HOULTON, Maine — Forty years ago, Brenda and Dana Brown had a vision for providing health care for the elderly in a family-oriented setting. Little did they realize, the company they created together would take on a life of its own and expand into five distinct, yet connected businesses.
In 1972, the Browns purchased Maple Grove Nursing Home on the Calais Road, operating that business until deciding to relocate, and rename, their business in 1978. Madigan Estates Health Care Facility was constructed on Military Street in Houlton on the former Madigan Hospital and homestead property. Thus the name Madigan Estates was selected.
Dana Brown passed away in 1983, but Brenda pressed on with not only keeping Madigan Estates running, but expanding as well. The company now has four separate divisions — Madigan House, Madigan Home Health Care, Madigan Adult Day Care and Madigan Assisted Living Apartments.
“I could not have done all this without the support of my son and daughter,” Brenda said.
Brenda and Dana’s children Jim Brown and Debbie Brown LaCombe play prominent roles in the company. Jim, Debbie and Jim’s wife Kristy are all employed as administrators with the company.
“All three are very involved with the business at this time,” Brenda said. “We are a true family-owned and operated business. There are very few facilities in the state that can say that they are locally owned and operated.”
When Madigan first opened, it was licensed for 50 long-term care nursing beds. Since then, it has expanded to 86 Medicare/Medicaid skilled nursing beds and 47-licensed boarding/residential beds. The latest addition was completed in the spring of 1998, which added eight resident rooms, a therapy room and office area.
The addition provided private rooms and space to provide residents with Medicare skilled services such as physical and occupational therapy services. The business employs about 200 individuals.
Madigan Health Care Facility
“The facility and staff have seen a dramatic increase in the acuity level of the residents,” Brenda said. “As a health care provider, Madigan Estates has met this challenge by offering more types of services to meet the needs of the elderly.”
Care for all residents is under the direct supervision of their personal physicians, who see them on a regular basis, she explained. The center specializes in Alzheimer’s care, as well as respite and therapy services.
Health care services are organized and delivered through a plan of care individually developed to meet the needs of each resident. This comprehensive plan combines the efforts of the attending physician with nursing and other disciplines, such as pharmacy, physical therapy, dietetics, social services and activities. The participation and involvement of families is welcomed and encouraged in the development of these plans. Physicians and medical specialists respond to problems and sudden emergencies with empathy and skill, while nurses closely monitor each of the residents medical condition as well as personal comfort.
“Over the years, we have built a reputation of caring for our residents in a friendly, enthusiastic and respectful manner that is evident the moment you come through our front doors,” Brenda said. “Our staff members are carefully selected, then well trained and managed by experienced supervisors. The spiritual well being of our residents is met with regular religious services and special holiday observances for all faiths. Volunteers from the community assist our staff with many resident activities.”
Social workers are available to residents and their families to help with personal matters and issues. At every level, staff members are aware of their part in achieving the goal of providing a superior level of care that meets the physical, emotional and social needs of the residents. Through their efforts and accomplishments, the staff has created a certain style and spirit for which they have become known as outstanding professionals in their fields.
“We provide a comfortable home-like setting where each person living or working here is treated as an individual with utmost respect,” Brenda added. “While nurses and nurse aides are constantly available, residents are encouraged to function as independently as possible.”
Madigan House
The Madigan House opened in 1995 and was designed to create a homelike setting for its residents in a secure and family-like atmosphere. The facility specializes in people who need 24-hour assistance with activities of daily living such as medication administration, personal care, medical supervision and opportunities for social interaction.
Residents of this 47-bed facility typically need some help and direction with activities of daily living, but do not need the level of care found in the skilled nursing section. Staff is specially trained to care for people with cognitive concerns.
The facility has semi-private and private rooms, an activity room, and a family room with fireplace. The family-like setting includes a large dining room and kitchen. Residents can enjoy family-style dining with home-cooked meals and snacks approved by Madigan’s dietitian. There are areas for privacy where family can visit with residents. Residents can also enjoy an enclosed courtyard with an old-fashioned gazebo. The secured courtyard features paved circular walkways and invites a range of peaceful activities such as bird watching, gardening, picnicking and contact with nature.
“Residents are encouraged to use familiar personal possessions, such as pictures, furnishings and items of interest and meaning in their rooms,” Brenda said. “They are encouraged to become involved in all aspects of the home and to maintain a normal lifestyle as possible in a homelike, supervised environment. Family lifestyle continues, as family members are encouraged to participate in programs and activities.”
Madigan Home Health Care
Madigan Home Health Care provides registered nurses, home health aides, social workers, physical and occupational therapy, personal support specialists and homemaker/companion care for people of all ages in their own homes.
Among the many services provided include physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy to assist with recovery and reaching maximum potential for their clients. Medical social workers can provide counseling and assist with referrals to services and financial assistance in the area.
Madigan Adult Day Program
The Adult Day Program is a community-based service for clients of Houlton and the surrounding area. It runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week and is designed to provide the opportunity for individuals to have social interaction with others and to give caretakers time for work, shopping or a period of rest.
Participants in this program enjoy cultural activities, recreation, hot meals, snacks, religious services, beauty and barbershop services, licensed nurse supervision, medication administration and assistance with personal care.
“For families and caregivers, this (service) offers respite care and a peace of mind that their family member is receiving services and care, with an opportunity for social interaction,” Brown said.
Madigan Assisted Living Apartments
The Madigan Assisted Living Apartments are located adjacent to Madigan Estates. These private apartments are designed to promote independent living for people who may need supportive services. Residents also have the peace of mind knowing that professional care is available 24 hours a day.
Apartments range from studios to one bedroom or two bedrooms.
Madigan Assisted Living Apartments provides assistance with personal care, the assurance of healthy, balanced meals or a reminder to take medication to make life more comfortable and maintain independent living.
For more information, visit www.madigan estates.com.
