“Making the decision to live in a continuing care retirement community is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your family,” said Lynn McQueen, director of marketing with the Martha Franks Retirement Community in Laurens.
After all, there are so many benefits, such as freedom of maintenance and upkeep, safety and security, fellowship and socialization. It’s easy to lead an active lifestyle with daily activities that encourage wellness, social interaction, lifelong learning, nutrition, dining and volunteerism.
What really sets this community apart is its faith-based foundation.
“Many of our residents find meaning and purpose in having an opportunity to minister and impact others. They do this in ways such as volunteering with our Billy Graham Call Center, using their gifts and talents through teaching and music and praying and supporting one another, just to name a few,” McQueen said.
Probably the most important part of the gift of a continuing retirement community is knowing that whatever the future holds for you, this type of setting will provide for those needs.
“What greater peace of mind for you and your family,” McQueen proclaimed. “And, making this decision while it is still your choice is very empowering.”
McQueen added, “Also, knowing the relationships you have built over time while living in an independent setting on our campus will follow you as you experience different levels of care. We are a family here at Martha Franks, and it shows in how all the residents truly care for one another.”
Richard and Karen Charles have been residents since 2015. Karen admitted that what appealed to her the most at first was just the “easier” lifestyle she and her husband would have, compared to taking care of the property they owned at their home in Vermont.
“It took the burden off for sure, and there was no snow to shovel,” she said.
Her husband, Richard, plays Santa every Christmas and visits with the other residents.
“There is no better feeling in the world than seeing their faces light up when I come in and say, ‘ho, ho, ho,’” he explained, adding that he starts growing a long white beard months in advance to prepare for his role. “I love doing it as much as they love seeing me dressed up.”
Speaking of the holidays, Bobby and Nancy Creech enjoy spending theirs at Martha Franks.
“I hadn’t put up a tree in years at home because no one really came to see it,” Nancy said. “But now I put one up, and I just enjoy it so much.”
She also used to prepare a Thanksgiving dinner for her entire family at home that she admitted was too much work: “Now the family comes here on Thanksgiving to the Martha Franks dining room and we enjoy a much easier holiday.”
Margaret Brown’s favorite part of living in the Martha Franks Retirement Community is the socialization and activities.
“They get me out of the house. I think about some of my friends that I left behind and how they might be lonely, and I just hate that for them. I wish they knew about all the friendships they could be enjoying. Living here brings so much pleasure to my life.”
McQueen concluded, “The heart of our ministry is to support their wellness and happiness – emotionally, physically and spiritually.”
For more information on the Martha Franks Retirement Community, visit www.marthafranks.com or call 864-984-4541.
By Theresa Stratford