Womans Christian Association Home, often called WCA Home, sits on Temple Street in Fredonia, New York, in a Victorian building with a large porch and rocking chairs where folks like to sit and watch the day go by, and it's been offering care for women since 1892, always keeping a home-like feeling with friendly staff around. It's recognized by the New York State Department of Health as an Assisted Living Program facility with 42 licensed beds, having 32 private rooms and 5 rooms that can fit two people, all with private bathrooms, closets, and call bells hooked up to the nurse's station if someone needs help. Folks get daily meals served in a full dining room that feels like a restaurant, and there are menu options for people needing low salt, low sugar, or diabetes diets, plus help for those who need an extra hand eating, with medication management, bathing, dressing, and getting around, all available from staff and certified nurses.
The Home's set up for activities all day, both inside and out, with regular social events, movie nights, music, fitness, art plans, animal therapy, and board games, and it keeps a small library for reading, quiet nooks filled with books, a wellness program, and a beauty salon called Pamper Day on Thursdays, plus a hot tub and sauna for folks' comfort. Folks can join outside trips for shopping or devotional services, and transportation with escorts goes with them to medical appointments or errands. There's Wi-Fi and cable TV, recreation rooms, assembly rooms, garden areas, porches, and parlors, so there's a bit of everything for either joining in or keeping to yourself. On top of that, the Home's got a full emergency generator, sprinklers, smoke alarms, closed circuit video, and regular safety drills, so it's on top of its security. Nurses and caregivers handle medical needs, including medication, diabetic care, speech, occupational and physical therapy, and mental wellness, plus help with hygiene, wardrobe changes, transfers, and special diets. There's memory care for folks who need it, as well as intermittent nursing, respite, hospice, and long-term services.
Everything runs as a nonprofit, Christian-based home, and over its long history, it's tried to support women's well-being and help families have peace of mind. Staff say they're known for their kindness and joy, and many volunteers, like the Friends of WCA Home, often help make life there feel special by funding extra activities or things for the residents. It's pet-friendly, too, so folks can bring a bit of home with them. The board oversees operation and handles transitions for residents, especially now as the Home has announced closure and plans to help folks move to other places. The Home's always had its eye on safety and residents' needs, providing everything from home-cooked meals and personal care to activities and supervised care, and people say it's been a comforting place for older women to live and receive support right in Northern Chautauqua County.
