Luthercare: Reflecting Christ’s Love Through Service to Others

Meet Brenda and Lloyd Jacobson

Prior to moving to Luther Acres two years ago, the Jacobsons had resided in Manheim Township for 33 years. They both took great joy in decorating their home with family heirlooms and treasures. In making the move to Luther Acres, a Luthercare community, the couple was prepared to downsize and start a new chapter in their lives.

The Jacobsons’ large dining area accommodated their table and chairs, a china cabinet, a corner cupboard and the chandelier they purchased as newlyweds.

They both agree that the transition was made easier with help from Beyond the Fork in the Road, a locally owned business that specializes in assisting older adults in downsizing or moving. A representative met with the Jacobsons to help determine how their furniture would make the transition to the new floor plan. “They measured everything, and they figured out what we could take with us,” says Brenda. The couple was thrilled to be able to bring pieces such as their china cabinet, corner cupboard, a beloved grandfather clock and more to their new home. Except for purchasing a new sofa and a chair, they were able to furnish their cottage entirely from their former home. “At first blush, it’s overwhelming to think about the move, but then you get your head around it,” Lloyd remarks.

One of their first purchases as a married couple was a beautiful crystal chandelier for their dining room and, for sentimental reasons, they knew it had to make the move to Luther Acres! It now hangs in their dining room space and complements the china cabinet that displays Lloyd’s collection of martini glasses and Brenda’s collection of stemware purchased from an antiques shop in New Orleans. Meanwhile, the corner cupboard holds Lloyd’s grandparents’ china set, as well as crystal pieces collected by Brenda over the years.

The décor of their cottage includes many nods to their past, including an antique steamer trunk that belonged to Lloyd’s grandfather; it’s filled with memorabilia from Lloyd’s childhood in Iowa and precious antiques passed down through his family. Many paintings done by Lloyd – he’s a landscape architect by trade who enjoys art as a hobby – hang throughout their home. Their hobbies are also well represented, including golf (Lloyd) and cooking (Brenda).

According to Brenda, she and Lloyd love “the wonderful people and community here.” They have found many ways to become active and involved at Luther Acres. Lloyd is the current Residents’ Council president and is taking a watercolor class being taught by a local art instructor. Meanwhile, Brenda, who has always loved thrifting and antiquing, volunteers with the resident-led “Attic Treasures” sales and continues to enjoy entertaining, cooking and baking.

The Luthercare Lifestyle

Size Range of Homes/Apartments

Apartments range from 448-1,207 square feet. Cottages range from 740-1,592 square feet.

Guidelines for Personalizing Homes

While we have a list of standards, new residents can customize much of the space to suit their needs and preferences. Paint colors are available in hundreds of options. Two colors can be chosen, with additional colors considered to be an upgrade. Our standard floorcoverings include carpet and vinyl. Luxury vinyl plank flooring can be selected as an upgrade. In addition, cabinetry, hardware and countertops can be selected through our approved vendors.

Help with Downsizing?

We do not offer such services, but we do maintain a list of companies that can provide assistance.

How Often are Residences Remodeled/Updated?

Residences are updated during the move-in-selection process. In addition, they receive a 10-year refresh (typically for flooring and paint).

Contractors/Service Providers Policy

Luthercare’s contractors and subcontractors must be used for renovations and updates.

Senior-Friendly Amenities

Design features such as wider hallways, doorways and entries accommodate mobility issues. Soft-close cabinetry doors and soft-glide drawers make life easier for those with arthritis.

Technology

Apartment buildings are Wi-Fi-enabled.

Garden Access

Residents are welcome to maintain gardens within the beds at their cottages or at designated spots on campus.

Care-Free Living

We take care of everything from landscaping and snow removal to changing a lightbulb.

Overview

Type of Community
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), with locations in Lititz (Luther Acres), Columbia (St. John’s Herr Estate) and Lebanon (Spang Crest)
Range of Services
Independent Living, Supportive Personal Care, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation and In-home Care
Residential Options
Our communities feature comfortable and stylish Independent Living cottages and apartments that offer a variety of designs to suit tastes and budgets. We also offer beautifully updated private Rehabilitation rooms, private or companion Personal Care suites, and private and semi-private Skilled Nursing rooms.
Clubs
Residents can share their interests, cultivate hobbies or develop new pursuits at our communities. Clubs devoted to books, walking, computers, music, sewing, poker, billiards and much more are available. The water volleyball team, pickleball and drumline class are popular with residents. We also have an actor’s workshop.
Population
Approximately 580 at Luther Acres, 170 at St. John’s Herr Estate and 90 at Spang Crest.