Although the residents and students are eager to spend time with one another, The Spires is taking many precautions in order to ensure the safety of everyone on-site.
“We were sitting on pins and needles wondering how moving in was going to happen, but they’ve done a great job of being safe and taking care of us,” Layfield adds.
The Spires has been limiting guests and visitors at this time as Georgia has continued the shelter-in-place for seniors. Each day, residents and staff have their temperature taken and are checked for symptoms, with the staff going through this process both upon arrival and as they leave. The residents are asked to sit a table apart from one another during meals and wear masks in all common area spaces.
And though these actions are targeted to prevent COVID-19, Steber says that some of the safety measures they are taking now have always been part of the plan in order to keep residents healthy, even when the pandemic is over. As a continuing care retirement community, The Spires is able to care for residents as age and complications affect their health during their time there.
The health center, The Spires’ space for assisted living, was made with special thought and care. The rooms look identical to the apartments on-site, ensuring that residents will have a smooth and comfortable transition into a new space that already feels familiar and comfortable.
“If my mom lives here, she has all the answers about how she’s going to live the rest of her life once she gets here. If your needs change, we do what we have to do to make sure you’re taken care of. When you’re moved to the health care building, it’s the same exact style of space as your previous apartment. We want them to still feel at home,” Steber says.
While many residents are Rome natives, there are quite a handful who are relocating to Rome because of what The Spires (and Rome itself) has to offer.
“We’re not just selling The Spires: we’re selling Rome, Berry College, and the Spires, and that trio is hard to say no to,” Steber adds.
The creation of The Spires has added an exciting opportunity for seniors and students alike. The staff and residents are hopeful and excited to see more residents gradually move into the available apartments and experience all that The Spires has to offer.