Edna James moved into the Sandpiper Rehabilitation and Nursing Center on Mother's Day 2014, relocating from Charlotte temporarily, she thought, while she was recovering from a recent injury. Now she never wants to leave. Edna James moved into the Sandpiper Rehabilitation and Nursing Center on Mother's Day 2014, relocating from Charlotte temporarily, she thought, while she was recovering from a recent injury. Now she never wants to leave.
At the age of 80, James has decided that leaving Sandpiper, a Mount Pleasant facility that offers independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation and nursing, is no longer an option.
"Everything is so exciting. I love it here," she commented. "There's lots to do and nice people. I never run out of things to do. I love it here. It's like one big family."
James, who was in an independent living facility in Charlotte before relocating to Mount Pleasant, is so enthusiastic that she is known around Sandpiper as "The Ambassador." She takes every opportunity to sing the praises of her new home. Her daughter, Lowcountry resident Dana Gondek, agrees that leaving North Carolina behind was the right move for her mom.
"Everyone here works together. The administration, the nurses, the social workers," she said. "The residents get the best care and nutrition possible. Sandpiper is leaps and bounds above the facility in Charlotte."
James' busy days are taken up by group activities, occupational and physical therapy, exercise, word games, Bible study and other activities for the mind and body. There's a party on every holiday, and residents leave Sandpiper for excursions, lunch and even baseball games at Joe Riley Stadium in Charleston.
Though she had some physical problems when she arrived at Sandpiper, James does her best to make life easier and more enjoyable for her fellow residents.
"My goal is to help people who can't help themselves. I get pleasure from that," she remarked.
The same could be said of Sandpiper in general. The community is divided into three sections: independent living, assisted living, and rehabilitation and nursing.
At Sandpiper Village, which includes 114 apartments ranging in size from 625 to 1,300 square feet, people live independently without nursing care. They do enjoy the convenience of housekeeping services, a full dining room offering three meals a day, an exercise center, a heated swimming pool, a full calendar of activities and trips to stores and events in the community.
There are 54 beds at Sandpiper Courtyard Assisted Living, where staff members provide help based on the specific needs of each resident. Amenities include large TVs to view special events and movies, a private dining room for family gatherings, a library, recreational activities, a courtyard patio, access to physical, occupational and speech therapy, a full-service beauty and barber salon and care and supervision.
Admissions Director Kay Drummond pointed out that the 176-bed Sandpiper Rehabilitation and Nursing Center can serve one of two purposes. Skilled nursing is for residents who require help bathing, eating and dressing and need full-time nursing care. Following rehabilitation, some patients return home or to assisted living, while others might transition to the nursing home.
Sandpiper, part of the Mount Pleasant community since 1981, is currently in the process of renovating its rooms "to enhance the aesthetics," Drummond said. She pointed out that new flooring is being installed, and crown molding and built-in cabinets are being added.
To learn more about all Sandpiper has to offer, visit www.premierseniorliving.com or call 843-972-0542.