The team at Generations Senior Living is prepped and ready for a fresh season of fun for residents and staff this summer

By Patricia Nugent

The residents and staff at Generations Senior Living, with locations in Berea and Strongsville, are opening their doors to spring, celebrating new staff and a re-energized calendar of activities, launching a new culinary program, and for those who are not residents yet, introducing a VIP membership program.

“If I had one word to describe our activities, it would be thriving,” says Danielle Shaffstall, who is the new public relations coordinator for both communities. “We’ve overcome the pandemic and are happy to be back in full social mode. Our residents are living life to the fullest. Now that the weather is gorgeous, we’re looking to all the outdoor opportunities, whether at our beautiful patios and green spaces or on field trips.”

During the month of May alone, the days are filled with exercise classes, crafts, games, church and spiritual services, pet therapy, movie showings, birthday parties, card clubs, happy hours with entertainers, plus outings such as bus rides, shopping trips and an excursion to Amish Country, just to name a few.

In addition to Danielle, who is bringing fresh energy to the staff, other members include Anne Murphy, community relations director of Berea; Kayla Luhan, recently promoted to community relations director of Strongsville; Nicole Willis, executive director of Berea; and Maureen Rizzo, executive director of Strongsville.

Generations Taking Care of Generations
The new culinary program—Generations Family Recipes—is being run by Chef Fred, who is dining services director and a trained chef.

“It occurred to us what a constant food is in our lives,” says Danielle. “People love the food here. We decided to involve our residents by selecting one and having them gather with their family and write down on a recipe card their favorite family dish growing up.”

Then the family is invited to cook that dish and the staff prepares a private dining experience for them, and then makes the dish to serve all the residents. Each of the recipe cards goes into a cookbook and the family receives aprons as mementos.

“We want people to reconnect with cherished family members through the process,” says Danielle, whose 98-year-old grandmother lives at the Strongsville community.

Be a New VIP Member
“For many local people, exploring senior care options can be complex and time-consuming,” says Danielle. “There are so many factors to consider. We came up with the concept of starting a VIP Member program for local seniors who are not residents to join that includes exclusive privileges and is an engaging way for them to see what we are all about.”

A VIP Membership includes:

• Quarterly lunches for two at either the Strongsville or Berea community.
• Advanced invitations to activities and events.
• In-house movies, fitness programs, concerts, dinner programs and happy hours.
• Life enrichment series.
• Access to blood pressure screenings and health assessments.
• A family dinner for up to four guests in private dining (reservation required).
• Access to “Refer a Friend Program.”
• Two complimentary Generations Senior Living T-shirts.

“Being able to interact with current residents and get a taste (literally) for all that we have to offer gives seniors a nice head start for when they are beginning to evaluate lifestyle and amenities that are important to them,” says Danielle.

Generations Senior Living Communities are located at 18960 Falling Water Road in Strongsville; and 4 Berea Commons, in downtown Berea. Short-term and respite care are also available. Small pets are welcome. For more information or to join the VIP Program at Berea, call 440-243-9050 or email Anne at anne@generationshcm.com; in Strongsville, call 440-238-3600 or email Kayla at kluhan@generationshcm.com. Visit GenerationsHCM.com or check out their Facebook page for more information.