Residents of Mapleview Country Villa enjoy no limits on living their best lives

By Mary Malik

As far as returning to normal after Covid-19, the general consensus seems to be…we’re getting there. The staff and residents at Mapleview Country Villa in Chardon are not just getting there but are getting a jump on the celebration—responsibly, of course.

“Mother’s Day marked the start of National Skilled Nursing Care Week,” says Admissions Director Kelly Zalokar. “And we wouldn’t let the week pass without recognizing our staff and residents.”

Mapleview Country Villa is located on a beautiful and sprawling property just a short distance from historic Chardon Square and offers assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and speech, cognitive and physical therapies. The 100 private residential suites with private baths have been particularly convenient during the Covid-19 pandemic, providing natural social distancing, but Activities Director Alecia Thornton says it’s time for residents and staff alike to, well, party.

“Everyone is more than ready, and since it has basically been one full year since Covid-19 started, our theme for the week was ‘Together Through the Seasons,’” says Alecia.

“The week-long carnival engaged and delighted residents with activities, decorations, meals, snacks and entertainment—all centered around the four seasons.”

Since the staff at Mapleview can’t take the residents to a carnival this year, they decided to bring the carnival to them. Cotton candy, slushies, games and even a tattoo booth were all included in the celebration. There was something for everyone to enjoy.

“Every aspect of care at Mapleview has always been patient centered, meaning we tailor not just the nursing care and rehabilitation, but also the activities to the needs and capabilities of each individual,” says Alecia. “During the pandemic, we are even more focused on the one-on-one interactions between a staff member and resident. It’s brought us all closer together. We truly are a family.”

A large part of keeping residents entertained and engaged has been the use of social media. Mapleview staff members have become much more than caregivers during the Covid-19 isolation. Introducing residents to Skype and Zoom calls, YouTube, internet searching, Netflix and other media platforms has kept residents entertained, informed and in touch with friends, family and each other.

“We do room-to-room phone and Skype calls so the residents can talk to their friends,” says Alecia. “It sounds simple, but it helps everyone feel connected.”

Hallway hokey-pokey, bingo, name that tune, door-to-door snack carts, daily exercises and trivia games are popular distractions and often lead to much more than just entertainment.

“Listening to favorite songs and discussing trivia questions brings up some interesting conversations,” says Alecia. “It’s amazing what memories music can evoke. We’ve discovered so much about the history of our residents that we may have never known. You have to look at the bright side, right?”

Alecia and Kelly see how understanding and accepting the residents have been of the limitations Covid-19 has placed on their daily lives. When the pandemic first hit, policies were put into place very quickly to reduce the spread of the virus and, today, 98% of the residents are fully vaccinated.

“We still test everyone weekly,” says Kelly. “And everyone is updated daily on the precautions still in place and if and when things will change.”

And things are changing at Mapleview. Residents can now have two visitors at a time, the dining rooms is open with social distancing in place, and residents are enjoying some more freedom to socialize.

“The residents understand that all precautions are for their safety, but they feel it getting closer to normal around here and that’s a morale boost,” says Kelly.

Last July, Mapleview resident Evelyn celebrated her birthday, and although you wouldn’t know it by seeing or talking with her, it was her 100th. What’s her secret?

“I don’t feel 100 years old,” says Evelyn. “I read all the time, books and newspapers. I do puzzles and keep up with current events. And I have no worries here. We all have problems, but here they are all taken care of.”

Evelyn also takes part in the Geauga County Department of Aging’s pen pal program for home-bound seniors and Mapleview residents. These correspondences have developed into some very special friendships.

“Covid-19 is a shared experience for literally every person, and we all need special care to get through it,” says Alecia. “Our staff and the extended community are happy to pitch in and provide that care for the residents and get them through a difficult time until things go back to normal. We are getting there. At Mapleview, we help each other every way we can—today, tomorrow and every day.”

Mapleview Country Villa is located at 775 South Street in Chardon. For more information on all of the care options that Mapleview offers, call 440-286-8176.