Flat Rock and Forest City— Chris Comeaux, CEO of Four Seasons in Flat Rock, NC and Rita Burch, Executive Director of Hospice of Rutherford County in Forest City, NC announced a joint venture between their respective organizations to help people in Western North Carolina live in their own homes for as long as possible. The collaborative effort called Livability, LLC, is a consulting and retrofitting business that specializes in universal design concepts for home safety and accessibility.
“Four Seasons and Hospice of Rutherford County combine many years of experience in caring for chronically and terminally ill patients and their families,” Comeaux said. “Since the 1980's, both hospices have acquired a reputation of excellence in serving patients in the mountains and foothills, and Livability is an extension of their missions.”
Thousands of people are seeking an alternative to assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. Some require immediate changes in living arrangements due to disability, aging, or chronic conditions. Others simply wish to adapt their homes in preparation for the future. Livability aims to assist all of these individuals by remodeling their current residence, utilizing universal design principles to allow them to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home. The Livability team of experienced contrac-tors combine building and design experience with health care knowledge and compassion to create a safe and comfortable environment for those who need it most. Livability will serve homeowners of all ages from all walks of life throughout Henderson, Rutherford, Polk, Transylvania and Buncombe counties.
Heidi Owen, Director of Community Services for Hospice of Rutherford County for the past sixteen years, will serve as Executive Director of Livability. Owen, originally from Etowah and now a resident of Rutherford County, has a bachelors degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina and a masters degree in business administration with a health care concentration from Gardner-Webb University. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive as well as a Certified Aging in Place Specialist. Owen has served as project manager over construction of all facilities at Hospice of Rutherford County.
“Heidi will ensure that Livability clients are cared for with the same professionalism and compassion that our hospice and palliative care patients expect,” Burch said. “People of all ages will be able to trust that they have received the best service possible.”
For more information about Livability or to request a home assessment, contact Heidi Owen at (828) 233-0348 or visit the Livability website at http://www.livabilityhome.org./
