Chelsea Retirement Communities is located in Chelsea, Michigan, about 20 minutes west of Ann Arbor. It has several types of accommodations for seniors, ranging from new apartments to long term nursing care.

The accommodations which are part of Chelsea include:

• The Pines - Brand new, independent living apartments in a quiet residential neighborhood. These apartments are reserved for adults age 55 and older.
• Garden Apartments - Ground floor, private entrance independent apartments.
• Dancey House - Spacious independent and assisted living apartments in a multistory building.
• Assisted Living Suites - Special accommodations providing extra personal care.
• Kresge Health Care Center - Private and semiprivate rooms for long and short term skilled nursing.
• Towsley Village - Alzheimer's care facility.

The Pines is located at 325 Wilkinson and the other facilities are located at 805 West Middle Street in Chelsea.

In addition to supporting the Chelsea Retirement Communities, our church also supports another United Methodist retirement facility located in downtown Detroit. It is the Boulevard Temple Continuing Care Center at 2567 West Grand Blvd. As the name suggests, the temple is intended for transition from hospital to home and for rehabilitation. It is interesting to note that the temple was once a church.

The coordinator of volunteers at Chelsea is Hazel Barr, a very enthusiastic and creative woman who welcomes any individual or group that would like to explore volunteer opportunities available at the Community. Volunteers keep the spirits of the residents high, and in return volunteer satisfaction is very high. Among the suggestions Hazel has made for volunteer opportunities are

• organize a tea
• conduct small informational programs
• help with work bees at the garden apartments (wash windows, rake leaves, clean cupboards)
• contribute bingo prizes
• donate used videos for community collection
• make or buy door decorations for individual rooms
• make or buy small gift baskets to brighten someone's day
• contribute spring bulbs for the grounds
• transport nursing residents within Chelsea to therapy, chapel and events
• assist with Christmas gift wrapping, sorting, labeling and delivery
• drive the Chelsea bus
• work in the variety shop or ice cream parlor
• perform blood pressure and weight checks
• visit with residents
• help with or lead activities
• greet visitors and staff reception desk

For further information, contact Hazel Barr at 734-475-8633 or look at the Chelsea Retirement Community website.