We went to Still Hopes Episcopal last year. It was excellent and fabulous. I'm familiar with it because my mother was there. I know the staff there, and their service and accommodation are all excellent.

About six years ago my wife and I decided it was time to move to a retirement community, so we began visiting those in Richland and Lexington Counties. When it came time to make a decision there was no doubt in our minds that Still Hopes was the place for us. A swimming pool was important for my wife's health, and at that time Still Hopes had the finest pool facility in the area. Having lived in Columbia for most of our lives it was important to us to locate in a facility with easy access to friends and our church in Columbia, and Still Hopes answered that criteria. The amenities at Still Hopes are amazing. During normal times we found ourselves as busy as we wanted to be, keeping up with concerts, classes, lectures and physical activities. My wife died two years ago, but I stay busy, even with adjustments that have been made due to the Pandemic. One of the greatest joys of being here is spending time with the delightful neighbors with whom I am surrounded. When I lost my wife I found myself supported by all these good people. The food is excellent, and the staff members seem to love working here, as they speak and smile as one passes them in the halls. Having been here for about six years, there is no place I would rather be.

Still Hopes was a very nice facility. The person during the visit was very energetic and very professional. It's modern looking and clean. The dining room was attractive, clean, spacious, and a little bit dark, which keeps it from being institutional looking. The facility felt homey. They had an art studio.

Still Hopes was very nice. They were more of an independent living. The whole facility was very nice, and they have all kinds of amenities. It's a huge complex. The staff was very warm and very friendly. There are all kinds of different buildings you can go to for exercise, for reading, and recreation, and there's a chapel. Overall, the grounds and the buildings had a very luxurious feel.

My grandmother's building was clean and well maintained. We ate lunch at the Still Hopes cafeteria and it was clean and the food was perfect. There was one disgruntled employee who was somewhat rude to my brothers and myself but that was just one person out of an otherwise stellar staff. the facility is even expanding and there is now a small park with a pathway to walk, which is a big plus. Still Hopes has just recently built a workout facility with a pool and activities room. My grandmother wants a sense of freedom and she gets that with her room and building. The staff in her residence building is helpful and courteous. My grandmother feels comfortable with all the staff and everyone knows her on a first name basis. Overall, I am very pleased with the care and atmosphere of Still Hopes Retirement Community. My grandmother is happy and has had no complaints. She seems happy which is the most important thing.

Still Hopes is a wonderful place to live for certain residents but certainly not for all. I staff here is absolutely amazing. They are caring and well trained, and it is obvious that they are required to hold a very high level professionalism. There are numerous activities planned for residents throughout the year and special events and side trips are always being offered. The facility itself is state of the art and beautiful. One would think that this would be a place that any elderly person could benefit from but for my parents it has been less than ideal. Despite having many activities available, the overall feel of the place is very isolating. For instance, my parents had the idea that since the seniors living here were required to be in good health, that there would be a much more social atmosphere. In the 10 months they have been here, they have only seen the inside of one other residents home. The residents tend to remain in their personal apartments and not interact socially. At meals there are often groups sitting together but at the end of the meal they return to their own space not to emerge again until the next meal. The set up of the apartments is one of long hallways with apartment doors opening onto the hallway. It has the distinct feel of a hotel which scarcely mimics a home atmosphere. The cost of staying here is very high but the services they provide are excellent. If only the residential units could be on a more open plan which would foster more social interaction, the the place would certainly be my first choice to stay in my later years. As it is now, I find the hallways dismal and the seclusion disheartening, and I know that my parents have the same feeling.