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Photo courtesy Taggart Atlantic Healthcare
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Nestled in one of the best places to retire, on the East Side of the classic city of Athens, Georgia, is Taggart Atlantic’s first facility. Whispering Pines is a sanctuary for the elderly and disabled. Envisioned as living proof of concept by Crawford K. McDonald, this senior living campus stands as a testament to the exceptional dedication and the transformative power of compassion and commitment.
“While I was in the real estate industry, I did a lot of work building low-income housing projects, the Section Eight properties, and also first time homes for people that couldn’t qualify through banks. Over the years, I saw many elderly people who lived in inadequate homes with nobody to take care of them, and when I learned what long term care really costs, I came to understand that this would not fit in most people’s budgets” McDonald reflects.
This observation sparked a flame in his heart, leading him to embark on an unexpected journey: to give up the lucrative role of a real estate developer and commit himself to building better lives and better futures.
The goal was simple yet ambitious: affordable healthcare for everyone on the East coast. With an immediate goal of 5,000 affordable beds, McDonald envisions a haven where quality care, something that usually comes with a hefty price tag, was accessible and affordable. As he puts it, “Our mission from day one was to deliver the best quality at a price in the reach of the average American” in a time where the mean cost of a nursing home in the United States exceeds 100k, they are able to bring substitute services in at less than half that.
But creating such a haven was no easy feat. McDonald faced numerous challenges, including zoning regulations and a plethora of other legal obstacles. However, he did not succumb to the weight of these setbacks, as he did not have to go through them alone. His wife, Dr. Shujuan Tao McDonald, co-owner of Whispering Pines, was able to use the bottom line thinking skills she had learned from the scientific community.
As Pfizer’s youngest Senior Scientist with a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from University of Georgia and post-doctoral studies at Columbia University, Dr. Shujuan’s, or SJ’s, as she’s affectionately known, expertise and understanding of healthcare regulations were instrumental in navigating the legal obstacles that came their way.
“I was incredibly fortunate to have my wife, my partner, and my guiding star by my side. Whispering Pines wasn’t just my dream. It’s our shared commitment, and I couldn’t have asked for a better co-pilot in this mission and business,” he shares.
Today, the Whispering Pines campus accommodates 50 residents who can finally spend their retirement in peace and joy. McDonald hopes to increase to over 5,000 in the next five years as he plans to open several facilities across Georgia.
Besides medical professionals who care for residents’ health, the facility offers a variety of activities designed to enhance residents’ well-being and keep them engaged. From music therapy to puzzle games and nature walks, Whispering Pines residents have everything they need to spend enjoyable rests of their lives.
But what sets Whispering Pines apart is not just its scale or affordability. It’s the heart behind it with staff like Director Amy Williams, the facility is becoming a reflection of McDonald’s vision of providing the elderly elderly dignified, safe, and respectful care. “Abuse and negligence are common issues in our nation, and we aim to address those concerns, as are short sided priorities, 2/3 of people in this country will need some form of long term care, how many can come up with an extra $9,000 a month?” he says.
A former real estate developer, Crawford K. McDonald’s journey to becoming a caretaker is both inspiring and moving. His commitment to affordable, quality care for the elderly has led him to create a haven where residents live and thrive.
More than just a tale of entrepreneurship, it’s a story of compassion, dedication, and a relentless drive to make a difference. Most importantly, it is a story that serves as a reminder that service to others can indeed transform lives – both for those being served and those who choose to serve.
As Taggart Atlantic continues to grow, McDonald’s vision remains clear. He plans to further attract dedicated staff and compassionate caregivers who would share and spread his mission: the mission of exceptional dedication, compassion, and commitment to those who need and deserve it.
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