About Us

The Roanoke United Methodist Home is proud to be accredited by the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission (CCAC) as well as the Educational Assessment Leading toward Excellence (EAGLE). EAGLE is an accreditation from the United Methodist Association of Health and Welfare ministries. In addition, we are honored to have a number of successful outcomes for our Department of Health Surveys including zero deficiencies on our health care unit and the maximum licensure extension for our Assisted Living units.

Our History

The Roanoke United Methodist Home has a long and rich history in the community. In 1916, James Cassell, a railroad superintendent with N & W Railroad, constructed a Georgian style mansion on 53 acres adjoining the Roanoke Country Club golf course. The home, called Casselwold, meaning a home in the woods, was designed by the local architectural firm of Frye and Chesterman. It featured 11 rooms, four baths, a powder room on the first floor, four rooms for housekeeping staff, an impressive entrance way, reception hall, sun porch and library as well as many closets, storage areas, a kitchen, a butler’s pantry, wine cellar, three car garage and a three horse stable. The Cassell family lived in the home until 1921 when they sold the home to Elmore D. Heins, a well known businessman in Roanoke. Mr. Heins and his family lived in the home until the 1960’s. Mr. Heins then sold off lots and developed the area known as Grove Park. He retained ten acres on which the original house still sits. After Mr. Heins’ death, his widow sold the home to the Roanoke District of the United Methodist Church in March of 1964 for $110,000. It was immediately renovated and furnished at a cost of $50,000. The Roanoke Methodist Home opened as a retirement home with accommodations for 6 people in November of the same year. In 1965, The Roanoke Methodist Home entered into the Virginia United Methodist Homes, Inc. system. Ground was broken in March 1965 for a new three-floor addition to Casselwold, a million dollar project. It opened for occupancy in September 1966. Ten apartments were constructed in 1971 and 12 more were added in 1979. The Ring house, a Tudor-style mansion, was purchased in 1979 and made into four one-bedroom apartments. RUMH underwent an extensive renovation in 1995. RUMH is now a continuing care retirement community offering Independent Living apartments, multiple levels of Assisted Living, and Health Care services. The main building of the Roanoke United Methodist Home, once a private residence, now houses the administrative offices.