Press Release
A lot can happen in a year: new friendships can be forged, new adventures had, new hobbies discovered, and new habits made that contribute to a person's health and well-being, no matter what their age.
All those experiences and more are taking place for the residents of Kempton of Charleston, a senior living community celebrating its one-year anniversary in the heart of a city synonymous with Southern elegance and charm.
“It's been an exciting year, with so much growth for everyone, both our residents and staff,” says Lindsay French, executive director of the senior living community that offers assisted living, memory care, respite care, skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation.
In addition to providing varied types of care, there are many other ways in which Kempton of Charleston stands out. But first and foremost, French credits the residents with making the community such a vibrant and welcoming place to live.
“They are a wonderful group with so many interesting life stories and shared experiences,” French says. “I've really enjoyed getting to know each of them.”
Kempton of Charleston's dedicated staff is another asset that sets it apart.
“We have a really strong leadership team, and our ability to recruit and retain the best in staff is next level,” French says. While many other senior living communities need to use temporary or agency staff to fill in shortages, Kempton of Charleston has not had to do that. “Our staff is consistent and dependable, and they get to know the residents,” French says.
Another element that sets Kempton of Charleston apart is its location on a peninsula with easy access to all that the historic city of Charleston has to offer. The community is near such amenities as Rainbow Row, a series of colorfully painted historic homes; Hampton Park, a leafy outdoor space; and White Point Park, another grassy space bordered by two rivers.
“Our residents love to get out and enjoy those outdoor spaces,” French says.
The community also has on-site outdoor spaces. The assisted living floors feature rooftop terraces that are easily accessible for residents.
“These patios are easy for our residents to get to—just steps away,” French says. “They really enjoy reading a book or having happy hour on the patios.”
Another benefit of being in Charleston is its proximity to the city's lively arts and cultural scene. Residents enjoy community sponsored trips where they can attend concerts performed by the renowned Charleston Symphony and to visit other cultural attractions.
The city's many world-class restaurants are another amenity that residents enjoy.
“We are a foodie city, so our residents like to get out and enjoy lunch at our local restaurants,” French says. “We have a long list of restaurants to visit, and we are just ticking them off as we go. Our residents really enjoy eating out and getting to know each other.”
Residents need not leave home to partake in healthy cuisine offered on-site at The Hampton Grille, which is one of Kempton of Charleston's well-appointed dining rooms offering meals delivered by servers and a menu that changes daily.
“Our residents can customize their meal choices three times a day,” French says. “It gives them a sense of independence that they appreciate.”
Since the community opened and has been welcoming new residents for the last year, French has witnessed how they have blossomed, making social connections and forming friendships.
“Even at an older age, you can forge new relationships. It's exciting to see,” she says.
Kempton of Charleston utilizes NxtGen, a wearable device similar in style to an Apple Watch or FitBit, that tracks the interactions residents have with staff, other residents and visitors, and helps staff detect whether a resident may be feeling lonely.
The staff can then take steps to help them feel more connected, such as encouraging them to eat in the dining room where they can meet others and get the exercise of moving through the community.
Both socialization and exercise can help older adults stave off memory loss and mental decline, French notes.
In recognition of the vital role they play, the community is planning a special meal for residents to mark the one-year anniversary.
For residents who'd previously been living in their own homes, perhaps only interacting with others occasionally, French says being a resident here has given them a new lease on life.
She is thrilled is to see residents thriving since making Kempton of Charleston their home.
“They become like a new person just by coming to live in our community,” she says.
About Kempton of Charleston
Kempton of Charleston is nestled amid the charming environs of Charleston, South Carolina—named by online financial firm WalletHub as the top place to retire in the U.S. With a range of amenities under one roof, and close to Charleston's many cultural offerings, dining and shopping, Kempton of Charleston offers premier assisted living, memory care, respite care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing.
