At Salida Woods Assisted Living, staff members make it their mission to simply be there for residents who need them

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Residents at Salida Woods­ live in their own one-bedroom apartments, complete with kitchenettes, and brought furniture and decor from their homes. (Photography: Benjamin Margalit)

By Mary Malik

Fall in Northeast Ohio is a season of change. And with change comes opportunity. The team at Salida Woods Assisted Living in Mentor understands that change can be difficult, especially when it involves leaving your home for a new one. Residents of Salida Woods are thriving in their new home, embracing change and the new opportunities that come along with it.

“I had lived at other communities and there was always something that wasn’t right,” says Cindy Wellington. “Here, I found what was missing. I’m home.”

Cindy’s apartment at Salida Woods is more than her home, it’s also her art studio. As an accomplished artist for most of her life, Cindy continues to find new inspiration and produces artwork every day.

“I need to keep my mind or my hands busy and with my art I do both,” says Cindy. “I always have a project going and I’ve been able to continue to do what I love.”

Residents live in their own deluxe studio or one-bedroom apartment homes, complete with kitchenette and private bath, and are encouraged to bring furniture and decor from their homes.

“We here at Salida Woods like to think of it as helping older adults take care of themselves and have no intention of taking over your life,” says Linda Uhas, Senior Living Counselor. “Our residents live by their own clock, not ours. Our goal is to be here when you need us.”

Residents live in their own deluxe studio or one-bedroom apartment homes, complete with kitchenette and private bath, and are encouraged to bring furniture and decor from their homes. Even pets are welcome.

“I had a fall six years ago and was in a position where I couldn’t be on my own anymore,” says Ruth Letanosky. “My husband had been a resident of Salida Woods and I already knew how wonderful they were here, so it was an easy decision.”

Ruth particularly likes the beauty of Salida Woods, both inside and out.

“The grounds are beautiful and the inside decor is so appealing,” says Ruth. “It feels like home.”

And that like-home feeling for Ruth extends to the staff of Salida Woods as well.

“They become your extended family,” says Ruth. “And the residents, too. We have a group that we call the lunch bunch. It’s nice to just walk out your door and meet with friends. I was missing that.”

Salida Woods’s unique design, coupled with its trained and qualified staff, makes it easier for the memory care residents to locate their apartment homes, and other areas within the community.

“We are a community with people of different needs at different times, and we meet those needs as respectfully as possible,” says Linda. “‘Aging in place’ isn’t just a phrase here. Our residents don’t typically need to change their apartment home if they experience declining health or memory issues. We bring the care to them.”

Salida Woods’ stately entrance

Salida Woods has just about everything residents need right within the building.

“There is an on-site beauty salon, and the option to see physicians who come to the community,” says Ruth. “And if we need to go out, they take us wherever we need to go.”

“When people start having difficulties, it’s important to think about making this move,” says Ruth. “It relieves the stress for everyone involved, and it’s nice to just relax. I enjoy the holiday parties and other special events. There’s always something to look forward to.”

Salida Woods is located at 7685 Lake Shore Blvd. in Mentor. For more information or to schedule a personal visit, call 440-257-3866 or check the website LifeServicesAssistedLiving.com.