Dr. Jervis Cooke is confident he and his wife Mary Frances made the right choice when they moved to Methodist Manor House in Seaford in 1993. Cooke had been on the board of trustees when Methodist Manor House was built in 1966 by Peninsula United Methodist Homes (PUMH) and was familiar with all four communities managed by PUMH. When they saw what was under construction in Seaford — an apartment with two bedrooms, two baths, living room, separate dining room and kitchen as well as laundry and storage right in the apartment — Cooke signed up. A deciding factor, he said, was the fee-for-service contract.
Having served as a minister in Delaware, he already loved the area and knew a lot of people from local churches. Another important point, he said, was the proximity to major hospitals in Baltimore or Philadelphia if needed.
Cooke has been in the ministry since college. Beginning a military career as Navy chaplain, he retired as Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Meanwhile, he was Conference Program Director, president of Wesley College and served on several boards. There was also time for five children — 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
The couple remained active at Methodist Manor House, not only availing themselves of on-site facilities such as the pool at the Wesley Wellness Center where Cooke swims daily, but becoming part of the community. Mary Frances formed an after-dinner conversation group. Cooke became active in local schools, Kiwanis and Boy Scouts. He preaches at St. Luke’s Chapel on the grounds. “There are lots of interesting opportunities,” Cooke said. “We’ve had a wonderful time. This place is home.”
When his wife became ill and progressed through the levels of care available, Cooke was able to share meals with her and to remain an important part of her life until her passing. “People here have been so friendly and so supportive. This was just the right spot for us,” he said.
Methodist Manor House was the right spot, too, for Robert Ferber, a retired newspaper art director originally from New Jersey. He moved in a year ago after his wife passed away. The decision has allowed him to remain close to his family. His son is a doctor at the hospital next door, and the grandchildren are only a few blocks away. Ferber chose a 750-square-foot apartment with living room, dining room, kitchen, two baths and a master bedroom. The living room even has a sleeper sofa for overnight guests.
“I love my apartment,” he said. “It’s very comfortable.” It’s also attractive, painted in his choice of colors to complement his personal art collection.
Ferber enjoys dinner in the Riverview Dining Room with three other gentlemen who enjoy each other’s company. “The food is very good,” he said. Being an “on-the-go” kind of person, he appreciates the flexibility of being able to eat breakfast and lunch while he’s out.
“The landscaping here is beautiful,” he added. “I can walk to the river and sit on a pier. In nice weather I can sit and read or do whatever I want.”
The various levels of care available were a big plus when Ferber chose Methodist Manor House.
Fully accredited by the national Continuing Care Accreditation Commission, the community provides residential choices and graduated health care services to meet evolving individual needs, from spacious cottages and assisted living apartments to skilled care and suites tailored for those who suffer memory impairment. Skilled care is available for residents who may require emergency, long-term or recovery care.
“You go in as an independent living person while you’re reasonably healthy,” Ferber said, “but they’ll take care of you from then on.”
Susan Potts can hardly wait to move to Methodist Manor House. When she saw the cottage nestled into the woods, she fell in love with it.
The fact that there’s no maintenance on her part is important. “I travel with Elderhostel — it’s nice to know I can just lock the door and leave,” she said.
She’s pleased to see, particularly in today’s economy, that Methodist Manor House continues to renovate and maintain. It pleases her, too, that her dog and cat can come with her.
Another big selling point was the fee-for-service which offers a substantial reduction in the monthly fee.
“When I first visited, I felt like I was coming home. It’s just the right size. And (Marketing Manager) Erin (Steele) is just delightful.”
While waiting for her house to sell, Potts has met a lot of residents, health providers and the activities director. “I had lunch with the lady who will be my neighbor,” she added. “I felt like I’d known her all my life.”
Originally from Pennsylvania, Potts has friends who tell her she’s too young for a retirement community, but she insists, “This offers tremendous independence right now, and I want to make sure I plan my future.”
To see all that Methodist Manor House has to offer for your future, call 302-628-5622 or
1-800-775-4593. 1001 Middleford Rd., Seaford, Del.,
www.pumh.org
