Eckerd Living Center in Highlands, NC operates as a skilled nursing facility, providing round-the-clock licensed nursing oversight for residents who need ongoing medical attention. Registered nurses administer medications, monitor vital signs, coordinate with physicians, and manage care plans for complex or chronic conditions. The center offers on-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as wound care, IV therapy, and post-surgical rehabilitation, allowing many residents to recover or stabilize without transferring to a hospital.
Beyond direct medical treatment, the community supports residents with additional care services that help maintain daily function and safety. Social services staff arrange follow-up appointments, coordinate insurance paperwork, and facilitate family conferences about care goals. Respite and hospice services are available, and the team is trained to recognize changes in health status so interventions can be made quickly. Transportation to outside medical visits, routine lab work, and pharmacy coordination round out the care model.
Accommodations include a mix of private and shared rooms equipped with hospital-grade beds, closet space, and accessible bathrooms; some rooms also feature in-room climate control, cable service, and Wi-Fi, though not all accommodations have all these features. Common areas such as lounges and activity rooms give residents places to socialize or meet with visitors, and pets are allowed. It’s a good idea to check with the community during your visit to see if your pet will be allowed.
Meals are prepared under the guidance of a registered dietitian, with menus designed to meet physician-ordered diets, texture modifications, and cultural preferences. Residents eat in a central dining room to encourage social interaction, but tray service to the room is offered during illness or therapy schedules. Snacks are available throughout the day, and seasonal menu reviews ensure variety, although kitchenettes for personal meal preparation are not provided in every accommodation.
