Here’s how Symphony at Olmsted Falls supports its residents and people in the community
By Patricia Nugent
In their year-long quest to achieve 2,022 collective acts of goodness through its 2022 Grateful Give Back program, the staff and residents at Symphony at Olmsted Falls have celebrated different groups, from animals to staff workers, children, caregivers, friends, first responders, veterans, families and local charities.
“From the smallest thank you to the grandest gesture, we have asked our residents and their families, as well as anyone in the community, to take part in these fun monthly activities and share their gracious acts on our Facebook and Instagram pages with #GratefulGiveBack,” says Executive Director Chrissy Grude.
This month, the focus is on teachers.
“As educators head back to the classroom, we’re showing our gratitude by sharing personal stories of those who made a difference in our lives and supporting their essential work with a ‘Grands for Great Schools’ Supply Drive,” she says.
For the record, according to the ticker on the Symphony website, the number of good deeds achieved so far this year is 1,773. Why not help fill the world with gratitude, pay it forward and join their movement to inch that number up to 2,022?
Meet Rose Beck
When her husband passed away in 2014, Rose was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Her stepchildren respected that she wanted to live in her home as long as possible. They did their due diligence and hired caregivers, friends and families to take shifts caring for her. But when she fell in 2020 and broke her wrist, they knew it was time.
Luckily, seeing this as an eventuality, her family had already toured a few places and had one picked out that would be a nice fit: Symphony at Olmsted Falls.
“We knew right away this was the place,” says stepson Marc. “The staff was so kind. They seemed tuned in to the residents. My stepmom was always a loner, not super social, but we feel she’s made friends here and become more socially engaged, which is nice.”
He says the level of care is as efficient as it is friendly.
“She fell and broke her hip two years ago and the staff was amazing at helping her rehabilitate,” he adds. “She gets around fine now, doesn’t need a walker and barely has a limp.”
On the financial end, he also says the staff has been helpful to him and the family with financial billing and working with the insurance companies.
As someone who has been through the care and transition journey, Marc’s advice for people is to do your research and tour several places before the need is imminent, so you can make a more informed decision when the time comes.
Take a Break with Respite Care
Chrissy says that Rose stayed at Symphony for a few days here and there in temporary respite care. It was a nice way to transition and get comfortable with the atmosphere and staff.
“Over the years, many of our residents started out here in respite care,” she says. “There’s nothing like spending a few weeks, joining other residents during meals and activities and getting to know our staff to get a good feel for us. If your loved one is already comfortable with the environment, it makes the ultimate transition that much easier.”
Come in and Stay Awhile
From the rocking chairs on the wraparound porch to the tree-lined street it’s nestled on steps from historic downtown Olmsted Falls, the feeling at Symphony says, “come in and stay awhile.”
Residents live in 44 spacious and beautifully appointed studio apartments. A host of amenities includes physical therapy, beauticians, rehab services, therapy dogs and cooking demonstrations. Hospice is also available.
Chrissy says that especially in the fall, residents like to get out and go on trips to local spots to enjoy the season.
Welcome New Staff
Symphony at Olmsted Falls Executive Director Chrissy Grude reports they’ve recently hired several key staff members.
Char Rebman is the new director of sales and marketing. She has spent the past 17 years working in senior health care following a long career in telecommunications.
“I’m thrilled to work here, serving seniors,” says Char. “The atmosphere is so lovely and peaceful, set back in a countryside setting.”
With a husband, son, daughter-in-law and two grandsons, she has a busy social life. A self-described “water person,” she loves living on Lake Erie, as well as honing her golf game.
Char is the person who gives tours and helps families through the transition of moving a loved one here. She also manages all the marketing at Symphony.
Amanda Moran, LPN, is the new director of health and wellness. This certified dementia practitioner and nurse says that since she began her nursing career working here years ago as a floor nurse, it “feels surreal” to return now.
“It’s like I’ve come full circle,” says Amanda. “Working here was one of the best experiences I’ve had and coming back in a management position is wonderful. This place has touched my heart. This is my passion.”
She plans to focus on helping residents and families understand what they’re going through to have the best level of customized care.
In addition to managing the caregiving staff, she will oversee the clinical department and collaborate with families and outside medical providers.
“The most important aspect to my job is making certain the residents are healthy, happy and thriving,” adds Amanda, who is married with a 19-year-old daughter who is a freshman at Kent State University.
According to Chrissy, “These ladies are an excellent fit with our approach here. They’re both bright and engaging and we look forward to them growing our team.”
Symphony at Olmsted Falls is located at 25880 Elm Street in Olmsted Falls. Call to schedule a tour. For more information, call 440-235-2750, or visit SymphonyatOlmstedFalls.com.