Brookhaven was established as a retirement community in 2005, meaning the homeseekers paradise is a hot spot for a more mature generation.

The beautiful homes and charming town may be ideal, but once people have hit an age when they may need a little help, there are not many options available. Residents can tough it out at home or move to one of the city’s several nursing homes. But Advanced Healthcare Management is working to give residents another option for those in-between years – an assisted living facility.

The new facility will be on five acres of undeveloped property on Silver Cross Drive, behind Central Baptist Church and near the Brookhaven medical corridor. AHM is currently working on zoning approval for the area, and the estimated time of completion is the 2015 fourth quarter.

“After zoning is complete we will be moving full steam,” Bennett Hubbard, president and CEO of AHM, said this week.

Hubbard explained that assisted living gives people more independence than a nursing home. It’s for people that do not need 24-7 care, but could still use help with some daily routines. It is a self-contained facility with all amenities available in house.

Hubbard said that he has been approached by many people in the city interested in this type of housing. He added that many locals are moving outside of Brookhaven to find assisted living. “Our market analysis shows a need.”

The facility will consist of 44 bedrooms with private baths, activity areas, a kitchen, a dining room, a laundry room and a walking track. There will be staff on call 24 hours a day and because of its proximity to the King’s Daughters Medical Center facilities, medical care will be readily available.

Residents will be able to take advantage of a variety of services, including rehabilitation therapy, wellness activities, three full meals, individualized support, light nursing support and weekly housekeeping.

The estimated room rate is $36,000 annually and the facility will house private-paying residents only.

Hubbard said that the entire project will cost between $2.5 million and $3 million to build. He added that employees and residents will be from Lincoln County and the project would give Brookhaven an economic boost, creating 40 construction jobs and 25 permanent positions. The facility will have an annual payroll estimated at $500,000.

AHM is working to make sure the exterior design is upscale with an elaborate landscape, matching the buildings and homes in the area. The building will also have room for expansion. Hubbard said the final design has not been set, because they are still working to incorporate suggestions.

“We will customize it to fill the needs of our community,” said Hubbard. “Brookhaven is going to be very proud of this facility.”

Advanced Healthcare Management, which is headquartered in Magee, also operates Silver Cross Health and Rehabilitation in Brookhaven as well as other facilities around the state.