The new Kempton of Charleston, a Liberty Senior Living community located on Spring Street in downtown Charleston, opened in February. We spoke with Director of Sales and Marketing Lisa McLeod and Executive Director Lindsay French – who have a combined 36 years of experience working in senior care – about this new community.
1. What makes Kempton of Charleston a unique place for individuals interested in choosing an assisted living community?
“Not only does Kempton of Charleston pride itself in excellent health care, but we are also the first luxury senior living community in downtown Charleston. This will be a unique experience for our residents because we are walking distance from both MUSC and Roper St. Francis Hospital for medical needs, and residents can also take advantage of the fabulous Lowcountry weather and Southern hospitality. These aspects also make our city a destination family members will love visiting.”
2. When is the Kempton community scheduled to open? What sort of new and innovative things can potential families look forward to experiencing here?
“Kempton of Charleston opened the second week of February. In addition to top-of-the-line security, including a gated entrance and cameras, we are proud to be one of the only assisted living communities in Charleston to offer Nxtgen Care, a system that promotes both resident and staff engagement and ensures the quality care residents are promised. Its technology creates a scorecard for our quality assurance team to review daily, measuring how safe and engaged residents are so staff can respond quickly and meaningfully. It also enables families to be more informed about how their loved one is thriving in our community.”
3. How would you describe your staff at Kempton, and who will keep residents company at Kempton? How have you “set the bar high”?
“Our philosophy of care and service begins with our leader, Executive Director Lindsay French. Our team members have a true passion for working with seniors and are highly-trained. We are prepared to provide refresher courses for all newly-hired staff to certify our medication technicians and nurses are competent in administering the types of medications our residents require. Moreover, our assisted living residents will have access to a nurse 24/7, ensuring peace of mind for our residents and their families. Finally, guest speakers will provide continued training and education to our team to keep us motivated and up to date on current senior care practices, and we will have monthly in-services to acknowledge exceptional dedication and hard work.”
4. What kind of specialized programming and structured activities does Kempton incorporate in its memory care program? How does the program engage its residents and help improve mental health?
“Our Genuine, Engaging and Meaningful Memory Support (GEMMS) program was developed by Liberty Senior Living and incorporates the teachings and information from Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care® method. This program focuses on a resident’s current capabilities and how to create meaningful interactions for care and other engagement opportunities based on where they are in their journey.”
5. How does Kempton empower its residents to feel in control of their lives?
“Residents will still be independent while planning their daily activities. We will encourage them to maintain their independence by providing many social, emotional and physical activities, while also offering any necessary support needed to enjoy them. Additionally, Kempton of Charleston offers inpatient rehabilitation services that can improve and maintain physical strength and functional abilities.”
6. What else makes your care different from other providers in the Charleston area and larger senior health world?
“Located in downtown Charleston, our views from the community provide an urban and hotel feel rather than a ‘health care’ environment. Our location also offers access to so many of the city’s cultural opportunities. Additionally, our restaurant-style dining at Kempton will be led by our executive chef, who will provide a variety of signature dishes that will pay homage to the Charleston culinary scene.”
7. What does a day look like and what sort of daily activities are typical in-house?
Our life-enrichment coordinator will offer a multitude of daily activities, including, but not limited to, games, exercise, cooking classes, gardening, music, pet therapy, happy hour, guest speakers, book clubs and outside excursions. Selections will offer variety and something for every interest, providing options that residents will look forward to each and every day.”
8. What sort of advice would you provide to families looking for the perfect fit for their parents’ assisted living community?
“Family members should always tour the communities they are considering, meet with the employees and ask current residents what they enjoy most about their experience. Staff turnover is also an important component to consider, as familiarity with staff and continuity of care ensure a more seamless experience for residents. Lastly, as food is so important to seniors – including its presentation – sampling food and requesting copies of menus will be helpful in making an overall decision.”
For more information on Kempton of Charleston, visit kemptonofcharleston.com.
By Alyssa DiSalvo
