Work is underway along Johnson Pond Road in Fuquay-Varina for a new Carillon Assisted Living facility scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2010. The sprawling four new and connected buildings will serve approximately 90 residents and will include a specialized memory care unit.

Currently operating 12 assisted and memory care communities, the new Carillon facility in Fuquay will be number 13 and will employ between 55 and 65 full and part-time personnel. Licensed by the State of North Carolina for both private and Medicaid residents, the company started in May 1996 by Ms. Karen Moriarty – President.

“Carillon Assistant Living’s mission is to provide quality care for our residents while seeking to enrich their physical, social and emotional well being,” explained Ellie Christopher, regional marketing member. “This is accomplished by preserving the dignity and independence through quality resident care, social life, and dining –where they can live with dignity, respect and independence while still enjoying 24-hour assistance with their individual needs, including meals, medication management, quality activities and housekeeping.”

She added Carillon’s 24-hour care and services include license nurses on staff, assistance with activities of daily living such as eating, dressing, bathing, walking and talking, as well as Home Health and therapy services, daily exercise classes, and full time activities. One wing of the facility is dedicated to Alzheimer’s care.

Director of Construction Kerry Perkins said the 36,000 sq. ft. project has a sprinkler system and a 24/7monitored fire alarm system. “The facility is equipped with a commercial kitchen to prepare resident’s meals,” Perkins added, “and we have an air-jet spa tub, both commercial laundry equipment and laundry facilities for residents. The building has a beauty shop, screened porches and cable television in common areas and also available for purchase in each resident room.’’

Vinyl siding, a shingled roof, and aluminum clad wood trim will cover the exterior of the building, according to Project Supervisor Scott Wood with MLB Construction.

Meanwhile, Carillon’s vision of its new home was explained in a company publication as follows:

“Gracious, inviting spaces and courtyards leave an impression of what it means to come home to Carillon. Beautifully appointed interiors -- elegant, rich fabrics and furnishings. Local North Carolina artists and craftsmen have created fine touches specially made for Carillon’s residents. Rooms are appointed with hand-thrown pottery lamps while Carolina porch rockers adorn the wraparound porches.”

Carillon offers residents a choice of either suites or studio accommodations. Studios are designed with private sitting areas that can also be shared if desired with a companion. Rooms are complete with enormous double bay windows, a full private bath, and may be furnished upon request. Residents have access to all amenities including an exercise room and spa with a whirlpool bath. Lockable doors, smoke detectors, emergency call systems and state-of-the-art sprinkler provide security and safety.

A wide range of amenities and services are being specifically designed into Carillon’s construction as follows:

Resident rooms with bay windows and full private baths, parlor with fireplace, wraparound and screened porches with Carolina Porch Rockers, private dining room for special occasions, sunrooms, country kitchens for personal cooking and activities, wellness center for health education and other care services, spa and whirlpool bath, beauty salon, resident gardens, landscaped grounds and courtyards, arbor, walking and exercise paths, media and game rooms, personal laundry area, 24-hour security with fully monitored and alarmed entrances, state-of-the-art smoke detection and sprinkler system, 24-hour emergency call and care tracking system.

The following services are also to be included:

Licensed nurses on staff, assistance with basic activities of daily living, assistance with medication management, access to home health, therapy and other care services, breakfast, dinner and supper served in the dining room, tea and coffee service, snacks available 24 hours a day, special diets available upon physician request, full daily program of activities, recreational and social events, basic laundry, utilities (excluding monthly phone and cable), housekeeping, scheduled transportation, worship service.

Further information can be obtained by calling (919) 577-8102.