Maria Field, Chief Operating Officer

Maria Field, co-owner of Heritage of Edina, makes it her business to know all of the residents in their Assisted Living community personally, and years ago found an interesting way to accomplish just that.

At least four days a week, amid the meetings and conference calls, the detailed overseeing of every part of the operation, Maria dons a professional driver's attire, and takes the residents of Heritage of Edina to their appointments, personally. Not only are the Residents driven by one of the co-owners, they ride in a long black limousine.

"I take great pleasure in seeing them safely to their appointments", says Maria. "It gives me a wonderful opportunity to get to know them, hear the wealth of stories they have to share, and get a chance to understand how they feel about Heritage of Edina. And driving them in style gives them the respect they deserve. I wouldn't do it any other way."

"I often wonder what they are thinking, when I am delivered to the door in a Limousine, laughs", Jane, a long-time resident at Heritage. "And Mrs. Field always escorts me into my appointment." The personal "escort" of a resident to an appointment is not only personally satisfying to Maria, but an issue of safety as well. "Many transportation companies and cabs will not help a rider out of the vehicle, and certainly not take them into a facility. We want our residents to feel comfortable and secure at all times," says Maria.

Maria started her personal "limo service" over a decade ago and completes an average of eight to ten trips per week. There is no geographical limitation, and she has taken residents as far as Cambridge, MN and Farmington, MN. (Residents pay a nominal fee for the service.)

The Limousine service is just one of the personal amenities offered by Heritage of Edina that gives credibility to their commitment to provide "affordable luxury". Another signature event hosted by the Fields is the monthly High Tea, offered in honor of those residents celebrating a birthday during that month. As part of the celebration each resident is presented with a beautiful piece of crystal, commemorating the richly rewarding life each of them has led.

Maria lends her personal touch to Heritage in many unexpected ways. The Grounds at Heritage are as important to her as the buildings, and under her direction have become award-winning gardens. Not only does she oversee the planning for the six acres, she also spends over 200 hours every Spring planting the flowers herself and all Summer caring for them. During other seasons you will find her designing holiday plans and decorating the outside of the buildings.

The Residents of Heritage of Edina are especially pleased that the owners live on site. They also know that they can call her anytime, 24-hours a day, with any problem they may have. "Maintaining those close personal connections with the residents and their families is what makes us different, and the reason our staff has been with us for such a long time," offers Maria. "There is no greater satisfaction for me than helping our residents live the final days of their lives with grace and dignity."

 GO BACK

 GO TOP