At Symphony at Mentor, hitting the 100-year mark is a piece of cake
By Mary Malik
At age 105, Walter Repak, a resident of Symphony at Mentor memory care community, knows something about what it takes to get there.
“Walter and his wife, Janine, have lived at Symphony at Mentor for over three years,” says director of sales and marketing Jeanne Onuska. “Being here has allowed them to relax and enjoy life again.”
Born in Poland, Walter was a prisoner of war for five years before being released in 1940. He moved to the United States, met Janine, and settled in Tennessee.
“Walter and Janine spend their days together reading and gardening out on the patio,” says Jeanne. “They enjoy traditional Polish foods and have dinner together every night in their apartment at their dining table. They are still sharing their lives as a married couple and celebrating milestones.”
And turning 105, as Walter did on April 1, is a milestone he, Janine and the staff celebrated with a party.
“Walter was beaming,” says Jeanne. “Even while minding the Covid-19 regulations, we celebrated with Walter and Janine. It was perfect.”
Walter is not the only resident to reach the centenarian milestone and beyond at Symphony at Mentor. One resident is 100 and another 103. So, what is it about life here that has residents thriving?
“We are a true aging in place community where residents remain here, safe and cared for, until end of life,” says Jeanne. “The specialty training of our staff, those interactions and the activities here keep residents engaged 24/7. We take the worry and stress away and offer them a better quality of life.”
Jeanne says the unique layout of Symphony at Mentor offers residents the ability to wander freely throughout their individual “neighborhood” and even outdoors, providing a more home-like atmosphere.
“This is their home,” says Jeanne. “Our residents feel that comfort and we are keeping them safe and secure for as long as they are with us.”
Symphony at Mentor is located at 8155 Mentor Hills Dr., in Mentor. Call 440-290-4140 for more information, or check them out on Facebook.