For every resident, every day, it’s personal at Vista Springs Ravinia
By Patricia Nugent
Just steps inside the grand rotunda lobby of the newly opened Vista Springs Ravinia—complete with a concert player piano filling the space with Chopin, sleek marble floors, stacked stone walls, plush furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a manicured garden courtyard—you know you’re in for a top-tier experience.
The well-appointed building, which sits on 15 wooded acres in Independence, is a hybrid of luxurious, resort-like living and vibrant catered independent, assisted living and memory care.
“Our five-diamond amenities, such as three spas, a theater, fitness center, bistro and state-of-the-art exhibition kitchen, encourage our members to engage in life to the fullest,” says Sheila James, who is the senior managing partner. “Our main spa features a massage studio with a wall of salt for a healing vibe.”
The back story of Vista Springs is unlike most senior care facilities. It’s personal.
“Our founder Lou Andriotti’s mother suffered from dementia,” she explains. “After he toured places for her and was disappointed in all of them, he thought to himself that there’s got to be something better for people to choose for their loved ones. He turned the model upside-down and came up with a holistic approach to senior care that emphasizes making the most of these years.”
And the next-generation model has met with striking success. Vista Springs Ravinia is the 12th location to open.
“I’d say we are a good fit for someone who has enjoyed the best life can offer them and doesn’t want to compromise in this stage of their journey,” says Sheila. “As part of our heart-centered approach to care, we see each community member as a person with unique aptitudes, interests and abilities. We help people attain their optimum health and happiness no matter where they are in life. That includes quarterly wellness assessments and chef-prepared food that’s made from scratch.”
In addition to a jam-packed monthly schedule of classes and events, interesting field trips appeal to members. On any given day, they are hopping on the bus and heading someplace fascinating, such as plays downtown, tours of area wineries, the Rocksino and Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, just to name a few. And stay tuned for the holiday celebration, which will kick off in early December with an official Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Every Room Has a Stunning View
The 94 spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites—including 24 units in the Rediscovery Neighborhood for memory care—showcase posh interiors. Each offers a breathtaking view of the verdant grounds or courtyard, as well as loads of storage space and en suite laundry facilities.
“Within our Rediscovery Care Neighborhood, the suites include motion sensors to detect falls and light strips to help maneuverability at night,” says Director of Business Development Beth Shotwell Bowman. “Every part of the space is designed to stimulate the heart, body and mind engagement of those with dementia.”
Meet Dennis Marcuz
When 78-year-old retired art teacher and painter Dennis Marcuz was released from the hospital following an illness last year, he was not welcomed back to the senior care facility he had been living in since 2017. This left his daughter, Denise G., scrambling to find a place on short notice.
“It was a shock,” she recalls. “They said because he has a high acuity for care (he can no longer walk on his own due to multiple sclerosis) he could not come back. I started asking around and a friend recommended Vista Springs. Not only was I impressed with the new facility, but it had a very different feeling than anywhere else. Everyone has a genuine smile on their face.”
Despite his MS, Dennis likes to stay active and go places.
“I would say that since moving here a few months ago, he’s been to more places than I have, such as League Park, the Cleveland Zoo, the Cleveland History Center, Edgewater Park, the Canal Exploration Center, different spots for lunch and to a horse farm to take part in equine therapy, which he loved,” she says.
And in keeping with the personal level of engagement for which the staff is so well-known, once they noticed all of the beautiful portraits Dennis had painted that hung in his apartment, they asked if they could display some in an exhibit room near the lobby, complete with an informational placard with the artist’s photo and bio.
Denise also mentions that the friendly, lively and welcoming atmosphere make it nice to visit, which she does often, along with the rest of Dennis’ family.
“They are always putting on different events for us to enjoy, such as a recent classic car show,” she says.
Vista Springs Ravinia is located at 6046 Brecksville Road, just north of Rockside Road, in Independence. Join them for lunch or dinner and a tour. Respite care is always available and small dogs are welcome. For more information, call 440-308-6599 or visit VistaSpringsLiving.com. The Parma community, Greenbriar Village, is located at 8668 Day Drive.