Vista Springs Ravinia is there to help people joyfully transition to their new beginning
By Patricia Nugent
On Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, which traditionally predicts an early spring for all of us hibernating in the Midwest.
For the community members at Vista Springs Ravinia, this doesn’t signal a change, as they’ve been active all winter long.
“With our programming and life engagement efforts, our members enjoy daily exercise and parties, such as for the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras,” says Beth Shotwell Bowman, who is director of business development. “They also enjoy a host of field trips that showcase the best of the season. For instance, this month there’s a tour of the Harry London Chocolate Factory.”
In the handful of months it has been open, Vista Springs has earned a reputation for providing a top-tier, resort-like experience for area seniors. The luxurious facility turns the standard model of senior care upside-down with a holistic approach that emphasizes making the most of these years.
Nestled back on 15 wooded acres in Independence, the building includes 94 spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites—including 24 units in the Rediscovery Neighborhood for memory care. Five-diamond amenities, such as three spas, a theater, fitness center, bistro and state-of-the-art exhibition kitchen, encourage folks to engage in life to the fullest.
Providing Unprecedented Support
At 69, Sheldon S. is one of the youngest members of the Vista Springs community, and also one of its newest, having moved in two months ago.
This former university professor suffers from multiple sclerosis and is confined to a wheelchair.
“My husband is a sociable person and enjoys sharing dialogue with friends,” says his wife Elizabeth, who visits him daily. “We toured many places and we chose Vista Springs Ravinia because of the people there, from management to the other community members. Everyone is so incredibly warm and caring and makes an individual connection with each person.”
She mentioned that before coming here, Sheldon was in a skilled care setting. Since their children are grown and live far away, she would just have a drive-thru dinner each night after visiting.
“But at Vista Springs, I’m able to purchase, for a nominal charge, a wonderful chef-prepared meal and share it with Sheldon,” she says. “It’s just one of the little things they offer to make family feel welcome.”
She says that although finding this level of care for your loved one is a difficult reality, Beth and managing partner Sheila James went out of their way to make the transition run smoothly.
‘They provided unprecedented support in helping our family through this,” says Elizabeth. “We had not only one guided tour with Beth, but we returned five times before making the decision in an effort to ensure that this facility would provide the care Sheldon required in an environment that encourages optimism, health and happiness.”
She says that the planned activities also enhance his overall quality of life.
“Transportation is provided to field trips and medical appointments in a wheelchair-accessible van,” she says. “Exercise sessions and other daily activities keep residents busy, socially involved and mentally alert.”
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.