A Guide to Methodist Assisted Living
Date Published: September 9, 2023
Moving into assisted living can be stressful, especially if it’s your first step away from home. That’s why it’s a great comfort for many seniors to know they have the option of a spiritual approach to senior living. Methodist perspectives to age and health can be a great comfort for many of the nearly 1 million American seniors in need of assisted living. If you or a senior you care for is looking for a spiritual element that makes senior care more personal and welcoming, finding a great Methodist assisted living community can make all the difference in your care.
This guide introduces the topic of Methodist assisted living, exploring how Methodist communities are different from other assisted living options, what to expect from senior living and whether this can be a good option for you. You’ll also find several helpful free resources that can connect you with supportive services, such as financial aid and transitional care services.
What Is Methodist Assisted Living?
In Methodist assisted living facilities, residents get room and care, which usually includes 24-hour caregiver support and daily check-ins. Seniors can also get help with activities of daily living, plus limited off-site travel support and companion care for medical office visits.
Aside from daily care, many Methodist assisted living communities offer:
- On-site religious services
- May have a chapel for worship
- Special attention to spiritual care (may include weekly or daily prayer service, comfort for the sick)
- Activities organized around the faith community.
How Is Methodist Assisted Living Different From Regular Assisted Living?
Some Methodist assisted living communities operate exactly like secular facilities. In fact, you don’t have to be a Methodist yourself to live in these communities, since virtually all of them are welcoming to people of all faiths.
Others are more hands-on, with members of a local Methodist fellowship working directly with seniors in assisted living. Because so many of these type of care communities operate independently of each other, you can find a wide variety of organizations, from fully church-based to almost entirely secular.
Regardless of which Methodist assisted living community you pick to live in, most of them offer faith-based services tailored to residents looking for a spiritual component to their care. Special services you might find in a Methodist assisted living community may include:
- On-site chapels for prayer and church services
- Regular Bible studies in groups and one-on-one
- Informal prayer services from time to time
- Group trips off-site to local churches and faith-related events
What Are the Benefits of Methodist Assisted Living?
Because religious affiliation is the key point of difference between Methodist and other types of senior living, these communities may benefit seniors who seek spiritual care. Some key benefits of Methodist assisted living include:
- Resident-led Bible study and prayer groups
- Religious books and other materials stocked in the community library
- Fellowship with others in the church during community visits and worship
- Pastoral care provided by on-site ministers, deacons, elders and local pastors
- Daily or weekly church services, held either on site or at a local church
- Senior care that follows the principles of the United Methodist Church
Tips for Finding a Methodist Senior Living Community
Methodist assisted living communities tend to be locally administered and operate as part of relatively small networks. Because of that, it can be hard to find a list of communities in your area. Here are some tips when searching for a Methodist community:
- Ask your elder or deacon about local communities: Your congregation might have ties to a specific assisted living community, or your district might operate a network of facilities.
- Search for regional Methodist conferences: Regional leadership in your area could have helpful leads on several networks in your area.
- Try an online search: You can generally find Methodist assisted living communities near you with a simple online search query. Start with “Methodist assisted living in [your city or county],” and expand from there.
- Check local support organizations: Many non-Methodist senior organizations can help you find a place you might be interested in. Case managers at the VA or at your local area agency on aging are likely to have a list of nearby facilities.
What to Look For in a Methodist Senior Living Community
Your budget, your care needs and the location where you’re looking to live all influence your choice of a Methodist assisted living facility.
How Much Does Methodist Assisted Living Cost?
Methodist assisted living costs are generally close to the average for secular facilities. According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the national average that seniors pay for assisted living is $4,500 a month. While Methodist communities are close to this average, facilities located in high-cost of living areas or offer specialized services may cost more.
Financial Assistance for Methodist Assisted Living
Most seniors in the United States are enrolled in at least one part of Medicare, and many have Medicaid or private insurance policies to supplement standard Medicare plans. Unfortunately, since assisted living is not strictly medical care, these programs don’t usually cover the main costs of assisted living.
Methodist seniors affiliated with a church might be eligible for specific faith-based discounts, financial aid or other resources that can help pay for the cost of care. Ask your church or community leaders about what’s available in your district, since benefits and programs vary by location.
Program
Covers Assisted Living?
Learn More
Medicare
Medicare does not pay for nonmedical care services.
Medical services administered in an assisted living setting might be covered by benefits under Part B or Medicare Advantage, just as medications are covered under Part D.
Plan and eligibility information is available at Medicare.gov, or from a case worker at your local Social Security office.
Medicaid
While Medicaid does not pay for nonmedical care, your state might offer an assisted living waiver that picks up the cost for room and care if the alternative is placement in a nursing home.
You can get general information about Medicaid at Medicaid.gov.
Information about state assisted living waivers is available from the State Waivers List.
VA Benefits
In 2023, the VA can pay up to $2,296 a month for a veteran plus spouse/dependent, or up to $3,072 for two married veterans who both meet the qualifications.
Learn more about VA benefits at VA.gov.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance can pay for assisted living, provided the senior demonstrates need in performing activities of daily living. The exact amount that is covered depends on the type of insurance policy you own.
You can learn about various types of policies and what they cover at LongTermCare.gov.
Information specific to federal workers, including veterans and postal workers, can be found at Benefits.gov.
Methodist Senior Living Communities
There are dozens of Methodist senior living communities in the United States. Below, you can learn about what a few of these Methodist communities offer.
Name
Address
Phone Number
Description
1405 Crane Avenue, Anniston, AL 36201
(256) 741-8666
Wesley Park Retirement Community offers affordable housing for seniors with limited incomes. This faith-based community is deeply rooted in Methodist culture and all residents are treated with love and kindness by the on-site staff. Weekly Methodist church services are offered and seniors can partake in daily religious study groups. A full monthly activity calendar is scheduled, including fitness classes, holiday celebrations, bingo and social luncheons. The community is a Meals on Wheels delivery site.
3637 West Highway 390, Panama City, FL 32405
(850) 387-2092
Mathison Retirement Community is a nonprofit, faith-based campus that offers independent living, assisted living and assisted living with memory care. The community has a nondenominational chapel with weekly Sunday services and weekday Bible studies. Spacious, pet-friendly studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments with safety features, such as walk-in showers are available. The peaceful courtyard features a gazebo, seating areas and a cascading waterfall. On-site amenities include a salon, barbershop, pool and tennis courts.
201 Russell Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
(301) 200-1108
Asbury Methodist Village is a large retirement community for seniors of all backgrounds, cultures and religious beliefs. In partnership with the Universities of Loyola and Howard, Asbury pastoral care staff mentors students during divinity internships and provides them with hands-on experience counseling residents. On-site health services include rehabilitation therapy, long-term skilled nursing and care for those with cognitive impairments. An indoor heated pool, tennis courts and woodworking studio are among the many amenities available.
805 West Middle Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118
(734) 808.3610
As a part of the United Methodist Retirement Communities, Chelsea Retirement Community offers faith-based care on a historic 58-acre campus. This continuing care retirement community offers all levels of care with suites, apartments and cottages available. On-site features include a library, movie theater, salon and wellness center with a heated pool and hot tub. Residents can attend services in the chapel, and the community plans a variety of activities, including spiritual activities.
7400 York Avenue South, Edina, MN 55435
(952) 835-8351
Care Suites of Edina offers spiritual enrichment opportunities to seniors of all religions in an accepting environment. Chaplains lead Sunday morning worship services and counsel residents who are grieving the loss of a loved one, feeling alone or seeking spiritual advice. On-site amenities for seniors to enjoy include restaurant-style dining, housekeeping services, an outdoor patio and a fitness center. Specialty care services are provided for those with Parkinson's disease or needing rehab therapy following surgery.
205 South College, Marionville, MO 65705
(417) 258-2573
Set on a 30-acre campus, The Ozarks Methodist Manor offers a tranquil, faith-based senior community offering independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing care. Suites, apartments and two-bedroom cottages offer comfortable housing depending on the chosen care level. Associated with the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church, the community offers Wednesday chapel services for residents. Seniors can participate in planned activities and use community amenities including garden plots, a library and craft room.
6600 Poplar Springs Drive, Meridian, MS 39305
(601) 482-5561
Aldersgate Retirement Community offers a secure location situated among rolling hills. Designed for active older adults, this community features apartments and cottages with independent and assisted living options. Caregivers embrace the spirit of Christian love in this faith-based community, and the Pastoral Care program supports the emotional and spiritual needs of the residents. Worship services and Bible study programs offer additional options for residents who want to explore their faith.
200 Bristol Glen Drive, Newton, NJ 07860
(973) 300-5788
United Methodist Communities at Bristol Glen is located next to the First United Methodist Church in historic Newton, NJ. Staffs in the faith-based community help residents put God at the heart of each day while following customized service plans, and skilled nurses are on-site 24/7. Residents can join spiritual-centered activities such as mass, hymn singing and religious services, as well as recreational and fitness programing.
5155 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 888-7492
Wesley Glen Retirement Community is a Methodist life-enhancing campus with independent living, assisted living, memory care and rehabilitation care that also meets residents' daily spiritual needs. Seniors can live maintenance-free in studio and one- or two-bedroom apartments with a range of floor plans. Residents are encouraged to stay active and can enjoy various activities, such as fitness classes, sessions with a personal trainer and peacefully strolling in the nearby park.
4100 Moores Lane, Texarkana, TX 75503
(903) 716-6671
Cornerstone Methodist Retirement Communities adopts a Christ-centered approach to senior care. Care options include independent and assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, and residents can choose from several floor plans. An on-site chapel provides services for all denominations. On-site amenities include several casual and formal dining areas, an auditorium, library, fitness room, ice cream parlor and hair salon. Activities include Bible studies, dinners downtown, baking classes, lectures, gardening and bean bag baseball tournaments.
3770 Emerald Drive East, Onalaska, WI 54650
(608) 615-4700
At Havenwood of Onalaska, residents can choose independent or assisted living with studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment options. Restaurant-style dining and a deli and pub make mealtime easier, and the community has 24-hour controlled access entry and emergency systems for security. In addition to an on-site chaplain, the community offers several spiritual services, including worship services, Bible study and pastoral care. The community is ADA-accessible, dog-friendly and includes several community spaces for socializing.
Resources for Methodist Seniors
If you’re looking for affordable Methodist assisted living, you’re not on your own. The resources in this table can help you find assisted living in your area, transition into senior living or help you with financial or community support.
Resource
Contact
Description
Online
Benefits Checkup is a resource the National Council on Aging offers that helps seniors find programs they might not know they're eligible for. Using a simple online tool, seniors and their families can find national and local resources for various senior-specific needs.
Online
Spiritual Eldercare is the not-for-profit ministry of Chaplain Elisa Bosley, who distributes free materials online for religiously informed senior care. The ministry provides books, videos, sermons and discussions about the bible and biblical principles for caregivers and seniors, especially those with Alzheimer's or dementia.
(877) 808-2468
The Senior Medicare Patrol keeps seniors and their families informed about common Medicare fraud tactics and helps them avoid scams that could affect their benefits.
(800) 473-4636
Parkinson's Foundation conducts education and screening services nationwide, as well as operating a 24-hour helpline for seniors who need immediate assistance finding care in their area.
(800) 772-1213
The SSA manages senior benefits and disburses monthly support payments for millions of American seniors. Local Social Security offices can help seniors find care and get benefits.
Online
The AARP is a national organization open to seniors aged 50 and over. Membership qualifies seniors for discount programs, low-cost health programs and access to exclusive caregiver resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodist senior living communities are group living environments for seniors, often with limitations that prevent them from remaining in their homes. These communities provide services and activities tailored to Methodist seniors, and often have an emphasis on spiritual services, as well as on-site ministers.
Methodist senior living centers are managed by the district or conference in the area where they’re located. Communities in the local network may be run directly by the church group or administered by professional management providers, depending on the size and location.
For seniors who crave a spiritual element to their senior living environment, Methodist care can be a fulfilling way to get the room and caregiver services of secular assisted living, plus the prayer and faith services of the Methodist Church.
Methodist senior living communities typically operate like any other assisted living or senior care center. They differ from secular senior communities as they tend to have institutional faith services, plus physical amenities such as chapels, to help meet residents’ spiritual needs.