Shelby is an assisted living and memory care community that is part of a well-respected network of senior living facilities, dedicated to providing an engaging, nurturing environment thoughtfully tailored for older adults. The community embodies a vibrant, homelike atmosphere where residents can truly thrive. With a leadership team featuring individuals like Gretchin Mager as Executive Director, Carla Riden as Family Advocate, and Vickie Andrews as Health & Wellness Director, Shelby demonstrates a commitment to compassionate, personalized care that centers on each resident’s well-being and satisfaction.
A hallmark of life at Shelby is its adoption of the Senior Living Montessori approach. This philosophy, originally inspired by Maria Montessori’s educational methods, is thoughtfully adapted for adults who are living with dementia or cognitive challenges. Emphasizing respect, independence, and meaningful activity, the Montessori program at Shelby seeks to enrich residents’ daily lives by fostering autonomy and engaging cognitive function through structured, purposeful tasks. This unique approach helps uphold dignity and actively supports each resident's abilities, enhancing their quality of life.
Shelby’s environment is designed to be intimate and engaging, especially in areas specifically crafted for those with dementia. The Mary B’s living room and dining room feature higher chairs and sofas to make getting in and out easier, ensuring comfort and accessibility. In Mary B’s dining area, residents who require additional assistance with meals are supported in a dignified manner. The community’s thoughtfully landscaped courtyard includes traveling paths, relaxed seating, and raised garden beds, offering opportunities for safe outdoor enjoyment, gardening, and even barbecuing. Indoors, residents enjoy spacious, cozy apartments, inviting activity rooms for card games, a bistro for mingling, and a sunroom to take in the view and participate in birdwatching.
Life at Shelby is filled with meaningful activities designed to engage mind and body. Residents are encouraged to partake in therapeutic activities such as coloring to promote fine motor skills and reduce anxiety, or to join in the home’s signature programs like “Buzz Cuts & Beehives,” which blend personal care with social opportunities. Special occasions are celebrated in the private dining room, creating joyful memories with both family and fellow residents. Shelby is also pet friendly, welcoming visits from residents’ furry friends and incorporating them into various aspects of daily life and the Montessori program, which has proven to bring happiness and a sense of purpose to those who join in caring for the animals.
A sense of community and belonging is at the heart of Shelby, with residents gathering in comfortable living spaces to socialize, relax, and enjoy home-style, made-from-scratch meals. The community places a strong emphasis on maintaining independence while offering assistance with daily activities such as meals, grooming, and medication management. There is even a salon for personalized, at-home treatment, and a whirlpool for hydrotherapy—providing both comfort and health benefits, notably in easing achy joints.
Shelby has been recognized for its high standard of care and commitment to quality, striving to provide clear, simple solutions when it comes to navigating the complexities of senior living and the financial aspects that come with it. The result is a warm, empowering atmosphere where every detail—from apartment design to program philosophy—contributes to an enriching, supportive, and joyful community for seniors and their families.