Autumn Care of Waynesville sits at 360 Old Balsam Road in Waynesville, NC, easy to reach from I-74 at Exit 98, and you can see the Smoky Mountains from there, which is nice for people who enjoy a good view, and it's been around since 2000, so there's some history to the place. The facility has 90 licensed beds, all Medicare certified, and on most days, about 82 residents live there, so it's a pretty busy spot but not overcrowded. Saber Healthcare Group runs Autumn Care, and the direct owner, SHG Autumn, LLC, has had managerial control since 2019, with Ted Marcus serving as the administrator. The facility has 3.52 nursing hours per resident per day, a bit below the state average of 3.8, and while their staff works hard, nurse turnover is high, at 61.3%, which is more than the statewide rate. Over recent years, inspectors found 20 deficiencies, some about infection control, pharmacy services, and making sure residents' rights get fully respected, including giving enough notice before moves or transfers.
This place provides skilled nursing services, short-term rehabilitation, respite care, assisted living, and long-term nursing care. There's a dedicated rehabilitation center for physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and their staff work on individualized care plans to support both medical and daily needs. Memory care is available for seniors with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, and they design the environment to help reduce confusion and prevent wandering. People who bring their cats or dogs will find Autumn Care lets pets stay with residents, which not every facility allows. Nutrition stands out, too, as their chefs and planners put care into preparing quality meals, focusing on both taste and health.
Residents and their families connect with staff through Google and Facebook, which makes it easier to share updates. The home-like environment is something they emphasize, aiming for comfort, independence, and community, with supportive team members who have skills, experience, and compassion. Autumn Care has no open beds right now, so they aren't accepting new residents, but they continue to serve those already living there. The facility is part of the North Carolina Health Care Facilities Association and has gotten local recognition for high standards of care and patient satisfaction. People say the atmosphere is comfortable and welcoming, with both short-term rehab and long-term care available. Overall, Autumn Care of Waynesville stays focused on helping residents reach a better level of wellness, providing specialized programs and care plans while always aiming to ensure quality of life for everyone who calls it home.
