This story is sponsored by The Inn at Ashland Woods.
When walking into The Inn at Ashland Woods, you may find Helen Shoemaker, resident, playing cards with her friends, attending bible study or sitting in the toasty lounging area complete with a fireplace and comfortable seating.
The Inn at Ashland Woods is an assisted living facility which also offers a dedicated memory care unit to treat those residents diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
In the two months Shoemaker has lived at the assisted living facility, she has already made it her home.
Shoemaker has lived in the area most of her life, residing in Lucas, Mansfield and Ashland before moving into assisted living. She volunteered at the Mansfield Hospital for 24 years and was very active in her church community when she was able to get around on her own.
With the help of her two sons, she was able to tour different homes in the area to find the perfect assisted living facility for her.
“I feel safe here,” Shoemaker said. “This is my home and I’m happy. I am glad I am here right now when I can enjoy it.”
The Inn at Ashland Woods provides their residents with everything the outside world offers. The assisted living facility includes a theater, 1950’s room for dining, chapel, a library filled with books and puzzles, private rooms for visits with friends and family and more.
Shoemaker is regularly able to get her nails and makeup done, has a choice in what she eats for every meal (staff know her breakfast regular as two dippy eggs and toast), her laundry is washed for her when needed and most importantly, she is able to set her room thermometer at whatever temperature she wants, which tends to be a balmy 74 degrees.
“I would highly recommend this place. It’s a home away from home,” Shoemaker said. “And they stress that, whatever you want, you have.”
One of Shoemaker’s favorite spaces in all of The Inn at Ashland Woods is her room. With a bed, full bath, microwave, refrigerator, television and comfy chairs, Shoemaker has the option to spend some days in her own personal space, giving her the option to be social when she wants to be.
Darcy Baker, son of Shoemaker, says it is a joy for him and his family to watch his mother thrive in her own community.
“It’s rewarding for my wife, my brother and I to see her happy here,” he said. “Mom has always been sociable and for her to no longer be able to do that was hard to watch. It’s great to see she is able to do that again.”
The facility plans trips out on the town for their residents. Shoemaker and friends have been to Logan’s Roadhouse, China Buffet and even JCPenney for some retail therapy.
As going to the shops and restaurants is one of Shoemaker’s favorite activities, it brings her family joy to know she is still able to enjoy these outings.
Perhaps what really makes The Inn at Ashland Woods so special are the people. The personal connection not only between the residents but also between the residents and staff will leave families knowing their loved ones are in good hands.
“Mom likes that everyone knows her name and everyone knows each other’s name. We come in to see her and they even know us by name,” Baker said.
Right after Shoemaker moved into assisted living, she unfortunately caught pneumonia, putting her on bed rest for several days. Despite the news of being sick, Shoemaker felt at ease knowing she was in the hands of good nurses who care about her.
As soon as they knew Shoemaker was sick, the nurses called the doctor and then her sons to let them know their mother was sick and to loop them in on their plan of action.
“It’s huge knowing she is in good hands here and she’s being checked on,” Baker said. “We thought it was really nice that they called us and let us know what the situation was.”
The Inn at Ashland Woods values feedback from their residents and loved ones on how to improve the assisted living facility. Meetings are often held to discuss any concerns or suggestions to help exceed expectations of the small living community.
According to Shoemaker, she has lived a full life surrounded by family and friends, but most of her friends have passed on as the years have passed. Living at The Inn at Ashland Woods has given her new friends.
“It makes me feel like I have my old friends back again,” she said.
For more information about The Inn at Ashland Woods or to learn about availability for yourself or a loved one, visit their website.
