Eckerd Living Center

Perched in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains at over 4,000 feet of elevation, Eckerd Living Center in Highlands, North Carolina offers skilled nursing care in one of the most breathtaking settings in the entire Southeast. Located on Hospital Drive — adjacent to Highlands-Cashiers Hospital — this facility is managed by HCA Healthcare, one of the nation's largest and most resource-rich hospital and healthcare systems. That institutional backing means residents have access to clinical protocols, staffing standards, and care coordination resources that reflect a truly national healthcare organization. Highlands is a renowned mountain resort community known for its cool summers, fall foliage, and vibrant arts and dining scene. For families visiting a loved one at Eckerd Living Center, the town of Highlands offers an exceptional backdrop. Main Street Highlands is lined with acclaimed restaurants, art galleries, and boutique shops — a walkable, charming downtown that makes every visit feel like a retreat. The Highlands Biological Station, a celebrated research facility of UNC Chapel Hill, adds an intellectual dimension to the community, while nearby natural attractions including Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Whiteside Mountain — all accessible via US-64 — draw visitors from across the region. The Nantahala National Forest surrounds the Highlands plateau, providing world-class hiking, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks that families can explore together. The Cullasaja Gorge corridor along US-64 toward Franklin is a breathtaking stretch of highway famous for its dramatic cascades. Having Highlands-Cashiers Hospital directly adjacent to the facility is a significant advantage for residents requiring skilled nursing care, particularly those managing complex or post-surgical conditions. Specialty referral networks through HCA Healthcare extend care options well beyond the immediate mountain community when needed. For families seeking skilled nursing care in a mountain setting of unmatched beauty, Eckerd Living Center's combination of HCA Healthcare's clinical infrastructure and Highlands' extraordinary environment is genuinely unique.