Luscious landscaping paired with cooperative efforts between the grounds crew and the residents create an environment that exceeds expectations.
“In 2008, Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community was designated as a Wildlife Habitat. The community consists of 38 acres situated off Knox Abbott Drive in West Columbia. Fifteen of these acres are designated as a perpetual memorial forest, and it is a wonderful space treasured by residents and staff alike.
A walking trail, complete with exercise stations make it most inviting as a place to be outdoors…”
Article written by Hazel Fitzsimons, Resident of Still Hopes
Click here to read the entire article in the Columbia Star.
The same company that pioneered the Still Hopes Brain Fitness program has recently announced their brain fitness cookbook and weekly recipe program!
According to PositScienc® chairman, Jeff Zimman: “We want to help people get their brains in the best shape possible. While brain training is a major piece of the puzzle, there are other things you can do for better brain health. Eating the right foods is one of them!”
In the PositScience e-newsletter, he goes on to say: “ThinkFood is a cookbook we’re putting together that features brain-healthy recipes. We know the science but, since we’re not chefs ourselves, we asked for help from the food blogging community in creating the recipes. People who sign up for the ThinkFood ”Recipe of the Week” program will get a healthy and tasty recipe in their email each week, along with access to information on the science, the blogger, and more – all free. You can sign up at ThinkFoodCookBook. Invite your friends, too! The full cookbook will be available for purchase in July, but you can get a free recipe each week by signing up.”
(source: PositScience® Brain Fitness News – June e-issue)
To learn more about the Brain Fitness Program at Still Hopes visit our website.
The Wellness Program at Still Hopes serves about 500 residents, staff and people living in the local area and has peaked the interest of the International Council on Active Aging. According to Denise J. Heimlich, MS, Director of Wellness:
“The combination of research-based programming and assessment has proven itself at Still Hopes. Transition rates from independent living to higher levels of care have significantly slowed, in part due to increases in physical fitness. Residents talk of being taller, walking farther, being brave enough to go on African safari and climbing in and out of Land Rovers with more agility and ease than people half their age.”
“My job is to help people stay more independent for a longer period of time. Because our program can produce documentation of program results, we have established Still Hopes as a premier wellness provider and are rapidly growing our memberships from the local community.”
Read full article by Denise, as published in the May-June issue of “Functional U” from the International Council on Active Aging. ICAA-Article-PDF
Visit the Health & Wellness section of our website for more details about the Still Hopes Fitness Classes.
Completed in 1910, the beautiful Guignard Mansion at Still Hopes is a cherished focal point of Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community.
The Guignard Mansion is a two story brick Georgian Revival designed and built for Gabrial Alexander Guignard. When it was completed 100 years ago, the mansion at Still Hopes was the largest house ever built in Lexington County. On November 22, 1983 it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. (more about the history of the Guignard Mansion)
Guignard Society raised $15,000 for the Resident Assistance Fund
On Thursday night, May 27, more than 160 diners celebrated the centennial of the Guignard Mansion at Still Hopes, and they raised $15,000 for the Resident Assistance Fund, which helps provide for residents who have outlived their resources and require financial assistance to continue living at Still Hopes. (full story and photos from The Columbia Star)
The Guignard Society was formed in honor of Dr. Jane Bruce Guignard who willed the Guignard Mansion and 39 acres of land for the establishment of a retirement community. It was her vision and gift that provided the compassionate, caring and vibrant community Still Hopes is today. (more information about the Guignard Society)
Every year at Still Hopes, the first weekend of May is set aside for the Family Day Picnic. On May 1st and 2nd, the Still Hopes campus hosted over 925 people, the largest crowd to date. Lunch was catered by Shealy’s barbeque and everyone pitched in by bringing their favorite dessert. This year the weekend focused on celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Guignard Mansion. The children enjoyed old fashioned activities like the May Pole dance, horse and buggy rides, sack races, and three-legged races. Members of the Guignard family were in attendance, and provided guided tours of the mansion. The Guignard Mansion Centennial Quilt, a group project created by residents, was unveiled and hung in the library for attendees to view for the first time.The New Century Salon Orchestra provided entertainment, playing songs from the 1910 time period. We were all thankful for the sunny weather, but most of all for this special time of fellowship between family, friends, and neighbors.
Do you know how to tell whether a Continuing Care Community will be able to keep its financial promises?
The Wall Street Journal recommends that you ask the following questions when considering a retirement community:
- Is a recent audit or annual financial report available? Are the statements of financial position, operation and cash flow included? Is there a positive net worth?
- Are residents involved in strategic and financial planning and decision making for the community?
- Do financial ratios indicate that the community has the necessary resources to ensure a continuum of services now and in the future?
- Does the community have an endowment? If so, what is its size and how is it used and managed?
- Does the community have a “resident assistance” fund?
To ALL of these questions, Still Hopes is proud to answer: YES!
- Our Annual Report is accessible to all and shows our stability for the future.
- Residents of Still Hopes are involved as Board Members, Resident Council Members and participants in the formal budget planning process for the community.
- Still Hopes has a $1.5 million endowment. It is used for the Resident Assistance fund and is managed by a professional broker.
- The Still Hopes Resident Assistance Fund provides financial care for qualified residents whose resources no longer support their needs.
For more information regarding these and other important questions when considering a retirement community, contact us at 803-739-5040 or visit www.stillhopes.org
May is “Older Americans Month” and the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging is conducting a nation-wide survey: “Who Decides?”
AAHSA is collecting insight from Aging Adults, Elders, Government, Service Providers and Family Members.
As we begin a new decade, we will see a radical shift in the demographics of our country. Who better than YOU to help answer the question of who should decide what the future of aging should look like?
Still Hopes has set up an easy to use on-line survey. Let your voice be heard by answering the following question: “What are your plans and how have you planned for your future?” (click for survey)
We will gather all of the comments submitted and send them to AAHSA’s agencies and departments on aging. Survey ends May 31.
Still Hopes is excited to announce the beginning of construction on our Elizabeth B. Lowry Concierge Suites at the Mansion.
The second floor of the Elizabeth B. Lowry building and the second floor of the Guignard Mansion are currently being remodeled to offer floor plans and amenities for those individuals who desire to live independently, but also desire daytime concierge services.
Nearly all of the suites have a separate bedroom, bath, living area and a kitchenette. A few are efficiency style living and bedroom combinations. Three meals per day will be available in the Palmetto Room or the Bistro.
The Concierge Suites at the Mansion will offer many of the same services your neighbors at Still Hopes have come to enjoy, plus a Concierge who will provide services that you would expect at your favorite hotel. Suites will range in size from 392 to 749 square feet. (click here to see floor plans)
Call or come by today to learn more. 803-739-5040. Or visit us online at www.stillhopes.org
Come Enjoy Life at Still Hopes!
Only 3 Apartments and 3 Cottages Available.
Concierge Suites Under Construction.
Call or Click for details 803-739-5040.
The Still Hopes Family Day 2010 and the Centennial Celebration of the Guignard Mansion is right around the corner. Saturday May 1 and Sunday May 2, residents and invited guests will enjoy a catered lunch and fun activities.
A special part of this year’s Family Day will be the Centennial Celebration of the Guignard Mansion. Built in 1910, this home has opened its doors to countless social gatherings through the years, including our annual Family Day weekend.
Residents and invited guests are encouraged to visit the mansion while at Family Weekend.
For additional details regarding the activities and Registration for each Family Day contact: sfrench@stillhopes.org 803-739-5015.
Also, please join us for a Centennial Celebration Worship Service Sunday at 11am.
