By Leah Justice

leah.justice@tryondailybulletin.com

After a year and three months of operation, Seasons of Life Adult Day Service in Columbus is closing its doors.

The facility will close on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

Seasons of Life, operated by June Beddingfield, took over the adult day health service after Rutherford Life Services closed in 2014.

“The reason (for closing) is we have no participants and I am heartbroken,” Beddingfield said this week. “I have more than $15,000 loss this year to date. We have tried everything and have had one client about three days a week for three months.”

Beddingfield said it is with great regret and sadness they have to close.

“I know there is a need but I do not think that adult day is an accepted alternative of care in this county yet,” said Beddingfield. “I am closing the door, but I am not locking it. In a few years, if I think the timing is better and I am able I will certainly try again.”

Seasons of Life also operates an in-home health care service in the county.

The adult day service was located in a Polk County-owned building behind the Meeting Place Senior Center on Carmel Drive in Columbus.

The county provided the building and originally contracted with Rutherford Life Services to operate the facility. Rutherford Life opened the facility in December 2011 and decided to close after lack of participation in November 2013. Polk County Commissioners decided when Rutherford Life Services decided to close to fund adult day operations for six months with Rutherford Life agreeing to continue to operate the facility until a new provider was found.

The adult day service opened through a unique public/private partnership. Polk County provided the building and fundraising and grants made needed renovations possible.

The building was named after Don and Betsy Freeman. Betsy Freeman requested the county create an adult day service. Freeman is credited for spearheading fundraising to get the center opened as well as other volunteer work.

Beddingfield stepped up when Rutherford Life Services closed and agreed to continue the service.

Beddingfield told the Polk County Board of Commissioners that Seasons of Life will vacate the building within 30 days of closing.

“I thank you for the county’s commitment and support we have received,” Beddingfield said in a letter to commissioners,” and I do believe that this is a service that is badly needed in our county and that the loss will be great. However, at this time, it is not an accepted alternative to care.”

 

Cutline: Seasons of Life Adult Day Service in Columbus will close this week after more than a year of operation. Owner June Beddingfield said lack of participation has caused the decision. The facility will close on Wednesday, Sept. 30. (photo by Leah Justice)