Golden Age Home: Celebrating 65 years of service
By Leesa Teale
LPR Publisher
Golden Age Home (GAH) prides itself on empowering seniors to thrive in a community with dignity and a sense of purpose by providing exceptional, compassionate, Christian care for senior adults. For 65 years they have done honed this model. Beginning as a dream of First Lockhart United Methodist Church in the late 1950’s, GAH was built by the community to be an extension of and to become its own community. Core basic services, including meals, housekeeping and transportation have always been part of the care provided. Other services were offered on an as-needed basis.
In 1964, GAH received its non-profit status which continues to allow them to provide services at affordable rates. Golden Age Home is the only NOT FOR PROFIT senior living home in Lockhart and Caldwell County
As residents of the original concept grew older their needs increased, and services had to evolve. In the late 1980’s, the GAH Board of Directors recognized the need for a newer facility that could offer more advanced medical services to accommodate those needs. In 1990, a new 118 bed, modern skilled nursing home was added to the 20-acre campus leaving the opportunity to repurpose the 1959 portion into a licensed assisted living facility. As part of the repurpose, in the late 1990’s, a grant from TDCHA was secured and allowed GAH to designate 16 rooms of the assisted living building to those needing subsidized housing providing more than just shelter, but other lifestyle services as needed.
In 2010, GAH Board of Directors decided to return to its roots and downsized their assets by selling the nursing home portion of the campus which then became Parkview Nursing Home. GAH kept the original 1959 building and 14.5 acres of land. Today, GAH is home to a 40-bed assisted living community including 16 low-income independent units. No matter the physical or cognitive limitations, residents ranging in age from 50 to 100 require daily assistance and GAH is there to provide it.
GAH since its conception has concentrated on not only the physical well-being of their residents but also on the mental, emotional and spiritual portion of their lives. GAH strives to help seniors age with dignity; giving them purpose and helping them maintain an active role in the community. Physical limitations do not stop the possibilities of the residents enjoying the activities as the projects are tailored to the individual’s interests and abilities.
GAH host several free family community events annually (such as the recent Fall Festival or the Easter Egg Hunt in the spring) and invite organizations to visit and take part in events at the home regularly. They also have an active intergenerational program. Students from Lockhart ISD’s CTE classes gain work-based experience from staff and as well as interaction with senior adults.
In 2020, the pandemic brought physical and mental hardship to GAH that had never before been faced. Social isolation from family and others was tasking on the mental health of the residents and staff. GAH put on their thinking caps and found ways to keep the residents active while being unable to follow a normal routine. The staff went above and beyond to bring light to the situation that was dim for many who could only visit their family through the window for everyone’s safety.
There are many stories that can be told about the residents and their experiences at GAH. Take for instance Ms. Ruby who was struggling with living alone, she came to GAH to participate in the low-income program. She was able to live independently and thrive. She kept her community involvement by crocheting hats for the NICU, mentoring high students and many other service projects. By utilizing the various services that GAH provides, Ms. Ruby was able to keep her independence.
Mr. Bill has lived at GAH for 25 years. In May of 2000 he came to the facility after realizing his disability would not allow him to return home. With the assistance of a relocation counselor Mr. Bill found the low-income apartments at GAH where he has formed an extended family and says he wouldn’t take anything for his experiences here.
One misconceived notion about GAH is that they are a nursing home; the building that was sold in 2010 and now called Parkview is a nursing home. However, today Golden Age Home is an Assisted Living community that supports residents by providing services for their specific needs. Another misconception is that GAH can accept Medicare, Medicaid and Private insurance. Unfortunately, GAH cannot accept government or private insurance. GAH is a private pay home. They do accept some long-term care insurance and VA Aid & Attendance benefit.
GAH is proud to offer numerous programs and workshops to community members. One recently established program is the Medical Equipment Lending Closet. In March of 2025 GAH began offering wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc. to be lent out or kept depending on the need of the individual. Donations of these items are accepted to keep the stock replenished to offer this free service.
Workshops and classes are offered to educate attendees in various fields like their monthly caregiver support groups. These groups meet with an average of 10 attendees monthly who can ask questions and learn on how to care most effectively to their loved ones. Their biggest educational outreach is the annual Health Fair held in September with over 20 health related booths.
With 65 years of experience, Golden Age Home understands that a great team is what makes a great business. Like any business GAH wouldn’t be who they are without their exceptional employees. One employee, Josie Buckner, was hired as a high school student as a caregiver. Upon graduation, she continued working at GAH moving to the nursing home in 1991 and retiring when the nursing home sold in 2010. Buckner worked at GAH her entire life and now lives in Parkview, the same building that she worked in for over half her life. Another long-time employee, Janie Escobedo, began working in laundry in 1978 part-time. She began cooking in 1981 when the nursing home opened. In 2021 she returned to work in the original building for GAH where she still works today. Maria (Lupe) Salinas began working at Golden Age Home Personal Care (original building) as a CNA/caregiver in May of 1991. She continues to work in this capacity today. She is in her 34th year working for the same company in the same building as an excellent caregiver who is loved by all. Golden Age Home’s current Executive Director, Nicole Burnett celebrated 19 years of service in October. She states that working at GAH is a calling not a job. She enjoys providing care for the community and meeting a need that has allowed her to meet so many wonderful people.
GAH continues to operate with a volunteer Board of Directors. Currently, the Board of Directors is comprised of 8 members. These members are men and women from Lockhart, Luling and Seguin. This diverse group remains 90% from the Methodist churches. Our generous board members continually provide time, expertise, advice, and available donations to further our mission. There is room for you to serve on this board. If you have a passion for the elderly, there’s a place for you at Golden Age Home.
Room rates and care levels vary as well as the services offered at GAH but the care of their residents does not vary. Every resident is cared for and loved as if they were true family not just another person living at GAH.
GAH can’t thank you enough for being part of their family. Whether you have supported their mission financially, by volunteering, have been a team member, or whether your loved one has called Golden Age their home – to GAH, you are all family.
GAH will host a “Golden Gala” on February 28 to celebrate their milestone of caring for the community for 65 years. If you have stories or pictures to share, please contact Nicole Burnett at nburnett@goldenagehome.com. Visit www.goldenagehome.com for more information and to purchase tickets to this celebratory event.
