By BRADY TALBERT/ Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – According to Shane Armstrong, director for Premier Healthcare, the city’s new Premier Assisted Living center will benefit more than just the city of Columbiana.

On July 23, Premier Assisted Living opened its doors to the public, in hopes of helping elders experiencing signs of age, such as memory loss.

“We’re the second specialized assistance living facility in the community,” Armstrong said, adding that the site will benefit all of the Shelby County area.

Columbiana Mayor Stancil Handley said the city is excited to welcome the new facility to the area, and said it will help fill a void in Shelby County.

“I’m happy Shane and his partner chose Columbiana,” Mayor Stancil Handley said. This just provides “another area of care” for those in need of assistance, due to the “shortage of facilities” in Shelby County, Handley said.

Handley said the center adds to Columbiana’s image and perception, sporting a message of helping one’s neighbor. This just adds another “star on our crown,” he said.

Premier Assisted Living is not a retirement community, but rather a center for those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia who do not qualify to live in a nursing home, but still need assistance, Armstrong said. The facility is a place for elders to receive 24/7 care.

To contact Premier Assisted Living, call 205-669-9202. The center is located in Columbiana on 155 Egg and Butter Road.