Lakewood Senior Living

When Loudon County’s hospital and senior center both announced plans to shut their doors in 2002, Rick Dover had serious concerns. His new River Oaks Place assisted living facility was nearby, located between the two. For Loudon County’s senior citizens, having all these services in close proximity was ideal, and breaking them up could mean less access to critical medical care and to the larger senior community. Also, Dover knew that vacant buildings can quickly drag down once-vital neighborhoods.

So he hatched a two-part plan. First, build a better senior citizens center with cooperation from multiple agencies. Second, realize a new vision for the old hospital building. After the county hospital moved to its new location, Dover Signature Properties (known then as Family Pride) acquired the vacant building and completely remodeled it, adding lots of windows, lounge space, and warm oak paneling to give the place a more open and friendly feeling. The 55,000-square-foot facility now offers 35 residential assisted living suites, and also houses a physical therapy center, wellness programs, and a home health service.