Hope, Health and Happiness in 2021
We often focus on our beloved residents at Still Hopes Senior Living West Columbia, SC because they inspire passion in us every day. But for this week’s blog, we wanted to introduce some of our staff - to find out what motivates and inspires them and brings them hope for 2021. Here’s what they had to say. My New Years resolution is to get back on track with healthy habits like daily exercise and smart eating choices. --- Ellen Williams, Marketing Coordinator for Still Hopes licensed neighborhoods One of my resolutions for 2021 is to travel more. For twenty years I have wanted to visit the Harry S. Truman Library in Independence, Missouri. I hope that 2021 is the year that this dream comes true. I also hope to visit Acadia National Park in Maine and also New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island in the fall. I’ve never been to those states. If I can fit them in, I’d also like to visit Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park in Utah. There are so many beautiful national parks to see in the US. I hope to stop putting off my dreams and make them happen in 2021! --- Diane Cote, Life Engagement Assistant for the Jane Bruce Guignard neighborhoods My resolution is to never ever ever take anything for granted again. --- Tacey Gohean, Director of Community Services What I am looking forward to in 2021 is having a big family gathering, and not worrying about if we are going to make each other sick. --- Niesha Kitching, Unit Coordinator for RiverBanks My New Year’s resolution is to continue on my health-conscious path that I have been on since July. Be healthy, stay healthy. And I am looking forward to a time in 2021 when we can discard the mask, meet and greet without socially distancing and hugging loved ones. --- Susan McDaniel, Life Engagement Assistant My New Year’s resolutions remain the same every year: Choose joy every day no matter what circumstances I am facing. Be kind and compassionate to everyone and look for ways to love and serve others every single day. --- Beth McCrary, Marketing/Client Care Manager for Solutions for Living at Home I resolve to read the Bible more. I am looking forward to a new chapter in my personal life to include busting down the door when the Wellness Center finally opens! --- Robert Michalski, Life Engagement Assistant A COVID free year! A new year of health and happiness filled with friends and family (in person and no masks)! Peace on Earth! --- Nikki Robertson, Director of Health Services I typically do not make New Year’s resolutions, but this year, I’m up for something different. This year I resolve to watch less news and focus more on the incredible blessings in my life. I resolve to extend more understanding than I seek and to give more love than I require. This year, my greatest resolution is to draw closer to God, and in so doing, serve others with a kind heart and joyful smile. --- Troy Wingfield, Director of Facilities Services
Holy Week At Still Hopes
"Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community West Columbia, SC is a faith based community. We do follow the Episcopal Church Year. For the past several weeks we have been observing the season of Lent, which commemorates our Lord’s Ministry on earth, and culminates this week in the events of Holy Week, and begins the season of Easter. Lent is a period of 40 days before Easter during which many Christians do not eat certain foods or do certain pleasurable activities as a way of remembering the suffering of Jesus Christ Our observance of Holy Week includes Maundy Thursday (where we commemorate our Lord’s institution of the Eucharist (Holy Communion) and the washing of the feet of the apostles by Jesus). We will have a service of Holy Communion, foot washing, and the stripping of the sanctuary in preparation of Good Friday. Our Maundy Thursday service will be held in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit at 4:00 pm on Thursday. On Good Friday we, along with Christians worldwide, commemorate the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. His death of the cross was the great event by which Christ paid the ultimate price for the sins of all humanity: yours, mine and everyone’s! The Good Friday service will be held in the chapel of the Holy Spirit on Friday at 4:00pm. Our celebration of Easter commemorates our Lord’s resurrection from the dead-and shows that our God cannot be held by death, once we Christians are made his sons and daughters through Holy Baptism, and therefore are inheritors of His Kingdom-neither does the grave have the final say over us. This begins the great fifty-day celebration of Christians around the world. Easter service will be held in the chapel at 11:00 on Sunday. Our Lenten Study this year “Give Up Something Bad for Lent” was well attended and those who came seemed to really enjoy it! Look for more to come and please let me know if you would like to study a particular subject—I take requests!" - Fr. Richard Crozier, Still Hopes Chaplain
This Holiday, Give Your Family the Gift of Your Plan
The holiday season is a time to cherish family, celebrate togetherness, and express gratitude for one another. But as we gather with loved ones, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on how we can give them the greatest gift of all: peace of mind about the future. At Still Hopes, we understand the importance of planning for retirement. Deciding to join a Life Plan Community is more than choosing a place to live—it’s a proactive decision that ensures your loved ones won’t have to worry about how you’ll be cared for in the years ahead. A Life Plan Community: More Than Just a Residence As a Life Plan Community, Still Hopes offers engaged, independent senior living with access to a full continuum of care, including assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing services. This means that whether your retirement years are filled with travel and leisure or require additional support, you’re covered. By choosing a community like Still Hopes, you’re setting a clear path for your future, one that eliminates uncertainties for you and your family. A Thoughtful Part of Estate Planning Planning for retirement isn’t just about finances; it’s about securing a future that aligns with your values and needs. Making the decision to live in a community like Still Hopes shows your loved ones that you’ve thoughtfully considered every aspect of your well-being—from health care to lifestyle. This decision complements traditional estate planning by ensuring you’ve planned not just for what you’ll leave behind, but for how you’ll live well today and tomorrow. Peace of Mind for Your Loved Ones When you choose Still Hopes, you’re not just investing in your future; you’re giving your family the comfort of knowing that you’ll be supported, no matter what. For adult children and other loved ones, this means fewer difficult conversations and less uncertainty. They’ll know that you’re in a vibrant, supportive environment where your needs are met, and they can focus on spending quality time with you instead of worrying about caregiving. The Gift That Keeps Giving This holiday season, consider how a plan for your future can also be a gift to your family. By making the decision to join a Life Plan Community, you’re ensuring your loved ones will never have to question how you’ll be cared for or what steps to take if your needs change. It’s a gift of clarity, confidence, and love. Let this holiday season be the start of a conversation about what truly matters: the well-being of you and your family. At Still Hopes, we’re here to help you embrace your future with open arms, surrounded by a welcoming community that feels like home. Give your family the gift of peace of mind this holiday season.
Heart To Heart: A Personal Story of Loss and Triumph
“I feel like I’m the typical woman when it comes to the issue of heart disease. I had symptoms but just always attributed the symptoms to something else.” says Nela Edgar. Sitting across from Nela in her beautiful retirement home West Columbia, SC you would have no idea she has not only suffered from heart disease herself, but also had heart disease touch many of those whom she loved. Nela’s father had a stroke when she was only 9 years old, and passed away from a stroke only ten years later at the age of 62. Years later, Nela’s late husband, David, had a sudden, massive heart attack at the age of 65 and passed away in Nela’s arms. David’s passing was a shock to the family, as Nela describes him as “very active”, someone who served on the National Board of the American Heart Association, and who had just had a clean physical examination. Years later, Nela was blessed to find love again, but that did not make her immune from having health scares herself. Though Nela believes she has had “warning signs” for the last few years, things began to mount in July of 2019. While in Colorado visiting her daughter, Nela fainted. Then, even though Nela didn’t want the attention, sisters tell sisters. Her Columbia daughter’s husband Taylor is a cardiologist and kindly told her she needed to see a doctor and even set up the appointment for Nela himself. Her examination with the cardiologist raised enough concern that a heart monitor was put on Nela so her physicians could monitor her heart’s activity. Days later, Nela had an episode that was later determined to be an “8 second flatline” of her heart, and it was decided that Nela needed a pacemaker. Once the pacemaker was put in, the doctors were able to monitor Nela’s heart activity even more closely. Thanks to the pacemaker, doctors were able to determine Nela had Atrial fibrillation (commonly known as afib) and heart palpitations. These issues led to Nela having a cardioversion procedure and then an ablation procedure in January 2020. Since these procedures, Nela says she feels like “a different person”. She says she didn’t realize how tired she was before and how much her life has improved since having these procedures. Though Nela has been through a lot in terms of her heart, she does not want any sympathy. She simply wants people to learn from everything she has been through. “Men and women need to take away from my story that it is always better to ask about health issues. Don’t try to be super independent or be afraid you’ll be seen as a hypochondriac. Don’t self-diagnose on Google, even though we all do it. Talk to your healthcare provider so they can help uncover health issues hopefully before they become a major problem.” she says. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States according to the Center for Disease Control. With February being Heart Awareness Month, please be sure to check in with yourself and think about whether you have been experiencing symptoms of heart disease. These include, but are not limited to, chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain in your neck, jaw, or throat. We are all in this health journey together and we encourage you to involve your healthcare provider so you can live the very best life possible! Retirement Home West Columbia, SC.
Hobbies at Any Age: Embracing an Active Aging Lifestyle
Retirement can be a time for relaxation and reinvention, but embracing an active aging lifestyle helps maintain physical and mental health. One of the best ways to do this is through hobbies. Whether continuing lifelong passions or exploring new interests, hobbies are key to well-being and happiness during retirement. Hobbies do more than pass the time. According to a study by Harvard, having a hobby is linked to happiness and well-being. Hobbies provide structure, purpose, and social interaction, which are vital for a positive outlook. They also offer opportunities to learn new skills, stay active, and connect with others. Benefits of Hobbies in Retirement 1. Mental Health and Cognitive Function Mentally stimulating activities can improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Hobbies like puzzles, reading, or learning a new language can keep the mind sharp. 2. Physical Health Physical hobbies such as gardening, dancing, or yoga help maintain fitness, improve flexibility, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. These activities encourage regular movement and can be adapted to various levels of mobility. 3. Social Connections Many hobbies offer the chance to meet new people and build friendships. Joining clubs or groups can help prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are common in retirement. 4. Stress Reduction Hobbies can help manage stress. Creative activities like painting, knitting, or playing a musical instrument provide an outlet for self-expression and relaxation. Finding the Right Hobby Choosing the right hobby can be a fun journey of self-discovery. Here are some tips to help you get started: Reflect on Past Interests: Think about activities you enjoyed in the past but may have put aside due to a busy career or family responsibilities. Re-ignite your passion for it, like Ann did with ping pong! Try Something New: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Many local community centers and retirement communities, like Still Hopes, offer classes and workshops in a variety of subjects. You may surprise yourself! Consider Your Physical Abilities: Choose activities that match your physical capabilities to ensure you stay active and engaged without overexertion. Join a Group: Many hobbies are more enjoyable when shared with others. Look for local clubs or groups that focus on your interests. Hobbies to Explore Here are some hobby ideas if you find yourself in need of inspiration during your retirement: Gardening: A wonderful way to stay active and connect with nature. Walking or Hiking: Great for cardiovascular health and exploring the outdoors. Crafting: Activities like knitting, quilting, or woodworking can be both relaxing and productive. Volunteering: Give back to the community and meet new people. Learning: Take up a new language, musical instrument, or join a book club. Stay Engaged at Still Hopes At Still Hopes, we promote an active and vibrant retirement lifestyle. Our residents have access to many activities designed to foster engagement and well-being. From our wellness center to our arts and crafts room, there’s always something new to explore. See how our residents live an active aging lifestyle on our Facebook and Instagram. Discover the joy of hobbies and embrace the possibilities that retirement brings. Engaging in activities you love enriches your life and contributes to your health and happiness.
Harvest Hope Food Bank
Over the past year, Still Hopes Skilled Nursing West Columbia, SC has collected about 400lbs. of packaged for for the local Harvest Hope Food Bank on 12th Street in Cayce. Through community support, Harvest Hope can distribute food for just $0.32 per meal. Canned and boxed food, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and other personal care items (no clothing or plastic grocery bags) may be placed in the containers in the mail rooms of Buildings 5 & 6 on the the 2nd floor of McDowell and in a new location near the cottage in-house boxes. If you have questions, please call cottage resident volunteer Joan Savage at (803) 796-8488. Experience an active retirement lifestyle on your own accord. As a Continuing Care Retirement Community, and the area’s first Life Plan Community in West Columbia, SC, Still Hopes offers an engaged and enjoyable senior adult community for the greater Columbia area. Our campus is continually adding new activities and offerings at the request of our wonderful residents. Learn how to play a new instrument at our retirement community. Paint your next masterpiece. Spend weekends with friends and family. Engage in a spiritual Bible study. Savor the variety at four unique dining venues on campus. Build strength and social ties in our Wellness Center. Plan your days exactly how you like them. Live the active retirement you want in an independent, maintenance-free environment without worrying about the tedious responsibilities.
Growing up in Nazi Germany: Rosemary’s Story
Last week, Still Hopes’ resident Rosemary Smith gave an encore presentation of her lecture “Growing up in Nazi Germany.” Joined by her family from the surrounding Carolinas, she invited us into a time in her life characterized by deep and complex feelings she still grapples with today. Rosemary was born an only child in the German colony of Lüderitz in South-West Africa (in present-day Namibia) in 1931. It was just a few short years before her parents chose to return to Germany where they settled in the city of Karlsruhe. At the time, Hitler was the newly-elected Chancellor of post WW1 Germany, and she will echo what many historians today will remind us about his rise – he was very well liked. Her countrymen were proud of his commitment to rebuilding Germany and bringing them out of the economic hardships brought on by WW1 reparations. Like most children in Germany, her schooling consisted of what she now knows was German propaganda furthering his agenda to expand the Third Reich. Early stages of war were largely ignored by her family, friends, and neighbors – and the atrocities of the camps were unknown by the common citizen. In fact, German propaganda was so effective at the time, they never believed their little town would fall into harm’s way. Victory was certain. But soon, the war turned and made its way to Karlsruhe’s doorstep. Rosemary was 11 when the bombings began. She often didn’t sleep – she was too concerned with her ability to hear a siren’s warning or the whistle of a falling bomb. The basement became a shelter where her mother would lie on top of her for protection, praying the building above wouldn’t collapse in on them. Teary eyed, she recalled the night her neighbor’s apartment was struck, falling into the basement beside theirs separated by paper thin walls. The little girl next store made it into their shelter, her mother did not. The war raged and Rosemary will admit, her anger towards allied forces grew. By this point in the war, food was rationed to the point where you were always hungry. Concern for the fate of the war grew. Karlsruhe was eventually decimated after the bomb attacks on Dec. 4th, 1944. She and her family fled to the countryside to wait out the war. The informational hold Hitler had on the general public was still so strong, when the first images of the camps surfaced in Germany, many thought they were a lie. “Yankee Propaganda” her neighbor called it. It took many years for Germans to come to terms with the truth of Hitler’s actions. Rosemary eventually moved back into a rebuilding Karlsruhe. As a young teenager she tried to acclimate to a life after war, but carried with her all of her feelings of fear and rage. She swore she would always hate the people who destroyed her city and her country. She would always hate Americans… and then she met her husband. Rosemary met her later-Husband, John Smith, at what would resemble a networking party when she was 16 years old. John was in the Armed Forces at the time. Rosemary would fall in love with John and move to the United States and started their family in Raleigh, NC. John left the armed forces, which disappointed Rosemary a little – she was so fond of John in uniform. They raised two beautiful children and built a wonderful life together. Rosemary’s story is an important one because it serves as a beacon of hope for the world. Rosemary can vividly remember the fear invoked by her childhood “enemies.” She can recall the horror and despair her city drowned in as the bombings increased and the rations lessened. But, she still fell in love. In the wake of great and unwavering hate, love found her, and she chose love. It’s a lesson to us all. Today we all might feel the weight of events plaguing our fellow man. However, when the world seems consumed with negativity and strife, remember love is a force like no other.
Grand Opening of Greenway
On Sunday, April 7, Still Hopes Retirement Community West Columbia, SC celebrated the Grand Opening of our new Greenway building. Though our Greenway residents have called Greenway home for over a month, Sunday was a time to open Greenway’s doors to the community at large for everyone to enjoy. Still Hopes’ very own Reverend Rich Crozier blessed the building before turning the microphone over to Danny Sanford, Still Hopes Executive Director. Danny gave a speech before the ceremonial ribbon cutting that beautifully explains Greenway’s history and what it now provides to our residents. After his speech, visitors were able to tour the Greenway building for themselves. Here is Danny’s full speech for those of you who were not able to join us: “The Greenway building acquired its name to help honor the founder of our Community, Dr. Jane Bruce Guignard. More specifically, it is tribute to the Greenway walking trails that Dr. Jane Bruce’s family has helped to establish along our City’s river. On your tour of Greenway today, the new things you will find include the Riverbanks Apartments. Their name comes from the memory of where the clay that served to make the Guignard Bricks was dug. Also in this building, you will find three skilled nursing neighborhoods. Collectively they are the Dr. Jane Bruce Guignard Neighborhoods. Individually they are The Saluda, The Broad, and The Congaree. These names remind us of the significance that the convergence of our three rivers played in helping the SC Legislature of long ago to decide to relocate our state’s capital from Charleston to Columbia; significant to Still Hopes because in so doing, they brought the Guignard family, in the role of surveyor of the new capital city, and that culminated in the Guignard family making this wonderful place their permanent home. Still more about this new space, is that it embodies the most advanced model of care for skilled nursing available anywhere, by allowing residents to live in a truly homelike setting. Inside each of the three neighborhoods you will find all the elements of a true home. You will find a front porch and entryway, a living room, a dining room and kitchen, and a sun room. You will then discover that the bedrooms, and a more intimate den setting, are located in the most private part of the neighborhood, just as you find true of your own homes. Beyond the wonderful architecture and beautiful interior design features, you will find a genuine sense of family, and of caring one for another to be alive and well; complete with staff that are being continuously trained to do the array of tasks associated with a small, intimate, home environment setting. In other words, you will find HOME and comfort. The Riverbanks apartments, you will discover, offer a grand place to receive 24-hour assistance in living, within a luxurious apartment that is complete with its own kitchen, as well as living room and bedroom, but you will additionally find common living and playing spaces that allow these 22 people to form a family relationship and bond with one another, as well as with the staff who provide them supportive services to match their needs and desires. Working to develop this part of our community has been a labor of love for our Board and for our staff, and we are so glad you have chosen to come and witness this dream brought to reality today. We hope you like it even half as much as we have all liked bringing it to fruition. The list of staff members who have worked tirelessly, and who continue to work hard, to make what you are here to see today a reality, are too numerous to mention by name today, but soon they will wear a badge of honor in the form of a Greenway logoed pin, so you will know who they all are. Let me assure you that they are ALL diligent, unsung heroes and champions of this noble cause and their fine efforts, without which this would not have ever been possible, shall long be remembered by the Still Hopes family. Thank you all ladies and gentlemen of Still Hopes, for your good good work and dedication to the mission that makes Still Hopes the grand endeavor that it is. As the spokesman of these staff heroes today, I extend a hearty thank you to all of you, for your patience with us as we worked to make this dream a reality, and I welcome you to make this grand place a meaningful part of your own story and of your lives with us.” We hope you have enjoyed this snapshot of our Greenway celebration. If you have not come to visit us at Still Hopes, please do. We would love to have you come enjoy this beautiful campus with us.
Giving Thanks To Those Who Have Given So Much
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy On Friday, November 11th, Still Hopes dementia care West Columbia, SC was able to show its appreciation to nearly 60 of our dear residents and staff who are veterans from all military branches. We served a hearty breakfast complete with eggs, bacon, and grits, but the most filling thing of all was to see the fellowship amongst those who have given so much. “One of the most heartwarming parts of the morning for me was seeing the unity amongst the veterans.” says Ellen Hill, Still Hopes’ Catering Coordinator. “You had healthcare sitting with independent, residents sitting with staff, WWII Vets sitting with Vietnam Vets, Reserve with Active Duty- they could have shared stories all day if we would’ve let them. The amount of pride these men and women had in their roles in the Armed Forces was intoxicating. You couldn’t help but feel such a strong sense of Patriotism while listening to their personal accounts of their time in the service. It was really a wonderful morning, and this breakfast will continue to be a tradition here at our Dementia Care West Columbia, SC from here on out.” Each veteran in attendance had a chance to give a brief word about their service to our country. To put the perfect punctuation on the morning, veteran Paul Lunsford ended his speech by saying he would “do it again in a minute.” Thank you to all who have served our great country, and thank you to those who continue to serve! We are so blessed by each and every one of you.
The Gervais apartment in HopeWell at Still Hopes: The perfect place to call “Home”
When Kay and Mike Murrell first heard about the new HopeWell apartment building at Still Hopes four years ago, they had no idea what to expect. At the time, they were living at a Lake Murray home they loved, but Mike was getting a little tired of managing the property. They knew they didn’t want to saddle their kids with a tough choice to make if Kay or Mike became sick or incapacitated. But most importantly, they wanted to make the decision for themselves. “We felt like it was a gift for our children, but also each other, because we were choosing where we wanted to be and when,” said Kay. “We looked at a couple of other places and they were very nice, but once we saw Still Hopes, nothing else compared, to tell you the truth.” At the time they first visited the community, Still Hopes wasn’t using the YourTour tool, so there was no easy way to visualize how the building or their apartment would look when construction was completed. But after seeing a few early diagrams of each of the apartment styles and discussing their “wants and needs” with the marketing staff, they settled on the Gervais floor plan layout. “This was the first time in our 56 years of marriage that we moved someplace sight unseen,” said Kay. Fast-forward to spring 2021, and one week before move-in day, the Murrells visited their Gervais apartment for the first time. “We just opened the door and it was very bright,” said Mike. “If you are standing at the entry door, you are looking out at floor-to-ceiling storefront windows in our living room and master bedroom. And it’s wide open.” Kay was thrilled with the space. “We love the fact that we have a very long balcony,” said Kay. “It’s about 18-feet long. And the bathrooms and the walk-in closets are nice and large.” Since the Murrells are high up on the fourth of five floors, from their particular balcony they can spot the iconic Guignard mansion. But their main view is of the roof of the chapel. “If I get sassy Mike points at the cross that’s outside our window and says ‘remember’,” Kay laughed. Just below their building is the courtyard, which will also be used for community social gatherings. The first event Still Hopes hosted in the space was well-attended - a Kentucky Derby themed event. “They had ice cream and horse-racing themed contests,” said Mike. “And best-dressed contests - women wore all the big hats.” “And mint juleps,” Kay added. Another feature of the Gervais floor plan includes a second bedroom that the Murrells use as a den and office, but have also furnished it with a sofa bed and a TV for occasional use as a guest bedroom. Mike often uses the wellness center that can be reached from their apartment without ever having to step outside. And they are looking forward to signing up with the resident concierge physician service, something that sets Still Hopes apart from many other retirement communities in Columbia, SC. Kay said she has also enjoyed having a cleaning service once a week, and having repairs handled with just a phone call. “Mike can fix just about anything. I break it and he fixes it. But it’s wonderful for him to not have to fix anything. So we just love that aspect of it,” said Kay. And while they both like to cook, they’ve only fixed a handful of dinners in their open layout and well-equipped kitchen. Instead, they opt to eat nearly all their lunches and many dinners downstairs at Emilie’s cafe where they can see friends. Kay and Mike have been thrilled with the community, making friends quickly (having neighbors and friends in for drinks nearly every night before dinner) while still maintaining their relationships and lives in the Columbia area, where they venture out many mornings for breakfast. “There is a lot of satisfaction in making this decision, recognizing that we were not going to stay in our house until we died,” said Mike. “And there’s a whole lot of living to do after 75.” Mike also added that it was a relief that it was a “done deal” - recalling a time he had a bad fall at the dock of his home and punctured his lung. “Those things do happen and often, earlier than at our age,” he said. “We don’t have to worry if we slip and bust our bucket. Someone will be here in 10 minutes and we are going to be well cared for.” The Murrell’s have had six months to get settled into their new independent living residence, and admit that while any new move is an adaptation, they can comfortably say Still Hopes and their Gervais apartment officially feels like home. “This is our community now,” said Kay. “And when you turn down your street and you can say ‘we’re going home’... then you know everything is good.” Schedule your own tour of the last few remaining HopeWell apartments before it's too late! Contact Stewart Rawson in the marketing department at (803) 739-5040 or submit our contact form.
Geriatric Health and Wellness Brings Personalized Health Care to Still Hopes
Still Hopes Assisted Living West Columbia, SC. residents may remember a time or two in their youth when their doctor made a house call. Often the doctor was a beloved member of the community who they all knew well, and might even think of as a family friend. Fast forward to 2021… when the old way of doing things has become the innovative new way within the Still Hopes community. The term today is called concierge medicine. It started to reappear in primarily metropolitan areas in the last 10 to 15 years. A concierge practice typically caters to business executives who want to pay an extra retainer for the convenience of having a physician who provides enhanced, personalized care. It’s easy to schedule an appointment, with little to no wait, and sometimes in their own homes. And these physicians will really take the time to get to the root of their patients’ medical problems, thoroughly examining them and explaining a treatment plan that can be easily understood and followed. And here is why Still Hopes residents can feel special. Geriatric Health And Wellness at Still Hopes is one of the only concierge medical practices anywhere in the U.S. that caters exclusively to retirement community members. The practice started in 2019, when discussions between Victor Hirth, M.D., and Still Hopes Executive Director and CEO, Danny Sanford, led to focus groups with Still Hopes community members to see if there was a need. The response was overwhelming. So in the fall of that same year, Hirth hung his shingle right on campus and hired Still Hopes nurse alums, Natalie Hinkle and Nicole Newton, to assist. “They both have experience with older adult care, and since this was a completely new program, it was extremely helpful to have someone who was familiar with the system and the community,” said Hirth. “They have been a great fit.” Hirth grew up on the West Coast. As a young adult, he served as a nurse aide in a retirement community in Seattle, establishing his love of caring for older adults. So it was no surprise that he would pursue a career in geriatric medicine. “When I entered medical school, I already knew it was my path. I knew I enjoyed older adults, and I enjoyed long term care. That just pulled for me,” said Hirth. After his fellowship training, Hirth was recruited by the University of South Carolina, working his way up from clinical instructor to full professor and Chief of Geriatrics. He helped to develop a senior primary care program, a geriatric fellowship training program, an inpatient geriatric unit, and the geriatric psychiatry training program. He focused his research on Alzheimer’s, hypertension, and other age-related diseases. He served as Editor-in-Chief for a geriatric textbook, on the board of directors for the American Geriatric Society, and even started a program to attract other physicians to this small field of medicine. But when he saw that health care was becoming more corporatized, he decided it was time to reexamine how he, himself, wanted to deliver care. Hirth had served on the Board of Directors at Still Hopes for a number of years. He said that he could see Still Hopes was a very well run organization, and that the community was focused on resident wellness. “Geriatrics is the care of the oldest most medically complex people, in order to maximize their independence, health and wellbeing, and to minimize hospitalizations,” said Hirth. “It can’t be done in fast order, so it became clear to me that being in a big organization was not optimal for me.” Hirth and his team are available Monday through Friday, and provide coverage, by telephone, on weekends, holidays and evenings. If one of his Still Hopes patients takes a tumble one evening and ends up in the emergency room, he can advise them on their pain management and watch over their healing. Or if a resident can’t tell if they’ve developed a cold or Covid, he will suit up in his medical personal protective gear and pay them a house call. “It really is soothing to the residents, both physically and emotionally, to have someone with his expertise become a partner in their health,” said Tacey Gohean, Still Hopes Director of Community Services. Gohean says the business model is simple. Residents can pay $230 per month or $2,600 a year. Since they are a 100-percent Medicare practice, they are required to file Medicare. The retainer is separate from Medicare, and covers accessibility to Hirth and his team, continuous communication to patients and their families, and peace of mind. “Almost all of my children live out-of-state, and they are delighted that I have this program here, so that they don’t have to worry about me getting an appointment when needed. I have a short wait, and of course, transportation is not an issue,” said Joyce Steele, a Still Hopes independent living resident. Hirth is just as appreciative of his patients and their families. “It’s been hugely rewarding. They send emails with questions and information about the latest research, medicine or supplements. I like getting these because I often learn something as well.” While some physicians may balk at this, Hirth welcomes the opportunity for growth. He says he has always been a big proponent of continuing education. In fact, he might be considered a lifelong student himself. If he is not spending his free time with family, he is restoring cars... and does all of his own maintenance, from starters to alternators to connecting rod bearings. He also started his own research enterprise. For the past 10 years, he has partnered with the USC College of Engineering and Computing, Department of Civil Engineering to develop a system of fall detection using small seismic sensors, placed inconspicuously on the floor of an apartment or dwelling. The project has two National Institutes of Health-funded grants and one in review supporting it. Still Hopes residents have also participated in the study and more work will be conducted at Still Hopes in 2021. “It’s novel. Most of the fall detection systems are almost exclusively watch or pendant based. But if you are not wearing either and you take a fall, you may not be able to make it to the phone,” said Hirth. “Ours is completely ambient - the environment knows what you are doing. You don’t have to interact with the system but the system still recognizes a fall.” Hirth also spends a few times a month with his staff, training for everything on falls and delirium to UTIs. He also trains Prisma Health residents in internal medicine and fellows in Palliative Care and Hospice as well as Geriatrics. You might see one of these visiting doctors with Dr. Hirth's team on campus during the year. Hirth treats about 60 to 70 patients in Greenway Supportive Living's skilled nursing neighborhoods, and over 100 independent living residents, with more coming on board with the opening of the new HopeWell independent living apartment building. “Being here at Still Hopes Retirement Community in Columbia, SC has been highly rewarding. I think everyone has come to realize what we are doing here,” he said. “It’s not what might be considered innovative. It’s probably just more old school, right? It’s how medicine used to be.” And to his patients, it’s how it always ought to be. For more information about the Geriatric Health and Wellness concierge practice, email Tacey Gohean, Director of Community Services, at tgohean@stillhopes.org.
First Annual Taste of Still Hopes Feeds More Than Just Our Guests
Close your eyes for just a moment. Imagine you hear the sound of tropical music, smell lobster simmering in butter sauce, and hear the murmuring and laughter of almost 200 people. Where are you? Bora Bora? St.Tropez? Well if you were one of Still Hopes’ 170 guests last Wednesday evening, then you were right here on our beautiful Main Street for the First Annual Taste of Still Hopes Assisted Living West Columbia, SC. The evening kicked off at 6:00 p.m. with guests entering Main Street and immediately being greeted by a table full of champagne. Taking a leisurely stroll further down Main Street, our friends then encountered a Caribbean station (surrounded by palm trees of course) with choices like lobster, tiger slaw, and pulled pork sliders. Further on, Main Street was filled to the brim with different Culinary stations hosting options such as shrimp and grits, chicken cordon bleu, sushi made fresh in-house, and a tower of desserts to suit all preferences. All these wonderful choices went to showcase the diversity and talent within the Still Hopes Culinary Team. “The event was a collaboration of ideas from the Still Hopes Culinary management team and featured the diverse cultural backgrounds of our Culinary staff. The food represented menu items from the Caribbean, Asia, Europe and the United States. The idea was to have a great time for our residents and their guests but to also help a great cause, the Harvest Hope Food Bank.” says Andy Marchant, the Director of Culinary Services at Still Hopes. Harvest Hope was present on Main Street during Taste of Still Hopes assisted living, and raised over $200 and over 260 pounds of food. “The Taste of Still Hopes was an excellent event! I found myself surrounded by people full of life. Generous, fun loving seniors who enjoyed a wonderful evening with their Still Hopes neighbors and did not forget to give back to the bigger community called the Midlands. The donations collected in food and funds were the equivalent of 1350 meals. Harvest Hope wants to thank the staff and residents for allowing us to be your charity for the first Taste of Still Hopes.” says Debbie Summers, Donor Relations Manager for Harvest Hope. Still Hopes would like to thank our friends at Harvest Hope for being part of this wonderful event, which we look forward to hosting for many more years to come! To see photos from Taste of Still Hopes, please click through the Taste of Still Hopes 2016 Photo Gallery below. *A special thank you to Janice Sanford photography for taking and providing all the photos in our gallery. Thank you, Janice for covering the night so beautifully!