At Ohio Living Breckenridge Village, there is a culture of compassion that’s uplifting to all and full of abundant love and support

By Patricia Nugent

Make Yourself at Home” is a slogan at Ohio Living Breckenridge Village that plays itself out each day through physical pursuits, social programming, spiritual care and a staff that fosters a deep sense of community and interconnectedness.

With a thoughtful continuum of care that ranges from active retirement living in two- and three-bedroom ranch homes, condos and apartments, to assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term care facilities, the campus meets residents where they are. Though moving to a new place can be daunting, the outgoing people who work here make it a smooth sail. The nearly 800 residents report this is a destination to thrive and grow, with the security of knowing quality care is close at hand.

“We blanket our people with care,” says Rebecca Kilkenny, LISW-S, who is a social worker. “I meet with people before they move in and joke with them to get ready to be shocked by the enthusiasm of the welcome. There is a culture of compassion here that’s uplifting to all, abundant love and support. “Even our resident’s families become an extension of our family.”

Rebecca says people love “Furry Fridays,” the days she brings in Peaches, her adorable 55-pound boxer mix therapy dog.

“She makes deep connections with the residents as well as staff,” she says. “Peaches visits with residents throughout the community such as Joanne DeBaltzo and Jane Taft at the North Apartments. Even the staff come to visit Peaches on Fridays as she is unusually calm, sweet and cute.”

Meet the Reddigs
Tom and Sandy Reddig moved into the community last year to age well and be closer to their son Andrew, who lives in Willoughbyy.

This charming 70-something couple took a bus trip to visit the campus and fell in love.

“We were living in a large four-bedroom house with five levels,” says Sandy. “It just didn’t make sense for us anymore. Our sons were elated when we made the decision and moved in May of 2024.”

Their spacious and newly renovated 1,500-square-foot, two-bedroom ranch home is loaded with sunlight, perfect to showcase Sandy’s resplendent artwork, which fills the walls with eye-catching beauty.

They were both impressed by how friendly and outgoing their neighbors were.

“We were unloading the moving van, and they were popping over to welcome us and bring us baked goods,” she says.

Within a matter of days, Sandy became unexpectedly ill.

“Here we were, new to town, not knowing any of the hospitals or doctors and were grateful that the interdisciplinary staff jumped in to assist us. We were happy that Tom had an easy time caring for our new home while I was in the hospital as cleaning and maintenance are minimal,” says Sandy.

Now that she’s recovered, the Reddigs are back to doing what they love, hiking, fishing and exploring places like Lake Erie. The sprawling wooded campus is a great fit with their active lifestyle.

“I feel like there’s a natural backdrop right outside our window,” says Sandy, who has done several paintings of the grounds. “Our other favorite things are the educational programs. They are fascinating and cover different subjects such as history or international issues. We feel like we are on vacation every day.”

Situated on 53 acres of rolling parkland with scenic views and meandering walking paths, Ohio Living Breckenridge Village is located at 36851 Ridge Road in Willoughby. Call 440-942-4342 or visit OhioLiving.org for more information. Accommodations within the village are pet-friendly.

Spiritual Support
Nurturing nearly 800 souls in their faith journey is a tall task, and one that Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life, Rev. Beverly Wrobel, PC, is perfectly suited to. In fact, she says it’s her calling. “It’s unique for a senior living facility to have a full-time chaplain and spiritual life team in place,” she says. “We are a faith-based community, where all faiths are included and nurtured. No one is excluded. Our approach is to acknowledge, welcome and embrace each resident. It’s part of our tagline of what we stand for: faith, compassion and community. I minister to all people meeting them where they are and focusing on resources most important to them.”

Her main priority is to make connections and build relationships with people both one on one and in group settings. As part of a local ministerial association, she partners with local clergy from many faiths and invites them to hold services at the campus. Much of Rev. Bev’s days are spent offering grief support and counseling to residents and staff. She helps those who are nearing their end find understanding.

“I make visits to those who are journeying through crisis all over campus,” she says.

“When a resident passes away, our team follows a solemn protocol of joining the family at bedside, offering a prayer, and moving the deceased in a procession out the front door while chimes are rung. Death is a natural part of life, and we honor that.”

Rev. Bev leads many ministries at OLBV, such as regular meetings with residents who have taken up the challenge of reading through the Bible this year, Scripture meditation groups and a weekly Friday worship service.

“I enjoy helping people find deeper meaning in their faith as they age,” she says. “Along with the Spiritual Life Team and Visitation Ministry, we embrace the close-knit community we’ve become.”

Chapel Renovation
The Lyons Chapel at OLBV is a striking octagon-shaped building that’s currently undergoing a complete renovation funded entirely by donors. “We’re stripping it down to the bare bones, tearing down old wallpaper, painting and replacing carpeting and chairs,” says Rev. Bev. “The colors are soothing providing a comforting and calming worship space.

We’re also renovating our gathering area outside the chapel.” A key component to the renovation is enhanced audio-video capabilities, which will allow them to record and livestream worship services and memorial services to the residents on the campus station BVTV. One of the most striking design features of the chapel, the stained-glass windows that represent the stages of life, will not be changed in the renovation.

The new chapel will be finished in mid-May.