During the ravages of the recent pandemic, an entire nation watched helplessly as our vulnerable seniors were disproportionately targeted by COVID. However, some valuable lessons were learned. Families who brought elderly relatives into their homes discovered how much care their frail loved ones required on a daily basis. They also became aware that lack of opportunities for social interaction could be severely damaging – mentally, physically and emotionally.
For Kempton of Greenville, a senior living community in the Greer-Greenville area, the post-COVID response has been a sharp increase in inquiries for its assisted living and memory-care services. According to Director of Sales and Marketing Jennifer Donner, “I think the pandemic made our resident family members realize the negative impact of social isolation. For those residents living at the Kempton during the pandemic, they still had the opportunity to connect with multiple people on any given day, allowing for social interaction and engagement on a regular basis. Also, COVID was an eye-opener to family members and friends as to how much care their loved ones really needed in carrying out their daily living activities. A community like Kempton can assure that residents receive this support 24/7, while also providing the added layer of socialization.”
Securing a safe, active place for their loved ones is a game-changer for adult children trying to meet their parents’ needs full time.
“Caring for a loved one takes a huge emotional and physical toll,” Donner said. “Our goal at Kempton is to alleviate these stressors so that our residents and their families can truly enjoy each other once again. Adult children can become children again instead of their parents’ caregivers. Spouses become spouses again.”
Kempton currently has space for 100 assisted-living, memory-care and respite residents, offering spacious private rooms and a limited number of one- and two-bedroom apartments.
“We like that the activities that are carried on here are of interest to the residents. Also, there is good transportation to make sure we get to all of our appointments, and the community is kept very clean. The people are very nice, and everyone seems to get along,” according to current residents Richard and Ella Mae.
While the average resident is an octogenarian, Kempton is home to residents from ages 62 to 98. Younger residents have chosen this community because they enjoy the many benefits that come with this lifestyle choice: maintenance-free living, nutritious restaurant-style meals, care coordination and varied social and recreational opportunities.
Jennifer and Melanie, daughters of another current resident, report, “We’re very happy with Kempton, and we’re surprised at the affordability. We were also surprised at how quickly Mom settled in and made new friends. We think it makes her feel special to live in such a nice environment.”
Donner reflected on lessons learned from the pandemic: “Residents and family members are realizing that while care and support are available on-site at Kempton, a vibrant and independent lifestyle can still be enjoyed.”
For more information, call 864-968-1277 or visit kemptonofgreenville.com
By Janet E. Perrigo