Lynchburg Nursing Center social worker retires after 23 years at Life Care

Steve Felts, social services director at Lynchburg Nursing Center in Lynchburg, Tennessee, recently retired. He had served Life Care Centers of America for more than 23 years.

Steve was originally hired in December 1997 as social services associate at Life Care Center of Tullahoma, Tennessee. He also worked at Life Care Center of Columbia and Life Care Center of Centerville (both in Tennessee) before transferring to Lynchburg Nursing Center in 2010 when an opening became available.

“I just knew it was the place for me,” Steve explained.

And it has been.

When Steve was asked what has kept him at the facility for the last 11 years, he shared, “This place is very clean and has an environment of southern hospitality like I’ve never experienced in any facility that I’ve worked in or visited. It also has a creek out back that is incredibly relaxing. The management team and frontline workers are all friendly, compassionate and very good at what they do, and our rehab department is second to none.”

The Lynchburg Nursing Center team held a farewell party for Steve on his last day out by the facility’s creek, complete with cake and reminiscing on his time at the facility.

“During his time here, Steve has touched many lives,” said Cheryl Pendergrass, executive director at the facility. “Steve has brought those we serve joy, laughter, comfort, guidance, peace and support. He will be missed by all here at Lynchburg Nursing Center, but we are happy for him, his accomplishments and the adventures that await.”

Steve’s retirement plans involve traveling around the Southeast, camping, hiking and kayaking, as well as spending time with his grandchildren and dogs.