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By Ron Fitzwater
Of all the things that families must face together, one of
the most difficult is making the decision that an elderly relative
can no longer stay alone and is going to need help.
Some families are able to move their family members into their
home, but often times, especially in the current economy, it
is neither practical nor even possible to do so.
In Ashe County however, seniors and their families have a positive
alternative that allows not only freedom and independence, but
also special care when it becomes needed.
Tucked quietly away at the end of a meandering road in West
Jefferson, the Villages of Ashe (VOA) provides a multi-layered
program of independent and assisted living for area seniors.
The program, which was very good before, received a big shot
in the arm recently when Ridge Care Inc. (RCI) assumed the management
of the assisted living program under an agreement with VOA owner
Jim Richardson, Jr.
For those unfamiliar with the company, RCI owns seven assisted
care facilities, the closest until now being Deerfield Ridge
in Boone.
For families who have relatives residing in VOA's assisted living
facility, new Executive Director Ken Quiring wanted to put to
rest any fears that new and unfamiliar people would be coming
in to care for their loved ones.
"There have been no changes in staffing, and no one lost
their jobs. We are bringing in minimal senior staff. I am here
replacing Jim [Richardson Jr.], we have brought in a resident
care director, Tina Poe, RN, and we brought in a director of
community relations, Sharon Welborn, who will actually be splitting
her time between Deerfield Ridge and VOA," Quiring said.
The facility currently has 34 residents but can accommodate
up to 60. Staff and management try to give as much independence
to each resident as possible.
"One of the main areas where we assist our residents is
in dispensing of medications, help with toileting, grooming
and getting dressed as it is needed. We provide three meals
a day and assistance at meals if required and transportation,
which is a great asset to the residents," Quiring said.
Cost for the facility is based on needs and desires. Private
rooms are $2,700 per month, plus a charge for level of care
needed. There are two levels, according to Quiring, which can
total up to $900. Semi-private rooms start at $2,200.
The facility does accept Medicaid and, according to Quiring
finances, are not an issue to moving in.
"If your mother has no assets and virtually no income,
she can come live here. This is important to me; we don't segregate
Medicaid on that hall, private pay on this hall. We try hard
to not let anyone know who might be Medicaid. Just because a
person who worked hard all their life doesn't have a retirement
income is no reason why they shouldn't be able to live in this
nice place."
Quiring said some of the best reasons to consider an assisted
living home is your comfort level and the safety of your parent.
"With your loved one here, you don't have to ask if you're
sure your mother is doing alright on her own? Is she eating
right or just having cereal and tea? Is she taking her medications
like she is supposed to? All those and more are the things that
you worry about with an elderly family member," Quiring
said
Independent Living is another choice for active adults age 55
and over who wish to continue to live independently.
The Independent Living Cottages at the Villages of Ashe are
designed to include modern conveniences while retaining the
look and feel of a residential home. Home models, named Ashe
and Jefferson, all include ground-level no step front entry,
two bedrooms, two baths, kitchen with appliances, dining room,
living room with fireplace, a sunroom, garage and covered front
porch.
For more information on the Villages of Ashe click to www.villagesofashe.com/home.html
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