Name of business: Prestige Care Center

Type of business: Licensed residential care facility

Location: Turlock

Hours: 24/7, 7 days a week

Contact information: prestigecarecenter@gmail.com; 209-534-3245

Specialty: Safe, reliable care

History of business:

After 18 years working as a nurse in various administration roles, Tanisha McNeal realized that she loved working with patients but desired a more personal connection. Now, she hopes to bond with those who come to her residential care facility, Prestige Care Center.

Opened in February, Prestige offers services and support to female and male ambulatory consumers or residents age 18 to 59 who have been diagnosed with mild to profound forms of developmental disabilities. Run by McNeal, a licensed nurse practitioner, the care center works closely with Valley Mountain Regional Center, which offers free diagnosis and assessment services for those suspected of having a developmental disability, to help consumers lead the most independent and productive life possible.

In addition to McNeal, the four-bedroom care facility has a staff of licensed consultants and care givers on hand to ensure those staying at Prestige receive the best care possible. Through community outreach activities like bowling and trips to the flea market, as well as in-home fun such as ice cream socials and exercising, residents receive supervision and positive behavior training meant to make life for those living with disabilities as normal as possible.

McNeal said that each resident at Prestige first gets a tour of the home, then during a sit-down interview with the family, she learns about what types of activities the resident enjoys.

“We want this to be somewhere they feel comfortable,” McNeal said. “It’s important that you ensure the parents or loved ones that they will be safe here.”

Currently, there is only one resident staying at Prestige, with room for three more residents. The center’s lone resident is in her 50s, said McNeal, and her parents could no longer give her the round-the-clock care she deserves and needs – a common complication for many families.

“She was living with her parents in Sonora, and now she loves it so much here that she doesn’t want to go and visit,” McNeal said, adding that the resident will soon begin attending class at Community Continuum College in Turlock.

Those interested in taking a tour of Prestige Care Center can email the facility at prestigecarecenter@gmail.com.