The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Lori Owen, a registered nurse, recently purchased the adult foster home at 182 E. Tall Fir in Sisters, formerly Absolute Serenity, owned by David Tolle.

Owen is calling it “Our Home.”

“My philosophy is as we provide excellent loving care, we must always be mindful that we are a guest in their home,” she said.

Owen is passionate about her profession.

“It’s so rewarding to make a difference in someone’s life. I believe adult foster care is best because you can meet all the residents’ needs in a smaller environment, and your relationships are closer without that overcrowded feeling,” she said.

Her love of caregiving began at the early age of 13 while working with the elderly as a candy-striper in a nursing home in 1975. Throughout her life she reached out to different occupations, but always returned to caregiving.

Owen told The Nugget, “When my last child graduated high school, I decided to go to nursing school and learn the why behind all the things I knew in

healthcare.”

While working at St. Charles in Bend as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) Owen completed her registered nursing degree (RN) at Central Oregon Community College.

“My goal was to graduate before 50, and I was 49. Going back to school after my three children were out of school was a good idea,” she added.

Owen’s first position as an RN was at East Cascade Retirement community in Madras, and when she found herself in-between jobs she began working at a local adult foster home in 2015.

Within a few months she bought the home she was working in.

She noted, “One day while searching properties online I shut down the computer and prayed and LL Owen Adult Care Home in Culver literally fell into my lap. It’s a dream come true that’s been in my heart for a long time. About a year after having the adult foster home I began to look for another property to open a second home, the need is so great.”

Owen looked at a few opportunities and decided not to stray far from Culver.

She added, “But after praying again, I received an e-mail a couple of days later with the opportunity to acquire an AFH in Sisters. Knowing it was far beyond my means I decided to investigate the possibilities. Due to several amazing situations here we are!”

Purchasing the adult foster home seemed serendipitous since Tolle and Owen knew each other as colleagues for a few years.

“Adult foster care has been my favorite venue for many years. For me it’s my calling in life,” she said. “You cannot find another avenue to provide complete care to your residents. I have a lovely young woman who is in the approval process to become the resident care manager here in the Sisters adult foster home. We worked together at Redmond Hospice this past year.

“With two homes in operation I had to let my position at Redmond Hospice go. My husband, Mark, and I believe this is an opportunity for us to bless others.”

“Our Home” will host an open house October 19 from 1 to 6 p.m. at 182 E. Tall Fir to promote the fact that it is under new management. For more information call 541-610-8986.