For some, the term “assisted living” may induce images of traditional nursing homes of the not-so-distant past: clinical settings smelling of disinfectant with despondent residents in wheelchairs cluttering hallways and common areas. But the reality couldn’t be farther from that assumption. Today’s assisted living communities allow seniors to continue enjoying energetic, vibrant lives while providing specialized support for medical and personal needs, preventing isolation and allowing residents to safely maintain their independence well into their golden years.
The recently renovated Somerby Mount Pleasant is one such retirement community that prioritizes active aging among its residents. Sales Manager Paige Lacasse described the environment as a “cruise ship on land.”
“I get a little jealous,” Lacasse joked. “Just today they had bingo, which always gets very competitive, and then chair dancing, an ice cream social with root beer floats and a happy hour. It’s tough to be bored at Somerby.”
Residents also enjoy off-site excursions such as trips to the Naval & Maritime Museum at Patriots Point or the symphony, outings to the movie theater or sunset dinners on Shem Creek and much more – all coordinated by the community’s full-time, dedicated director of lifestyles.
“Socialization is crucial here,” said Lacasse. “Some residents, before coming to us, may have lost a spouse or otherwise been living on their own for a long period of time. They could sometimes go days without speaking to another person. This environment allows our residents to make new friends and engage with others. It’s so important.”
Assisted living communities like Somerby take care of the mundane tasks of home maintenance – which means no yardwork – house cleaning and laundry. Residents can also expect three nutritious and delicious meals per day, freshly prepared by the community’s experienced dining staff.
“With no upkeep of the home to worry about, our residents are free to explore new hobbies, socialize or focus on healing in a safe environment,” Lacasse explained.
Those requiring more involved care receive assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, medication management or even physically getting to and from the dining room for meals. The community also offers complimentary transportation to scheduled outings and medical appointments.
Many medical needs, however, can be addressed in-house without the hassle of an off-site doctor’s visit. Somerby partners with a physician who has an office in the community and makes house calls to residents four days each week. The community also has on-site physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Somerby keeps a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse on staff 24 hours a day in addition to the cadre of qualified and caring certified nursing assistants and medical technicians. They staff well beyond Department of Health and Environmental Control requirements for assisted living communities in the state of South Carolina.
“We’ve found that maintaining this level of staffing has helped drastically reduce our number of hospitalizations,” Lacasse explained. “Safety and quality care are of the utmost importance to our team.”
“We’re proud of our history here and of our staff who are all well-tenured and have a true passion to serve seniors,” she continued. “We all really pour our hearts and souls into this calling, and it enhances our lives as well.”
For more information on Somerby of Mount Pleasant, visit www.somerbyseniorliving.com or call 800-984-4096.
By Meredith A. Hagen
