The Renaissance

My husband and I have lived at The Renaissance for 16 months after trying two other retirement facilities. We have found our 'home' and plan to stay here! Aside from the fact that it is located in a small college community where we are considered part of the community as a whole, it is a beautiful, quiet and peaceful environment. Our living quarters are comfortable and attractive; the food is good, home-cooked fare, attractively served. Our dining room staff goes beyond 'expected' to honor residents' special needs and preferences. Our housekeeping staff are reliable and efficient in serving our needs. The administrative staff members are exceptionally caring and interested in each one of us. If a special need arises, they are quick to take action and there is a feeling of sincere love shown to all of us. Opportunities for spiritual and social activities are provided everyday; transportation to and from medical, dental and shopping needs is just a request away. We are given the opportunity to interact with college students and staff at Erskine. My husband and I are even blessed to be the 'adopted grandparents' of a lovely young member of the Erskine Women's Tennis Team, as are several other residents. This is a program instituted by the tennis coach and our administrative staff, giving the students an opportunity to seek fellowship and advice from those of us who have lived longer, and giving us the feeling of being 'needed'. While we live in the independent-living part of The Renaissance, my husband and I visit the assisted-living unit to sing once a month. I also volunteer there to lead a trivia game monthly. The residents in Wylie Assisted Living always appear to be well-cared for and 'at home' there. There are daily activities provided by both the staff members and volunteers from the Due West Community. Residents of Wylie are included in many of the independent-living activities, e.g. the monthly birthday parties, musical entertainment and 'field trips'.I would not hesitate to invite anyone to come and see our homes at The Renaissance! It is a place where comfort, safety, activity and love are available when age and health issues begin to require changes in our life styles! Come and take a look! We think you will like what you see--we did, and we have no regrets!

My husband was accepted into Assisted Living, though they knew he had dementia, and it was a disaster! On their recommendation, I stayed away for a week 'to let him acclimate to his new environment.' My first visit found he had not been bathed in a week, nor hardly been out of his room. This vibrant, gentle man had been reduced to a whimpering, miserable mess who was begging me to get him out...which I did. Within days of being in another facility with well-trained, loving staff, and constant stimulation, he is thriving and easily interacting with staff and residents. Of everyone I saw in assisted living at the Renaissance, none were ever smiling. It was a nightmare I hope nobody else has to experience.