Craig Daily Press

There's a new house on the market in Craig.

But this house comes with extra responsibility, or at least the current owners, Sharon and Howard Salman, hope so.

The Salmans live at 634 Breeze St., The Jewel, the only assisted living facility in Moffat County. Two tenants currently live there.

Sharon Salman said although they are willing to sell the house, which has 10 bedrooms, to any buyer, she prefers to sell it to someone who would continue to run it as an assisted living business.

"Hopefully someone will keep it open," she said. "I would like to sell it to someone who is definitely caring."

Should someone choose to buy the house and use it for another reason, the tenants would have to find another place to stay.

Sharon Salman said when she and her husband are no longer able to take care of a resident, or their needs exceed what the Salmans can offer, the resident typically moves to a nursing home.

In the case that the assisted living facility is bought out and closed, the residents will have to find another place to stay, or it is up to their families to help.

Sharon Salman said assisted living centers provide help with tenants' daily lives, such as helping them take medication.

She said The Jewel provides a home-like atmosphere for her customers, which is something they value.

"I think it gives them a good feeling," she said. "We spoil them. They need it and deserve it."

Regardless of what happens to The Jewel, Sharon Salman said Moffat County residents need this option.

Bob Grubb, owner of the Rainbow Living Center, which used to offer assisted living services on the same scale as The Jewel, agrees.

Grubb equated assisted living between independent living centers, which are similar to an apartment, and nursing homes.

The Salman's have owned the Jewel for close to six years but decided the work has become too much for them. After selling the house, they plan to retire, travel and spend time with their children.

"There comes a time when you need to retire," Sharon Salman said.