A previous version of this story incorrectly stated Fern Gelvin's name was Fern Green. The Record regrets the error. 

As the cost of independent and assisted living facilities continue to rise, 55 and older communities like the Lakeview Estates Mobile Home Community have been growing in popularity. 

According to Senior Living, the average monthly cost for an independent living facility in the United States can be as high as $3,065 a month, which can be cost prohibitive for many seniors relying on pensions and social security for their income. 

Communities like Lakeview can provide many of the same amenities and services at a fraction of the cost. Residents at Lakeview in particular feel they have found a sense of community they would not have found otherwise. 

“What this does for people at that age, or people that are already retired, or that are looking to retire in the near future, they’re still able to own their own home,” said Property Manager Jenny Wood. “And that’s very important to everyone these days, especially when you’re getting older. You don’t want to give up that independence.”

Woods said the development was originally constructed in 1968 as a place for summer vacation homes, and as it developed over the years, it evolved into the 55+ community it is today. 

Longtime residents Fern Gelvin and Ken Shields have been architects of that community, and feel what they have cultivated there is difficult to find anywhere else. 

Gelvin has been a resident in Lakeview since 1991 when her sister-in-law convinced her to move into the area. Shields moved in shortly after in 1999. 

He originally planned to move to Salem to pursue his love of trout fishing in his retirement, but his late wife convinced him to stay closer to their grandchildren. 

“I’m the head of the household and the wife’s the neck, whichever way the neck turns the head turns,” joked Shields. “I learned that 63 years ago.”

Shields has been heavily involved with the men’s club in the community and participates in events like fishing tournaments and annual celebrations like a St. Patrick’s Day party. 

Gelvin, who recently turned 100, is also a known face in the community and said her kids feel safe in the knowledge she has neighbors that can check up on her. 

“Ever since I’ve come here, I’ve liked it, I’ve liked the people and people seem to enjoy being with me,” said Gelvin. 

This was especially true when part of her home was destroyed by flooding when rain interrupted repairs to her roof. 

“I was laying in bed on my left hand side, and when I woke up, I turned over into water,” said Gelvin. “So I called my neighbor down here and she said ‘oh Fern, we’ve got to get you out of here.’ ”

While the damage was significant, thanks to some help from her children, the community and even one of her doctors, Gelvin was able to rebuild and continues to live where she feels at home. 

“We look out for each other, that’s exactly the truth,” said Shields. 

While some of the community events they had grown to love had dwindled in recent years, the pair commended Wood for her efforts. 

“You’ve got to give (Wood) credit,” said Shields. “She gets tired of it, I’m a broken record, I’ve been in management for 45 years and I try to go and help her and the rest of the residents.”

Wood also added, since they have been under new ownership with Oak Wood Properties, they hope to revive many of those events that have fallen by the wayside. 

As time goes on Gelvin will continue to reassemble her home and Shields is excited to help cook the corned beef and cabbage for their upcoming St. Patrick’s Day celebration, and neither have any intention of moving. 

“The community itself, the people itself, they come out here and retire, and they find themselves a home,” said Shields.