St. James Manor
St. James' Manor Retirement Community, Inc.
9 St. James Place
Oneonta, NY 13820
Phone (607) 436-9974
Fax (607) 436-9787

St. James' Manor Retirement Community, which opened its doors in February 1999, is located on the northeast side of Oneonta, just off Exit 16 of Interstate 88. Situated in a rural setting, surrounded by rolling hills, the Manor is only about 3 miles from the city of Oneonta. Its location provides quick access to local shopping, excellent medical facilities, churches and local cultural events. Ambulance service can be at the facility within 3-4 minutes after a call is received.

Aside from 38 apartments and 8 duplex housing units, all on one level, several common areas are available for residents use. They include a Chapel, large recreation area with exercise equipment and a pool table, a library with computers connected to the Internet, a lovely parlor which can be reserved for private gatherings, a beautiful patio looking into the woods, a wood-working shop, areas for individuals to have raised flower beds or vegetable gardens, and a snack area where residents meet for coffee, tea, juice and conversation throughout the day. Through these amenities, residents can still enjoy the things they like to do without the responsibility of maintaining their own home.

The retirement community is incorporated as a not-for-profit private corporation under the direction of a Board of Directors comprised of members of St. James' Episcopal Church located in Oneonta. St. James' Church sponsored the development of the community and provides a weekly Chapel service for residents. Morning prayer also occurs three days each week. One does not have to be Episcopalian to live at the community or to participate in Chapel services. All denominations are welcome.

The current resident population consists of several who have lived in this general area most of their lives, and others who have relocated here because they have close family or friends in the area. All residents must be 62 years of age or older and be independent enough to get from their apartment to the dining room on their own, and out of the facility in case of an emergency. Residents may use walkers, wheel chairs, canes, oxygen, etc., but must be able to handle these assistive devices on their own.

Staff are at the facility from 7:00 AM-7:30 PM seven days a week. They provide housekeeping, transportation, maintenance, and one well balanced meal each day. The main meal of the day is served at 5:30 PM Monday-Saturday, and at 1:00 PM on Sundays. Lunch is offered Monday-Friday for those who are interested, at a small charge. If a resident requires 3 meals per day, arrangements can be made to accommodate their needs. Guests may be invited to join residents for meals with advance notice. Two, charming guest rooms are available in the Congregate building and are reserved by residents on a first-come, first-served basis. This provides both the resident and guest(s) some privacy during the evening hours.

Scheduled activities include several opportunities for stimulation and social interaction with other residents. Cards, games, crafts, exercises, walking, book clubs, entertainment, shopping trips, plays and concerts are just a few activities available to anyone who is interested. Transportation for residents who enjoy going out for lunch or dinner at local area restaurants is also offered throughout the year. A monthly Resident Council meeting provides residents an opportunity to participate in planning and improving their life at the Manor.

The Manor promotes independence and privacy for all residents and provides desired assistance and services in a friendly, home-type environment to make retirement years less complicated and less stressful. Residents have all of the benefits of having their own home and privacy without the responsibilities and worries of home ownership.

Transportation

Transportation is provided for doctor appointments, hairdresser/barber shop, etc. Residents pre-schedule their appointments with the office and we assure residents arrive on time and are picked up when ready to return to the Manor. In addition, three weekly trips are scheduled for grocery shopping, mall shopping and miscellaneous places such as the library, banks, post office, etc. Prescriptions can be picked up by our staff if needed in emergency situations. When an activity requires residents to leave the facility transportation is also available. If transportation is required outside of the general area, a small fee may be applied.

Wellness Center

St. James' Manor contracts with a local health care agency for a registered nurse to come to the Manor every Tuesday afternoon. The nurse monitors residents' blood pressure, weight, etc. and discusses any health issues of concern. She often serves as the liaison between the resident and their attending physicians. Assistance with putting up medications, at home physical therapy, and other services can be arranged directly with the agency. Special health related educational seminars are provided for residents and staff by the nurse.

Office & Staff

Assistance with mailing, photocopying, faxing, e-mail, etc. are available through the main office. Staff are trained and knowledgeable to help residents with computers. Two computers, connected to the internet, are available in the library strictly for resident use. Another resident computer designated just for games is located in the recreation area. All staff are available to help any resident desiring additional services or assistance.

Formal Dining Room

Our spacious, bright and charming dining room accommodates approximately 100 people. Tables of five or six are set for the evening meal which is provided seven days a week. Table linens and decorations change often and compliment the holidays. Seats are not assigned, so residents have opportunities to meet others while enjoying the wonderful food provided by our excellent chefs. Each dinner is served at 5:30 PM based on the resident's menu selection for the week. Residents have a choice of two entrees or a grilled chicken breast each evening. Sunday's meal is special and served at 1:00 PM. Special diets are not available, although each meal includes a "sugar-free" dessert. Residents monitor their own diets by selecting their entrees from the weekly menus. We have a four-five week menu cycle, so meals are not the same each week. Menus are also adjusted seasonally based on the availability of fresh produce and other items.

Parlor

A formal parlor with couches, chairs and a dining table for 10 is available for resident use any time, and can be reserved for private gatherings. Residents can provide their own refreshments or arrangements can be made for catering. This room is also used for Bridge clubs, our monthly book club, and afternoon teas throughout the winter months. Several residents have reserved this room for birthday parties, anniversary parties, and even bridal and baby showers for their relatives.

Guest Rooms

Two guest rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis for a minimal fee. This allows guests to have their privacy as well as residents during the evening hours. Roll-a-way cots are also available should residents need them in their apartments. All amenities are provided during ones stay.

Library

A small library with several books in large print is available for all residents to use. Two computers are there as well and classes are offered to familiarize residents with the internet and other computer functions.

Recreation Area

The recreation area is a multi-purpose room. At one end we have a pool table, exercise equipment and large tables for puzzles. Speakers, musical entertainment, resident meetings, and birthday parties are just a few activities that occur in this room. A large screen television set is used for weekly movies and of course for the "Super Bowl" party!

Chapel

A small Chapel is open 24 hours a day, and a weekly communion service is provided by the local Episcopal church. Morning prayer takes place three mornings each week and a Bible Study group meets weekly.

Other areas of interest

A small wood-working shop is located in the basement for those who enjoy puttering with wood or crafts. Raised beds are located near the garages for those residents who want a small flower or vegetable garden. Several residents also enjoy advising Manor staff with gardening tips.

Copyright © 2004 St. James' Manor - All Rights Reserved
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