Blog Img

January 12, 2024

Defining Dementia Lecture Series – Knoxville and Maryville

Join Shannondale of Maryvillle and Knoxville for an informative trio of lectures on dementia led by Linda Lairamore, MA, Certified Dementia Provider. During these lectures, Linda will share her expertise on cognitive decline and how to best support a loved one experiencing memory loss.

KNOXVILLE CAMPUS: Dates: January 11th, January 18th, January 25th at 1:00 p.m.Location: The Lodge Chapel, 801 Vanosdale Rd, Knoxville, TN 37909

MARYVILLE CAMPUS: Dates: January 23rd, January 30th, and February 6th at 10:30 a.m.Location: Retirement Center Chapel, 804 Shannondale Way Maryville, TN

Moving Promotion – Knoxville and Maryville

Deposit on a Shannondale of Maryville or Knoxville independent living or assisted living apartment and we will cover your moving expenses! Our trusted partner, Caring Senior Move, will handle the logistics, ensuring a seamless transition. We're committed to making your move as effortless as possible.

Free Moving Expenses: Shannondale will pay your moving expenses, capping the cost at $3,500. Say goodbye to the stress of moving logistics and focus on settling into your new home!

Expert Moving Team: Rest easy knowing that the experienced team from Caring Senior Move will manage your move with utmost care and professionalism.

Peace of Mind: Enjoy a worry-free move and embark on a new chapter in your life with confidence.

Move Special For Knoxville and Maryville Is Running Now Through March 31 - Act Now - Your Dream Home Awaits!

Thank You to Our Outgoing Resident Councils!

Shannondale is grateful for our uniquely strong and involved resident council. These councils of residents are committed to the well-being of Shannondale, promoting transparency throughout the community. We're thankful for our outgoing resident council - thank you for your service to Shannondale and our residents!

Anne Crumpton, The Lodge
It has been my honor and pleasure to serve as the first Resident Council President of the Lodge at Shannondale. During this two-year journey, we have launched committees to provide out-lets for residents' interests and abilities as we work with the administration to create a warm loving home. Having the opportunity in my 9th decade to still be involved with such great people has been a joy.

David Silseth, Maryville Retirement Center
This has been a year of many challenges collectively addressed by a group of very congenial, independent thinkers including the council presidents and staff. Accomplishing a major turnaround of a corporation that includes finances, lifestyles, food services, and deferred maintenance is a complex undertaking. I believe that the collective inputs of the entire team were fully considered and have provided a very positive path going forward.

Alice Ann Moore, Buckingham
Buckingham is a very unique community of talented and accomplished residents. The two years serving on the Buckingham Community Council and as president in 2023 have been both positive and challenging. Working with the residents and dedicated staff made it easier. My experience serving on the council has meant that I was able to get to know my neighbors while enabling me to have a leadership experience, and my husband and I to enjoy an active, healthy, and productive Senior Living Community lifestyle.

Charles (Charlie) Mulligan, Maryville Homes and Villas, also a member of the Maryville Campus Council
I was elected to the Homes and Villas Council in Maryville, and began the year discussing quite ordinary concerns raised by our residents. There was an undercurrent of concern about the finances of Shannondale. Suddenly the issues became much more substantive and the raise of our rates shook us up. The help and encouragement of my neighbors carried me through it. Listening to residents was the secret of success. Working with members of my council, Scott Phillips, and the other three leaders of the resident councils in Shannondale helped all of us to forge a path forward. Not done yet, but the horizon seems bright.

Lifestyle and Wellness

In January, we are proud to highlight our wonderful wellness programs. Each campus has a jam-packed calendar of wellness activities happening each day, and we are grateful to each of our residents for your participation and enthusiasm. Residents are in their robes ready for swimming at 8 am, volleyball games are full, and pilates classes are enjoyed by many residents.

Our goal has always been to create an environment that empowers residents to maintain a wellness-focused lifestyle. Wellness embodies the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of oneself and our services and amenities aim to nurture each of those.

New Year, New Wellness Opportunities

As we enter 2024, Shannondale is enhancing our wellness programming and offerings to support residents in all facets of well-being - physical, social, emotional, and spiritual.

Nursing Health Assessments

Our nursing department provides 24/7 on-site care including vital sign monitoring, medication management, and general nursing services. New this year, we are adding wellness checks to assess patients; mobility, strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance. These baseline assessments will allow us to provide personalized recommendations to help patients maintain or improve their physical health. By reviewing medication regimens and developing customized health plans informed by the wellness check data, we aim to take a more holistic approach to meeting each patient's individual needs. Our around-the-clock presence and expanded services will help ensure patients receive appropriate nursing care and support for their overall health and well-being.

Evidence-Based Fitness Classes

The Wellness Team is thrilled to expand senior fitness options including evidence-based SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life) classes. We will have weekly water aerobics, chair yoga, dance, balance and flexibility classes, and more designed for older adults. Participating provides health benefits like retaining muscle mass, bone density, improved heart and lung health, reduced risk of developing diabetes and cancer as well as physical function. We recognize the importance of both physical and social activities.

Attending social gatherings and staying engaged with others can have mental health benefits and reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation which severely impacts mental and physical health. The costs are not just emotional. AARP reports prolonged isolation is equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day in terms of health risks. It can increase blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and even death. This year we plan to incorporate more happy hours, group art and music sessions, game time, and guest lectures - all fantastic opportunities to remain socially active!

Additional offerings catering to emotional and spiritual needs will include weekly bible study, mindfulness and meditation workshops, as well as meaningful discussion groups following Ted Talks. Research proves social connections, purpose, self-expression and relaxation have significant impacts on wellbeing.

On-site Physical Therapy

For those needing injury rehabilitation or mobility assistance, our on-site physical therapy delivers customized treatment plans to help residents restore stability, mobility and confidence in movement. Physical therapy helps rebuild declining muscle strength that could contribute to an increased risk of falls. Our goal is for residents to make their well-being a priority in fun, meaningful ways this year!

Get to Know Our Lovely Administrators!

Dawn Doud, IL Administrator in Maryville
Meet Dawn Doud, our Administrator for the Maryville Retirement Center. Dawn has dedicated nearly six years of her professional journey to Shannondale. The joy Dawn finds in her work is immeasurable, with the residents feeling like an extended family.  Residing in Maryville with her two children and spouse James, our family shares a passion for exploring the mountains through hiking and camping, creating lasting memories together.

Ashley Cooper, IL Administrator in Knoxville
Meet Ashley Cooper, our Administrator for The Lodge. Ashley has been with Shannondale for 11 years and cannot imagine herself anywhere else. Born and raised in Knoxville, Ashley is an avid Tennessee fan. She counts being at Shannondale with her residents as "home" rather than "work", and when away from here, she enjoys hanging out with friends, family, and her adorable cat, PJ.

Ben Stiefel, Maryville NHA Administrator
Meet Ben Stiefel, NHA Administrator in Maryville. Ben has been with Shannondale for exactly 1 month now as the administrator of the Maryville skilled nursing and assisted living, working in healthcare management for 17 years. When Ben is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family outdoors and playing music. Ben and his family are very involved in their church with the worship team and the children’s ministry.\

Resident and Team Member Referral Program

Don't forget about our referral program for residents and team members. Your satisfaction is our greatest reward, and we believe the best communities are built through the connections we share. Here's the scoop: refer a friend, family member, or acquaintance to join our community, and when they move in, you'll receive a fantastic $1,000 check. It's our way of saying thank you for helping us grow our wonderful community.

We're proud to announce that we've paid out over $10,000 in referral bonuses to team members and residents!

Spread the word, share the joy, and let's make Shannondale even more vibrant together. For details and to submit your referrals, please contact Dawn Dowd Maryville Independent Living Administrator, or Rita Kriss Director of Sales.

Thank you for being a part of the Shannondale family!

Assisted Living Update

We're proud to announce that we have 35 renovated rooms in the Knoxville Assisted Living Community and renovated common spaces! Rooms are ready for move in's and will go fast. Contact Rita Kriss for more information.

Dining Update

Get to know our Executive Chef at the Lodge, Roy Vomfell!
Roy Hermann Vomfell was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Roy is a graduate of one of America's most prestigious culinary schools, The Culinary Institute of America Hyde Park N.Y. After graduating, Roy went on to master his craft serving in positions such as Sous Chef at Tavern on the Green. Roy holds multiple industry certifications such as Certified Executive Chef and Master Butcher and Charcuterie of Germany. In his free time, Roy enjoys spending time with family, wood carving, and building hand-made Craftsman furniture.

Get to know our Executive Chef at The Maryville Retirement Center, Josh!

Josh has been in the Healthcare industry as a Chef for almost 18 years. Josh has worked in all levels of care including hospitals. Prior to working in healthcare, Josh served in the United States Navy for 6 years as a Boatswain Mate. Originally from the West Knoxville area, Josh now calls Maryville home. Cooking has always been a passion for Josh, a passion that was passed down to me through my Grandmother and Mom.

GEM Awards

Knoxville Campus:
Albert Baxter at The Lodge was Shannondale’s GEM Award Winner for the Knoxville Campus in December. Albert has been with our Environmental Services Department since 2022. Some of the great compliments that Albert received were:

“He meets all the criteria you have outlined in your letter to the residents. He goes above and beyond to make sure everything is spotless, including cleaning all the railings in the hallways. I don't have carpeting but I understand he does an outstanding job doing that for residents. He always has a positive attitude and a cheery greeting. He is at work on time every day. Definitely enhances the image of Shannondale.”

“Ever since he was hired he has been dedicated to carefully clean the areas of his responsibility with loving attention and a cheerful hello when spoken to. He doesn’t act as if he is bored with his tasks but pays attention to what he is doing. Given that I’ve been observing staff in that position for over 10 years, Albert is without a doubt exceptional. I especially appreciate how he will quickly move to hold the door open to the trash areas - especially when the resident is with a rotator or walker.”

In addition, we had two employees at The Lodge who received special Shannondale Management GEM Awards in December. These two employees definitely “Go The Extra Mile” every day!

Kamisha Blair, LPN, has been with Shannondale since 2012. Kamisha began her career with Shannondale at the Knoxville Health Care Center as a C.N.A. After successfully completing her education, Kamisha was promoted to LPN in 2020. When we opened The Lodge, Kamisha began providing excellent nursing care to our residents there. You can always count on seeing Kamisha at the nurse’s station with a big smile!

Rebekah Lucas, Lifestyles and Wellness Director at The Lodge began her career with Shannondale in November 2023. In the short time that Rebekah has been with us, she has made an immediate, positive impact on our Lifestyles and Wellness programs. Rebekah brings a wealth of knowledge with her and will continue to be a shining star at Shannondale!

Maryville Campus:
Sheri Cogar was Shannondale’s GEM Award Winner for the Maryville Campus in December. Sheri has been an LPN at Maryville's Assisted Living since 2018. Some of the wonderful comments we received about Sheri are as follows:

“She has always been helpful.”

“Wonderful positive person.”

Thank You For Your Support!

We look forward to a prosperous 2024!

Recent Posts

Blog Img
August 14, 2024

What is a CCRC?

Discover Shannondale, a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), offering seamless transitions between care levels, stress-free living, and holistic wellness.

Blog Img
July 17, 2024

7 Unique Senior Living Community Amenities

Discover the exceptional lifestyle at Shannondale Communities: from active living and holistic wellness to enriching social events and convenient care services.