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Elizabeth Bemis

By: Elizabeth Bemis on September 24th, 2012

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A Brief History of United Methodist Homes

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united methodist homes

United Methodist Homes provides professional assisted and independent living, short term rehab and skilled nursing care in CT, as well as skilled nursing care in IN and dementia and memory care assisted living in TN. As a forerunner in senior living, you will find an established senior community in the network of UMH facilities. Discover the difference in retirement facilities that nearly 125 years of experience can provide.

The Beginning 

In 1918, United Methodist Homes were established to provide women who were destitute and aged with a home. The Methodist Church Home, also known as the West Haven Home, took its roots in West Haven, Connecticut, which housed fifteen women and five men. Within the same year as it was established, the United Methodist Homes expanded to include the Danbury Home and the Blackeslee Memorial Dormitory, which was an extension of the West Haven Home. 

A Year of Major Changes

The year of 1968 was as eventful year for the nation, as well as for United Methodist Homes. While the doors of the Danbury Home were closed, the Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center opened - providing patients with skilled nursing care. Two years later, Wesley Heights was established, which added 92 apartments and 90 cottages to the retirement community of United Methodist Homes. Neighboring Wesley Heights was the addition of Asbury Ridge, featuring 162 cottages; today this is a private institution called The Views of Long Hill.

Keeping Up with Modern Times

United Methodist Homes continues to grow and change with the needs of the retirement community. In 1994, an Alzheimer's care unit was established at Bishop Wicke. A year later, a group of volunteers from the community established the Council of Friends of United Methodist Homes to extend the public support of the organization. You can now find UMH in Tennessee and Indiana, as well as the organization's home state of Connecticut.

Key Takeaways:

United Methodist Homes is a viable and beneficial option for those interested in independent living or assisted living in TN, CT, and IN. Here are the main points to consider:

  • UMH has been established as a leader in the assisted living and retirement communities for nearly a century.
  • Care facilities include assisted living and independent living apartments.
  • Get professional medical care, including assistance for living with Alzheimer's and Huntington's Disease, at UMH.

Need Help?

If you're interested in learning more about assisted or independent living communities, contact us today.

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About Elizabeth Bemis

In 1998, I drove past an assisted living community construction site, learned that it was part of United Methodist Homes and realized the next stop on my professional journey was to work for a mission driven organization. Soon after, I joined the team as Executive Director of our Middlewoods of Farmington community and later served as Regional Manager for the Middlewoods properties before accepting my current role as Vice President of Marketing, Promotions, and Assisted Living Operations. I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, reading, walking, and love working alongside our staff, residents, and families to build strong communities that reflect the mission, vision, and values of United Methodist Homes.

Our Blog is a 2016 Platinum Generations Award Winner! The Generations Award is an annual international competition for excellence in senior marketing recognizing professionals who have communicated to the 50+ Mature Markets.