Senior Living

“Society is measured by how it treats its weakest members.”

This phrase has been attributed to several great leaders.

They include Mahatma Gandhi, Winston Churchill and Harry Truman.

Jesus had already taught this lesson. He set practical examples of acts of kindness to the least of those in need, whether they were sick, poor or in prison.

The way we treat our elderly has now become a focus of my life. This is not only because of my Senior Adult Ministry but because of the deaths of my parents over the last 18 months.

My father was 91 and my mother 92.

It is difficult to see those who were at one time so able, confident, and strong become so unable, dependent, and weak. Yet their spirits may be alive and vibrant!

I am thankful my parents were able to live out their days in their home in Orangeburg.

They could sit in their front porch rockers and watch the birds while the sun went down until it became necessary for them to live in a nursing home.

I am thankful that Lexington has developed some of the best senior care facilities in the state.

I remember when Rikard Nursing Home was just about the only one around.

When I came to Lexington in 1988, Morningside had already opened and Deepwood Estates was building. Rikard expanded to become Lexington Extended Care, then came Oak Leaf Village and South Lake Village.

Agape Senior opened on US 1 (now Carolina Gardens), then the Carroll Campbell Place for Alzheimers Care and Colonial Gardens on US 378.

There’s the Presbyterian Home, Still Hopes, Laurel Crest and Lexington Place, formerly Brookdale, and one of the newest, Wellmore of Lexington.

We await the opening of Lakeside Place Senior Living on US 378 west of town.

What does all this growth of senior care facilities mean?

It means we have many opportunities to show our love and respect to some who were once the backbone but now are the weaker members of our community.

When was the last time you visited a nursing home or assisted living facility?

You can become a volunteer at any of these places or just go and spend a few minutes making some new friends. You will be blessed and be a blessing!