More than a name … A New Direction in HealthCare
Chief Operating Officer – Debra Kirby
Debra Kirby, a veteran of the long-term care industry
for more than 25 years, is a graduate of Appalachian
State University, with a BS in mathematics. Ms. Kirby
is currently a licensed Assisted Living Administrator
in North Carolina.
Ms. Kirby started her professional career in 1976 as a teacher of mathematics. Ms. Kirby held teaching positions in the Wake County School District, Burlington City School District, and Chattanooga Public School District.
In 1981, Ms. Kirby made a career change from teaching in the public school sector to teaching in the private sector when she accepted the position of Training Assistant for Provident Life & Accident. In 1982, Ms. Kirby resigned this position because of relocation back to North Carolina.
In 1983, Ms. Kirby accepted the position of Social Worker II for the Burke County Department of Social Services. In this position Ms. Kirby worked with many programs including the Special Assistance program, Adult services and Children services.
Ms. Kirby started her career in healthcare in 1986 as a Social Worker for Broughton Hospital, a psychiatric hospital in North Carolina. In her role as Social Worker, Ms. Kirby was responsible for placing patients in the community that were ready for discharge but, generally, continued to require supervision. In looking for appropriate placement, Ms. Kirby visited and worked with many adult care facilities in the western North Carolina area. The role of Social Worker also included the responsibility of serving as a member of an interdisciplinary team which determines each patient’s plan of treatment. The team consisted of physicians, nurses, psychologists, health care technicians, activity therapists, advocates, attorneys, social workers from other agencies and officials of the court system. As liaison for patients in her caseload, Ms. Kirby directly dealt with families, community mental health centers, the Department of Social Services, and the social Security Administration on a regular basis. Ms. Kirby completed annual psychosocial assessments, plans for discharge and aftercare plans for each patient. During this time Ms. Kirby developed an interest in the adult care industry.
In 1993, Ms. Kirby and a business partner purchased an adult care facility, McAlpine Adult Care, and became a licensed Administrator. In 2000, Ms. Kirby and her business partner purchased a second facility, Houston House. In 2001, a third facility, McDowell House, was purchased and in 2005 a fourth facility, Austin Adult Care, was purchased. Ms. Kirby has served as an Administrator for the past 25 years.
In addition to serving as Administrator for four adult care homes, Ms. Kirby also oversees the financial aspect of the business.
Ms. Kirby served on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Association Long Term Care Facilities for approximately 12 years, resigning the post in 2009 to care for aging parents.
Ms. Kirby currently serves on the Board of Directors and the Claims Committee for the National Assisted Living Risk Retention Group. The NALRRG is a US domiciled insurance company that has been in business since 2003. The company was formed by some members (which include Ms. Kirby) of the North Carolina Association Long Term Care Facilities. The company has recently earned a Financial Stability Rating of A (Exceptional) from Demotech, Inc.
Ms. Kirby also currently serves on the Board of Directors for North Carolina Project Lifesaver. NCPL is a member of the North Carolina Association of Rescue and EMS. They work specifically with special needs children, the elderly and elderly individuals with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. NCPL utilizes equipment from Care Trak International to ensure the safety of individuals that have the potential to wander. NCPL also provides up-to-date and complete training for staff of contracted Assisted Living facilities.
Ms. Kirby currently serves on the Board of Directors and the Executive Board for Integrity Senior Property Investments, LLC.
Ms. Kirby served as Pianist and Treasurer for a local church for over 11 years.
