South High Senior Living welcoming residents
By Mike Steely
Senior Writer
steelym@knoxfocus.com
South High Senior Living is up and running following a possible purchase and is doing well. Residents and neighbors voiced so much concern when an offer was made to repurpose the facility into a rehab center that the offer was rescinded. The Knoxville Focus asked about the present and future of this very special facility, which was transformed from a former high school. Lynn Pique, director of sales and marketing, responded to our questions.
Did the former residents remain living there during the proposed change of the former school to become McNabb Rehab facility?
Yes, most residents have remained. South High Senior Living was very proactive during the proposed sale and worked to assist in the placement of many individuals who lived here at that time. Residents were placed with partnering senior living communities in and around the Greater Knox area before it was decided to remain South High Senior Living.
What’s new at Old South High?
So much excitement is going on. We are having a Back to School BBQ on August 5, 2023, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and a Great Family Night, cowboy style, celebrating Ms. Betty Davis turning 100 on August 15 to name a few.
Are there rooms available currently?
Yes, we have about 12 apartments available in Memory Care and six or so Assisted Living studios where residents enjoy an abundance of thoughtful amenities as a resident.
South High Senior Living also offers Respite Care apartments as a temporary home while family members and caregivers are away on vacation, for family emergencies, for short-term stays during a period of rehabilitation, or just to “try us out” at a daily rate of $175.00.
What amenities does South High Senior Living offer residents?
South High Senior Living was founded on a care philosophy that fosters dignity and respect for residents and promotes their independence. As we never stop growing or learning, we promote a life of vigor through activities and events focused on personal health and growth that help our residents lead balanced and fulfilling lives.
We offer scheduled local transportation as well as a handicapped-accessible van that can transport our residents for fun trips such as a lunch trip to Cruze Farm Pizza Barn.
Several activities are scheduled daily for the stimulation of the mind and body focusing on health and wellbeing. Three delicious meals are prepared daily and snacks and refreshments are available all day. Chef/Culinary Services Director Bill McNeeley offers a host of special dining requests and meals are very delicious while keeping the residents’ varying tastes in mind.
We take safety very seriously and offer our emergency response system, hotel-style key fobs for ease of entry and exit, and fully-staffed, 24/7 care for health issues to ensure your loved one is well cared for. In our apartments, we have pull cords and grab bars throughout to ensure safety and lessen falls.
What does it cost to live there?
Assisted Living starts at $4,800 (that goes with a) Personal Care Program that is a point system based on actual needs and calculated along with the monthly rate. We continually monitor residents’ needs and periodically re-assess the services being offered which can reduce the monthly rate as the resident improves while having in-house care through physical therapy, occupational therapy and home health or hospice as they continue to age in place.
Memory Care is all-inclusive at $6,300. These rates are quite reasonable among our competitors and make us a great community to bring your loved one back to Tennessee to retire in.
Tell us about the scheduled trips for the residents.
Trips and events are ongoing and full of fun and exciting times together. Families can join us on any trip or outing. Socials, church group visits, daily devotionals, games, movies, mind, body and spirit time, and happy hours are all part of the daily experience. Outings are scheduled with plenty of time for residents to schedule these events around other activities or social events. For example, this July’s schedule included outings to the Bijou, coffee shop and ice cream socials, an adventure at Seven Island State Birding Park and lunch on the town at Myrtle Chicken.
Is there an event planned, like a re-opening or “still open” event?
We recently celebrated our 3 Year Anniversary with a Luau. Our Back to School BBQ is August 5, 2023, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and we will be accepting donations of snacks and individually-wrapped treats for students and teachers. There will be face painting, live music, balloon art and games and it will be a fun time for the community to come meet our seniors.
Tell us about continuing to be open. Are there any fears that the facility may be up for sale again?
It’s an adventure to rebuild the census here at South High Senior Living. The community is so beautiful and well thought out with seniors and their families’ needs in mind. We provide the best of care and truly want to partner with our residents and their families.
We are proud to be pet-friendly and to offer several community social spaces that provide plenty of opportunities for residents to make new friends or visit with family. There is a billiard room for the competitive soul looking for another challenge or the novice who likes to get to know someone over a friendly game of pool. We have a daylight garden where tomatoes are picked from the vine. Our caring, passionate staff are available around the clock to provide peace of mind knowing that someone is always close by.
We are confident that South High will remain a senior living community with great people in place to care for the residents here for many years to come! Only our owner, Rick Dover, can answer the question of when or if he decides to sell again and if it goes up for sale again, we have an amazing team who are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of the residents who are residing here for a seamless transition.
More information about South High Senior Living can be found on the internet or by contacting DSM@southhighknoxville.com or calling (865) 338-3060. It is located at 835 Tipton Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920.a
