The Gardens of Clanton was voted as a top five Assisted Living facility in Alabama by Assisted Living Magazine, which ranks the top 10 from each state.

It was the second time that the Gardens of Clanton have been selected in the past 12 years, since Vickie Jones took as the director of the complex.

The Gardens improved from a seventh place standing in 2013 to fifth place this year.

According to Jones, the steady improvement is a testament to the hard work that her staff puts in on a daily basis.

“We actually want to eventually get to the point of being ranked No. 1,” Jones said. “We’ve gained a lot of respect in our name from how we love and treat our residents.”

There are 300-plus assisted living facilities in the state of Alabama, but Jones believes what separates the Gardens of Clanton is that it has remained smaller in size over the years.

With 16 residents, it generates a one-on-one experience where the needs of the residents become a top priority.

“It’s all about them and making them feel right at home,” Jones said. “Without our residents, we wouldn’t be what we are.”

That personal touch is something that Jones and the Gardens pride themselves in. The staff consists of 11 full-time and part-time members.

“It brings out a special bond,” Jones said. “We welcome their families any time as guests and we try to treat each resident as if they were our relatives.”