Adjust Font Size:

HOT SPRINGS - As Pine Hills Retirement Community celebrates its two-year anniversary, newly appointed Executive Director Barry Epstein is beyond pleased by the progress the Community has made in such a short time.

Epstein replaces Rebecca Penner, who returned to Colorado to pursue other opportunities. Epstein praised Penner's abilities. "She was here on a one-year contract," he said, "She exceeded any conceivable expectations the owners set and invested herself completely in the community. It is with sadness and pride that we said farewell."

When Epstein's one-year contract expired at the same time, he said it was like "crossing the Rubicon" when he decided to throw his hat into the ring for Penner's position.

Epstein said he has embraced the Hot Springs community and enjoys the many benefits the area has to offer.

Steve Wyatt, managing partner of Pine Hills, commented on the organization's success. "In two years we have accomplished what we set out to do and more. We are really pleased with the work Barry and Rebecca have done to create a really high level community providing exceptional care in an above average setting," he said.

Epstein talked about the triumphs the Community has experienced. "In May 2007 there were nine residents," he said.

In August 2007 Pine Hills signed an agreement with Fall River Health Services to welcome their assisted living residents. "This represented a change in the business model philosophy of the owners by combining the private pay and Medicare configuration and becoming a team player with Fall River," Epstein said.

He added that the agreement and subsequent inclusion of Fall River's assisted living residents was a "pivotal turning point" in the history of Pine Hills. "It was part of our challenge to educate the community about what Pine Hills is and is not," he said and commented that the reality thankfully succeeded.

By the end of September of this year, 52 residents will dwell at Pine Hills.

"Pine Hills represents a quality of life option, a testament to living well," said Epstein, who noted that Pine Hills offers a home-like atmosphere the residents truly embrace.

Epstein pointed out, "It takes a tremendous team effort to create this success."

He acknowledged the community at large deserves a great part of the success rate. "It is so gratifying to see the swelling numbers of volunteers and how our events have been supported by the community," he said.

Pine Hills is a venue for a number of artistic demonstrations, musical performances, dance lessons, and special occasion luncheons and dinners.

Residents and their family members give Pine Hills glowing reviews. Wayne Eirich, whose mother, Dorothy, has been an independent living resident for nearly a year, said, "My mother is doing so well. She's never been in a situation where she's had such quality care. The quality of care she receives in Pine Hills is, without question, stupendous."

Eirich said he felt a burden was lifted off his shoulders when Dorothy decided to move there.

Eirich said Dorothy's comment was, ‘This is where I want to be.'

He commended the administration's capacity to continually find better ways to improve the residents' quality of life. "They're always very innovative about new programs for the residents," he said.

Mark Norton's mother, Virginia, moved into the assisted living section of Pine Hills about three months ago. "I know my mom's real happy there," said Norton. "She's in perfect health, although she's legally blind and can only see shadows."

Norton said his mom decided she was too healthy to be in assisted living, and moved into independent living, once they straightened out her medications. "We got her one of those little pill containers to keep her meds together," he said, adding, "We definitely recommend it. It's a beautiful place and I think the care is excellent. Pine Hills is a really good thing for our community."