A Charlotte, NC, operator is bringing the small-house concept to its continuing care retirement / life plan community.
“The neighborhood design of our small-house model ensures that residents and families always remain central to decision-making regarding their care as their needs change,” Southminster Chief Operating Officer Mary Cooper said in a statement.
Beginning in 2020, Southminster began investing $140 million into expanding its offerings to meet the demands of younger baby boomers in their 60s and 70s who are looking to move into a CCRC. Now that the physical footprint has evolved, Southminster is moving forward with objectives ranging from diversity, equity and inclusion to technology and data analytics, land acquisition and cultivating innovation.
“Our eye will always be on staffing and recruiting initiatives, but we are increasing our focus and energy toward employee retention and engagement,” Vice President of Human Resource Lisa McClellan said. “COVID-19 took its toll on gatherings and engagement opportunities, so we are redesigning our HR priorities to fit the needs of our people.”
Immediate construction within the most recent strategic plan includes renovating two dining rooms and the main corridor beginning this month. A new master site plan includes amenities such as outdoor patios and fire pits, walkways and exercise spaces.
Southminster also is collaborating with outside organizations to boost services. The CCRC recently announced a collaboration with The Ivey, a Charlotte nonprofit that works with individuals living with early memory or cognition concerns, and their caregivers. Southminster also partners with The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte, a local nonprofit with a mission that includes offering lifelong learning, free transportation and Medicare counseling to older adults across Mecklenburg County.
“We believe in collaborating with like-minded organizations to accelerate impact across all generations through education, the arts and building healthy communities in Charlotte–Mecklenburg,” Southminster Vice President of Philanthropy and Strategic Initiatives Tracy McGinnis said.
