FAMILY UPDATE WINTER 2026
WARMTH, CONNECTION, AND COMMUNITY At Maplewood, we believe that connection, celebration, and a sense of purpose are essential to a fulfilling lifestyle. These values are embraced yearround and take on special meaning during the holiday season. From cultural traditions to programs that support wellness and lifelong engagement, each experience reflects Maplewood’s commitment to thoughtfully designed community life. This newsletter offers a glimpse into how those experiences enrich everyday living while honoring the values that bring people together.
THE STRENGTH OF OUR TEAM Celebrating the people who shape daily life within our communities remains central to Maplewood’s culture. Throughout the year, associate recognition efforts across communities and the Home Office honor the longevity, dedication, and professionalism of team members who uphold Maplewood’s high standards. This commitment to excellence was recently reflected in recognition from the Ohio Assisted Living Association (OALA). Among 70 nominations statewide, Maplewood was proud to have two Honoring Excellence Award recipients—David “Ty” Slater, Outstanding Senior Culinary Services Director, and Adena McGowan, Outstanding Corporate Director of Memory Care—along with Kim Keller, recognized as a runner-up in the Nursing category as Regional Resident Service Director. Additional recognition included Kathleen Horvath, Lifestyle Director of Maplewood at Newtown, who received CALA’s 2025 Best Practices Award for Managed Residential Services, underscoring a culture of respect, teamwork, and year-round appreciation.
CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS AT MAPLEWOOD Winter celebrations across Maplewood honored tradition and togetherness through meaningful cultural observances. Communities marked Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa with music, reflection, and shared rituals that brought residents together in celebration. New Year gatherings offered a moment to reflect and look ahead, embracing goals centered on wellness, learning, and connection.
MARKING MILESTONES, BUILDING COMMUNITY Gatherings across Maplewood highlighted the power of coming together to mark milestones and shared traditions. Maplewood at Orange celebrated its 15th anniversary alongside its annual Festival of Trees, bringing residents, families, associates, and local partners together in a spirit of celebration and generosity. Maplewood communities across all states strengthened local connections by sponsoring annual Turkey Trots and other community events and sharing holiday pies with local first responders— reinforcing a commitment to giving back to local communities.
CULTIVATING CREATIVITY AND CURIOSITY Residents embraced the season with creativity, curiosity, and connection. Festive art programs, theater outings, and family visits sparked joy and shared discovery, while pet therapy visits, including visits from sweet alpacas, brought comfort and delight. Guest speakers and educational programs inspired lifelong learning, keeping minds engaged and spirits high throughout the season.
A YEAR OF JOY, INNOVATION, AND BELONGING This year, Maplewood communities have buzzed with life, creativity, and connection. Residents have built a unique culture through shared experiences, celebrations, and lifelong learning, supported by our dedicated associates who deliver innovative care and personalized lifestyles in warm, welcoming, locally inspired settings. Click here to read Maplewood’s full Year in Review blog. Celebrating Milestones Across Maplewood As we look ahead, we’re proud to celebrate meaningful milestones that reflect Maplewood Senior Living’s depth of experience and trusted care. This October marks our 20th anniversary, with communities across our portfolio honoring years of vibrant living and personalized support: Maplewood at Danbury – 20 years of trusted care Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls – 10 years Maplewood at Brewster – 10 years Maplewood at Twinsburg – 10 years Maplewood at Princeton – 5 years Inspīr Carnegie Hill, NYC – 5 years Inspīr Embassy Row, Washington, DC – 1 year Stay tuned for more details as we celebrate these milestones with our residents, families, and associates throughout the year.
CHEF HIGHLIGHT | CHEF DEAN CHIANESE Chef Dean Chianese brings nearly 40 years of culinary and hospitality experience to Maplewood at Mayflower Place, with classical training from the Culinary Institute of America and a career spanning fine dining, catering, and senior living. He is passionate about creating meals that are both nourishing and comforting, with a focus on classic dishes prepared with care and consistency. For Chef Dean, dining is about more than food—it is about building relationships, honoring individual preferences, and delivering the thoughtful, residentcentered experience that defines Maplewood.
HEART MONTH/HEART FOUNDATION February marks Maplewood’s 10th Annual HEART Month, a companywide initiative dedicated to supporting the people and organizations who are at the heart of our communities. Through the HEART Foundation, Maplewood provides financial assistance to team members facing unforeseen hardships, offering support when it is needed most. In addition, the Foundation proudly extends support to local charities and community partners that enrich the neighborhoods we serve. Throughout the month, communities will unite through HEART Month fundraising efforts, continuing our long-standing tradition of caring for one another and giving back. Residents, families, and associates are invited to participate and help make a meaningful and lasting impact.
INTRODUCING SAFELY CONNECTED FOR ASSISTED LIVING We believe safety and independence go hand in hand. Safely Connected combines cutting-edge fall-detection technology from SafelyYou with our personalized, relationship-driven care to create a safer, more confident lifestyle for residents, and complete peace of mind for families. After seeing great success with SafelyYou’s AI-augmented technology in our Memory Care neighborhoods, we’re excited to expand this offering to all Maplewood residents. Stay tuned for more details on when Safely Connected will arrive in your community!
YOUR VOICE MATTERS! At Maplewood, we grow by listening. In February, we will be seeking feedback through a brief, confidential 5–10 minute call to hear about your thoughts and experiences. Your input is incredibly important, it helps us improve, celebrate what works, and make every day at Maplewood even better. More details will be shared soon. Thank you for helping shape our community!
RESIDENT REFERRAL PROGRAM Your referrals are the ultimate compliment for us. Refer a friend to one of our communities, and enjoy a $2,500 referral credit as our way of saying thank you. Simply connect with one of our Community Relations Directors, share your friend’s details, and we’ll handle the rest. Introduce someone to the Maplewood Senior Living lifestyle and reap the rewards!