Blog

New Decision Page for those considering a Retirement Community

Still Hopes has created a new page on its website that contains questions and concerns for those who are looking at a retirement community as a new phase in their life. The Decision Page provides two perspectives: from a potential residents view and that of someone looking on behalf of a relative or friend.

Click  here to help you decide if Still Hopes is the right choice for you!

Now Accepting Reservations for our New Concierge Suites

Still Hopes is now accepting reservations for our brand new Concierge Suites for Catered Living. See stillhopes.org/concierge for more details or call
803-739-5040.

Construction of Concierge Suites has Begun

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 See Why Life Here Is Better

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.

Brain Fitness at Still Hopes

Think Faster.  Focus Better.  Remember More.  Drive Safer.

At Still Hopes we now offer the PositScience® Brain Fitness Training Program.

Yes, you can Train Your Brain!  You can also help maintain your driving independence with DriveSharp™. This program will help improve visual processing, sharpen visual precision and improve visual working memory.

Contact the Still Hopes Director of Wellness at 803-739-5034.  Or visit our website for more information about the DriveSharp™ course and all of the Wellness and Fitness Classes offered at Still Hopes.

Still Hopes Launches NEW Website

Still Hopes Retirement Community has launched a brand new website.

This cutting edge site has all the information anyone would want to know about Still Hopes in one convenient place.   www.stillhopes.org

“We are proud of our new user- friendly, information-packed website and look forward to extending our reach to the community and the world with social media tools, a Blog and photo albums on our Face Book page.” Jon Keith, Still Hopes Director of Marketing.

The new website is multi-faceted and interactive.  The website will be a source of information for current residents, future residents, employees and those who just want to learn more about Still Hopes.  We’re presenting everything from our new Google Calendar for fitness classes, to lists of on-site educational sessions, concerts and job opportunities. It’s all there.

Visit www.stillhopes.org where you can join our E-list, subscribe to email alerts from our blog page and become a fan of our Facebook page.

Our Residents Say it Best

Re: Pros and Cons of Retirement

Excerpts from “The Joys and Challenges of Retirement Community Living”  by Still Hopes resident Hazel Fitzsimmons. 

It has been statistically proven that seniors, who share their lives with others, live longer and richer lives than those who live alone.  I have the joy of living in a wonderful community [Still Hopes] located in West Columbia, just minutes from downtown with all of the amenities Columbia has to offer: churches of all denominations; theaters; concert halls; The Art Museum; Riverbanks Zoo; several shopping malls; the historic houses; beautiful parks; good hospitals and medical care and the list goes on and on. Having your own car is nice, but not necessary because transportation to most of these places is offered on our very own tour bus or van.

The food is excellent. It is purchased, prepared, displayed attractively and the dirty dishes are done for us when a meal is over. How is that for a plus?

The grass is cut, the bushes fertilized and trimmed; the sprinkler system works and the leaves are cared for in the fall.

I look forward to busy days filled with pleasant activities and worthwhile things; to expanding my horizons through reading, developing new hobbies such as watercolors and photography to say nothing of playing bridge. We are never too old to learn, to love, and to have fruitful lives and if all of this can be done better in a community with others then I would have to say that the pros in this case win hands down.

Excerpts from “The Joys and Challenges of Retirement Community Living”  by Still Hopes resident Hazel Fitzsimmons.  Click on the title to read the full story on BGTime.org.     The BGTIME program was developed to help bridge the divide between seniors and digital media.

Emotional Attachment to Columbia Area Strong and Growing

According to the Soul of the Community Study:   social offerings (fun places to gather), openness (how welcoming a place is) and basic services (community infrastructure) are the most important factors in emotionally connecting metro-Columbia residents to where they live.

The rich lifestyle, relaxed pace and temperate climate make Columbia a leading U.S. retirement destination.  In 2009, the city was named one of Money Magazine’s “25 Best Places to Retire” and was one of  U.S.  News Group’s 10 “Best Affordable Places to Retire.”  And for the sixth consecutive year, Still Hopes received Columbia Metropolitan Magazine’s “Best Of” Award for Active Adult/Retirement Communities.

Schedule a tour today and see for yourself why the Columbia area continues to be the best place to retire in the south!  803-739-5040  or visit the Still Hopes website.

Still Hopes is Going Green

Still Hopes is committed to the conservation and improvement of the environment.  Residents, staff and trustees work together to provide an eco-friendly community. From planting gardens to recycling paper and inkjet cartridges, Still Hopes has joined the effort to save our planet.

Resident Charlie Davis has been a driving force in Still Hopes’ efforts to “Go Green.”   As Manager of the Southeastern Division of Parke Industries for over ten years, Charlie worked with state-of-the-art energy efficient lighting.

Charlie implemented a program to reduce the use of electricity by replacing standard light bulbs with longer lasting and more energy efficient compact florescent bulbs. This reduced the amount of electricity used and time spent by the maintenance department changing bulbs. “Ultimately, the plan equals cost-savings and energy efficiency,” stated Charlie.

Charlie also saw to it that light timers were installed in mail rooms, storage areas, restrooms, and residents’ apartments (by request) to ensure that electricity was not wasted.

Still Hopes has really focused on cutting resident costs and protecting the environment,” stated Plant Operations Director Sam Weathers.  “We partnered with Sonoco to implement a recycling program for Buildings 5 and 6, installed a cardboard baler to properly dispose of boxes and other cardboard products and employed sustainable gardening practices across the campus.”

In addition, Still Hopes is proud to be recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat, providing food, water and cover for wildlife animals and a place to raise their young.  “Our efforts to go green have only begun,” stated Sam.

Stay up-to-date with all the activities at Still Hopes.   Visit our new website and join our e-list.