A haven for seniors longing for independence and a home-like environment, Chippewa Place delivers
By Patricia Nugent
Just steps from historic downtown Brecksville, Chippewa Place offers a haven for seniors, with independent, home-like apartments and a host of engaging amenities.
Built in 1986, the red-brick Colonial-style building features 100 rentable full-size one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments over four floors. It’s tucked into a ravine behind the square overlooking the Metroparks, close enough to Chippewa Creek that you can hear the rushing waters through an open window.
If there is a cheerful sense of community here, much of it can be attributed to Facility Director Ellen Nicholson and her warm and caring staff, who know each resident’s name and story. In fact, she visited the apartments the week before Christmas delivering fruit baskets and cheer to all.
“Our facility offers a balanced blend of independence, security and freedom with health and supportive services,” she says.
This Place is Hopping
Activities abound to foster an active and plugged-in lifestyle, with weekly exercise from chair yoga and tai chi to Wii bowling, weekly bingo and musical entertainment.
Ellen notes that they offer transportation to take the residents on shopping trips and field trips to Northeast Ohio areas of interest, such as the Rocksino and Amish Country, as well as doctor visits.
“We also bring in a host of interesting guest speakers for luncheons and special events,” says Ellen, who has overseen the family-owned facility for the past 13 years. “Each month we hire musical entertainment to celebrate our Birthday Bash for all the residents’ big days that month.”
“Many of our folks with green thumbs like to spend time in our adjacent climate-controlled greenhouse as well, growing plants, herbs and vegetables,” she says. “And we’re thrilled and proud to have won the annual award from the Brecksville Beautification Committee for our garden entranceway. Our residents enjoy relaxing in comfy chairs around the lush landscaping.”
A continental breakfast is enjoyed on weekdays with dinner served in the elegant dining room seven days a week, all included in the monthly rent.
“The health of our folks is very important to us, and along with a choice of two entrees each night, there’s a salad bar and sugar-free dessert options,” says Ellen.
And for added convenience, housekeeping is once a week, and there’s a full complimentary laundry facility.
For residents’ spiritual needs, the beautiful chapel on the fourth floor plays host to several different churches in the area.
Aging in Place
One of the many unique selling points at Chippewa Place is the ability for residents to age in place. The apartments include spacious walk-in showers and are wheelchair accessible.
“Someone from our staff is on call 24-hours a day, seven days a week, should a resident need assistance,” she says. “We also bring in medical practitioners such as a hearing aid specialist and a podiatrist, so our people don’t have to go out to those appointments.”
Ohio Living Home, Health & Hospice takes care of residents medical needs, with a weekly Wellness Clinic on-site. Nursing and therapy, and Home Instead Senior Care home health aides are also available.
“Right now, we have a couple of residents who are over 100, and they are thriving,” says Ellen. “And we coordinate with hospice when that need arises, too.”
“Our residents are happy here, enjoying their later years with lots of laughter,” she adds. “We go above and beyond to offer them worry-free living.”
Chippewa Place is located at 7005 Stadium Drive in Brecksville. All utilities are included in the monthly rent, which is among the most affordable in the area. Call 440-526-6060, email us at chippewaplace@yahoo.com or visit ChippewaPlace.net for more information.