“In 2008, Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community was designated as a Wildlife Habitat. The community consists of 38 acres situated off Knox Abbott Drive in West Columbia. Fifteen of these acres are designated as a perpetual memorial forest, and it is a wonderful space treasured by residents and staff alike.

A walking trail, complete with exercise stations make it most inviting as a place to be outdoors…”

Article written by Hazel Fitzsimons, Resident of Still Hopes

Click here to read the entire article in the Columbia Star.

Still Hopes Butterfly Garden Designated a Wildlife Habitat is a post from: Still Hopes

There are a lot of books out now to help baby boomers deal with how to slow the physical aging process or how to have a financially secure retirement.  However, Dr. Gene Cohen chooses a unique direction: he shows how to be a creative individual well into old age. Replete with anecdotes of famous and not-so-famous people doing incredibly creative things (e.g., architect I.M. Pei designing the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum at 79), whether for the good of humanity or simply for their own families, the book The Creative Age: Awakening Human Potential in the Second Half of Life is an inspiration as was my interview the author.

At the time of our conversation, Dr. Cohen was director of the Center on Aging, Health and Humanities at George Washington University. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2009, but his wit, humor and intellect still shines through in this interview I had with him. I hope you enjoy it. 

(Click here to listen to the Interview Gene Cohen  audio track).

To receive future editions of Interviews & Insights with Jon Keith, sign up to receive the Still Hopes blog via email.  Or visit our website at www.StillHopes.org.

Interviews & Insights with Jon Keith is a post from: Still Hopes

Levy Canova

To see all the great fruits and vegetables our gardens are producing, check out the Resident Gardens photo album on Facebook.

Resident Gardens a Favorite is a post from: Still Hopes

According to PositScienc® chairman, Jeff Zimman:  “We want to help people get their brains in the best shape possible. While brain training is a major piece of the puzzle, there are other things you can do for better brain health. Eating the right foods is one of them!”

In the PositScience e-newsletter, he goes on to say:  “ThinkFood is a cookbook we’re putting together that features brain-healthy recipes. We know the science but, since we’re not chefs ourselves, we asked for help from the food blogging community in creating the recipes.  People who sign up for the ThinkFood ”Recipe of the Week” program will get a healthy and tasty recipe in their email each week, along with access to information on the science, the blogger, and more – all free. You can sign up at ThinkFoodCookBook.  Invite your friends, too! The full cookbook will be available for purchase in July, but you can get a free recipe each week by signing up.”

(source: PositScience® Brain Fitness News – June e-issue) 

To learn more about the Brain Fitness Program at Still Hopes visit our website.

Eat Right for Your Brain! is a post from: Still Hopes

“The combination of research-based programming and assessment has proven itself at Still Hopes. Transition rates from independent living to higher levels of care have significantly slowed, in part due to increases in physical fitness. Residents talk of being taller, walking farther, being brave enough to go on African safari and climbing in and out of Land Rovers with more agility and ease than people half their age.”

“My job is to help people stay more independent for a longer period of time. Because our program can produce documentation of program results, we have established Still Hopes as a premier wellness provider and are rapidly growing our memberships from the local community.”

Read full article by Denise, as published in the May-June issue of “Functional U” from the International Council on Active Aging.   ICAA-Article-PDF

Visit the Health & Wellness section of our website for more details about the Still Hopes Fitness Classes.

Using Research to Build a Successful Wellness Program is a post from: Still Hopes

Still Hopes Residents Attend the Swing into Summer Beach Party is a post from: Still Hopes

 The Guignard Mansion is a two story brick Georgian Revival designed and built for Gabrial Alexander Guignard. When it was completed 100 years ago, the mansion at Still Hopes was the largest house ever built in Lexington County. On November 22, 1983 it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  (more about the history of the Guignard Mansion)

Guignard Society raised $15,000 for the Resident Assistance Fund
On Thursday night, May 27, more than 160 diners celebrated the centennial of the Guignard Mansion at Still Hopes, and they raised $15,000 for the Resident Assistance Fund, which helps provide for residents who have outlived their resources and require financial assistance to continue living at Still Hopes.   (full story and photos from The Columbia Star) 

The Guignard Society was formed in honor of Dr. Jane Bruce Guignard who willed the Guignard Mansion and 39 acres of land for the establishment of a retirement community.  It was her vision and gift that provided the compassionate, caring and vibrant community Still Hopes is today.  (more information about the Guignard Society)

Centennial Celebration Continues at Still Hopes is a post from: Still Hopes

A Favorite Tradition: Family Day at Still Hopes is a post from: Still Hopes

The Wall Street Journal recommends that you ask the following questions when considering a retirement community:

• Is a recent audit or annual financial report available?    Are the statements of financial position, operation and cash flow included?    Is there a positive net worth?
• Are residents involved in strategic and financial planning and decision making for the community?
• Do financial ratios indicate that the community has the necessary resources to ensure a continuum of services now and in the future?
• Does the community have an endowment?  If so, what is its size and how is it used and managed?
• Does the community have a “resident assistance” fund?

To ALL of these questions, Still Hopes is proud to answer: YES!

• Our Annual Report is accessible to all and shows our stability for the future. 
• Residents of Still Hopes are involved as Board Members, Resident Council Members and participants in the formal budget planning process for the community.
• Still Hopes has a $1.5 million endowment.  It is used for the Resident Assistance fund and is managed by a professional broker. 
• The Still Hopes Resident Assistance Fund provides financial care for qualified residents whose resources no longer support their needs.

For more information regarding these and other important questions when considering a retirement community, contact us at 803-739-5040 or visit  www.stillhopes.org

Retirement Community Q&A is a post from: Still Hopes

AAHSA is collecting insight from Aging Adults, Elders, Government, Service Providers and Family Members. 

As we begin a new decade, we will see a radical shift in the demographics of our country.  Who better than YOU to help answer the question of who should decide what the future of aging should look like?  

Still Hopes has set up an easy to use on-line survey.  Let your voice be heard by answering the following question:   “What are your plans and how have you planned for your future?”   (click for survey)

We will gather all of the comments submitted and send them to  AAHSA’s agencies and departments on aging.  Survey ends May 31.

Who Decides Your Future? is a post from: Still Hopes