provide a secure environment with staff available around the clock to respond as needed to ensure the well-being of residents.
- Social Engagement: Loneliness and isolation within the veteran community are common and can have negative impacts on one’s mental and emotional well-being. The Dunham House programming will promote social engagement by organizing social activities, outings, and events, allowing residents to connect with fellow veterans with similar experiences to build meaningful relationships.
- Health Monitoring: The Dunham House will have trained staff who will monitor residents’ health and well-being. Regular check-ups, medication management, and assistance with healthcare appointments help ensure that the veterans receive the necessary medical attention and support.
- Peace of Mind for Families: The Dunham House provides peace of mind to the families of our combat-wounded veterans. Knowing that their loved ones are in a safe and supportive environment and receiving the care they need will alleviate the stress and burden of caregiving.
Campus Complex
The Dunham House will be a single-story, slab-on-grade, new construction wood-framed structure, approximately 27,500 sq ft in size. The residents will live in assisted living-style one-bedroom apartments that will include a kitchen, living room, bathroom, and bedroom. In addition, two special-needs studios will be built and outfitted for residents with higher disability needs. This includes a larger shower as well as the possibility for an overhead hoist system.
The core spaces of the Dunham House will include a great room, dining room serviced by a full kitchen, open seating area, exercise room, lounge, community laundry, office area, and private conference room. Residents will also be able to
utilize an outdoor patio, along with an outdoor park-like area with walking trails. The front of the building will feature a memorial plaza.
Let's Make It Happen
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