By JANET McGREGOR

Contributing Writer

Southland Nursing Home was founded in 1989 in Peachtree City. It is a nursing and rehabilitation center that is skilled and Medicare certified. They provide "comprehensive nursing care and aggressive therapy programs with plans of care created to fit each individual's needs."

Some of the ancillary services offered include podiatry, psychology, optometry and dentistry. They have a licensed dietitian as well as a full-time activities director. The home is staffed with registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants under the direction of Medical Director Dr. Unnisa Farya.

Physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapists are available on an in-patient and out-patient basis. They provide restorative and rehabilitative therapies designed to assist residents in achieving their highest level of functioning.

"It is our goal at Southland to provide the necessary care and services for residents to attain or maintain the highest practical physical, mental and psychosocial well-being," stated Gary Massengale, Southland administrator.

Massengale joined Southland as administrator in February. He transferred from StarCrest Nursing Home of McDonough, a sister home to Southland. He has over 11 years experience in long-term care and has been an administrator in facilities in New York and Georgia.

Currently, there are 170 employees at Southland. They are currently at capacity, 155 residents, and are maintaining a waiting list.

In talking with the residents it is obvious that Southland provides a wide array of activities to keep residents engaged. Bingo, Pokeno, weekly Bible studies, arts and crafts, cooking classes and sing-a-longs are just a few of the many offerings. In addition to the regularly scheduled classes and activities, there are special events such as the yearly Mardi Gras parade and a beauty pageant. Many of the residents enjoy the special children's programs and pet therapy.

Pet therapy, a favorite of many residents, is provided once a week by the Canine Outreach Program. Dogs that have been specially trained are brought in to visit all of the residents who request a visit. The trainers are also specially trained to work with the residents.

Local day care centers visit residents on special occasions such as Christmas, Easter, and Mother's and Father's Days.

The local Golden K Kiwanis Club visits regularly and assists with some of the special programs. Each Sunday, local ministers preach to those interested at Southland and each Thursday, local ministers and volunteers take turns leading a Bible study which is well-attended. The home takes residents on outings to local shopping areas, the Atlanta Zoo, the Botanical Gardens and other "fun places."

The women started a social club, the Dixie Bells, which meets twice a month. Dixie Bells is a women's support group where the ladies discuss local events, political issues and enjoy listening as a guest speaker talks about her life.

Family members are encouraged to visit and participate.

According to Lyn Williams, assistant activity director, "The majority of our residents have wonderful family support. Local churches and other organizations have 'adopted' some of our residents who don't have family in the area." The church and civic groups visit at least once a week and give gifts on special occasions.

Southland is operated by Caremore Management Company, one of a very few Georgia-based chains. They operate 25 homes in Georgia. April Kenerly, Southland assistant administrator's grandmother is in a Caremore property in Rome, Ga.

She has been with Southland since 1989 and notes, "Caremore is committed to total care and I very much enjoy working here and find it very rewarding. My grandmother is in a wonderful facility, just like this one."

Southland is located at 151 Wisdom Road in Peachtree City. For more information call 770-631-9000.

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