Our Story
The History of the Rockingham County Complex in Brentwood, New Hampshire
Historic Roots
Rockingham County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is owned and operated by Rockingham County, New Hampshire. The campus sits on a remote section of Brentwood, NH surrounded by lush farmland. The complex provides a quiet, rustic setting while being just minutes from Epping, New Hampshire.
Our history of care dates back 1868 when the Rockingham County government purchased a farm to build an almshouse for the town’s poor. Over the following decades, the county complex expanded and evolved into the building that stands today. The Rockingham campus is nearly 250,000 square feet and sits on 50 acres.
Long-Term Care Services Today
Rockingham County’s continuum of care is comprised of 202 dually certified rehab/long-term care beds, and an assisted living residence. Under Dr. Singer’s leadership as the Medical Director, our aging services have been refined so that residents can receive the same level of care that they would in a hospital setting, all while enjoying the comforts of home.
Providing expert care is the basis of our philosophy. We embrace a proactive approach to continually improve the way we care for and engage with our residents, caregivers, and other partners. With the support of the Rockingham County Commissioners, we continue to look to the future for new ways of fulfilling our mission and meeting the continually evolving needs and desires of older adults. By creating an environment where older adults continue to shape their lives, we can make meaningful advances that promise to enrich the lives of those we serve now and in the future.
Licensing & Accreditation
The Rockingham County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is a dually certified facility offering skilled and intermediate nursing care. We are licensed by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health Services. Annual Inspections are conducted by the New Hampshire Bureau of Health Facilities Administration.
All Licensed Nursing personnel, Licensed Nursing Assistants, the Administrator, and other professionally trained personnel must maintain current licensure or registration status, which ensures our residents receive the highest quality nursing and medical care.
Senior Leadership
Our clinical staff is a committed group of caregivers comprised of physicians, nurses, nursing assistants, medication assistants, and personal care assistants. Under the leadership of our Senior Director of Long-Term Care Services, Director of Nursing Services, and Medical Director, we provide person-centered care based on residents’ unique needs and preferences.
Jason Smith, MS, MBA, NHA
Sr. Director of Long-Term Care Services
Prior to joining Rockingham County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and Assisted Living Community in 2020, Jason served as the Director of Health Care Services of Kendal at Hanover, a Life Plan Community, where he lead operations for home care, skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care. Before that, he was the executive director for the Courville Communities. Jason received his bachelor’s degree in business administration and psychology from Southern New Hampshire University, and an MS in project management from Granite State College.
Michele Melanson Schmitt, MSN, RN
Director of Nursing Services
Michele has worked in long-term care since 1988. She has held a variety of positions throughout her career including LNA, LPN, and MDS Coordinator. Michele earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rivier College in 2001. She also holds a Master of Science in Nursing, Leadership, and Administration. Michele has been the Director of Nursing at Rockingham County since 2021. Prior to that, she served as the Director of Nursing at the Courville Communities in Nashua for nine years.
Karl Singer, MD
Medical Director
Dr. Karl L. Singer is a geriatrician affiliated with Exeter Hospital. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and has been in practice for more than 20 years. Dr. Singer has been RCRNC’s Medical Director since 1982. His focus is on the unique health needs of the elderly, including chronic diseases, nutritional problems, skin ailments, cognitive loss, memory impairment, adverse effects of medications, and immobility and balances issues.
“Without being flamboyant, the goal was to provide a clean, contemporary renovation that equaled or surpassed any private facility delivering comparable services. ”
Johnathan Halle
Architect