The Spires at Berry College sits on the campus of Berry College in Rome, Georgia, with a view of Eagle Lake and near the foot of Lavender Mountain, and you'll see all kinds of wooded scenery on the 27,000 acres surrounding the community, so there's always something pleasant to look at through the windows. The community first welcomed residents in December 2020, so it's new and modern, but there's a classic feel to the place too, especially with the partnership Berry College has with the residents, who sometimes attend activities, educational programs, or special events with students. The Spires is a continuing care retirement community, which means you can find independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing and rehab all on-site, and you don't have to leave if your needs change over time.
Residences include apartments and cottages with up to three bedrooms and two and a half baths, offering as much as 2,479 square feet. Most have private bathrooms and kitchenettes, and there are living rooms with big windows, and the place feels open and bright. Assisted living apartments range from 294 to 745 square feet. There are single and studio units available, and assisted living has 31-40 licensed units. Monthly fees for assisted living range from $2,515 to $5,015 for single occupancy, and from $3,310 to $5,810 for double occupancy. Entry fees range from $110,900 up to $782,900, depending on the size and type of unit, and most residents pay these fees from selling their previous homes. There's no entrance fee for those coming directly into assisted living or memory care, though there is a $1,500 community fee required up front.
Assisted living staff help with daily chores, bathing, dressing, medication reminders, and other personal care tasks. Every resident gets a personalized care plan. Residents can bring their own in-home care provider if they wish, or use on-site staff. Memory care is available for those with Alzheimer's or dementia, and the memory care director has over 20 years' experience, with certification in dementia care. Memory care staff get special training to support those with memory loss. Skilled nursing and short-term rehab are provided at Magnolia Place, the healthcare center of The Spires, with 31-40 beds. Residents in independent living and assisted living can move along the continuum of care as needs change.
Food is served in a communal dining room, and room service is available if you want to eat in your apartment. Residents can join in cooking clubs, book discussion groups, game nights, arts and crafts, music groups, gardening activities, and outings. There's yoga, chair yoga, stretching classes, and fitness programs, and a swimming pool and gym are on-site. There are patios, gardens, and outdoor gathering spots, and some pets are allowed with a fee. There's guest parking, resident parking, gated security, secured grounds in memory care, and high-speed WiFi in every unit. Rooms have cable and internet access, and common spaces have TVs for social viewing.
Services include housekeeping, laundry and linens, salon and barber services, and help with medication. Scheduled transportation helps residents get to shopping and appointments. There's no step entrance for healthcare service transfer within The Spires community, and options exist for both lifecare (Type A) and fee-for-service (Type C) contracts, with several refund options on entry fees. Religious services and VA aide are held on-site. Payments are usually made by check, and there are all-inclusive options available for rent and care fees, though extra costs like pet fees and second person fees may apply.
Living at The Spires at Berry College means you get a quiet, scenic setting, access to a range of care types and amenities as you age, a close relationship with Berry College for unique intergenerational experiences, and a community where staff know how to care for older adults needing everything from light support to advanced medical care in memory or nursing units. Residents often find it's a good fit if they're looking for a full range of senior living choices, want views of the lake and mountains, and prefer easy access to both exercise and social activities without leaving home.
