Ark of Homer marks 1st year with Owens at its helm </MCC HEAD>

Story last updated at 10:21 PM on Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Ark of Homer marks 1st year with Owens at its helm

By McKibben Jackinsky
Staff writer

It's been a year since Lee Owens became the owner of The Ark of Homer, a six-bed, assisted-living facility. There have been some rough seas to sail in the meantime -- with as few as two residents -- but Owens reports The Ark is sailing calmer waters and the future looks bright. And busy.

Photo by McKibben Jackinsky

The Ark celebrates one year in business with staff LeeAnn Fields, RN; Elizabeth Roderick, CNA; owner Lee Owens, RN; and Sandra Wallace, CNA. Staff not pictured include Becky Brown, CNA; Sarah King; CNA; Ashlee Seeger, CNA; and Valintina Sanarov, personal care assistant.

"We're full and we have a waiting list," Owens told the Homer News, adding that she has received calls for space from other Alaska communities, as well as inquiries from out of state.

In the past year, Owens, who is a registered nurse, has honed her staff to six: a licensed practical nurse, four certified nursing assistants and a personal care assistant.

The next step is already under way.

"We're looking for land now," Owens said of plans to find a location where The Ark can build and move into a facility of its own.

Currently, The Ark occupies a building constructed by and leased from Brad and Paula Dickey. It originally opened its doors in the 1980s as "Detente" and was operated by Mary Raymond. In 2007, the ownership and operation of the facility was assumed by Homer Senior Citizens Inc.

Owens, began operating The Ark as a for-profit business in October 2008, with a state license for Level II Assisted Living, designating its ability to care for clients in need of some nursing care.

With more than 20 years of nursing background, Owens has experience in acute and long-term care. Her service as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserves includes developing training programs and preparing the 4222nd Combat Support Hospital for wartime deployment, Operation Desert Storm, as well as serving as the officer in charge of an intensive care unit during that operation.

In addition, Owens taught certified nursing assistant classes at Kachemak Bay Campus, Kenai Peninsula College-University of Alaska.,Located in a quiet, tree-shaded residential area, The Ark offers a homey atmosphere. Residents enjoy private rooms. There is a large kitchen, dining and living area, with a colorful aquarium, artwork and south-facing windows that bring in the daylight. Adding to the family-like environment are The Ark's two therapy cats, Tom and Jerry.

Caring for a family member with dementia is the leading health concern bringing people to The Ark's doorstep, according to Owens. Quoting a statistic indicating the number of people globally with dementia is nearly doubling every 20 years, Owens sees the importance increasing for facilities like the Ark.

"There's a big need for it," she said. "Our elderly population is starting to deteriorate and grow."

For more information on The Ark of Homer, call 235-7942 or visit the Web at www.thearkofhomer.com.

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky.@homernews.com.