Page 51 - WCFL Senior Living Resource Magazine
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in their 80s or 90s to move some place   that had such a hard time making the de-
      where they don’t know anyone. On top of   cision to transition into senior living often
      that, many seniors still have preconceived   comment that they wish they had moved
      negative notions about senior living and   in years earlier! McCollum explains that
      still relate assisted living communities to   he and his team at Magnolia Gardens have
      nursing homes or places where old people   built a culture where the residents truly
      go to wither away and be forgotten about,”   feel comfortable and at home. “It’s easy!”
      says McCollum. Usually after a transi-  says McCollum. “We simply want our
      tion period of a couple of months, newer   residents and staff members to be them-
      residents start interacting and find that   selves! During the new hire process, we
      they have many things in common with   look for potential staff members who are
      other residents. For example, they may   genuine and compassionate. If you have
      find that they grew up in the same town   those qualities, we can help train you on
      as another resident. Or two ladies may   the easy stuff. Although there is a clinical
      find that they both lost a husband in the   or care piece involved with assisted living,
      past year and that both men had served in   the social piece can be just as important.
      the same branch of the Armed Forces at   We always look for new and exciting ways
      the same time. During this time, the new   to boost social interaction and ensure
      resident will finally begin to see that they   that our residents are having fun! When
      are not alone. Everyone living in the com-  it’s all said and done, I feel that Magnolia
      munity was once like them and felt like   Gardens is probably the best overall value
      them when they first walked through the   in the Tampa Bay area when it comes to
      doors. It’s through these interactions with   assisted living.” says McCollum.
      other residents that bonds are created and   If you are looking for a senior
      new friendships are formed. All of those
      fears they once had about moving into an   living community with all of the
      assisted living community often fade away.  bells and whistles that is truly
      The new resident will begin to relax again,   affordable, DO NOT overlook this
      and start to enjoy the amenities and access   hidden treasure!
      to personal assistance that our community
      offers. In most cases, these same residents                AL #10314


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