Rock Creek Manor Assisted Living

Setting One's Mind on Higher Ground

2012-02-02T20:14:00.002-05:00

"I'd like to say that the quality of any man's life is a full measure of that man's personal commitment to excellence and to victory, regardless of what field he may be in."

-Coach Vince Lombardi

I've been thinking lots about how amazingly blessed we are at Rock Creek Manor. The Lord has seen to our every need. We daily commit to His will and YES, we have crazy days too as one can expect whilst serving & loving well.

I just wanted to take a moment to count our blessings "out loud".

We have an INCREDIBLE staff
Our leadership is EXCEPTIONAL
We see big answers to PRAYER in the lives of our residents, families & staff
We are PROTECTED
We are well annointed to SERVE & LOVE
We have DEDICATED & GENEROUS volunteers who knock our socks off
We have JOY
We've kept our hearts soft & receptive in the midst of "busy ness"

Gratitude is something we can easily neglect to express. I know its been too long for me!! SO - THANK YOU ladies & gentlemen at Rock Creek Manor for who you are, your dedication, your sweet spirits, your stamina, your smiles & going "all in" every day of the week.

I love what Vince Lomardi said & I thank you all for actively living a life of excellence & victory with us at Rock Creek Manor. You know I'd hug you (if I was a hugger).

Hey, on a business note - did you know that we are soon to offer Private Home Care? Yep, Our excellent staff will extend out into surrounding communities to offer in-home Personal Care. Watch for an upcoming official announcement....

Our Dear Friend & Amazing Volunteer

We give a shout out to our night shift crew who make us proud & care so wonderfully for our dear residents all the night long. Can I get a pic????

Happy 2012!

2012-01-06T10:57:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone!
We all hope you have had a successful start to 2012! So many of us have New Year's resolutions that we are hoping to keep, and so far we're doing great! How about you? Have you made any resolutions that you're sticking to?
To kick off New Year's Eve with a bang, we had an incredible dinner by Chef Larry. It was delicious, and we took the opportunity to thank our volunteers for being such a blessing to us throughout the year. It was great to share in fellowship and food with our friends!

The menu was special - and so were the guests!

We can't wait to share the winter fun with all of you! Come say hi, and have a fantastic 2012!

"God Bless us, everyone!"

2011-12-29T11:28:00.000-05:00

Tiny Tim may have said it first in the Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol," but we are definitely feeling it here at Rock Creek! December has been a month of growth and rebirth, two things we are excited to explore in depth in the coming year!

First of all, let me introduce myself: My name is Charity, and I am Victoria's successor as "Professor of Fun." I'm sure I have big shoes to fill, but I look forward to jumping in and getting to know all of the wonderful people here at Rock Creek Manor! I feel at home already, and I look forward to meeting all the smiling faces of our wonderful residents' families and friends. I have worked as an activity director for assisted living for over a year in Woodstock, Georgia; and am always open to new ideas and events!
On New Year's Eve - that's this Saturday, can you believe it?! - we will be hosting a celebratory lunch at 12:00pm to honor our volunteers who give us so much of their time. We are so incredibly grateful to all of them for helping us not only during special times, but in the day to day workings of our community. Chef Larry is preparing an incredible meal, and we can't wait to join in fellowship and fun as we welcome 2012!

The Journey Continues

2011-08-18T13:42:00.000-04:00

Wow. I feel like every time we post on the blog we have to apologize for taking so long!!

God is so very good to us. We have some outstanding new staff, that bring creativity, laughter, fun, love & tenderheartedness into the mix.

I hope you are keeping up with us on facebook, it's a good way to sneak a peak at the goings on around Rock Creek Manor.

Let's see. In the last couple of months we have held an awesome family potluck - which was a hoot. Great food, great fellowship & residents really get excited about all of their guests, Pickens County awarded RCM with the "Keep Pickens Beautiful" honor for the pretty gardens.

Rock Creek sponsored an event by the Alzheimer's Association that was superbly informative. Miss Renee Gentry from the Alzheimer's Assoc. shared information related to knowing & detecting the onset of cognitive or memory related issues. Early detection does matter!

Renee Gentry

Victoria aka "Professor of Fun"

Our "Professor of Fun", the one & only (take my word for it) Victoria has been busy planning new events. Friday is our Luau & last month we hosted a kickin' 4th of July Family BBQ.

We have a "fancy" new addition to our culinary staff. Welcome to Larry...we celebrate his masterful kitchen creations which compliment Tammy's down home Southern wonderfulness.

Food Masters Tammy & Larry

We have been blessed to see our resident population grow substantially. Many new, special friendships have bloomed. They really support each other every day. Victoria is gathering special "life stories" from our residents that we will feature here. I'm really looking forward to sharing them on this blog. We have a treasure trove of full life experiences & stories to record...

I'm so glad that we are small enough to get to know everyone really well but large enough to serve Seniors from our surrounding area with excellence.

If you are interested in visiting us at Rock Creek Manor, you are welcome any time.

Smiles, Tears, Celebrations, Adjustments & New Faces

2011-05-27T17:52:00.002-04:00

Please accept apologies for the rather long delay in posting! We have had the pleasure of welcoming oodles of new residents over these few months. Its really fun to see all the new faces & get to know their unique and creative personalities.

"Momma"

Mr. Bill

Jess the Aviator

Ms. Ann

"Mayor" Effie

Millie

Dr. Frank

Aline

Ms. Vera

Romona

Elaine

Bennie

Rebecca

Hugh

Ruth

Look for additional smiling faces of folks who have joined us over the past 2 months in a upcoming post. We have also added LOTS of new staff so we'll introduce them as well.

We have had the privilege of praying through tears as some deal with grief & loss. We have been delighted by the laughter & camaraderie that is developing among "Team Rock Creek". The attitude of so many of our residents is humbling.

It's always hard to move through a pretty significant life adjustment. Those who decide to live with us at Rock Creek are well loved. Time & time again we witness folks who enter with trepidation & after a short time are really into the swing of things & begin to bloom.

So may have visited Rock Creek Manor to offer their time, talent, ministry & gifts to our residents. Thanks to our friends, families & "fans" for offering to serve in some really neat ways.

We celebrated summer with a musical concert 2 weeks ago. That girl could sing! We are hoping to have her back for Christmas.

Today we had an indoor picnic to celebrate memorial day. I believe 6 men & 1 gal are Veterans & we are so grateful and proud of their service to these United States!

Oil & perfume rejoice the heart; so does the sweetness of a friend's counsel that comes from the heart. Proverbs 27:9

Ribbon Cutting & Open House @ Rock Creek

2011-02-01T16:24:00.002-05:00

I apologize this post is tardy yet I didn't want to neglect to share details of our ribbon cutting & soft grand opening. I say "soft" because when the weather is warm & the season gets pretty we do want to have a REAL Grand Opening shin-dig at Rock Creek & extend the party outside on the lawn & into the courtyard!!

The staff of Rock Creek Manor Assisted Living were pleased to receive about 100 guests for our celebration. It was overwhelming to receive such a response & we are truly grateful to all who came out to visit with us!

Neither Nico or I are any good at public speaking but I hope we got the message across that we are so happy to finish construction on this labor of love & begin to receive residents at Rock Creek Manor.

Here's Mr. White's furniture now....gotta go!

Team Effie Speaks...

2011-01-14T14:09:00.001-05:00

Our staff appreciated this note from Donna, Team Effie Member...

Well the day has finally come! It is simply wonderful too. The staff is going above and beyond to make her feel welcome and at home. I've missed seeing you while we have been in and out the past 2 days. I am sure you are taking some much needed time away from it all and probably working harder at home than you would like to be :)

Teresa is simply terrific, her enthusiasm is contagious (I hope Aunt Effie will catch some) and she is always smiling, willing to help and just so sweet.

The 2 gals working that I have met are just precious Lynn and Brandy I think are both their names I am for sure on Brandy. They are just going the extra mile to hopefully pull Aunt Effie out and they are just giving her their undivided attention and kindness and we sincerely appreciate it.

Ned is truly a special person too he has been down to see her numerous times and asked her what she likes to eat and his creations have looked and tasted out of this world so far. He is so kind to her and us as well.

Last but not least your sweet sweet husband, he has worked so hard and been so pleasant to us and I know we have asked for ALOT and been hard to get along with :) but he has been so patient! He smiles and either does it or tells us when/why not it will be/cant be done. He is one of a kind.

We TEAM EFFIE appreciate all that is being done to make her feel special and welcome. The roses were so thoughtful and sweet of yall.

Look forward to seeing you.

Donna

Miss Effie is in the House!

2011-01-09T15:33:00.001-05:00

Team Effie

Rock Creek Manor Assisted Living is pleased to receive Miss Effie to our Home!

Miss Effie is a native of Jasper & is well known throughout the community. Did you know she has a street named after her???

She was born in this beautiful place, the youngest of 9 children!

Effie grew up on the farm. She will smile sweetly when describing her father, an expert farmer & gardener. The family raised vegetables, cotton & other crops. She remembers the barrels of kraut, pickles & other vegetables that filled their cellar each year.

Sunday afternoons spent on the flagstone porch cutting watermelons, enjoying homemade ice cream and listening to her father talk about the world around them are fond memories for Miss Effie.

Her dad moved the girls to town so they could all attend Pickens High School together & Effie worked for a time at the Bargain Barn (sound familiar?). Her family attended Philadelphia Baptist Church where she received Christ as Savior and was Baptized in the creek. After graduation Effie ventured to Atlanta to attend secretarial school & upon completion returned to her beloved home and began her career as a secretary.

Miss Effie met the man of her dreams when he took up an office across the hall from her at the county agricultural department. A co-worker introduced them & it was love at first site for that man! I am not permitted to share his words to her after they had been on a few dates. Let's just say he was truly love struck! They married in 1946.

Her husband was the 4H cub leader in Pickens county for many years & Effie attended most of his meetings.
She enjoyed keeping home, working, cooking & feeding others. She once fed every instructor, secretary & employee at what is now Appalachian Tech. I understand her favorites are cowboy stew & chicken casserole.

In later years Miss Effie traveled with church groups & other clubs throughout most of the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico & Canada. Volunteer work is also dear to her. She visits hospice, The Joy House and taught Sunday school for many years.

Thank you Effie for allowing us to enjoy you! You are a bright light & a dear soul.

Open Invitation to Rock Creek Manor Assisted Living Open House

2011-01-06T20:27:00.000-05:00

It's been a long run Ya'll!

Rock Creek Manor is pleased to invite the public, families, partners, staff, friends and residents to our open house....

Tuesday, January 18th at 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.

We will have our ribbon cutting & celebrate our long awaited opening. Wooo Hooo!

Ned will be serving up some snacks & beverages for your enjoyment. Please come, we'd love to make it a special day of celebration.

See YOU There !

Rock Creek Manor Assisted Living Is Open!

2011-01-04T18:04:00.000-05:00

Today we begin a new journey. Rock Creek Manor is open. Wow. It's been a wild ride & God is good.

I spoke with a strong Christian business leader today who reminded me that as a new operation we really need to stay close to our vision. Please allow me to share our Operating Principles:

Rock Creek Manor is committed to:

Honoring Jesus Christ through service & dedication to excellence in everything we do
The highest standards of service excellence & quality of care for our residents
The dignity & promotion of independence & vitality for each of our residents
Partnering with families & other caregivers to understand each residents personal care needs
Providing a beautiful, serene & comfortable home for our residents & day visitors
Ensuring our residents & day visitors participate in meaningful activity & daily experiences that nurture their personal gifts & interests
Respecting our residents, visitors & the RCM operations team
The continuous development of our staff & the promotion of excellence in their performance
Participating in community based initiatives that enhance the lives of others
Recognizing that RCM employees are the key factor in delighting our residents & visitors

He reminded me that my husband & I are stewards of God's provision, not owners. We take this very seriously. The world would like to regulate that one should not mix business with "religion". We are not mixing a thing, it just "is". We are about the business of loving others & caring for them in such a way that they can, "See, Feel & Know the Difference". It's simple & clear.

SO-welcome residents of Rock Creek Manor! We can't wait to get to know each of you.

We are making arrangements for our grand opening celebration & ribbon cutting. Please come & celebrate with us. I'll post details soon!

Opening Day Approaches

2010-11-19T14:19:00.000-05:00

As Thanksgiving approaches, the folks at Rock Creek Manor cannot help but to stop and thank the Lord for His hand in bringing together a gorgeous manor for seniors to enjoy. Construction is now complete & we are preparing to officially open.

Kyle McGrew, our interior designer has been busy with all of the finishing touches. Ned Freer, our Food Service Manager has been shopping for supplies, seasoning the equipment & gearing up to prepare some delicious meals for our residents. I personally cannot wait to taste his home made bread!

Teresa Carter, our Executive Director has been business with public relations, facility tours and readying the operation for efficient and accurate business practices.

Our Personal Care Assistants are also ready to begin. We are so pleased with the folks the Lord has brought to us to care for our residents. Each of them has excellent qualities to share and has a sincere desire to give great care to everyone who lives here. Their eyes just sparkle when we share our high performance work team philosophy, one that will ensure we truly live up to our mantra "See, Feel & Know the Difference".

This is an official invitation for anyone interested in touring the facility & talking with us about how we might help to provide the very best care for their loved ones: Come on over!

May the Lord richly bless each of you & your families during this special season of Thanksgiving & celebration of the birth of the One who loves each & EVERY one of us.

Rock Creek Manor
50 Cagle Mill Road South
Jasper, Georgia 30143
678 454-2600

Call us if you need directions - we are 1/4 mile south of the Racetrac gas station on Hwy 515. Turn right on Lower Dowda Mill. We are 1/2 mile down on the right. Just look for the neat red building!

www.rockcreekjasper.com

September @ Rock Creek Manor

2010-09-07T08:47:00.000-04:00

Greetings !

Oh, the buzz is heightening at Rock Creek Manor Assisted Living. Before I get started on the construction & opening updates I wanted to introduce you to our Executive Director, Ms. Teresa Carter.

Teresa is leading the staff at Rock Creek Manor to ensure families & residents have an exceptional experience with us. Ms. Carter was a Delegate appointed for the White House Conference on Aging, is a Member of the GA Gerontology Society & the Assisted Living Federation of

America. She has special training in Alzheimer’s and dementia care & therapeutic activity for seniors. With over 10 yrs of Assisted Living leadership in GA, she has a passion for serving the elderly. Nice pic Teresa!

Teresa is busy developing synergistic relationships with home health agencies, pharmacies, dentists & podiatrists & other complimentary therapies to offer services on site at Rock Creek Manor.

OK, now for construction updates:

The interior trim & doors are completed so the PAINTERS can do their thing. Our designer was in Friday finalizing color for walls, trim & doors. Her passion & vision always get me even more excited. I cannot wait to hang the light fixtures. We painstakingly selected them to be just right - sort of like jewelry for a lovely backdrop.

The fountain is oh, so classy & it makes me happy just to look at it through the huge windows into the courtyard. Our family spent the weekend preparing the planting beds for grass & oodles of flowers. The sod folks tell us the grass will be ready in a week or two. Looking forward to that.

We have about 4 weeks left on construction. Stay tuned & thanks for visiting our Blog.

There will be a short video presentation at www.rockcreekjasper.com soon which is a great overview of Rock Creek Manor.

Rock Creek Manor Assisted Living is Nearing Construction Completion!

2010-08-18T13:35:00.001-04:00

Greetings to All!

The team here at Rock Creek Manor Assisted Living & Senior Daycare are diligently working to complete construction of our gorgeous new facility here in Jasper, Georgia.

The kitchen is going in, trim & doors are in progress & in case you haven't seen the exterior yet, it's coming along beautifully.

We just ordered a simple yet stately fountain for the extensive, enclosed garden area so that residents can enjoy it from their suites & as they meander by. The garden walkways were poured a couple of weeks back & we are also selecting plants that attract butterflies & birds galore.

We tried to partner with the Pickens County Master Gardners to leave their mark on the garden site but the kind folks there indicated they really only get involved with community based projects. Drat! It would have been fun!

So our lovely Executive Director is busy around town introducing Rock Creek Manor's arrival to the Jasper community. Her enthusiasm & passion for seniors is abundant & we are blessed to have her leading the operation. She is a true gift.

We've hired a superb Chef too! He will be making our breads homemade & it's all scratch cooking around here! Yum.! He is rarin' to go!

When we visited the senior center, they indicated a large need for Senior Day Care in the area. We hope to host many interesting & lovely Seniors at Rock Creek Manor. They may come spend the day with us & receive the same great care as our regular residents.

The list of residents who will come to live at Rock Creek Manor is growing! Email me at rockcreekmanor@tds.net if you have any questions or would like a personal tour...

There is an abundance of information available on our website too. www.rockcreekjasper.com

The Lord is SO GOOD to us. Great progress, Great people. More to come....