MACON, Ga. — This hair salon is exclusive.
You have to be 62 or over and live at Macon's Carlyle Place, a life-plan community.
“We are not a nursing home. We are a community — a family here,” Mavis Trice said.
Carlyle Place is where older folks can live independently and also where Trice has been for over a decade.
“Keeps us active and independent as long as we possibly can be,” she said.
The hair salon isn't the only perk here, either. There's a gym, field trips, physical along with occupational and rehabilitative therapy. There are also more social activities than they can do in a day.
“We are party city over here,” Trice laughed.
Like Trice's husband, you can also transition into more advanced care as you age. From independent living, to assisted living, memory care, to skill care.
“My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s,” Trice explained. “I can not say enough about the quality of care. Not just quality of care, but loving care during his time. That was comforting. I did not have to worry about someone looking after him.”
However, not all skill care homes are like this.
According to a US News and World Report, Georgia is one of the six lowest-ranked states for nursing homes, or skill nursing quality.
However, Atrium Health Navicent's Carlyle Place says there are still good options for folks to live. You just have to know what to look for and what options there are.
“Central Georgia does have great options,” said Robin Dance, Carlyle Place's Life Plan Advisor. “A simple internet search is gonna help them and a fantastic resource is Medicare.gov."
Dance says it lists all Central Georgia skill care homes which are vetted by the state with a five star rating.
“It’s based on all areas of your community. They’re looking at staffing, resident care, what the facility is like, reporting, do you have any citations,” she said.
Dance once you’ve called around and chosen homes that have 4-5 star ratings, then she suggests you go and see the facility in person.
“Are they clean? Do they have a nice scent, are they well staffed, is the focus on resident care? If you have a concern, are there outlets for you to voice those concerns?” Dance explains. "A lot can be determined with just a site visit."
She also says it’s important to gauge if you feel respected, and if you have options for healthcare, food and activities.
‘You are your own best advocate. Make sure you understand the pricing levels because there are hidden prices sometimes. If you do a little research you're gonna find them without any trouble,” Dance said
She also says if you’re interested in Carlyle Place, but aren’t sure if the price range fits you, you can still call them and they can help you find other options in the area that may be a better match.