History of Excellence
Wesley Retirement Services – The Senior Health and Lifestyle Experts™
At Wesley Retirement Services, we see our story as one of continuing service to Iowa’s seniors — where you are our priority. From its beginnings in the mid-1940s to this very day, Wesley strives to ensure that every senior has the opportunity of living the most active and vital lifestyle possible. We are reinventing senior care options. That’s why Wesley is truly the senior health and lifestyle expert.
Mission
Wesley’s mission is providing retirement services to people of all faiths in a Christian caring way, promoting independence and an active lifestyle. Our story is steeped in tradition that bears testimony to our values of community, quality, dignity, integrity and stewardship. Thousands of seniors live fuller, richer lives in their retirement years thanks to innovative thinking and planning by Wesley Retirement Services.
In the Beginning
In 1946, the South Iowa Methodist Church Conference approved a plan to provide a retirement home for aging ministers. Six months later, Wesley Acres was founded when the Chamberlain Estate, located in the heart of Des Moines at 3520 Grand Avenue, was purchased. For many years, the mansion also served as headquarters for the Methodist Church.
The grand Chamberlain mansion remains today, nestled in the heart of the sprawling 14-acre landscape of Wesley Acres. Designed by noted architect William George Ratoul, it is the oldest example of Tudor-Jacobean 17th Century English architecture in Des Moines and is noted on the National Historic Register.
Built in 1900 for Davis Sidney Chamberlain, the family lived in the mansion filled with red oak paneling, five fireplaces, brass and silver-plated light fixtures and window panes made from imported French bottle glass. The home was restored in 1986 and housed Wesley Retirement Services corporate offices until 2002, when it relocated to Johnston, Iowa. Since that time, the five bedrooms are used as a guest house at Wesley Acres, where friends and family stay on visits.
Today’s Retirement Communities
From Wesley Acres’ original five residents, we currently serve more than 1,000 resident seniors in five retirement communities throughout Iowa. Each has its own neighborhood identity, sharing the values of the community it serves.
- Edgewater – West Des Moines
- Wesley Acres — Des Moines
- Wesley Park Centre — Newton
- Wesley Heritage House — Atlantic
- Wesley Halcyon House — Washington
- The Village — Indianola
Governed by a board of directors comprised of representatives from each community, Wesley serves each location individually. Advisory councils incorporate board members as well as community members in the decision-making process. With deep ties to the founding principals, Wesley Retirement Services today is an independent 501(C)(3) not-for-profit organization, unrelated to the Methodist conference.
Senior Services, Programs
Today’s seniors have more options than ever as they determine the path of their retirement years. Many are choosing to remain at home. Wesley understands that decision and provides options that assist in making that choice a viable one. We serve hundreds of seniors through programs, plans and services. From assistance with daily tasks to respite care for full-time caregivers, Wesley Retirement Services is there to support you.
- Wesley at Home — Des Moines and Indianola
- Adult Day Services — Des Moines and Newton
Into the Future
Our story is an ongoing one. Wesley Retirement Services continues to reach out to the Iowans it serves by implementing trendsetting opportunities that make seniors’ lives complete, comfortable, active and invigorating. We will not rest on our outstanding past, but always aim to provide the best in services and support for seniors. We know how rich your life is, and that is why we are the senior health and lifestyle expert.
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