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Coweta County Kids read to senior citizens - Photo courtesy of Coweta County Schools

By Martha W. Barksdale -

Here in Coweta and Fayette counties, seniors and their families have the opportunity to choose from a variety of housing options. Whatever is needed­from independent living with added help for a few daily living activities or close attention and constant care­there are many high-quality facilities that fill the bill. Seniors can get the care, security, access to medical services and sense of community to live full, satisfying lives. And their families can have peace of mind knowing they're receiving the best care available right in the area.

 

Ashley Glen Assisted Living in Peachtree City

Ashley Glen Assisted Living and Alzheimer's Care has offered personalized, quality care to seniors for more than six years.

The comfortable facility is nestled in Peachtree City. Just last year, Ashley Glen underwent a renovation that included updating the entire building­entryways, flooring, lighting and furnishings.

And while positive, attractive surroundings are important, Marketing Director Elaine Gaillard points out that the real heart of Ashley Glen is the specially trained staff, on duty around-the-clock. "They care," she says. "Staff members know the residents personally, take an interest in them and are always ready to help."

Staff and volunteers work together and bring fun and games to Ashley Glen residents. Recreational Director Audrey Redmon oversees the activities and social programs. "We always have a great deal of fun involving our residents in games, exercise programs and social events," Audrey says.

More than 20 active volunteers help with everything from Bunko to Bible Study, golf cart outings and picnics at the nearby lake. There are weekly trips out to lunch, shopping and monthly "Road Trips." Residents also enjoy delicious meals and snacks.

For residents with Alzheimer's disease or other memory impairments, The Village offers an enclave within Ashley Glen. The special program provides a caring, nurturing atmosphere where warmth and love are shared, Elaine explains.

Heritage of Peachtree

Convenient to medical services, churches and shopping, Heritage of Peachtree City offers private apartments with daily meal service, weekly housekeeping and linen services. In-room emergency call service and 24-hour staffing are included for resident safety and peace of mind.

There is a private dining room for residents to enjoy special family occasions and guest suites for overnight visitors. A full-time Activity Director directs events; Respite Care is also available.

 

Photo courtesy of Christian CityChristian City

Christian City in Union City

With caring arms, Christian City reaches out to young and old. Founded more than 40 years ago, Christian City has grown to 96 buildings on more than 400 acres. Homeless, abused and neglected children, along with active seniors, the aging and the infirm live there.

More than 1,000 senior adults live in several types of housing, according to Bob Crutchfield, President & CEO. The seniors' living options include life lease patio homes, subsidized apartments for seniors on limited incomes, a 200-bed skilled nursing facility as well as a 200-room assisted living facility. A secured special care unit for Alzheimer's patients is operated in each of these two facilities.

Crutchfield states that Christian City's best feature is its caring staff and volunteers. "Our staff has a sense of mission in their lives. They love older people and give sacrificially to work here," he says.

There are regularly scheduled activities­dancing, gardening, socials, games, films, gospel sings, crafts and exercise classes­and a full range of special events like beauty pageants, performances and day-trips. Residents also have access to a state-of-the-art strengthening center and an indoor heated pool.

Azalea Estates Assisted Living and Retirement Community in Fayetteville

Azalea Estates puts a strong emphasis on wellness for their residents. There's a complete Wellness Center with exercise machines, an aerobic pool and a hydro-spa room.

And there's a lot more, too. Residents enjoy the outdoors by walking winding paths throughout the community's eight acres. There are landscaped courtyards, arbors, a fountain and a putting green, all easily accessible.

Inside, a formal dining room with restaurant style service, a private dining room for parties and family gatherings and a community kitchen add to the experience. For those who enjoy surfing the Internet, a media room is set up with computers.

The Belair at Newnan

Superior care with a personal touch is available at Belair at Newnan. The affordable, homelike community offers fully furnished private and companion suites, Alzheimer's Care, Respite Care and Adult Day Care. The staff is professional, compassionate and friendly.

Cambridge House Enrichment Center in Newnan

Cambridge House Enrichment Center (CHEC) is a bridge between independent and assisted living, according to Owner/Operator Beth Lever.

"We enrich the lives of older adults with memory and judgment loss specializing in high-quality, compassionate care to members of the community with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia," Beth says. "The primary goals of Cambridge House provide relief to the caregiver, maintain the quality of life for the care-receiver and delay nursing home placement. Social interaction and emotional support are provided in a safe, social, home-like atmosphere with art, music, pet therapy, nutritious meals and snacks."

CHEC also offers education about dementia, resources for the family and design features for the home.

Country Gardens Senior Living in Union City

An Assisted Living Residence, Country Gardens offers independent and assisted living with graduated levels of care. Their Garden Path community caters to seniors with memory impairments.

Dogwood Forest in Fayetteville

Home-like surroundings and a convenient location are just two of the benefits of Dogwood Forest. Just across the street from Fayette Community Hospital, Dogwood offers a cozy and personal comfort to residents. Dogwood Forest is a Sunrise Senior Living Community. Sunrise is the largest care provider for over 20 years in Independent living, Assisted living and Alzheimer's care.

The home features 7 floor plans to choose from, activity program, exercise programs, beauty shop, ice cream parlor, full service dining room and walking path. There is also scheduled transportation to doctor appointments once a week, staff on 24 hours, full-time nurse and standard wellness program available through our graduated levels of care. Day care and short term stay programs are also available.

"We are committed to helping our residents maintain their independence and have the best quality of life," says Nathalie-Anne White, Director of Community Relations. "Taking care of seniors is a service of the heart."

Georgian Place in Newnan

Assisted Living Suites and Independent Living apartments are available at Georgian Place in Newnan. The Independent Living apartments and services are designed to give active seniors a work-free, homelike environment with fully equipped kitchens, private patios and porches along with shared activity and living areas.

The emphasis is on residents' wellness and individual needs in the Assisted Living Suites. Provided services include meals, housekeeping, medication supervision, transportation and recreational activities. Respite care is also offered on a short-term basis.

Governor's Glen Memory Impaired Assisted Living Community in Forest Park

Since 1999, Governor's Glen has ensured that those suffering with Alzheimer's disease have access to high quality care in a safe environment. The Assisted Living Community was founded by Dr. Paul Colon; he was inspired by his own mother's struggle with Alzheimer's to create a loving, secure facility for people suffering from the devastating disease.

Governor's Glen has a personalized design that provides all the comforts of home­cozy fireplaces, intimate dining areas, screened and open air porches. A variety of short term stay options are also offered, as well an Adult Day Program and monthly Alzheimer's Support Group meetings.

Newnan Hospital Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Formerly known as Beaulieu Convalescent Center, the Newnan Hospital Nursing and Rehabilitation Center opened in 1966 with 66 beds. Newnan Hospital acquired the East Broad Street nursing home over 10 years ago. After renovations and expansions, the center now has 143 beds.

According to Assistant Administrator Patti Stancil, the center really focuses on rehabilitation these days. While recovering from hip replacements, strokes or surgeries, patients can receive occupational, speech and physical therapy to speed their healing process and help them return home quickly.

Newnan Hospital Nursing and Rehabilitation Center offers top-notch care in a homelike atmosphere. There's a resident dog, Cookie, and an aviary filled with colorful birds. Residents spend time in the courtyard, going bowling and take trips. Stancil says, "They go fishing every chance they get."

Southland Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Peachtree City

At Southland Nursing Home, quality of care for residents is what matters most. The 155 bed skilled nursing facility caters to the needs of the individual, offering aggressive therapy programs as well as comprehensive 24 hour nursing care.

Southland Nursing Home has received the Step II Quality Award by the American Health Care Association (AHCA), a non-profit organization representing nearly 12,000 senior care providers across the nation. AHCA's Quality Award has very stringent criteria and Southland was one of only 11 facilities across the nation to receive it in 2003.

Located on Wisdom Road in Peachtree City, Southland is Medicare certified and joint commission accredited.

Vernon Woods Retirement Community

At Vernon Woods Retirement Community, residents receive all the comfort and security of home with the right amount of assistance with routine activities for those who need it.

Fifty independent living apartments are available for seniors who are healthy and mobile, but prefer a more carefree approach to life. For those who need more personal attention, 42 assisted living apartments and a caring staff are available to make life easier.

Wesley Woods of Newnan-Peachtree City

On a beautiful 52-acre campus in Coweta County sits Wesley Woods of Newnan-Peachtree City, a retirement community dedicated to gracious independent and assisted living. The residential living accommodations overlook recreation areas that include a pond and walking trails. Common areas include a reception lobby, living room, dining areas and activity rooms.

Residents are able to maintain their independence as long as possible in the home-like environment. Stimulating activities and group sessions are provided to complement the residents' active lifestyles.

A 16-bed sheltered Skilled Nursing Unit accommodates the needs of residents who require skilled nursing in a more supervised setting. And a 10-bed memory loss unit is specially designed to meet the needs of individuals with memory impairment. The memory loss unit is secure but comfortable with an open, airy design. Residents can enjoy the outdoors while remaining safe and supervised in the carefully-designed courtyard. The CNAs are certified nursing personnel with Alzheimer's training.

"We offer seniors spacious and gracious retirement living throughout their lives and endeavor to provide the highest level of service to our residents," says Executive Director Terry Thompkins.