Holly Place sits on South Potomac Street in Hagerstown and has cared for seniors since 1988, focusing mostly on those who can't afford regular assisted living, as the goal was always to help those with low or no income who've got nowhere else to go. The facility is small, with room for up to 15 residents, and keeps a home-like feel that doesn't feel too clinical or cold, with walking paths and a garden where residents can spend quiet time or enjoy a bit of nature, and community spaces set aside for things like movie nights or just talking with others, so no one has to feel lonely. Every month, Holly Place sets aside the first Sunday as HOLLY PLACE SUNDAY to gather food and pantry items, as the facility has always depended heavily on donations and support from the community, groups like the Washington County Retired Educational Personnel Association, and matching programs that help keep things going for everyone living there.
Residents get supervised care twenty-four hours a day, so someone's always there if a person needs help getting up, dressing, or managing medications, and the staff helps with bathing or moving around if needed, always trying to respect each person's dignity and independence. The facility's certified by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and is run by a non-profit board, so decisions stick closely to the mission of serving low-income older adults. Holly Place takes careful steps to make moving in easy, works to coordinate care with doctors or nurses if medical issues come up, and pays close attention to health or dietary needs, providing safe food service for people whose diets are restricted by things like allergies or diabetes.
Residents live in furnished rooms, and staff helps with housekeeping, laundry, and personal care, offering dry cleaning as well, so nobody has to worry about those chores. Common spaces, like the dining room, are used for planned meals and group activities, and there's always an eye on safety with an emergency alert system throughout the building. Transportation and parking options are available for those who need them, and every care plan is made to fit the resident's own situation, so some people get a bit more help while others maintain plenty of independence, but everyone gets the basics like meals, daily living assistance, friendly staff, and a supportive setting. The atmosphere stays welcoming and friendly because staff and residents alike know that many folks living there didn't have anywhere else to go or couldn't afford pricier choices in the area, so it's always been important for people to feel at home and treated with kindness.
