The Story of Plymouth Harbor

The Spirit of Philanthropy

The evolution of wellness at plymouth Harbor

In 2010, Plymouth Harbor began to strategically redefine “wellness.”
When describing this phase of the journey, credit should be given
to residents Lois Droege and Paul Groen, M.D. Mrs. Droege, with a
background in fitness education, taught a popular resident exercise
class at Plymouth Harbor for many years. She and Dr. Groen, a retired
orthopedic surgeon, were instrumental in helping to develop the plan
that would take Plymouth Harbor’s fitness program to a new level.

Two things were non-negotiable. First, the program must meet the highest possible Group Fitness and Dance Studio
standard for senior fitness programming. Second, the program must be led by
someone with the credentials and expertise to develop and maintain it. Enter Chris
Valuck, who was recruited as Plymouth Harbor’s Wellness Director in September
2011. Mrs. Valuck established protocols, developed a variety of new classes, and
created the framework for future program expansion.

As the new vision for wellness was progressing, resident Joanne Hastings offered
a very generous contribution to help Plymouth Harbor complete the next step in
this journey—a beautiful new Wellness Center that would not only embrace Mrs.
Hastings’ passion for dance, but also the many other creative aspects of wellness.
Other residents and staff joined Mrs. Hastings to contribute a total of $1.1 million to
fund the new Wellness Center. While Mrs. Hastings passed away before the grand
opening on September 12, 2014, Plymouth Harbor celebrates and pays tribute to her
vision today with the dedicated group fitness and dance studio as well as the hobby
shop, wood shop, art studio, activity alcove, and several other areas that allow
residents to embrace their creativity.

The Roman poet Virgil once said, “The greatest wealth is health.” Plymouth Harbor Residents “bowl” in the Wellness Center Activity Alcove.
couldn’t agree more, and the Wellness Center promotes that mindset in countless T H E S T O R Y O F P LY M O U T H H A R B O R 1 9 6 6 – 2 0 1 6 49
ways.

The Spirit of Philanthropy

The plymouth Harbor Foundation

❝Moving to Plymouth It is no secret that contributions of time, Employee Assistance: into issues germane to all
Plymouth Harbor’s talent, and financial Assistance for employees aging services.
Harbor was a gift residents are generous, resources, believing that of Plymouth Harbor who
my parents gave to kind, and giving service to and support of wish to advance their The Plymouth Harbor
me. Serving on the individuals. It is other people is a worthy education or certification, Foundation is an LLC
Foundation Board is my especially important to lifelong value. or are experiencing an of Plymouth Harbor,
gift back to them. note that, without the unexpected, significant Inc., and is governed
support of residents, The culture of financial hardship, or by a separate Board of
❞—Cade D. Sibley, Chair of the Plymouth Harbor would philanthropy is built upon employee wellness Trustees. The Foundation
not be here today. In three pillars of value that related initiatives. Board is comprised of
Plymouth Harbor Foundation order to ensure the have defined Plymouth members of the Plymouth
Board of Trustees appropriate stewardship Harbor since its founding: Zest for Life: Harbor, Inc. Board,
of contributed gifts benevolence, fellowship, Programmatic and capital residents of Plymouth
and funds from donors, and a zest for life. It support for innovations Harbor who do not sit
The Plymouth Harbor would naturally follow and enhancements at on the corporate board,
Foundation was that the funds would Plymouth Harbor that members at large, and
established in 2012. align perfectly with these improve and preserve the CEO and CFO of
pillars of value. The three a vibrant quality of life Plymouth Harbor. The
Over the decades, broad funds are: for current and future Foundation has two full-
members of the resident residents, as well as best time staff members.
population, their Resident Assistance: practices and research
families, employees, and Assistance for residents
philanthropists in the at Plymouth Harbor
broader community have who have outlived their
voluntarily donated more financial resources,
than $14.5 million to due to unforeseen
perpetuate the Plymouth circumstances, and
Harbor mission. Plymouth require support for basic
Harbor celebrates living expenses and
medical costs

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After the establishment of the Foundation came
plans for even more updates to Plymouth Harbor.
Enhancements were begun and completed to the
dining, bar, and café areas. The Marketing and
Community Affairs office established the Harbor
Club—a new name for the waiting list for potential
new residents. Along with the new name came
greater opportunities, including the option to use
the Mayflower Restaurant and to attend programs,
lectures, concerts, and more at Plymouth Harbor.

Later, conversations revealed that residents desired a
more formal fitness and wellness program at Plymouth
Harbor, specifically calling for an updated gym and
group fitness area. By 2013, a capital campaign was
underway to make this a reality.

Once the funds were raised, $1.1 million total, The Wellness Center ribbon-cutting
construction moved quickly, and in September 2014 ceremony in 2014
Plymouth Harbor hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony
for the 10,000-square-foot state-of-the art Wellness classes each month, some of which meet two to
Center. Two full-time staff members were hired to three times per week. The Wellness Center staff also
carry out the duties of the new wellness program, and provides a multitude of services, including personalized
while Plymouth Harbor has always held fitness classes, fitness assessments, monthly orientations, and
a more regular schedule of classes was implemented enhanced programming.
that could be held in the designated group fitness
room. With the help of contracted instructors, the
Wellness Center offers at least 10 separate fitness

T H E S T O R Y O F P LY M O U T H H A R B O R 1 9 6 6 – 2 0 1 6 51

overall employee health and wellness, Plymouth
Harbor decided to launch a dedicated employee
wellness program, OnBoard, that would encompass
everything from 401(k) planning to group fitness.

While OnBoard was implemented as a formal
program in 2014, many of its components have been
in existence for years. The program comprises the
seven dimensions of wellness: emotional, intellectual,
environmental/community, physical, professional/
vocational, social, and spiritual. The premise is that
balance is required in all of these areas to achieve
significant well-being.

Employee Wellness Comes on Board MacNeil Day

While Plymouth Harbor cherishes and fosters its sense In 2015, as Plymouth Harbor approached its 50th
of “family”, it also understands and appreciates the Anniversary, an annual program was put into place
practical side of employee relations. Staff members are that would properly honor the founder, The Rev. Dr.
provided a comprehensive benefits package, including John Whitney MacNeil. As a result, on May 29, 2015,
educational assistance, group health availability, and a The Rev. Dr. MacNeil’s birthday, Plymouth Harbor
401(k) Plan. celebrated its inaugural MacNeil Day.

When the Wellness Center opened, residents
graciously agreed to share the space with Plymouth
Harbor’s employees. In order to formally promote

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Back row, from left: Dale N. Woodling, Trustee, G. Duncan Finlay, Barkhuff contributed a gift to support both a wood Resident Jeanne McNulty
M.D., Chair of the Plymouth Harbor, Inc. Board of Trustees, The frame and stained glass for the new doors, in memory donated new stained
Rev. Dr. Jack A. Smith, Former Executive Director, and Harry E. of their children, Andy and Pammy. Mr. Barkhuff also glass for MacNeil Chapel.
Hobson, President and CEO. Front row, from left: Judith MacNeil pulled together woodworkers in the Wood Shop to
Merrill and son Paul MacNeil fabricate the doors and ready them for their new glass
inserts. At the same time, resident Jeanne McNulty
The commemorative event took place in the Pilgrim came forward with a gift to fully support additional
Hall auditorium, where nearly 150 residents and stained glass windows inside the chapel, in memory of
guests alike gathered to view a presentation hosted by her husband Robert.
President and CEO Harry E. Hobson.
Today, in 2016, the 50th Anniversary year, Plymouth
Due to the generosity of the residents, Plymouth Harbor celebrates the many obstacles, challenges, and
Harbor was able to install a new, more welcoming triumphs that led us here.
entrance to MacNeil Chapel, complete with new
lettering and stained glass doors. Graham and Pat

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2016–

C O M I N G N E X T A T P LY M O U T H HAR B O R

On May 23, 2016, In late 2017,
Plymouth Harbor Plymouth Harbor
will celebrate its
50th Anniversary on will open the
its second annual doors to the new
Northwest Garden
MacNeil Day.
Building.
2016
2017
In late 2016,
Plymouth Harbor
will open the
rejuvenated
Pilgrim Hall.

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O UR NEX T D E C A D E

Expanding Our Mission: 2016 and Beyond

As the phrase coined for our 50th full continuum of care. This includes accommodations
Anniversary states, Plymouth Harbor for independent living, assisted living, and skilled
celebrates our past and envisions our nursing care, and ensures that a person can move
future. We recognize that without the easily between the different levels of care as needed.
efforts of The Rev. Dr. John Whitney
MacNeil and his group of visionaries, In 2016, LeadingAge, an association of more than
Plymouth Harbor would not be here today. 6,000 not-for-profit organizations in the field of aging
We pay tribute to that notion and are services, introduced a new description for the industry
grateful to the countless staff, residents, term from CCRC to “Life Plan Community.” The whole
donors, and members of the community idea behind the name change was to more accurately
who contributed to our success. In their reflect the lifestyle and services that long-term,
honor, Plymouth Harbor continues to active retirement communities, like Plymouth Harbor,
seek ways to innovate, improve, and offer. According to Larry Minnix, former LeadingAge
stay relevant for both our current and
future residents—who we hope will enjoy
Plymouth Harbor for more than 50 years to
come.

Life Plan Community

Over the years, Plymouth Harbor has been known as a
Continuing Care Retirement Community, or CCRC. This
phrase refers to the breadth of services provided to
residents throughout the end stages of life—offering a

T H E S T O R Y O F P LY M O U T H H A R B O R 1 9 6 6 – 2 0 1 6 55

President and CEO, “It became clear that the name The Northwest Garden
CCRC no longer did an adequate job of creating the
best perception among tomorrow’s older adults. At the Along the same lines of planning for both today’s
core of the decision to move to a community is having and tomorrow’s older adult, at the end of the fifth
the right plan for what the next stage of life has to offer decade, Plymouth Harbor’s board began zeroing in on
… the ‘Life Plan Community’ name encompasses that residents’ desired amenities, services, and care. When
very well.” Making this change represents Plymouth asked the question “What is best for our residents?”
Harbor’s willingness to adapt to the changing industry the answer was clear.
as well as its dedication to the needs of tomorrow’s
older adult. Plymouth Harbor realized that both current and future
residents were concerned with three major topics: the
increasing need for more assisted living units; the need
for dedicated care of those with dementia or memory-
related conditions; and with Plymouth Harbor’s long
waiting list, concerns were voiced about the availability
of more apartment residences, especially two
bedrooms.

Out of this came ambitious plans for a new building
for Plymouth Harbor—the Northwest Garden. This
building would address all residents’ concerns and
encompass three major elements: 10 new independent
apartment residences, 30 new and expanded assisted
living residences, and 30 new dedicated memory care
residences.

The December 14, 2015 Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Northwest Garden The Memory Care residences will be an entirely new
addition to Plymouth Harbor, and will specifically
focus on providing personalized care and services

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for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-
related conditions. The new assisted living and
independent living residences represent an expansion
of Plymouth Harbor’s current offerings, intended to
help meet the increased market demand.

In anticipation of this new level of care and services for
persons with dementia, Plymouth Harbor expanded its
education and training of all employees to include the
Positive Approach to Care™, developed by Teepa Snow.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the Northwest Preparations began, and experts from local The Campaign Committee for
Garden Building was held on December 14, 2015, and performance venues were consulted, including the Van the rejuvenation of Pilgrim
construction officially began in the weeks following the Wezel, Florida Studio Theatre, and the Sarasota Opera Hall. Back row, from left:
event. The anticipated completion date for this much- House. One very valuable piece of advice given was to Harry Hobson, Charles Gehrie,
needed addition is late 2017. listen to the performers, fans, and producers in order Becky Pazkowski, Bruce
to understand the needs from all perspectives of the Crawford, Nancy Lyon, Tom
The rejuvenation of Pilgrim Hall industry. Plymouth Harbor took this advice to heart Towler, Ray Neff, and John
and formed a visioning group and a smaller planning DeJongh. Front row, from left:
In mid 2015, The Plymouth Harbor Foundation group to prepare visuals and define the scope of the Joe Berkely, Joan Sheil, Jeanne
introduced a capital campaign effort, co-chaired project. Manser, Barry Starr, Phil Starr,
by residents Barry and Phil Starr. This campaign Ann Neff, and Alida DeJongh
effort began with an idea by the resident trustees on
the Foundation Board; to embark on a project that
would benefit all current Plymouth Harbor residents.
Consideration was given to several projects, eventually
landing on the rejuvenation of Pilgrim Hall. The
campaign was titled: The Next Stage: A Rejuvenation
Campaign for Pilgrim Hall.

T H E S T O R Y O F P LY M O U T H H A R B O R 1 9 6 6 – 2 0 1 6 57

❝ Rendering of Pilgrim Hall These major advancements represent only a fraction
of the new and exciting changes that Plymouth Harbor
We jumped at the With artist’s renderings in hand and a preliminary price will make in the lives of residents in the coming years.
opportunity to help raise tag of $850,000, Plymouth Harbor quietly launched a Plymouth Harbor is committed to providing the most
enough money to bring $1 million campaign. A resident Campaign Committee positive aging experience possible, and will strive to
was formed, who worked tirelessly to reach this goal. continue revolutionizing care for residents.
the audio and video On January 15, 2016, the committee announced that
capabilities of Pilgrim the goal for this important project was exceeded—with
Hall into the modern a grand total of $1,104,570 committed by 111 donors. A
age and to make the ribbon cutting ceremony is expected in late 2016.

place look, and be,
refreshed. Thanks to
all of our donors, we
will have an updated
gathering place where
all residents can enjoy
movies, plays, lectures,
musical performances,

❞and so much more.
—Barry And Phil Starr,
Residents, Donors,
Campaign Committee Co-Chairs

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Plymouth
Harbor
Today

T H E S T O R Y O F P LY M O U T H H A R B O R 1 9 6 6 – 2 0 1 6 59

plymouth harbor: experience it!

As if its location on Sarasota Bay were
not enough, Plymouth Harbor has an
exceptional array of outdoor amenities.

For the casual stroller or respites from the Florida and styled at the in- The indoor therapy pool library with books and
power-walker, there are sun. For the more house salon, and treat and spa are heated for videos, an art studio, a
footpaths that meander ambitious, the legendary yourself to a manicure. comfort and equipped woodworking and hobby
throughout the entire St. Armands Circle You can work out in for those needing water shop, and a puzzle table
campus. During their shopping mecca is a short solitary comfort in therapy. For mental on the Mezzanine level.
strolls, residents can walk away. And of course, the fitness room with stimulation, there are If you need a present for
actually “stop and smell there are the water weight-resistant and card rooms, a lending a spur-of-the-moment
the roses” in the gardens sports. Docks for boats cardiovascular equipment,
cultivated by flower up to 32 feet are available or drop in on one of the
enthusiasts. Residents are to residents, along with many fitness classes.
encouraged to plant and a staging area for kayaks
tend their own gardens, and canoes.
and vegetable patches,
flower gardens, and Once you move to
butterfly gardens have Plymouth Harbor, you
sprung up over the years. may never want to leave
the campus. In addition
A charmingly hidden to the responsive staff
gazebo is perfect for a and friendly neighbors,
group picnic or to enjoy the buildings boast an
in solitary splendor. For abundance of amenities
sunning and swimming, to please most any
the expansive pool and lifestyle or hobby. You
pool deck offer refreshing can get your hair cut

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party, you can simply enjoy plays, musical ❝It is an awesome feeling
drop in at the gift shop. presentations, movies,
civic programs, and more. to become a supportive
While casual gathering Residents have shown part of the exciting
places abound at their affection for the
Plymouth Harbor, Pilgrim hall through the years by events taking place at
Hall is considered the donating generously for Plymouth Harbor. So
official communal improved sound systems, many lives of residents
meeting space. In this staging, and audience for years to come will be
multi-use hall, residents amenities. able to enjoy the benefits.

❞— Jeanne Manser, Resident

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For all Faiths

Although Plymouth Harbor was founded
by a minister from the First Congregational
United Church of Christ in Sarasota, we
have been open faith since our inception.
Religious services were held at varying
locations in the first few years, until a
specific chapel location was designated in
1970 in response to residents’ requests for
a permanent locale.

The MacNeil Chapel also provides spiritual Chapel and at the Smith residents, as well as Church of the Redeemer
is always open for guidance and counsel to Care Center. specific denominational for Episcopalians.
meditation. The Rev. all residents and staff. services, available as the
Dick Sparrow serves While at the beginning population requires. Throughout the years, the
as the current interim Plymouth Harbor offers a Plymouth Harbor did chaplain has overseen the
chaplain for Plymouth chaplaincy program that not have a lot of people Twice a month, a priest development of special
Harbor. Chaplain Sparrow embraces people of all of diverse faiths, it has from St. Martha’s Catholic services and programs,
joined Plymouth Harbor faiths and no faith, one changed over the years Church in Sarasota such as Thanksgiving
in January of 2016 after that offers the ministry with time. Today, there comes to celebrate Mass and Christmas, Rosh
the chaplain of 15 years, of “presence,” being with is a weekly open chapel and once a month, the Hashanah and Yom
The Rev. Jerry O’Connor, people in times of joy, service attended by many Eucharist is provided by Kippur, Hanukkah and
retired. Chaplain Sparrow sorrow, and challenge,
serves at Plymouth Harbor and that offers intentional
to provide assistance learning opportunities
in the search for a new, and hosts specific
full-time chaplain, and worship times in MacNeil

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Passover with Seder, candlesticks, stands, and the chapel serves as a Residents Graham Barkhuff and Gene Heide pose with the
Good Friday, and Easter. even the chapel doors reminder of the diversity chapel doorframe they constructed and donated in 2015.
were crafted by residents of the world. People of all
MacNeil Chapel not only in the woodworking shop. faiths, colors, and nations thanks to a sound Working in concert
serves as a gathering are served in the chapel. system and audio-visual with the indispensable
place for religious To signify the open equipment that allows for Residents Spiritual
studies, but also for faith spirit of MacNeil The stained glass full-screen projections. Life Committee, and
discussion groups and Chapel, the artworks are windows, created by a Programs are produced with the full support of
memorial services. Once renditions of Norman local design team, depict for each service, allowing administration, Chaplain
a year, residents gather Rockwell’s famous creation and nature, and residents to join in on Sparrow continues the
in MacNeil Chapel for “Four Freedoms.” In truly present an uplifting hymns chosen from open faith ministry
a Celebration of Life, 1943, Mr. Rockwell, spiritual atmosphere to various denominations. initiated nearly 50 years
remembering residents inspired by a speech by all who visit. The colors Accompanying the ago at Plymouth Harbor.
who passed away in the President Franklin Delano represent sunrise, sunset, singers is an organist,
previous year. A memorial Roosevelt, created the and the passing of the playing on a donated
book housed in the chapel paintings representing seasons. The artist noted organ.
contains all of their Freedom of Worship, that her desire was
names. Freedom from Fear, inspired by the bounty of
Freedom from Want, and earth’s elements, which
While the current Freedom of Speech. we all share.
chapel space is provided
by Plymouth Harbor, At the front wall of With seating for 50,
residents have generously MacNeil Chapel, visitors MacNeil Chapel is
provided such things encounter Mr. Rockwell’s often fully occupied
as art glass windows, “Golden Rule,” which during weekly services.
organs, audio-visual graced the cover of The Overflow crowds are
systems, and liturgical Saturday Evening Post accommodated in the
equipment. The altar, in 1961. Its inclusion in nearby Mezzanine,

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Easy living

Plymouth Harbor was quite the bargain
back in 1966. Although the apartments
and price points have changed, Plymouth
Harbor remains uniquely attuned to the
wishes of its residents.

A big part of what be in the future with each original apartments—as ones throughout the how to best take care
Plymouth Harbor does generation. health concerns dictate. campus. of that,” said former
for residents is custom Plymouth Harbor truly trustee and Chair of the
Even though Plymouth The vision from the delivers a “continuing “One of the real Plymouth Harbor, Inc.
Harbor is an upscale very beginning was that care” environment, evolutions of Plymouth Board of Trustees, John
environment, and smaller apartments would allowing residents to Harbor was the C. Patterson. “The three
residents are able to eventually be combined maintain contact with realization of how things that Plymouth
bring the modern feel to form larger spaces as their friends and loved people would age and Harbor has really been
from their previous home needs changed. Indeed,
to their new home at the early apartments
Plymouth Harbor. were built with movable
walls in anticipation of
There are many different future remodeling.
floor plans available, from
studios to penthouses, Plymouth Harbor
and Plymouth Harbor residents also enjoy the
has always operated in luxury of being able to
response to the market. move into more care-
The needs and wants intensive residences
of the older adult are on the campus—and
different today and will often back to their

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challenged by are standpoint to manage the ❝One of the real
understanding the aging healthcare side effectively
process from a qualitative in terms of costs, what is evolutions of Plymouth
standpoint, developing needed in staffing care and Harbor was the
a holistic understanding facilities.” realization of how
of how this works, and people would age
making the numbers
work from a financial and how to best take
care of that.

❞

—John C. Patterson, former trustee
and Chair of the Plymouth Harbor,

Inc. Board of Trustees

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When you need more: THE CALLAHAN CENTER

When residents relocate from independent licensed assisted living The Callahan Center staff apartment, if they choose
living to assisted living or skilled nursing, residence. consist of LPNs (Licensed to. This unique safety
even temporarily, they remain within the Practical Nurses) and feature can be used in the
Plymouth Harbor family. Residents in the Callahan CNAs (Certified Nursing event they are alone in
Center function as Assistants) who are their apartment and find
Assisted Living Arthur Callahan, who they have in their all supervised by RNs themselves in need of
The Arthur F. Callahan resided at Plymouth independent apartments, (Registered Nurses). immediate attention.
Center assisted living Harbor for 16 years, was while receiving extra
residence is located on greatly concerned for the attention for things At move-in, every Home Care services
the second floor of the safety and well-being that have become a apartment is equipped include an assessment
main Tower. With 10 of Plymouth Harbor challenge to them, with a sensor designed by a Registered Nurse,
residences and several residents. He was an such as assistance with to monitor movement skilled nursing care
common areas, this engineer, a builder, and a medications, personal within the apartment, and (RN, LPN), medication
“home within our home” businessman. care, social activities, the system is checked administration, weekly
provides specialized care campus-wide programs, at 1:00 p.m. each day. If medication set-up, and
to those who need it, When Mr. Callahan meals, dressing, and an apartment registers CNAs to assist with
without moving far from passed away in 1988, he transportation. no movement within the showering, dressing,
their Plymouth Harbor bequeathed a substantial past 24 hours, Home personal care, light
friends. amount of money to The Callahan Center also Care staff is dispatched housekeeping, light meal
Plymouth Harbor to be shares both staff and to check on the resident. prep, laundry, groceries,
Plymouth Harbor has used at its discretion. location with Plymouth Each resident is also and errands.
been repeatedly blessed This unforeseen but Harbor’s Home Care given a wristband or
with generous supporters, welcome gift from Mr. department, which necklace-style pendant
and the Callahan Center Callahan enabled the provides 24/7 Emergency to wear while in their
is named after one of reconfiguration of the Services/monitoring
them. former Infirmary into and private duty care to
a fully operational and any Plymouth Harbor
resident.

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THE Jack A. Smith Care Center

The decision to move from independent
living into a more structured environment
can be a difficult one. Plymouth Harbor
encourages residents to age in place, they
sometimes become isolated without fully
realizing it.

In these situations, the the same spectacular care. The facility is Smith Care Center Plymouth Harbor. While
Resident Assessment views as anywhere on comprised of 42 rooms, residents are attended unofficially functioning
Committee provides the campus. Residents over 30 of which are to on a grand scale. A as a colony for many
guidance. Composed are free to personalize configured as private private beauty salon is years, this was officially
of staff from various their rooms, and often rooms. housed in this center, approved in April 2015 at
disciplines, the committee do to an extraordinary along with a communal the annual meeting of the
functions as a “safety degree. Many residents There are three different living room and activity Residents Association,
check” for residents and hire moving companies types of residents in the center. Activities where it was written into
their families to assess a to move their most Smith Care Center: include daily in-house the by-laws as its own
person’s overall physical, precious belongings experiences and off-site colony.
mental, and social status. from independent living • permanent residents excursions. The Smith
apartments to their new Care Center operates
The Jack A. Smith Care home. • limited stay residents as its own colony within
Center is a state-of-
the-art skilled nursing The Smith Care Center • respite care residents
facility. Each room has a provides 24-hour
private shower and bath, comprehensive skilled
with large windows and nursing and rehabilitative
individual closets, and the services to residents who
view from the rooms offer require individualized

T H E S T O R Y O F P LY M O U T H H A R B O R 1 9 6 6 – 2 0 1 6 67

Residents’ rehabilitation Director provides care to by a number of resident back-and-forth on the resident and strives
needs are attended to many of the Smith Care volunteers who make Plymouth Harbor campus, to provide the highest
by licensed therapists in Center residents. Dentists, neighborly visits, mend which is ideal for married possible quality of life.
residents’ rooms or the podiatrists, psychologists, clothing, and share couples who may be living In particular, the Smith
physical therapy area; and massage therapists their remarkable talents in different areas due to Care Center takes great
transportation, pharmacy also make regularly in music and art. The their health. pride in the palliative care
services, and physician scheduled visits. center has its own chapel program and makes it a
services are also available. services, amenities, dining What is most important priority to give personal,
While residents are Within the Smith Care options, and activities, and to note about the Smith one-on-one attention
always free to choose Center, a team of over 50 oftentimes, independent Care Center is that the to residents and their
their physicians, the professionals and clinical living residents will join. staff recognizes the families as they near the
Plymouth Harbor Medical staff is supplemented There is a great deal of individuality of each end of their life.

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Community Impact

“Never doubt that a small group of
thoughtful, committed citizens can change
the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that
ever has.” —Margaret Mead

A “resident of Plymouth of boards, providing
Harbor” is a familiar and treasured wisdom, hard-
welcome notation on earned practicality, and
civic board lists, charity often a needed touch of
rosters, and educational humor. And they have
programs. Plymouth been unfailingly willing
Harborites feed the souls, to do the less-glamorous
intellects, and spirits of tasks of stuffing
those in the community. envelopes, making phone
calls, or attending to the
From its inception, endless list of details that
Plymouth Harbor make an organization or
residents and employees event run smoothly.
have supplied Sarasota
with spirited and Residents and employees
dedicated volunteers together volunteer more
in the arts, healthcare, than 10,000 hours of
social services or political service to over 70 non-
arenas, and educational profit organizations each
forums. Residents have year.
served on a myriad

T H E S T O R Y O F P LY M O U T H H A R B O R 1 9 6 6 – 2 0 1 6 69

The vision of The Rev. Dr. John Whitney MacNeil was certainly
ahead of its time. To conceive a community for older adults

that would allow them to live and age gracefully together in an
enriched homelike environment offering a full continuum of
amenities and services, including healthcare, is admirable.

The first 50 years in the history of Plymouth Harbor have revealed
a commitment to innovation and excellence that serves as the
model for many decades to come.

The future is bright for Plymouth Harbor, with increasing
emphasis on the many aspects of successful aging. In the coming
years, we will continue to be the preferred Life Plan Community
for multi-generations of older adults who desire an active lifestyle

that challenges their physical, mental, intellectual, emotional,
social, and spiritual well-being.

❝It is not in the stars to hold our destiny,
but in ourselves.
❞
—William Shakespeare

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700 John Ringling Boulevard | Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-365-2600
www.PlymouthHarbor.org | www.Facebook.com/PlymouthHarbor