Danbury Senior Living offers an atmosphere where residents can gracefully embrace the next phase of their lives

By Laura Briedis

When you pull into the newest Danbury Senior Living community in North Ridgeville, you are greeted by a whimsical dragonfly art sculpture. A pathway leads to the gigantic dome-shaped artwork where you can walk under it and take in the surroundings.

It’s quite fitting as the dragonfly symbolizes change, transformation, adaptability and self-realization. And offering resort-style living for the next stage of life, Danbury provides a place for residents to truly call home.

“I am excited for Danbury to become a part of the North Ridgeville community as it opens its doors this month,” says Morgan Sosinksi, Executive Director. “Danbury is not only a wonderful place for seniors to call home while receiving excellent care, delicious meals and companionship, it’s also an amazing place for our employees to work. We hope to be a resource to the surrounding community.”

Aging in Place
Spread over 97,000 square feet, the sprawling community features 106 senior living apartments. A mix of independent living and assisted living accommodations, there are 13 spacious floor plans ranging from studio apartments to one- and two-bedroom residences, with a host of options such as kitchenettes and balconies.

“Typically, senior care facilities have separate areas for assisted living and independent living, but here we combine them together so once you move in you don’t need to move again if you need extra care,” says Rachel Wheeler, Sales and Marketing Director. “We want to make our continuum of care as smooth possible. Moving is stressful, and just because a resident may grow to need more care, he or she doesn’t need to move to a new apartment.”

There also is a specialized Memory Care Neighborhood tailored to residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

“Our staff is specially trained in nurturing the mind and keeping residents engaged,” says Courtney Stanislaw, Sales and Marketing Director. “We have stations throughout the hallways that encourage self-initiated activity.”

As part of its amenities, Danbury has nurses on-site 24 hours a day. “This gives all our residents—even those in independent living—peace of mind that in an event of an emergency, someone is always here,” notes Rachel.

A Pub, Bistro and Dining Room
Dining is an important aspect of senior living, and Danbury is known for its exceptional offerings. At the center of the community is a restaurant-style dining room, which is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. so residents are not confined to specific lunch or dinner hours—and breakfast is served all day.

“Whenever you are hungry, just come into the dining room, a server will take your order and the chef prepares your meal, fresh to order,” says Courtney.

And in the Bistro located just steps away, you can get coffee and pastries 24/7 and play a game of shuffleboard or just hang out.

Adjacent to the Bistro is the Pub, complete with a bar, jukebox and big screen TV, where there’s always a friendly gathering taking place—whether for happy hour with other residents or just a place to hang out when family and friends come to visit.

There also is a multipurpose theater room that provides a recreational outlet, along with hosting other activities. “We have partnered with numerous local churches that come in and hold services for our residents,” says Courtney.

Feeling Fit, Staying Active
As the weather is about to turn more spring-like, Danbury residents can look forward to spending time outdoors in the three courtyards, as well as walking around the quarter-mile walking trail looped around a sparkling pond and charming gazebo.

“We are looking forward to creating a walking club and garden club here in the community,” says Rachel. “We let the residents dictate what activities they are interested in and then help form social groups for others with similar interests.”

There is a fitness center within the community with exercise equipment customized for seniors, including a treadmill, elliptical trainer and weights. On the calendar of events there are exercise classes with emphasis on flexibility and balance, from Tai Chi to chair yoga and more.

Jam-packed Social Calendar
This spring, the social calendar at Danbury is packed. From bird watching to cooking classes to bingo, there is always something to do.

“Danbury gives its residents a lot of flexibility,” says Rachel. “You have the opportunity to be as involved and social as you want, or simply enjoy the privacy of your own apartment.”

And Danbury invites residents’ families to visit and feel at home here, as there are plenty of public spaces, sitting areas and dining spots where everyone can hang out. With a cheerful décor in a soothing blue and green color palette punctuated by bright orange and yellow accents, the furnishings are comfy and beautiful.

On the second floor, there is a library, craft room, game room and full-service salon offering manicures, pedicures and haircuts for both men and women.

And for those who want to venture out, bus transportation is provided to local stores and restaurants, along with planned field trips. Conveniently located less than a mile from the Ohio turnpike and I-480, Danbury is easily accessible from all parts of Northeast Ohio.

Danbury Senior Living is located at 33770 Bagley Road in North Ridgeville. Stop in for a personal tour or visit DanburySeniorLiving.com for details. For more information, call 440-596-3797.