Senior Living That Stands Out
Julie Andrew
Wellness begins at the doors of Thrive at Frederica Assisted Living and Memory Care. The Thrive Resident Wellness Program starts with a progressive and carefully engineered environment designed to communicate comfort and reduce stress, and their new location off Frederica Road on St. Simons Island could not be more perfect. Once known as the IDAC building, this gorgeous facility had just the open, spacious, well-lit, airy design desired by Thrive in its communities. When you step inside, you will immediately be welcomed the beautiful surroundings. Inviting common areas beckon residents and visitors to sit and chat under the skylight or grab a cozy chair in the library. These aren’t just on the main floor, either; each floor has common areas with ample seating and pleasant nooks that all residents can enjoy. There’s an outdoor courtyard that promises to be full of blooms and will provide a lovely area for residents and guests to relax under the trees on sunny island days.
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Thrive creates a living community rich in details that serve the senses. The air is lightly scented like a fresh breeze. Digital signage communicates daily events and weather and replays images of the good times that residents have had in the community. Throughout the hallways and common areas where residents congregate and socialize, music that seniors recognize and love plays quietly. There is an on-site salon, an exercise room equipped with senior safe fitness equipment powered by compressed air resistance which is custom adjusted to each user through an electronic scan, and an activities room that encourages socialization and use of the It’s Never 2 Late software to stimulate brain fitness. From the art on the walls to the comfortable and attractive furniture provided by Pierce and Parker, this is a place that feels like home – or, better yet, a well-appointed resort where you will be pampered and treated like a special guest.
At every level of the assisted living care they provide, the goal of the Thrive Resident Wellness Program is to return freedom to seniors who may have been isolated at home and cut off from social interaction, mental stimulation, and growth. Thrive’s multi-faceted program empowers lively seniors who want to keep living connected, active, and purposeful lives. It also inspires and encourages seniors who may need a boost to “get back in the game.” For five years, Thrive has been shaking up the senior living industry by challenging dull traditions of boring communities. Using methods informed by extensive senior-based research conducted by The Harvard Medical School, they’re proving that there’s an exciting alternative way through the Resident Wellness Program that enables seniors to engage life.
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The care, safety, and quality of life of their senior residents is the focus of Thrive’s mission. They recognize, however, that there are factors beyond our control in the lives of seniors. They also know that what works for some will not work for others, and the wellness program is not treatment for every condition. Notwithstanding, they believe that each and every one of their residents should be served in fun, dignified, and meaningful ways. By understanding each resident’s needs and interests, adopting helpful technologies, and creating innovating programs, Thrive is at the forefront of transforming senior living from “home” to a place where, through connection, purpose and an increased sense of wellness, seniors do in fact thrive.
The Thrive at Frederica staff is excited to be joining the local community and is looking forward to becoming involved in and even hosting some neighborhood events. They recently served up chili at the Rotary Red Hot Chili Cook-Off and are excited to be showing off Chef Bethany Fahey’s skills at A Taste of Glynn. They’re even planning to hold an Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt for neighborhood children on Saturday, April 8. Since you’ll be seeing more of the staff’s friendly faces around the island, we thought we’d introduce a few of these fine folks to you now:
Jennifer Stratton joined the Thrive team as Executive Director in August of 2015.
Originally from the Midwest, she’s been a resident of Coastal Georgia for almost 7 years. With the experience of opening six other senior communities, she is grateful for this opportunity to make a difference and help others right here in our local community. Jennifer's husband is the General Manager of the Hampton Inn and Suites on Jekyll Island. They have a son attending Georgia Southern University, and a daughter at Glynn Academy.
Physical Plant Manager, Mike Evanoff has been busy during the final stages of getting the
Saurabh Kumar
building ready to open. Originally from Illinois, Mike has had an interesting career. In his “retirement,” he has spent time in the hospitality industry, and understands the operations of a large property. His organizational skills, analytic abilities, and diligence in preventative maintenance, are invaluable in keeping all functions of the building and residents’ suites in proper working order.
Kelly Johnson’s title of Director of Excitement says it all: she’s full of adventure, passion,
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and motivation that will keep you smiling with a pep in your step and a belly full of laughter. Kelly has a true passion and gift for making a difference in the lives of our seniors. She received a B.S. and minor degrees in Psychology from Western Carolina University, 1986. Kelly and her husband are new to St. Simons Island and have a son living in Jacksonville and a daughter in college in Virginia.
Business Office Manager, Marie Walker-Garmon is a native of the Golden Isles who joins
Saurabh Kumar
the Thrive team from the Southeast Georgia Health System where she worked in the business office at the Senior Care Center. Her personality and love for seniors is easy to see as she goes about her work and her strong skill set and experience will be a great asset to the Thrive at Frederica community. She looks forward to getting to know everyone who steps through Thrive’s doors.
You are invited to stop by Thrive at Frederica at 3615 Frederica Road to set up an appointment for a tour or to learn more about the services they provide. You can also visit thriveatfrederica.com or call 912.295.4699.
Julie Andrew
