AMERICUS — Diane Wade, vice president of marketing at Magnolia Manor, said the gist of her job is to inform the public about the virtues and qualities of the retirement community.

Magnolia Manor is a ministry of the United Methodist Church and serves older adults of all faiths throughout South Georgia. This not-for-profit Georgia corporation was chartered in 1959, and it is recognized by the IRS as a charitable, 501(c)3 organization, according to the Manor.

“Governed by a board of trustees, Magnolia Manor provides a loving Christian environment and a caring staff, ensuring the physical, mental, social and spiritual needs of our residents and their families,” said Wade.

Services include a wide array of independent retirement living options, assisted living, skilled nursing care, rehabilitative therapy and specialized dementia care. Currently, over 1,500 employees provide care for nearly 2,000 older adults on nine Magnolia Manor campuses in South Georgia.

Wade started her position with the Manor in July 2006. She said she and her staff let people know that Magnolia Manor is much more than “just a nursing home.”

“Magnolia Manor is not a place to come and die; it’s a place to enjoy life,” she said.

Wade said studies have shown that elderly people who live with others that care about them, like in a retirement community, live happier, healthier and longer lives than elderly people who live alone and isolated.

Magnolia Manor has implemented the Renaissance Living Initiative for its residents. According to Wade, the Initiative embraces creativity through music, poetry, painting, writing, story telling and other fine arts.

“Doing something creative is good for the overall health of older adults. Studies indicate seniors who are actively creative suffer less from depression, make fewer doctor visits per year and take fewer medications than their less active counterparts,” Wade said.

Magnolia Manor has nine location in South Georgia: Buena Vista, Columbus, Ideal, Macon, Moultrie, Richmond Hill, St. Mary’s and St. Simons Island with Americus being the main campus.

Wade said its the responsibility of her office to facilitate advertisements for each of these nine campuses whether it be print, television, radio or Internet.

Wade enjoys reading, traveling and home improvement projects around her house. She comes to Americus from North Carolina where she was born and raised.