HAMLET — Hamlet House, an assisted living facility, hosted an open house last week, offering residents and community members an opportunity to learn about its services, care options and living environment.
Facility leaders said the event highlighted the level of care provided to residents, as well as the sense of community within the home.
“We have great caregivers here. They take great care of our residents. All of our rooms are private, said Betty Kester, Executive Director of Hamlet House. “People love coming here for that reason. This is a great company. We focus on care and we do a great job.”
Staff members emphasized that beyond care, the facility aims to create a welcoming, home-like atmosphere for residents and employees alike.
“It’s the minute you walk into the door, it feels like home. It’s not a quote facility, it’s definitely a home. The residents are proud to call this their home, and the team members are happy to work here,” said Elizabeth Ragsdale, sales manager at Hamlet House. “We’ve got some team members who’ve been here for 15 years. So this is their home, these are their grandparents. We’re all family.”
Ragsdale said Hamlet House offers private-pay rooms and also accepts Medicaid, which she noted is not always common among similar facilities. She added that residents pay through a monthly rental agreement with all-inclusive rates.
In addition to housing and care, staff highlighted the importance of activities and engagement for residents.
“We have an amazing activity department. Our activity director, Jessica Tarlton, has been here for years. She’s viewed as a daughter to many of them, a sister, a friend— a trusting person that all our residents can go to. Jessica makes it a very big point to offer different types of activities for all to enjoy,” Ragsdale said.
Building relationships between staff and residents is also a key focus at the facility, according to Ragsdale.
“Relationships are very important. Even like Betty being the director, she wears so many hats, she has to wear every hat— but the residents still feel comfortable to come in here and sit down and talk to Betty like she’s a friend,” said Ragsdale.
Ragsdale also encouraged families to plan ahead when considering senior living options and to visit facilities early in the process.
“Our doors are always open. You’re welcome to stop by anytime, come visit. Whatever questions you may have. I wish more people would pre-plan and would visit. It’s never too early to just get involved and visit senior living in general, even if it’s just volunteering, it gives you a good feel of what that community is like,” Ragsdale said. “Do your homework when you’re younger. When you’re younger, you can communicate your wants and needs to your daughter, your son, your wishes.”
Kester noted that some residents utilize long-term care insurance to help cover costs.
“We’ve had some people, when they’re younger, they’ve paid all their life for this long-term care insurance.”
Ragsdale added that financial assistance may also be available through programs such as VA Aid and Attendance for eligible veterans and their spouses.
“We can help people qualify for those benefits.”
In addition to daily care, Hamlet House coordinates access to outside services, including hospice care, therapy providers and physicians. Residents may also continue seeing their own specialists if they choose, they said.