Nurturing relationships is the most important part of the resident focused environment at Ohman Family Living at Blossom

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As a result of the environment at Blossom, longevity of staff members just comes naturally. Many staff members have over 15, 20, even 30 years of service. It’s this stability in staffing that is so reassuring to residents and their families. (Photo taken prior to pandemic.)

By Mary Malik

Our relationships, whether with family, friends or co-workers, help to define our lives. And it’s the quality of these relationships that helps to ensure our happiness. The staff at Ohman Family Living at Blossom in Huntsburg understands the importance of all relationships, and credits them for the success and happiness of their residents.

“Every member of the staff here is an integral part of our team,” says Vice President Joshua Wallace. “We’ve created an environment that encourages everyone’s input in order to provide the best and most responsive care for our residents.”

It’s this “team” approach at Blossom that makes the staff such a tremendous support to residents, their families and to each other.

Nancy Milner, executive director, has been working for Ohman Family Living, her family’s business, in some capacity since 1982.

Ohman Family Living at Blossom staff includes, from left to right: Director of Nursing Julie Brugmann, RN, Director of Resident Life Christine Zeitler, Executive Director Nancy Milner and Director of Social Services and Admissions Lori Hess. (Photography: Benjamin Margalit)

“I’ve done several different jobs over the years,” says Nancy. “My father started this business in 1965 to care for his brother who had MS. Through his passion for the people he served, I have learned the importance of caring for residents, their families, and the staff. Nurturing these relationships is key to the well-being of everyone.”

As a result of the environment at Blossom, longevity of staff members just comes naturally. Many staff members have over 15, 20, even 30 years of service. It’s this stability in staffing that is so reassuring to residents and their families.

Director of Nursing Julie Brugmann, RN, has worn many hats throughout her 15 years here.

“I started as a supervisor and immediately connected with the family approach,” says Julie. “The team meets every day to discuss the health and wellness of each resident, so everyone is aware of their status, which allows us to pitch in immediately. My official job is to oversee all medications, therapies and medical billing. But just like family, I go where needed at a moment’s notice.”

Julie has seen firsthand how the medical system has changed and the effect brief hospital stays have on the elderly and the care they require after discharge.

Ohman Family Living at Blossom provides long-term care and rehab. (Photos taken prior to pandemic.)

“Our clinical team is in tune with every patient’s needs,” says Julie. “We enable them to get well. We are clinically vigilant and often look past the diagnosis to underlying issues that may be affecting a patient’s progress. If your goal is to get back home, we work toward that. If it’s to walk across the room, that’s our goal, too.”

Several staff members are current or past family members of residents at Blossom. Christine Zeitler, director of resident life, recalls how it was the feeling of home she got at Blossom that let her know it was different here.

“My family could see right away the connections between staff and residents, which is rare,” says Christine.

And Christine knows. Having worked as an STNA (state-tested nursing assistant) for many years, she was looking at Blossom as a family member but also as a professional with experience in assisted living and skilled nursing communities.

“The relationships between staff and residents and among the residents themselves, that’s the difference here,” says Christine. “There isn’t anything any one of us wouldn’t do for our residents. We simply take care of each other.”

Even in this exceptional time of Covid-19 and the restrictions required in order to protect everyone, there are benefits to this new normal.

Ohman Family Living at Blossom is located in picturesque Geauga County and close to Lake, Cuyahoga and Ashtabula counties. The 26-acre country setting has walking paths, porches and gardens for residents to enjoy. (Photography: Benjamin Margalit)

“The pandemic has been difficult, but we’ve also seen the gracious and loving ways everyone is dealing with it,” says Lori Hess, director of social services and admissions. “We are coordinating family visits on our beautiful porches or virtually, and staff members enjoy seeing residents interact with their families and hearing their stories. It’s a privilege to be part of those moments.”

This trust between residents, families and staff develops before residents even arrive at Blossom.

“Whether a person is here for long-term care or rehab, meetings take place with families where we learn about new residents and their goals before they arrive,” says Lori. “This helps everyone with the transition.”

Another thing helping residents with the transition are the beautiful surroundings at Blossom.

“Blossom is located in picturesque Geauga County and close to Lake, Cuyahoga and Ashtabula counties,” says Nancy. “Our 26-acre country setting has walking paths, porches and gardens for residents to enjoy. We are so grateful to our residents and families for entrusting their care to us. Blossom is full of music, laughter and genuine caring for one another, where residents enjoy and celebrate life.”

Ohman Family Living at Blossom is located at 12496 Princeton Rd., in Huntsburg. For more information on Blossom and their other communities in Middlefield and Newbury, call 440-635-5567 or visit OhmanFamilyLiving.com. Ohman Family Living is a unique family of post-hospital recovery and senior living communities. These three highly-rated and trusted communities plus home care offer residents, patients and their families greater choices and better options to accommodate their lifestyles.