The first residents will move into Vista Mesa Assisted Living Residence on Feb. 1, to take up residence in what the owners call "a wonderful facility that will provide assisted living in a state-of-the-art environment."

The owners, Duke and Kay Underwood, Kirk and Sharon Underwood, and Mike and Deborah Rosso, are pleased to offer the Cortez community a new choice for long-term health care.

The Underwoods’ parents, Lincoln and Betty, began providing health-care services in Cortez more than 46 years ago, and their children now have the opportunity to continue a lifelong tradition of meeting people’s needs.

The Rossos have been active in Cortez for more than 20 years, providing health-care and construction services. Deborah has provided health care to many in the community, and Mike has been part of a construction process that has produced more than a million square feet of building in the Cortez community, including the 25,500 square feet found at Vista Mesa.

An experienced management team is ready, willing and certainly able to serve the public. Jo Tansey, executive director, has 25 years in human services related work. Diane Fields, director of resident services, has 29 years’ experience in health care and was previously the long-term care ombudsman representing seniors throughout the Four Corners area and southwest Colorado.

Qualified staff will provide assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, medications, incontinence management, housekeeping, linen changes and transportation. Additionally, social, cultural and recreational activities are scheduled to keep all residents as active as possible.

In addition, Southwest Memorial Hospital is just across Mildred Road, providing medical services nearby.