Buckingham Smith Assisted Living Program

Buckingham Smith Assisted Living Program in Saint Augustine, FL, is a licensed assisted living facility with 36 licensed beds, offering care for up to 69 residents, and what stands out is how they focus on creating a caring and friendly atmosphere, placing less importance on glamour and more on community and good care so seniors who need help but don't need full nursing care can live with support that respects their independence. The program runs on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and stays closed on weekends, and staff are known for being helpful, joyful, and kind, giving a warm home-like environment where people can feel comfortable and supported, whether they need assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management, or getting to doctor's appointments or out to shop. Residents and their families appreciate the easy visiting, the quality meals made with good ingredients, planned social and activity events like movie nights, yoga, music programs, and pet therapy, and spaces like the book room, computer lab, health room with a sauna or jacuzzi, and outdoor areas for relaxation with landscaped courtyards and terraces. The staff provides personal care, daily living help, and medication management, and they pay special attention to residents with Alzheimer's or dementia, using a memory care program that prevents wandering and eases confusion, with licensed staff watching over health needs like diabetic care, incontinence care, and special diets for conditions like high blood pressure. Residents can join activities for the mind and body, including board games, workout and aquatic exercise, and creative or devotional programs, and those who want can get a haircut from the mobile barber or take part in offsite devotional services. For safety, there is a 24-hour emergency response service, and for those who do not walk easily, non-ambulatory care is available, while the setting overall is designed to feel calm and supportive without restricting freedom, letting active seniors stay involved in the surrounding community, enjoying things like nearby museums, the old jail, golf courses, or local restaurants. The facility's star rating of 4.6 and community awards for activities and friendliness speak to its reputation, even though it doesn't provide Medicare unless specifically certified, and all services meet regulations from state and local authorities. In the end, Buckingham Smith offers a mix of community, cheerful staff, reliable health care support, nutritious meals, and engaging activities for seniors who want a homelike option between independent living and a nursing home.