Humble Beginnings Following the Civil War

Simpson House, the oldest existing retirement community historically related to the United Methodist Church, is now well into her second century of ministry to older adults. The roots of this ministry are traced back to the year 1865 and the end of the Civil War. Church women of Philadelphia were noted for giving care to the sick and wounded from the battlefields. With the return of peace, these energies could be channeled into other directions.

Simpson House, once known as the Methodist Episcopal Home for the Aged, was one of the first health and welfare ministries of the Methodist Church in the Philadelphia area. From the beginning, the mission of Simpson House was to offer the highest level of senior care available in a dignified and spiritual setting. Today, Simpson House is a Continuing Care Retirement Community offering Independent and Personal Care, plus a full-service nursing and rehabilitation center.

Expanding Mission to New Communities

In the 1990s, Simpson House sought to expand its mission to older adults into the Philadelphia suburbs. Simpson Senior Services was formed, and in January 2000, opened Simpson Meadows in Downingtown. Simpson Meadows is a dynamic and much sought-after retirement community. Conveniently located on Plaza Drive behind the Downingtown United Methodist Church, its beautiful campus welcomes active and vibrant residents seeking independent and Personal Care accommodations. Simpson Meadows also features a specially designed neighborhood for persons living with Alzheimer’s disease or other memory disorders.

In 2002, Simpson Senior Services acquired Jenner’s Pond, a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Southern Chester County that had been established by the Southern Chester County Medical Center. Jenner’s Pond is located on 88 picturesque acres of rolling countryside and provides Independent Living, Personal Care, Skilled Nursing and specialized care for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other memory disorders. Jenner’s Pond has always been known for outstanding service and its vision of offering a gracious and progressive lifestyle for seniors.

In 2004, Simpson Senior Services opened Simpson Gardens, an affordable housing community in Lansdowne. This senior living residence is the fulfillment of a dream shared by Simpson Senior Services, The Garden Church and the residents of Lansdowne. Simpson Gardens is a 41 unit, 4-story rental retirement community. Simpson Gardens residents live in a community and share their lives in a caring and active environment.

In 2005, Simpson Senior Services dedicated Simpson Mid-Town. Inspired by their ministries, Simpson Senior Services and Mid-Town Parish United Methodist Church joined in a collaboration to build and sustain a community for seniors. The vision led to a partnership between Simpson Senior Services, Mid-Town Parish United Methodist Church, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the City of Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to develop Simpson Mid-Town, a 40-unit rental housing residence that helps address the need for affordable housing in Philadelphia.

As America ages, Simpson Senior Services embraces its mission to provide a variety of housing and health care options for older adults in a spiritual, caring environment.