At Jennings, the value of community is most importantly expressed when residents feel at home and retain their sense of purpose. An innovative model, often referred to as the "small house philosophy" or "household model," is one way to create community in a natural home environment.

Jennings has adopted the residential style of the nationally acclaimed small house model in three residences: Jennings at Notre Dame Village assisted living with memory support in Chardon as well as Holy Spirit Ridge assisted living and the Marian Gardens long-term care neighborhood on Jennings' Garfield Heights campus.

Each individual residence runs from the residents' perspective, making decisions more like a family. The philosophy is "nothing about me, without me." Residents drive the household activities, from menu items to how they spend their day. They can live their life spontaneously - not by a calendar and most definitely not by a diagnosis.

Gaining popularity over the last decade, the nationally recognized small house approach focuses on each person’s holistic needs. Both design and philosophy encourage residents to enjoy a lifestyle designed to make each day meaningful to each person, with personal choices and a natural rhythm to the day. For example, in this model the meal experience moves from restaurant style to convivium where we make connections in ways from one-on-one interactions to conversations at the family style dinner table.

Architecturally, each residence features common areas such as a living room, dining room, full kitchen, pantry and outdoor spaces that are available to everyone who lives in the home. Residents each have their own private suite with a private full bathroom. Guests, from family members to staff, ring at the front door for entry just as one would at a community home.

Jennings staff members use reflective practices to come to know residents in the best possible way, learning their likes and dislikes, their careers and history and involvement of their families---all of which help us develop and work as a team to support them in living life as they choose.