In 1987, when she was a teenager, Elizabeth Bangel-Stehlin used to visit her grandmother at Seasons in Kenwood.
“My grandmother was one of the first to move in and was the first to get married here,” says Bangel-Stehlin. “She transitioned through all three levels of care — independent, assisted living, and skilled nursing and rehab — and it was our experience as a family that made me realize that I wanted to do this for a living.”
Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Seasons in Kenwood, Bangel-Stehlin has not only had the privilege of seeing three of her family members enjoy time in the community, but also has helped navigate its extensive three-phase renovation. Most recently, the assisted living unit was completed, adding a theatre, private dining room, pub/bar, game room and library. In addition, structural changes opened up some of the common spaces. Even though the footprint of the building itself didn’t change, adding so many additional destinations makes the space feel considerably larger.
“When you’ve got more than just one room where activities and programs are happening, it suddenly feels like you’ve got three floors of opportunity. Everything feels more purposeful,” says Bangel-Stehlin. “Everyone has enjoyed testing out all of our new spaces!”
The color scheme changed from 1980s burgundy/hunter green shades to lighter contemporary blues and greys with golds mixed in.
“We want it to be light and airy and have a ‘cruise-ship living feel’ but also very family and community oriented,” says Bangel-Stehlin. They carried through the look and feel of Phase One of the renovation that was completed in 2017 to the independent living area.
“Most of the residents have been through a home renovation at some point in their lives,” says Bangel-Stehlin. “They like getting to relive the experience without having to deal with all the headaches!”
The final stage of the renovation, which will start later this year, includes the skilled nursing and rehab unit.
This refurbishment project revolves around making the entire community feel even more homey.
“Residents welcome new members into the community and help them feel good about making this transition because it can be difficult leaving your home of 50-plus years,” explains Bangel-Stehlin. “We want it to feel comfortable, safe, and secure and give everyone all the support that they need yet allow everyone to have the independence that they crave.”
First and foremost, Seasons in Kenwood is a hospitality business. Second, it’s a healthcare community, employing more than 70 loyal people who have worked here five-plus years.
“Our established team allows us to have good continuity and provide great service,” says Bangel-Stehlin. In addition, the community has on-site nurses 24 hours a day even though the state of Ohio requires only 12 hours.
“We want to make life as good as possible, not only for our residents but also for their families,” says Bangel-Stehlin.
Executive Director Nick Carson grew up in the business. His grandmother owned Bonnie’s Nursing Home years ago and used to bake pies for her residents.
“Nick understands and appreciates the levels of care, having started out as a licensed nursing home administrator,” says Bangel-Stehlin. “He believes in hospitality and quality of life and has a true passion for seniors.”
Seasons in Kenwood is located at 7300 Dearwester Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45236. For more information, call 513.813.2930 or visit www.seniorlifestyle.com/property/ohio/the-seasons/.