Merryvale Assisted Living in Oxford is preparing for the holidays.

Several church choirs and children's groups will visit the facility during the season. The Turner Lake Senior Choir will be one such group that will perform a musical for the residents. All events are open to the public.

"This place here will be rocking every day - we've got a full schedule," said marketing director Rochelle McCollum.

Merryvale opened in 1996 with 24 studio suites. It has added 50 units, including 24 Memory Support Unit suites, a Bistro Café serving home-style cooking, a media room and a hair salon.

What separates Merryvale from other assisted living facilities is its staff. With more than 200 years of combined service experience, the staff and management of Merryvale promise to offer premier living for the elderly.
"We choose our staff very carefully," said McCollum. "They are loving and compassionate, and they have a true sense of well-being for the residents."

Merryvale also provides support groups for its residents, including groups that center on Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. From accommodating dietary requirements to monitoring medications to helping with personal hygiene, care is provided in a way that allows residents to maintain physical and emotional needs.
Merryvale provides three lifestyle options.

The first suits the more independently functioning senior.
The second option, which may comprise a "level of care" program, is designed to be more personalized. This program provides additional support for activities like bathing, dressing and medicine supervision.

The third option is Rose Lane, which gives expert care for memory-impaired residents.

"This is not just a room, it is their home," said McCollum. "So this is what we do. We look at what we can do to improve their day."