Clemson Retirement Community Plans Expansion

Clemson Downs, a full-service retirement community, is expanding.

The facility's board of directors on Thursday announced that the community plans to add a memory care unit and a private skilled nursing facility.

We have been working toward this ground-breaking expansion for the last three years, and we are excited to be able to announce that we now have started design and construction activities,” said board chairwoman Sandra Smith in a news release.

According to Smith, the board has authorized the hiring of a developer and architect and has approved preliminary plans for the $8 million additions. 

Opened in 1980 as the Clemson-area’s first and only Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Clemson Downs provides a spectrum of care that includes independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing residences, programs and services, Smith said. 

The “Memory Care” component is sometimes also referred to as “Dementia” or “Alzheimer’s” care facilities. These accommodations are specifically designed and programmed for residents living with the effects of dementia and other issues related to cognitive function. 

The new center will serve 32 residents in a “home-like” setting. Each resident will enjoy private accommodations, 24-hour care and daily experiences designed to cater to their special needs. At last count, the region only provides limited accommodations for specialized memory care, yet the need for such highly specialized care continues to rise.

“The research has shown that residents with cognitive disease and decline need and respond favorably to accommodations that are specifically designed to address their diagnoses,” according to Dr. John LeHeup, the community’s executive director. “CCRC’s across the country are adding these accommodations in an effort to better serve their residents. The board of Clemson Downs identified this need several years ago and has worked diligently to position the organization to address this need at this time."

The project is in the early stages of planning. Clemson Downs expects to file the necessary applications and notices with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control within the next few weeks. 

Financing and construction are anticipated to take place later this year with opening slated for late 2014. For more information on Clemson Downs, contact Jackie Cleveland at (864) 654-1155.