The Renaissance of Richfield/Bath: Your story continues here

By Adam Cook

After suffering a broken hip, Jean Schwartz grudgingly moved to an assisted living facility. But as one chapter in her life closed, the 97-year-old first-time author decided to “make dough” and start another one.

The Renaissance of Richfield/Bath was the place Jean would eventually call home.

“One thing that goes through a person’s mind in making the transition from living independently to living with assistance is ‘this is the place where I’m going to die,’” says Barbara Shahmoon, Jean’s daughter.

“That’s no way to live. I told my mother, ‘maybe there’s a reason you’re here.’”

As Jean settled in, Barbara continued to talk with her mother about the major life change. During one of these talks, Jean said, “if you’re ever upset about something, make dough.”

It wasn’t long before a book emerged, Jean’s Book: Moving from Independent to Assisted Living. Although the book was just large enough to fill a PowerPoint presentation, Barbara knew the wisdom within its pages spanned the breadth of a lifetime. The small book—and the will to write it—gave both mother and daughter something to hold on to.

Transitioning is a process.

“Life is like a ball of dough in your hands. You can feel it, touch it and you can be very much a part of it,” says Jean.

“You know you’re going to do something with it. You find something to hold on to, and you keep folding it and rolling it until you feel it’s right.”

After Jean moved to the Renaissance it felt like she was starting from scratch.

“It wasn’t her home, but in her rooms, she’s surrounded by everything that was important in her home—family photographs, paintings and gifts,” says Barbara. “That’s not always the case at other assisted living facilities. The Renaissance views people as people—not beds to fill.”

Jean keeps the rolling pin that belonged to her mother-in-law with her.

“It’s a reminder about what you can do with your hands and turn something that seems so insignificant—a little flour and water—into a thing of beauty,” says Jean.

Jean was able to smoothly transition from living independently to living with assistance by recognizing the control she has over choices she makes. She realized her choices influenced the quality of her life, and held the potential to enrich the lives of those around her.

“What goes on in the dining room begins by choosing your spot,” writes Jean. “Then the topic of the food that day can be a point of discussion. Remember, eating what is placed before you is still part of your choice. Take it or leave it or add salt, or sugar, or cream, or spice it up.”

Soon after she moved to the Renaissance, Jean’s Book debuted at her 95th birthday party. Surrounded by friends and family, old and new, Jean was able to share her book through a PowerPoint presentation.

“The staff at Renaissance treats my mother like family and they love her,” says Barbara.

The caregivers at the Renaissance may have taken a page from Jean’s Book because they view themselves as facilitators of the personal choices members make to enrich their lives.”

All transitions are personal. Jean’s story is reminder that we can be inspired by the choices we make. Jean’s Book is her recipe for happiness.

For a full audio narration of Jean's Book, click here.

The Renaissance of Richfield/Bath is located at 3975 Everett Road in Richfield. Call 330-313-7000 or visit RenaissanceAssistedLiving.net to find out how you or your loved one can be invited to join this community.