A Decade Of Care: Spring Arbor Of Severna Park Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary

Spring Arbor Senior Living is tucked away from the busyness of Severna Park and the noise of Ritchie Highway in a cozy nook of dense woods. The staff at the facility, which opened in 2015, prides themselves on providing excellent service, dignity and respect to residents and their families. Spring Arbor of Severna Park has housed more than 500 residents over 10 years, and this past June 26, residents and employees celebrated a decade of care with a large party.

Over 150 residents, their families, and other guests attended the celebration. Residents enjoyed drinks from a champagne wall, catered food, a photo booth, a live jazz band, and local vendors. Spring Arbor’s first resident, Roy Shiflet, attended in a black and gold suit and a golden sash with the words “10 Year Legend.”

In 2013, Shiflet saw a phone number on a sign for Spring Arbor. He called it and was told that the center did not exist; it was still being built. As soon as they could, Shiflet and his wife signed up for residency. They waited two years for construction to finish, but once they received the news that it was done, they were the first to move in.

At Spring Arbor’s grand opening, Shiflet stood next to his wife as she cut a purple ribbon strung across the front door, marking the official opening of the facility. Ten years later and now 86 years old, Shiflet continues to enjoy his life at Spring Arbor. Every Monday, he sings for fellow residents at an event called Music with Ernie.

He also enjoys socializing with the residents and keeping in touch with those who came to live at Spring Arbor the first few months after its opening.

A handful of staff members at Spring Arbor have also been part of the team since its opening or joined soon after. Executive Director Rita Chapman believes the long-term appeal to workers and residents alike comes from the cozy feel of the building and community.

The residential facility is two floors with a maximum capacity of 88 people. The memory care apartments are also limited, housing a maximum number of 27 residents. “(The size) gives (employees) that opportunity to build that rapport with the residents and their family members,” Chapman said, “And we encourage (employees) to have a relationship with the residents.”

Chapman enjoys using her free time at work to form relationships with the residents.

“My favorite part (of the day) is making my rounds in the building and getting to see everybody,” she said. “When I first come in in the morning and before I leave in the evening, I'm through the building. I'm up and down every hall. If a door's open, I'm sticking my head in.”

Spring Arbor of Severna Park provides full-time assisted living, memory care, and short-term stays, with onsite doctors, physical therapists, a spa, a salon, multiple libraries, and a wellness room. For more information, visit www.springarborliving.com.