When Richard Meadows first joined LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines, he was fresh out of the hospital, struggling with mobility, vision problems, and a growing sense of isolation. Today, he walks confidently without a cane, enjoys a vibrant social life, and feels healthier and more independent than he has in years.
Richard’s journey began when his son and daughter-in-law realized he needed more support at home.
“We found LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines by chance,” he recalls. “My daughter-in-law got in touch with someone from the program and walked me through what it was like. I was interested right away.” One of the first things that impressed him was the facility itself. “It was all on one floor, no steps! That was a huge plus for me.”
LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines is a PACE program -Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly- designed to help seniors get the care they need while continuing to live in the comfort of their own homes. Participants receive support with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and getting to appointments at the LIFE wellness center. Each person is paired with a team of healthcare professionals who create a personalized care plan, including doctor visits, nursing care, therapy, medication management, and more. By combining medical care with social support, the program helps seniors maintain their independence and stay connected to their community.
At the heart of the program is the wellness center, a one-stop shop for care and connection. Participants access essential health services and take part in activities designed to enhance emotional and social well-being. From chair yoga and pet therapy to dance classes and arts and crafts, recreational therapy plays a key role in improving the quality of life
For participants like Richard, this comprehensive, personalized care model has been transformative. “When I came here, I had a hard time moving around and used a cane,” he recalls. “But the therapists helped me put that cane away. It was all about the will of my mind.” With the help of physical therapy, he built strength and confidence. “They helped me learn what I can do and what I can’t. Now I can get in and out of bed on my own—something I couldn’t do before.”
The benefits didn’t stop there. With support from the nutritionist and medication management team, Richard found relief from chronic stomach pain. “A month ago, I didn’t know what to eat and had pain. Now, I feel so much better.” He also received vision care that revealed and treated cataracts, dramatically improving his sight.
But for Richard, the greatest impact has come from the relationships he’s built. “My favorite part is how social it is. I’ve made so many new friends,” he says with a smile. “Before I joined, I was a little bit miserable. I had the blues. But now, I feel like I can do things on my own. I feel so much better.”
Richard’s story is a testament to the holistic, compassionate care that LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines provides. “I would love to tell everyone what the program has done for me. Now I can see, I’m better at walking, and I get so many benefits. I just want to say thank you.”
When asked what he would say to someone considering the program, Richard doesn’t hesitate: “You’re missing out, you need to join.”
To learn more about LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines, call 910-429-7223 or visit lifestjosephofthepines.org today.

 (Photo: Richard Meadows is a resident at LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines. Photo courtesy of LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines)