A set of integrated services for older adults and their families in the NC High Country. For work outside HCSS's scope (licensed trades, larger remodels), Martin coordinates with or refers to licensed contractors. I assess, recommend, modify, coordinate, and guide. I do not provide hands-on personal care.
What I Offer
Service 1
A non-invasive visual walk-through of the home — interior and exterior — identifying observable accessibility barriers and modification opportunities. Followed by a written report of recommendations and the option to have the recommended modifications installed by the same professional who performed the assessment.
HCSS aging-in-place assessments are not home inspections as defined under NC General Statutes Chapter 143, Article 9F. HCSS does not evaluate the condition, code-compliance, or functional integrity of any building system, including heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, structural, foundation, roof, or masonry. Clients requiring evaluation of building systems must engage a licensed North Carolina Home Inspector or appropriate licensed contractor.
Add-On Services
Who needs this service
The older adult living independently
Needs help navigating healthcare systems, attending appointments, understanding benefits, and someone trusted to call when something goes wrong.
The out-of-area adult child
Lives in Charlotte, Atlanta, or Ohio. Needs a trusted local set of eyes, someone to attend appointments, handle discharge coordination, and report back reliably.
Service 2
Local, boots-on-the-ground support navigating complex systems on behalf of older adults and their families. I attend appointments as a family advocate, communicate with out-of-area family, and connect clients with their existing healthcare providers, hospital case managers, and county service agencies as needed. I am your navigator and advocate — not a caregiver, case manager, or clinical provider.
Add-On Services
HCSS does not provide hands-on personal care, medical advice, treatment recommendations, hospital discharge planning, or veterans benefits claims advice. For those services, I connect clients with appropriate licensed providers.
Service 3
I help you organize your things and make sure they're stored correctly. If you don't have something set up yet, I point you in the right direction to set it up.
HCSS does not hold copies of your documents, account numbers, passwords, or login credentials. HCSS does not draft, interpret, or advise on legal or financial documents — for that, work with a licensed attorney or financial advisor. HCSS does not act as financial advisor, fiduciary, executor, trustee, or power of attorney for any client.
What you get
Service 4
Scheduled property visits to your unoccupied High Country home — interior and exterior walk-through, photo report sent to owner, and an alert if anything needs your attention. Ideal for seasonal residents, snowbirds, second-home owners, and out-of-state families with property in the area.
HCSS Property Watch is a property monitoring service, not a security service. HCSS does not provide alarm response, emergency repairs, or 24/7 monitoring. In the event of significant damage or active emergencies, the owner is contacted to coordinate appropriate licensed contractors or emergency services.
Service 5
The small jobs that make a big difference. As your aging-in-place provider, I'm already in your home — and I bring 20+ years of construction experience and a fully equipped truck and trailer. From seasonal yard cleanup to small repairs, I help keep your home maintained so you don't need to find a separate handyman. For licensed trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing) and larger remodel projects, I'll refer you to licensed contractors or coordinate with them on your behalf.
HCSS handyman work is limited to projects under $40,000 in keeping with NC general contractor licensing requirements. HCSS does not perform plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing replacement, large tree removal, or pesticide application — for those, I will refer you to appropriate licensed contractors.
Service 6
Whether you're making space to age comfortably at home, simplifying for a move, or helping a family settle a loved one's home — I help families navigate these transitions with care, respect, and practical hands-on support.
Making space to age in place — Working alongside your aging-in-place assessment, I help simplify and reorganize the spaces that need to make room for modifications, mobility aids, or easier daily living. Belongings you no longer need find their way to family members, donation organizations, or are hauled away. You decide what goes where.
Simplifying for a move — Helping you sort what comes with you, what goes to family, what gets donated. I work at your pace and respect what matters to you. Nothing leaves the home without your decision.
Settling a loved one's home — When a parent or loved one is moving to a smaller place, into assisted living, or has passed, I help out-of-area families handle the home locally. Sorting belongings according to family wishes, delivering family items to the people who should have them, coordinating donations, and readying the home for what comes next.
HCSS does not appraise, value, or purchase items. I do not act as estate executor, trustee, or fiduciary. For appraisals, estate sales, or formal estate administration, I will refer you to appropriate licensed professionals.
Who this serves
Service 7
Already moved into your High Country home and planning for the long term? HCSS provides a CAPS-certified aging-in-place planning visit to identify modifications and adaptations that will help you stay independently in your new home as your needs change over time.
This service is for homeowners after closing — it is not a home inspection, is not a building condition evaluation, and is not intended to inform a purchase decision. For pre-purchase building inspection, please hire a licensed North Carolina Home Inspector. For evaluation of structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roof, or foundation systems, please consult appropriate licensed contractors. HCSS aging-in-place planning visits are not home inspections as defined under NC General Statutes Chapter 143, Article 9F.
High Country Senior Services does not provide hands-on personal care of any kind. HCSS is not a home care agency, caregiver service, or sitting service. HCSS does not provide:
If your loved one requires hands-on personal care, I am happy to help coordinate with licensed home care agencies in my service area who provide those services.