Here's why seniors at Ohio Living Breckenridge love living there
By Patricia Nugent
As a distinctive life plan community in the heart of Willoughby, Ohio Living Breckenridge Village provides the opportunity for retirees to choose housing that fits their lifestyle and the freedom to live their lives how they choose.
Situated on 32 acres of rolling, wooded parkland, with scenic views and meandering walking paths, options range from active retirement living in two- and three-bedroom ranch homes, condos and apartments; to assisted living; short-term rehabilitation; and long-term care.
Customized on-site amenities allow the opportunity for physical, mental and spiritual growth, along with the security of knowing quality care and services are close at hand.
“We take away all the work traditional home ownership represents (no lawn care, no snow shoveling) and cater to people’s passions and hobbies, offering social opportunities and amenities for staying active,” says Director of Business Development Rachel M. Terzak. “As a non-profit organization, our resources go back into spaces and amenities for our residents and employees.”
At the Veale Wellness & Aquatic Center, people can take a dip in the expansive pool, work out in the fitness center with cardio and strength training machines, and take group classes in everything from yoga to Zumba. Professional clinicians also offer one-on-one sessions with a variety of innovative treatment options to help people achieve the best possible outcomes.
Transportation is included as well to places such as shows downtown and field trips.
Living Options Abound
OLBV fits nicely within every budget level, from government-subsidized apartments in the Shafer-Schweitzer House to condo-like brownstone homes with open floorplans to 2,000-square-foot three-bedroom ranch homes with customizable floorplans that include fireplaces, skylights and sunrooms.
Within the different living styles, there are numerous options.
“Many of our single-story ranch home floorplans have been modified extensively by our residents to reflect their personal lifestyles,” she says. Features include appliances, laundry room with utility tub, 9-foot ceilings, crown molding, spacious closets and one- to two-car garages.
One reasonable monthly fee includes lawn care, trash and snow removal, security system, property tax, insurance, sewer and water, as well as wellness clinics and life enrichment opportunities.
The single-story Brownstones at North Ridge and Grace Woods are fully equipped with open kitchens, sunrooms, patios or balconies, optional fireplaces and plenty of storage.
Brownstones also come with heated, underground parking, which is a big plus for most residents. Additional amenities include a pub, community room, library and pond surrounded by walking paths.
“Our residents like to entertain their families who are visiting, and we have plenty of special spaces for them to do that,” says Rachel.
Assisted care is available at the Skyview Studios at the Nason Center for those who need help with bathing, dressing and medication reminders. And special Garden Level Studios are outfitted for those with memory loss. Their secure, home-like atmosphere is designed to lessen anxiety and lessen confusion.
“The goal for our caregivers is to keep residents as independent as possible, meeting their unique needs,” says Rachel.
Providing a Continuum of Care
“We pride ourselves on services that meet the needs of adults who wish to age safely and comfortably in a place they call home,” says Rachel. “We have on-site doctors and a full spectrum of medical practitioners and social workers, as well as short-term rehab and long-term care and assisted living with a memory program. We offer team-based care for residents who might be experiencing a physical or mental deficit, all working in concert to identify and meet their unique needs.”
OLBV’s legacy of ever evolving continues on. Next month look for the grand opening of its new bistro and pub in the main building on Ridge Road.
“The space will provide a casual dining and cocktails destination for our residents, with seating for up to 300 people,” says Rachel. “It will also feature a state-of-the-art exhibition kitchen for culinary demonstrations and classes.”
What’s Cooking with Chef Ryan
The man behind the masterful meal planning is Chef Ryan Wagner, director of culinary and nutritional services for independent living at Ohio Living Breckenridge Village.
Chef Ryan favors all-American classics such as prime rib and filet mignon, along with seasonal specials including the fresh catch of the day.
“We are able to meet the growing needs of our residents and accommodate them with dishes signified as heart-healthy, gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan,” he says.
For the past 14 years, he has overseen four kitchens with 100-plus staff members.
He has won a slew of culinary awards, including first place in the Senior Dining Association competition in 2019. A graduate of Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts, he also enjoys exploring his creative side with pumpkin carving and ice sculptures.
Christian-affiliated Ohio Living Breckenridge Village is located at 36851 Ridge Road in Willoughby. Call 440-954-8359 or visit OhioLiving.org for more information. Accommodations within the village are pet friendly. All residents receive an emergency alert pendant.
COVID-19 UPDATE
Oftentimes the best defense is a strong offense.
Ohio Living Breckenridge went on the offensive as soon as Covid-19 hit.
“We think of our campus as a little city,” says Rachel Terzak, director of business development. “And now we are a city in a bubble.”
She’s referring to the immediate emergency measures they took when the pandemic hit, closing all entrances but one, on Ridge Road, and putting in place a 24/7 security team to take the temperature of every essential caregiver or employee who comes through the gate. They also ask them if they are experiencing any symptoms related to the virus. If they are, they’re turned away.
“We proactively educate all of our residents, including the 500-plus in independent living, so they can make the best choices to stay at home,” says Rachel. “Our food pantries have been fully stocked, so there is no need to go off-campus. And we started hand-delivering meals to residents while gloved and masked.”
The premises are constantly sanitized with a new Total 360 unit, which kills organisms and viruses including the coronavirus on contact. It allows staff to sanitize large areas in a short amount of time.
And going the extra mile is working. To date, of their nearly 800 residents, only one has tested positive for the virus. He was immediately transferred to Lake Health hospital, and, along with his wife and any staff that came in contact with him, was put under quarantine.
“We’re doing our best to help residents stay positive through this,” she says. “We have two in-house television stations with daily updates on the virus, as well as exercise videos, meditation and classic movies. Several area groups, such as Irish step dancers, a local high school choir and a bagpiper, have come to perform just outside the building, so residents could enjoy them from their windows.”