Providing meaningful care in a beautiful setting at Mapleview Country Villa
By Patricia Nugent
A delightful springtime cookout with residents and staff is the perfect metaphor for the care delivered across all departments at Mapleview Country Villa in Chardon.
“Our activities uplift residents, as well as the quality therapy and care from the nursing staff, which all address the needs people have,” says Executive Director Rachell Miterko. “It all flows together.”
National Nursing Home Week is Sunday, May 14, through Saturday, May 20.
She reports this would be a wonderful week for anyone to visit the Villa, as they’ll be planning numerous activities, daily themes and celebrations of the culture they’ve cultivated.
“While a person stays with us, we provide individualized care to help them live their best lives, offering different activities such as daily exercise groups and the gardening club,” says Rachell. “I take my meals with the residents and get to know them individually. Whether rehabilitation, skilled nursing care or memory care is required, our goal is to prepare each person to return home as quickly and safely as possible. Our culture starts at the top. We work together to look at the whole person in each resident. It takes a village to run an operation like this successfully.”
Together, therapists and residents work on the goals set for each person. Physical, occupational and speech therapists all monitor patients to make sure they are progressing toward their goals. Along with post-operative therapy, therapists also work on recovery from fractures, respiratory conditions, strokes and complex wounds. All residents also have access to on-site services including dentistry, audiology, podiatry, optometry, psychology and psychiatry.
Therapy Center Hub
A true marvel, the 3,000-square-foot therapy center features a simulation bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and laundry room, as well as adaptive equipment for strength training.
“Every part of day-to-day living is covered, such as how the resident will wake up each morning and get ready for the day, make their breakfast, cook their meals, etc.,” she says. “And a dedicated speech therapist works with each resident to make sure they are on the road to recovery.”
De-Lish Dining Options
With a full-time dietician and diet technician on staff, menus are prepared with flavorful preferences and nutrient-packed dishes in mind.
“Our residents have input on the menu, and we love it when they choose traditional favorites they grew up with, like pasta dinners on Sundays (Veggie Lasagna is always a hit),” says Rachell. “Nothing feels more like home than a meal that you love and look forward to.”
As part of their person-centered care, if supplements are required, they go the extra mile and prepare supplement-infused gelatos that taste yummy.
Rooms with a View
Surrounding a sunny courtyard, the spacious 100 private suites are well equipped with private bathrooms and luxurious amenities. Each sports a panoramic view of the wooded grounds or courtyard. Seventeen of the 100 suites are devoted to the secure memory care unit, where specialized dementia care practitioners plan the daily activities.
At once homey and welcoming, the reception area at the Villa speaks “come in and stay awhile,” with its rustic, earth-toned stone walls and a roaring fireplace. There is a library and computer room, as many of the residents are younger, and a beautiful private dining room if people want their own special space, as well as a salon, round out the amenities.
“One of the nicest perks is that families really enjoy visiting their loved ones,” says Rachell. “This place feels like home. We find that people have better outcomes with the support of and connection to their families.”
Lastly, she says that although people often misconceive the latter part of your life as not being the best part of your life, the work they do is all about enrichment and fulfillment.
Welcome New Staff
Mapleview Country Villa is always on the lookout for team members whose values fit with their patient-centric level of care.
The new Executive Director Rachell Miterko and Director of Admissions and Marketing Misty Bowdle are both excited to be part of the Mapleview team.
Before being named ED, Rachell served as a department head within each of her former facility’s units. Her entire family is in health care, nurses and soon-to-be doctors, so when it came time for college, Rachell opted for the administrative side of the field, graduating from Kent State University’s NHA Nursing Home Administrator program. She’s still on the advisory board there and speaks at several classes.
Misty has been a certified medical assistant for more than 20 years, working as a clinical coordinator at a medical group.
“We have a fantastic team here,” says Rachell. “The nursing department and staff go above and beyond the call of duty every day. Everyone has made us feel like family.”
Mapleview Country Villa is located at 775 South Street in Chardon. The facility won a Best Nursing Home award based on surveys from residents, families and staff, from U.S. News and World Report. Schedule a tour anytime during visiting hours, which are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Respite stays are also available. For more information call 440-286-8176 or visit, LHSHealth.com.