Autumn Care of Saluda has been chosen as one of three facilities in North Carolina to receive a Long-Term Enhancement Grant from the North Carolina Coalition for Long-Term Care Enhancement and the Division of Health Service Recognition for 2011.
The facility plans to use the $14,900 grant to renovate its outdoor courtyard space.
“We are extremely honored to have been selected for this opportunity,” said Administrator Glenn Pierce. “The funding will allow us to take an under-utilized space and develop it into a multipurpose, safe outdoor environment for our residents.”
According to Activities Coordinator Joyce Coggins, the project fills an important need at the facility.
“The renovation will add a number of new opportunities and features including a ‘wandering’ path for residents with dementia, new social areas for family and friends to visit, a water feature and various sensory garden features for the residents,” Coggins said.
The renovated area will also enhance the facility’s Rehab Department.
“We are designing a special ‘rehab sidewalk’ as part of the project,” said Rehab Manager Matilda Patrick. “There will be a section of sidewalk that will have all types of surfaces, useful in helping residents make a successful transition back home.”

According to Pierce, Autumn Corporation is also providing funding for the project.
“Autumn Corporation is matching the state grant, allowing us to add patio covers and new outdoor furniture to the space,” he said. “With our temperate climate, we see the courtyard being used eight to nine months of the year.”
The competitive grant process took over a year of preparation, Pierce said.
“We had a grant planning committee composed of residents, staff, families and community members. We are especially thankful for our neighbor Pat Waring who helped bring the many concepts to fruition.”
Waring is a landscape consultant who lives across the street from Autumn Care. John Hines of New Image Water Features in Campobello, S.C., is the general contractor for the project.
Autumn Care of Saluda is a 99-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation center.
For more information call 828-749-2261 or visit their website at www.autumncareofsaluda.com.
– article submitted
by Glenn Pierce