At The Belvedere By Heritage Retirement Communities, residents’ needs are met wherever their journey requires with a hefty dose of care and support

By Patricia Nugent

Older adults looking for a place to call home, where their physical and emotional needs are well cared for, will find a warm welcome at The Belvedere By Heritage Retirement Communities in Westlake.

Tucked back into a lush, wooded landscape on bustling Detroit Road, the Tudor-style brick buildings and surrounding courtyards are surprisingly quiet and serene. The secluded community includes 33 beautifully appointed apartments, with studio and one-bedroom units, and allows aging in place, with independent, assisted and memory care.

“As a smaller and more personal community than most, everyone here feels like family,” says Regional Director of Marketing Danielle Ridgeway, who notes the community is under new management and has recently undergone a renovation. “Being locally owned and operated makes a big difference in the overall experience we provide here. When a new resident joins us, everyone from the other community members to the staff members starts planning ways to welcome them and get them plugged into our variety of activities. We all get genuinely excited.”

Dine and Gather
Residents enjoy kitchenettes in their apartments as well as three meals a day.

“Our folks rave about the food choices, such as hot breakfasts and comfort meals like meatloaf and mashed potatoes,” she says. “They can call down and order whatever they have a taste for and savor it with others in the dining room or have it delivered to their apartment.”

In addition to the scrumptious meals, the community loves to gather. Happy hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

“Bingo and daily exercise classes are resident favorites,” she says. “With our new van, we’re starting to take day trips to local destinations. Our residents are just like family—we ask for their input on everything, so we can cater activities and trip-planning to their preferences. For instance, we have a resident who is an author who runs a poetry circle.”

One-on-One Memory Care
“I feel that our Memory Care is unique,” says Danielle. “There are only 10 apartments there, and the residents enjoy a slower pace of activities than the rest of the community. They have their own secure courtyard that doesn’t feel like it’s closed in. One-on-one care makes the routines more comfortable and not overstimulating. Our staff is trained and certified to care for dementia patients and is uniquely qualified to help them on their journey.”

No matter what the level of care, Danielle says they cater to the needs of each resident, offering everything from medication administration to showers. They also partner with a local hospice and provide on-site physical and occupational therapy.

“When someone moves in, we do a thorough screening to get an idea of their unique needs,” she says. “The apartments have their own washers and dryers, which is nice, but our staff can do the residents’ laundry for them as well.”

When it comes to security, residents wear pendants with fall detection and can count on 24-hour caregivers and 12-hour nurses.

In the end, Danielle explains that the family-like atmosphere is what sets The Belvedere apart the most.

“Studies show time and time again that having a sense of belonging is connected to how well a person thrives throughout their life,” she says. “Feeling you have a sense of community and purpose lessens stress and illness. This is where we shine.”

The Belvedere By Heritage Retirement Communities is located at 29591 Detroit Road, in Westlake. Furnished apartments are available. Visit BelvedereByHRC.com for more information or call to schedule a tour at 440-835-4000.