Nov. 1—A new residential care home in Painesville is now licensed and ready to accept residents following months of preparation.

The founders of The Cottage celebrated the occasion on Oct. 28 with a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. They were joined by officials from the Eastern Lake County Chamber of Commerce and the city of Painesville, and they received certificates from Lake County Treasurer Mike Zuren, a representative from the office of U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Bainbridge Township, and a representative from the Lake County commissioners.

The Cottage received its state license in October and can now begin marketing to potential residents, noted Ed Jones, one of the home's founders.

Jones added that two nurses, his wife Jen and her colleague Vanessa McGroder, will run it. The facility will add more staff members as it grows.

The Cottage plans to offer residents daily activities, including possible trips to Fairport Harbor Senior Center, craft days, cooking, holiday baking and a therapy dog, said Hayley Gondek, who is one of the founders along with her husband Trent Gondek.

Her mother, Kathleen Gentiluomo, added that the facility includes a library and an area for puzzles.

Founder Toni Slother, who works at Mentor's Ladies and Gentleman Salon and Spa as well as the Brown Aveda Institute, added that she has been in discussions with hair stylists about coming in for the residents.

The Cottage is located at 270 Mentor Ave. and was previously home to Starkey Place, its founders told The News-Herald in June. The Starkeys ran the facility for three decades before they retired and closed their operation earlier this year.

"They were an institution in Painesville for 30-some odd years here, and we just want to continue that, providing quality service or care for people," said Jones.

McGroder noted that the founding team aims to provide a comfortable, enjoyable and familial environment for senior citizens who are mostly independent and able to take care of most of the activities of daily living. Team members will prepare meals, take care of laundry and help with tasks such as bathing, dressing, making beds and managing medication.

Gondek added that all staff will need basic life support training and that they will receive background checks.

Team members noted that The Cottage will accept long-term care insurance or private pay, but not Medicaid or Medicare.

Potential residents will need physicals from within the year before their arrival, Jen Jones said, adding that they will need to be reassessed every year.

Ed Jones said that those who are interested in learning more can visit thecottagepainesville.com or call 440-898-0045 to schedule a private tour. The home offers 12 beds for residents, with two larger rooms in the front and 10 standard-sized rooms.