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Galleria Woods will celebrate 30 years of serving seniors this year, providing a senior living model that is unique to the Birmingham market. The facility is the only true Life Care community in Birmingham, which is an all inclusive financial approach that takes the “must do’s” out of today, and the “what ifs” out of tomorrow.

“The vast majority of residents choose a Life Care community when they are active and healthy,” said Anne Smyth, director of sales and marketing for Galleria Woods. “They are attracted to the maintenance free lifestyle that gives them more time to do what they want and maybe tackle some of the items on their bucket list. If a time comes when care is needed, it is right here at the community.”

Galleria Woods is located on 19 beautifully landscaped acres that include a peaceful, picturesque courtyard area with a pool, gazebo, firepits and putting green.

The facility is a continuing care retirement community offering 149 independent living accommodations, 24 assisted living suites and 30 skilled nursing suites.

The independent living accommodations range in size from 1 to 3 bedroom apartment style homes, to a garden home community which features 24 two bedroom, two bath cottages with single-car garages, attached.

Smyth said residents often look at three main reasons when choosing life care including care costs, gaining peace of mind, and preserving their nest egg.

Over the years, Galleria Woods has been able to stand the test of time with experienced, tenured leadership in key positions. Some of which include Lynda Sullivan, the executive director, who has been in the senior living industry for more than 36 years. Lynda has been the executive director at Galleria Woods for 9 years and holds the skilled nursing and assisted living licenses for the community. Lynda initially began her career in senior living as a director of activities, which allowed her to get to know the residents and understand them on a personal level, which has helped her throughout the years of being an executive director.

Chris Bird, a senior executive with Life Care Services, Galleria Woods’ management team, began his career in senior living working for Sullivan. “Lynda has all the qualities you would want in a leader of a community such as Galleria Woods,” Bird said. “She is fun-spirited, with a warm heart and has a passion for serving seniors.. She was my first executive director back in 1996, and she taught me the art of listening. She would always be available for me, her entire team, along with our residents and their families. People are key to our business, and she has always been committed to listening and making a meaningful difference in their lives.”

Patsy Gann is also the Director of Nursing at Galleria Woods, and has been in this role for more than 12 years. Patsy began her career in skilled care while in high school.

Additionally, Geraldine Washington has worked as the pastry chef for all 30 years of Galleria Woods being open.

“Geraldine is famous for her homemade peanut butter pie, which is a resident favorite,” Smyth said. “She also brings fresh baked goodies to our lobby refreshment center first thing in the morning and mid-afternoon.”

Smyth said there are roughly 200 plus residents who live at Galleria Woods, which is considered a “boutique-sized” community. “We are large enough where a new resident might not know every other resident, but will easily be able to find new friends that share common interests,” Smyth said.

Life Care Services, the management partner, has been named Number 1 in senior living by JD

Power and Associates for three years running including 2019, 2020 and 2021.

U.S. News and World Report also awarded “best skilled nursing awards” to Galleria Woods for long and short term care for six years running. “The personal relationships we develop with the residents and their families is a joy and highlight of working in senior living,” Smyth said. “Working in a senior living community allows you to be exposed to so many different people who have lived an abundant life of marriage, children, careers, travel, cooking, gardening, sports, love, and loss. It is an exceptional job to have.”

For more information, visit galleriawoodsseniorliving.com.