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About Sumner
Who We Are
Louise Sumner dreamed of a home for aging men and women who
were no longer able to provide for themselves. In her will, recorded in the
1870s, Miss Sumner stipulated that her farm in Akron be used to establish a home
for the aged of both genders—an
extremely unconventional idea at that time. After her death in 1906 Louise
Sumner’s debts prevented fulfillment
of her
vision. However, in 1911, her cousin Mrs. Henry Robinson enlisted other
community leaders to establish Sumner Home for the Aged when Mrs. George T.
Perkins gave them her family’s furnished house on Perkins Street in Akron. This
became the first site of Sumner Home until 1935 when Mrs. Eleanor Gibbs donated
her family’s spacious, English-style manor to Sumner. After extensive
renovations, 35 residents moved into the mansion in 1951, which became Sumner on
Merriman. In 2003, the Sumner organization moved
its residents once again to its newly constructed Sumner on Ridgewood Continuing
Care Retirement Community where they now share the campus with our Independent Living residents.

How We Serve Our Residents
As the only non-profit, non-denominational retirement
community in the area, Sumner on Ridgewood welcomes and services all residents
regardless of race, religion or financial status. The organization subsidizes
Catered Living for Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing residents whose funds
have been exhausted, or whose state and federal reimbursements do not fully
cover room rates. Sumner also offers partial supplemental care for private pay
residents. Since 1911 no resident has ever been asked to leave because of an
inability to pay.
Sumner reaches into the community through a variety of
programs. Referral admissions from area hospitals and
other nursing facilities are accommodated when space is available. Additionally,
we collaborate with community providers to assist families and residents who
desire hospice services on-site at Sumner on Ridgewood.

Louise Sumner Board
The Louise Sumner Board, founded in 1912, is a dedicated
group of volunteers who socialize with and provide activities for residents on a
daily basis. Many of these volunteers have had family members at Sumner.
Independent Living residents have also formed a group that visits Catered Living
residents. Our volunteer
program is a significant presence at Sumner on Ridgewood.

What We Believe
Sumner on Ridgewood has created an environment where all
residents are empowered to maintain as much control and independence in their
lives as possible. It emphasizes strengths, not limitations and furnishes care
tailored to each resident’s unique desires. Fortuitously, this
was the same concept Louise Sumner envisioned for resident cottages more than 130
years ago.
Our philosophy minimizes loneliness, helplessness and
boredom by creating a vibrant, vigorous living environment where people continue
to learn, grow and prosper in their daily lives.

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Sumner
on Ridgewood is a Not-for-Profit Organization
Managed by Life Care
Services LL.
www.lcsnet.com |
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What We
Offer
Quality of life for the best of your life is at the
heart of our philosophy, offering the perfect blend
of opportunity, activity and amenities
for a fulfilling life. |
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Independent Living
The
best in vibrant, carefree Independent Living
opportunities are waiting here for you in a spacious
private villa or delightful garden apartment. |

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Catered
Living
Our
options provide tiered levels of care and assistance
right where you live, and are supported by a skilled
and understanding staff.
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