01/27/2026
The Carolina Foothills Eldercare program was created in December 2022 by the Carolina Foothills Foundation to address unmet needs of those 65 and older in Rutherford and Polk Counties. Since that time, the Carolina Foothills Eldercare program has served hundreds of people providing certified nursing assistants in homes on a sliding scale fee, life alert systems, home delivered meals throughout Rutherford County for those not currently served by the Senior Center Program, referrals to the Meals on Wheels program in Polk County, mobility ramps and simple home repairs, transportation to local doctor appointments, durable medical equipment and supplies, and food and personal care pantry items. The Eldercare program most recently lowered the age requirement for services to 60 years of age.
From January 1 to December 31, 2025, 166 home care patients were served in their homes, 130 life alert systems were provided, 15 ramps were installed, 10 additional home repairs were completed, 15 transports were completed to doctor’s appointments, and 46,496 home cooked meals were delivered to 182 people. The program is provided to recipients on a sliding scale fee basis, with most services provided at either no cost or a nominal fee.
Carolina Foothills Eldercare is made possible primarily as the result of funding from the Carolina Foothills Foundation. Hospice of the Carolina Foothills transferred its hospice license to Agape Care Group in May 2022, and the former Hospice Board of Directors then created a public charity, the Carolina Foothills Foundation, to address eldercare, youth development and wellness issues in Rutherford and Polk Counties. The primary focus of the Foundation is to provide services through the Carolina Foothills Eldercare Program to fill the gaps in eldercare in Rutherford and Polk Counties. Rita Burch, CEO of the Foundation and former CEO of Hospice of the Carolina Foothills said. “We feel that in a relatively short period of time, we have developed services that enable people to live more safely at home. We are constantly evolving and expanding those services as other issues are identified.”
The Carolina Foothills Foundation since 2023 has distributed a total of $16 million in Rutherford and Polk Counties. Of that total, $5 million was distributed in grants to agencies in Polk and Rutherford Counties to meet elder, youth development, and wellness needs since 2023. As part of that total, the Foundation distributed $695,000 in October 2024 to Hurricane Helene relief. The Carolina Foothills Foundation has also supported the Eldercare Program with $6 million thus far. In addition, the Carolina Foothills Foundation Board of Directors has allocated over $5 million to retrofit the Carolina Event and Conference Center and build a gym for the newly created Boys and Girls Club of Rutherford.
All proceeds from the Carolina Foothills Eldercare Resale Shop also ensure people can receive services regardless of their ability to pay. The Eldercare program accepts donations from other sources such as individuals, churches, and businesses. The Resale Shop is located at 631 Oak Street, Forest City and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 930 am until 530 pm. Call (828) 248-9305 to arrange for a pick up of larger items.
The Carolina Foothills Foundation is currently in need of volunteers, donations and shoppers at the Resale Shop, pantry items, and of course, donations. If you know someone 60 years and older who can benefit from the services mentioned above, please call (828) 222-4375.
Photo 1: Home care staff
Photo 2: Resale Shop staff
Photo 3: Kitchen staff
