By Lindsey Baxter | [email protected]

Highland Cove is a senior living community and has a local hero who has gone the extra mile during these difficult times. 

Alana Jones works for Highland Care Center, a skilled rehab facility. The two buildings share similar names but are different entities and have different purposes.

Among the numerous senior living centers hit hard with COVID-19 outbreaks in 2020, Highland Cove in Millcreek happened to be just one of them. 

Brent Pitts has been the sales director for Highland Cove for the last three years and talked about the past year. “Yes, it’s true that our community was affected in the worst way in the beginning while the world was figuring out COVID, but since then, we have been COVID-free in our assisted living community and have worked very diligently to protect our residents and associates.” 

To help make sure that the residents and staff stay safe and health, Pitts said, “Over the last year we have had to become very creative in providing meaningful interaction for our residents. Social distancing, wearing of masks, limited visitations from family, has certainly taken its toll. But I am so proud of all of staff that have gone the extra mile to promote love and a sense of belonging for our Highland Cove family. We love them so much. I can’t think of a population more adversely affected by the COVID measures the country has had to take and they have just weathered the storm beautifully.”

Pitts said they were one of the first communities to receive the vaccine, both for residents and employees and are having fun once again with happy hour, exercise classes, concerts, and, of course, bingo. 

Highland Cove recently praised Jones. Pitts said Jones was chosen as their community hero because of her “great attitude and her willingness to fill in for whatever role was needed. Always willing to pick up an extra shift, put in long hours, hold a hand and slow down when needed, and to fill in the gap when she saw the need.” 

Besides Jones being highlighted as the community hero, she was awarded with a “Treat Yourself” basket filled with gifts.  

Michael Fender, executive director at Highland Care Center, said, “I am so proud of the culture we have fostered at Highland Care Center. None of us are perfect, but when we act together, we can be. Alana has reflected this so beautifully as she is always looking for additional ways to help, works long hours, and does whatever it takes to make a difference in the lives of our residents and associates.”

Gary Webster, executive director at Highland Cove Senior Living, said, “We are thrilled to recognize Alana Jones as a hero in the community, just one of many that work in healthcare on the frontlines of this pandemic. Highland Cove continues to be a proud champion of our seniors and all those that serve them.”

A short video of Alana and her team receiving the award can be viewed at www.highlandcove.oneday.com