Christine Terpening
Contributing Writer
(Photo by Christine Terpening – Jan Denton plays weekly at Island City Assisted Living)
Perhaps the hardest decision we will ever encounter is when we need help taking care of our elderly loved ones. When that time comes along, without question, Island City Assisted Living in Eaton Rapids offers peace of mind to residents and their loved ones. “We have the most sincere and tender staff,” says Stephanie Hall, Chief Operating Officer, “Our residents are like family.”
Island City Assisted Living opened its doors in 2010 and is a 53-bed facility with both studio and one bedroom rooms. They serve residents at least 55 years of age and over at all stages of mobility and needs including those with Alzheimer and dementia needs. Privacy with one-bedroom suites and married couples able to stay together are a wonderful feature at this facility.
“We provide all meals, all housekeeping, all laundry and all activities. We take care of all their medication administration right down to pharmacy refills,” explained Hall. Care at this home-away-from home is based on individual needs. Some residents need minimal care while others need assistance from bathing to dressing, toileting to showering. Any and all needs are met. “We cater to everybody’s individual needs,” said Hall.
Island City Assisted Living has a traveling podiatrist, visiting nurse services, traveling physicians that do rounds in their building for the convenience of those they care for. They have partnered with a company to include a behavioral health specialist to help residents with the grief of leaving their home, the isolation and depression of the aging process, especially that which comes with Alzheimers and dementia patients. They work through any hardships they may be facing emotionally.
Hall cheerfully announced that they have partnered with Powerback Rehab to build an in-house gym to offer physical rehabilitation as well as physical fitness and strength to residents. The many facets of care and quality of life offered in this small-town living space can’t be rivaled.
Equally important are the more fun activities that the residents enjoy such as hairstylist Misty Warner, who comes in once a week to beautify the residents, and exercise is on the itinerary every morning. Entertainment and activities are scheduled in the afternoons from local bands that perform, to arts and crafts, from bingo to board games. Hall added that they recently instituted a walking club, too.
The fact that it is emotionally difficult for an elderly person to leave their home is not lost on Hall and the staff. “There is grief and mourning in leaving home, but for everything you’re leaving, you’re gaining safety, you’re gaining friends, you’re gaining the social aspect, you’re gaining nutrition,” Hall said positively, “Your family can sleep again knowing you’re safe.”
Island City Assisted Living, located at 1507 Kyle St. in Eaton Rapids, has limited vacancy in their assisted living, while they are at capacity for memory care. Hall is offering tours to show off the facility and its safe, caring environment. While business hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, friends and family of residents are welcome to visit 24/7, just like home. To schedule a tour or find out how to get your loved one enrolled in this wonderful environment call (517)233-0000.
