A stark contrast to the large assisted living facilities popping up all over town, A Place to Call Home Elderly Care truly feels like a home

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A Place to Call Home Elderly Care offers a family atmosphere, which makes this place so special. There are no set hours to wake up or go to bed and residents spend their days doing what they like, such as playing the piano, doing puzzles, gardening outside and helping around the house so they feel useful. (Photography: Benjamin Margalit)

By Laura Briedis

After Joyce, an 81-year-old Brooklyn resident, fell and injured her hip and eventually was released from a rehab center, she moved into A Place to Call Home Elderly Care to help transition getting ready to go back home. Now, more than a year later, she is still living there—by choice.

“I was not planning on moving in permanently, but once here I liked spending time with the other friendly residents and getting help from the caregivers when needed,” she says. “I love the company and, for me, it is better than living alone.”

“I enjoy baking cookies, brownies and cherry pie in the kitchen,” she adds with a broad smile. “I also like to help plant flowers around the house and sit outside on the veranda, enjoy the fresh air and spot wildlife like Mallard ducks.”

A stark contrast to the large assisted living facilities popping up all over town, A Place to Call Home Elderly Care truly feels like a home. Located on a residential street in Strongsville, peeking out among tall evergreens and a lush landscaped yard, this lovely brick ranch is flanked by neighboring homes creating a homey feel.

“A lot of residents come here originally to rehab for couple of months to get stronger before they go home—and oftentimes they choose to stay here,” says owner Melanie Phillips, who opened this state-licensed residential group home.

Melanie Phillips (left), owner of A Place to Call Home, a state-licensed residential group home, is pictured here with a resident.


“We provide the ideal setting for residents to continue rehab because it helps with the challenges of going home. Here they can help cook in the kitchen, assist with laundry and re-acclimate to other activities they do at home. Plus, we can bring in skilled nursing, visiting physicians and physical therapists, and we have a dedicated staff available all hours of the day and night providing a safe and secure environment.”

With a capacity for up to six residents, there are two private bedrooms and two shared bedrooms, along with three full baths and one half bath equipped with a wheelchair-accessible shower. The residents spend most of the day in the family room, which has a TV surrounded by comfy recliner chairs and a wall of windows overlooking the backyard.

Just like in any home, the kitchen is the hub where everyone gathers and home-cooked meals are prepared throughout the day. The residents help pick out the menu, which includes such favorites as stuffed cabbage and beef stroganoff.

“Our residents become part of our family and get individualized care that you cannot find in a big assisted living facility,” says Melanie.

It is this family atmosphere that makes this place so special. There are no set hours to wake up or go to bed and residents spend their days doing what they like, such as playing the piano, doing puzzles, gardening outside and helping around the house so they feel useful.

“We are always adding new activities,” says Melanie. “The residents enjoy books, so we started playing books on tape and having tea time during the week. And on the weekends, the ladies get manicures and facials because I believe if you look good you feel good.”

“Our staff is the heart and soul of our home,” adds Melanie, noting they all have 10-plus years experience. “Our caregivers cook three nutritious home-cooked meals each day; assist with bathing, dressing, toileting, ambulating and eating; and provide laundry service.”

“Because there are only six residents, the same caregivers are taking care of them every day so the residents feel comfortable and familiar with the staff,” adds Melanie. “I encourage people to stop in for a visit to see our home firsthand because it is so different from other assisted living communities.”

To set up a tour of A Place to Call Home Elderly Care in Strongsville, call Melanie at 440-488-4774.

Categories: Westside Smart Living