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Wednesday, October 4, 2000 Dogwood Forest meeting needs of seniors, families By
JANET McGREGOR Less than a year old, Dogwood Forest has already built a strong reputation for caring in the community. Located across from Fayette Community Hospital on Ga. Highway 54, the "community" offers a variety of services. Assisted Living Plus is designed for seniors needing everyday assistance with the activities of daily living. The Evergreen Program offers additional care for those with Alzheimer's disease and those with memory-related disorders. The facility also offer supplemental services including respite care. Assisted living support includes assistance with bathing, dressing and grooming, assistance with mobility, personal hygiene aid and laundry. Health support is offered through medication management and supervision, observation of vital signs, health status checks, assistance with eating and other areas. There are also numerous fun support programs offered at the residence. Music therapy, fitness programs, games, crafts and parties are just a few of the enjoyable things residents can participate in. Every suite in the Dogwood has an emergency call system that can be accessed from both the living area and bathroom. Grab bars are standard in the bathrooms and handicap accessible suites are available. Those interested in joining the Dogwood community have a number of suite styles to choose from. The two-room suite has a den and private bedroom. There are a number of choices in the one-bedroom suites. Residents decorate their own suites and personal furnishings, although Dogwood does have a "furniture option" that includes a bed, nightstand, dresser, chair and other items. Dogwood has close to 30 employees, with some being part-time. Volunteers are always welcome. In fact, says Gina Weathersby, Executive Director, "We would love to have some volunteers. It is wonderful to see friendships formed between the residents and volunteers." Dogwood prides itself on its "homelike" environment and the warm, friendly environment atmosphere. They also understand that "our responsibility is to be a community resource." "We don't take the salesman approach when people call or come in with questions or to tour," said Weathersby. "We understand that there are many options, and it is our responsibility to help people find what they need." Families and prospective residents talk at length with various staffers at Dogwood and are educated and assisted in making the right choices for care or assistance. Dogwood is also offering a number of free educational programs to the public. On Oct. 12 the public is invited to attend a free Elder Law presentation by David Pollan and Kim Greer. The educational session will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will cover topics including Medicare, Medicaid and advanced directives. There will be time for questions and answers. In the future they will be offering other seminars on subjects ranging from neurology, internal medicine, osteoarthritis and aging issues. For more information regarding Dogwood Forest call 770-719-9010.
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