Retire your way

Quality retirement communities with Southern hospitality 

By Jenna Ley-Jamison

Choosing your residence post-retirement is not an easy decision. Thankfully, the Charleston region offers a plethora of luxurious options for those seeking comfort, convenience and quality care in one of the best places in the country to live and retire.

Franke at Seaside

Franke at Seaside retirement community has been rooted in the Holy City area for more than a century. Franke at Seaside in Mt. Pleasant was established nearly 130 years ago. And it’s more than just a place to live; it’s a niche spot for developing close-knit friendships with staff and other residents—many of whom recommend their next generation of relatives to reside there. 

“We really are a Franke family,” said Allison Macfie, outreach coordinator at Franke at Seaside. “We have served generations of family members.”

Macfie knows first-hand the unique and inviting vibe that the living space offers.

“We have a casual and inviting atmosphere,” she said. “It is the feeling when you walk in the door. Our staff knows the residents and family members when they visit. Our residents are out in common areas enjoying activities together.”

Franke has 350 residents living on campus which includes independent living in resort-style patio homes that come complete with lawn care, as well as assisted living apartments, memory support suites and long-term care rooms. Whatever your needs, Franke at Seaside can accommodate your needs.

With its Medicare-certified Keil Healthcare Center, Franke at Seaside employs medical staff willing and able to ensure excellent nursing care for residents requiring long-term aid. The Franke team also partners with Lutheran Hospice and its on-campus Memory Care team to compassionately care for those living with a memory disorder.  

Each day at Franke at Seaside is a new opportunity to become immersed in all the activities and amenities accessible to residents and their visiting loved ones. Worship at a church service on site; compete in a friendly game of croquet; brush up on your putting skills; enjoy the dog park with your four-legged friend or compete with a neighbor in a rousing game of bocce ball. There’s an on-site beauty salon and barber shop to keep those locks trimmed and in style and an indoor, heated saltwater swimming pool and whirlpool, which offers exercise and relaxation. Simply put—the options for outdoor recreation, entertainment and quality care are endless.

“We (also) attend the symphony and will often host Spoleto concerts in our chapel,” Macfie said.

Living in close proximity to delectable cuisine, shopping and other Charleston hotspots makes Franke at Seaside a “perfect location to everything,” Macfie said. She also touts the facility’s own kitchen that serves up gourmet meals and can also meet any resident’s special dietary needs. 

Simply put, “We are established in the community, (are a) faith-based nonprofit with a reputation for excellent care,” Macfie said. 

Franke at Seaside | 1885 Rifle Range Rd., Mt. Pleasant | Visit the website’s “becoming a resident” page at www.frankeatseaside.org, 843-856-4700.

Kempton of Charleston by Liberty Senior Living

Located just one mile from Charleston’s City Marina and iconic Ravenel Bridge, Kempton of Charleston is a new luxurious senior living spot run by Liberty Senior Living with gated parking.

“Kempton is located in a great, central location,” said executive director Lindsay French. “This allows for ease of access for family and friends.”

Likewise, the location allows residents the prospect of day trips to popular local destinations like Shem Creek, White Point Gardens and King Street for relaxing retail therapy.

For residents needing travel to and from appointments and other social engagements, Kempton provides transportation and has partnerships with local trusted transportation providers, French said.

Kempton offers 46 assisted living apartments—studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom styles—21 memory support apartments and 23 physical rehabilitation beds. These transitional beds are designed for residents with planned surgeries requiring physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy after a hospital stay. 

A higher level of care assisted living space includes a kitchenette, bedroom, bathroom and closet, in addition to cable TV and large floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing a beautiful view of the city.

What makes Kempton a standout facility from its retirement community counterparts in the region is that it boasts certification as a Nxtgen Care Community, offering healthcare technology for seniors. 

“This system of sensors and bracelets measures levels of social engagement, ensures staff is responding quickly when residents need help and shows if the resident is at risk for loneliness,” French said. “This platform and technology gives us as operators a platform to determine that we are delivering care to our residents as promised.”

This unique care platform ensures residents’ loved ones are adequately aware of, and can take comfort in, the care they’re receiving. 

Kempton also includes a memory care support unit called The Harbor, which is solely dedicated to serving those with a dementia and/or Alzheimer's Disease diagnosis. With its own rooftop terrace, life enrichment space and dining room, this unit is secure and operated by highly-trained staff whose top goal is to preserve residents’ dignity and help give them the best quality of life they deserve. 

Popular amenities at the Kempton include a scenic full-service restaurant and private dining space, along with three outdoor terraces, park, hair salon, therapy gym, theater and bistro—not to mention weekly activities available through the facility’s life enrichment program operated by Anna Padgett, a certified recreational therapist.

“She prepares an active and engaging program for the residents of the community that involves shopping trips, games, music therapy, arts and crafts and cultural events,” French said.

Kempton also offers a special Founders Club membership, which includes name recognition within the Kempton community—complete with a custom name tag and a founder’s plate outside of the residence along with an embroidered “Founding Member” cardigan, meal and salon credits.

Kempton of Charleston, 194 Spring St., Charleston | www.kemptonofcharleston.com, 854-500-7778

South Bay at Mt. Pleasant by Liberty Senior Living

Liberty Senior Living’s inaugural retirement community in the Charleston area is South Bay at Mt. Pleasant. This community offers independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing care in an area with stunning surroundings and a medical care team with excellent support skills and holistic care offerings.

South Bay is situated on about 27 acres near Charleston’s Ravenel Bridge and offers 143 independent living apartments, 40 skilled nursing units and 78 assisted living / memory support units. 

In addition to its weekly maid service and variety of dining options with chef-prepared meals, South Bay’s indoor pool, spa and Wellness Center make it a lavish spot for spending your post-career days in a relaxing and nurturing environment. Staff prioritizes meeting individual needs for health, happiness and overall well-being. The Wellness Center offers aerobic and strength training opportunities for the amateur exerciser and the seasoned bodybuilder. Tai Chi and Yoga are also offered. 

Most unique to South Bay is its Shem Creek Health Center, which is affiliated with MUSC Health. The Center is for both South Bay residents and the surrounding community to utilize for in-patient and out-patient rehab services—in addition to assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care.

South Bay is designed with all interests in mind. Play a game of bridge in the cardroom; cheers to your golden years in the pub/bar area; tap into your right-brained talent in the art room; burn some calories in the stationary equipment room; or get swept away by a romance novel in the library. 

Living out your latter years doesn’t mean relinquishing life’s joys. Quality retirement communities with Southern hospitality await your residency. After all, it’s not the years that count; it’s the life in your years. And these communities offer just that—your best life. 

South Bay at Mount Pleasant | 1400 Liberty Midtown Dr., Mt. Pleasant | www.southbaymtpleasant.com, 843-936-2800