30 Nov Members Make a Smooth Transition to Life Plan Community Living
Two of Park Springs’ newest Members are making a smooth transition to Life Plan Community Living. As a son of the low country, Ross loved growing up on the ocean near Pauley’s Island South Carolina. Just like the famous author from that area, Pat Conroy – who he has met – a part of his heart will always be tied to the tides and marshes. But it was another piece of his heart that drew him to move away. “My son lives in the in-town Atlanta area and I wanted to be closer to him and his family so we began to look at options in this area,” says Ross.
Park Springs quickly made it to the top of his short list due to the prime Stone Mountain location and the convenient, maintenance-free lifestyle and the variety of restaurants and delicious full-service meal options. But what really impressed Ross and his wife, Kathy were the people: “Our community is made up of the most interesting people including Emory retirees and professionals from all walks of life.”
As a former head of a marketing agency that focused on promoting colleges, Ross’ career took him all over around the country constantly traveling to over 150 institutions of higher learning. He loved working with college students. He says, “I miss being around young people but there is an energy here at Park Springs that is full of that same vitality.”
Ross and Kathy moved to Park Springs in March 2020, just as the pandemic was closing in across the globe. He was hospitalized for 10 days around that time so the move was especially hard. But Park Springs helped him achieve a smooth transition. “There was a caregiver that checked on me every two days,” says Ross. “And because I was in the hospital, Joey Adams, Member Move Manager went to our new home to oversee our move and told the movers exactly where everything should go.”
Ross and Kathy were also pleased with the way the pandemic was handled. He says, “I was so impressed that the staff lived here during lockdown! That is some kind of dedication but that is the type of people that they have working here.”
Overall, Ross says the level of care has been personal and high-quality: “There is always a doctor on call at the health center. It is staffed with first-class physicians. I have never seen a doctor so interested and prepared for my visit. He had completely reviewed my history and it felt like he really cared about me as a person. I am very confident in this care.”
At home, the couple enjoys the peace and quiet of their lovely a first-floor villa that overlooks the rolling green hill of the golf course. “We have a beautiful patio and no elevator to deal with. And even though the villas are in close proximity, we hear very little noise,” says Ross. “And our upstairs neighbor is quite delightful.”
Another thing that they love is the ability to customize their home, which started prior to their move. He says, “Before we moved in, Joey Adams came to visit us in Pawley’s Island and spent a whole day working with us on plans for how to design our space and arrange our furniture. We were able to move just what we needed, and it all fits perfectly. And I’m a book person so I have many books. I really wanted to have built-in bookcases. So, Joey arranged to have custom bookcases made for our villa.”
Most of all, Ross appreciates the level of service and sense of community that the Park Springs fosters at every turn. “This is a first-class, premium place. The people who serve you here are wonderful. It’s like a family. Everyone on staff here calls you by name,” he says. “And maintenance is are so responsive. I once heard a noise in the A/C, and I called them. They were there within the hour saying, ‘Can I help you?’ You can’t beat the attention to detail.”
“Suzanne Baker, Senior Residency Counselor, didn’t just leave us at the sale. She has continued our relationship and we feel very cared for on a personal level.”
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