The United Methodist Press Center
Contact: Nancye Willis
(615) 742-5406
E-mail: nwillis@umcom.org

Aug. 13, 2003

Mississippi United Methodists Launch Green House Project; Offers Alternative to Traditional Nursing Home Care

TUPELO, Miss.—With the same goals as its botanical counterpart, the Green House Project, a groundbreaking system of care for older adults, nurtures its inhabitants to grow and bloom.

This new United Methodist-related alternative to traditional nursing home care, the first of its kind in the nation, is “a place where life happens, where things grow,” says administrator Alan Brown. Implemented by Mississippi Methodist Senior Services, each Green House offers its residents an environment of variety and spontaneity.

The concept, built on highly successful group-home models for troubled teens, revolves around a facility built specifically for older adults. Each resident has his or her private room and bath.

(The Green House Project of Mississippi Methodist Senior Services is featured on “Senior Sanctuary,” a UMTV video report, the week of Aug. 13. It is available at the UMTV Web site, www.umtv.org.)

Each of the small homes includes a common living room; a large, open kitchen; family-style dining; fenced yards and a small patio. Residents may bring their own furniture, including pieces for the living room.

Each occupant chooses the color of his or her room and furnishes it with personal belongings, including a bed. They also choose their weekly menus and enjoy their meals, cooked on-site, together around a dining room table.

“It’s like being home,” says resident Viva Whitenton, who moved into the facility from a traditional nursing home.

Since the move, “I’ve seen a tremendous difference in Mother,” says her son Doug. “She’s much happier.”

Allowing occupants choices, responsibilities and change in environment has made a big difference, workers say. Some who were once in wheelchairs are now walking and a few patients, once fed by caregivers, are now feeding themselves.

To date, Mississippi Methodist Senior Services, which is affiliated with the United Methodist Mississippi Annual (regional) Conference, has constructed four homes using private contributions.

Founders say they hope once consumers see alternatives like this, they’ll demand better choices for older adults. Charges of approximately $3,000 a month are covered through insurance or paid individually by the occupants.

More information on Mississippi Methodist Senior Services’ resident facilities is available at the organization’s Web site http://ww.umssm.org.

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