Organization aids local seniors with housing needs

Wesleyan Homes Inc. has served the community of Georgetown and beyond for a little more than 50 years.

What started out as a ministry of the United Methodist Church to establish a residence for seniors grew into an organization with multiple facilities that provides varying degrees of care, from independent living to hospice care.

"Part of our mission is to keep people as independent [as they can be] for as long as possible," Wesleyan Homes President Chris Spence said.

With a waiting list for independent and assistant living care in the hundreds, Wesleyan Homes is also in the planning stages for an additional independent living facility at The Wesleyan at Estrella, he said.

In November, City Council approved amending The Wesleyan at Estrella's planned unit development to allow for the construction of the new building.

"The people of Georgetown are hungry to do something that improves the essence of quality living here," said the Rev. Dan Bonner, vice president for development and a Wesleyan board of trustees member. "The folks who are here, including Wesleyan, really want things to be done right and done right for everyone."

Planning for Wesleyan Homes' first building began in the 1950s, including the search for a location.

A city election was held in 1958 to authorize giving the group land at 12th and Church streets for the facility.

The four-story retirement home was built, and the first resident moved in Sept. 10, 1962.

Throughout the years, the organization outgrew its first building and now has multiple facilities that offer independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, hospice care, home health and memory care.

"Nobody has ever been turned away from us as long as we have a room or a bed," said Bonner. "We serve folks income-blind."

Tim Stuteville, The Wesleyan at Scenic administrator, said the organization's goal is to be the leader in nonprofit senior care, he said.

The communities feature amenities including a putting green at the Estrella location, beauty salons, theater rooms and computer stations.

"It's about really having a hospitality component having a concierge's approach to what we do," Stuteville said.

The Wesleyan has made it a priority to to meet resident's needs by being flexible, offering privacy, independence and the resources to help seniors age gracefully, he said.

About 150 individuals and groups serve Wesleyan Homes and its residents as volunteers, said Mandy Hastings, vice president of marketing and sales.

Volunteers visit with residents, help with activities, deliver mail and help put on the organization's annual fundraiser, WesleyFest.

Wesleyan Homes serves about 375 senior citizens with about 320 employees, Stuteville said.

1811 N. Austin Ave., Ste. 201-202, Georgetown, 512-863-8848, www.wesleyanhomes.org