Getting to know each resident and providing the best fit for their living situation are cornerstones at The Village of St. Edward in Wadsworth
By Patricia Nugent
"Tell me about a day in your life.”
This is the first question Mindy Keller asks people when giving tours of The Village of St. Edward in Wadsworth. As marketing and admissions director, her job is getting to know people’s lifestyle so she can provide the best fit for their living situation.
“I ask a lot of questions,” she says, “but that’s the one that usually gives me the most beneficial feedback. Making the decision to move into senior living can be a little overwhelming and intimidating. We understand that and do our best to help people in their search and put their minds at ease.”
A Haven for Joyful Aging
Since opening in 2019, the Village has earned a reputation for living up to its passion of providing seniors a home-like haven for joyful aging.
Tucked back on rolling acres of green space, the faith-based, not-for-profit facility caters to the physical, spiritual and social needs of its residents. The atmosphere is welcoming, with a modern farmhouse esthetic punctuated by sliding barn doors, reclaimed wood, white-washed shiplap walls and roaring stone fireplaces.
There are many inviting aspects here for every stage of care—from independent living to assisted and memory care—including the peace of mind of knowing there is medical staff on site 24/7.
How to Avoid Outliving Your Funds
Mindy says many of the people she takes on tours are concerned about outliving their funds.
“Through our Benevolence Program, that will not happen here,” she explains. “Once someone moves in, they will never be asked to leave if they run out of funds.”
Another issue that’s top-of-mind for seniors looking for independent living is finding a place they can continue to live even after they need more daily assistance.
“We offer a complete continuum of care,” she adds. “When a resident gets to the point where they need more care for things like showering, dressing or medication management, we discuss the move to a higher level of care.”
Independent living offers all the freedom with many amenities, such as weekly housekeeping, field trips to Amish Country and museums, and chauffeur service to doctor’s appointments and shopping.
Meet Nancy Baker
Ninety-year-old Nancy Baker suffers from several heart conditions and was having difficulty keeping up with her home.
When she toured the Village last year, she said she didn’t need to bother visiting anyplace else. She moved in around Thanksgiving.
“I had visited another VSE location in Fairlawn and was familiar with the welcoming and caring staff,” she says. “Everyone has been so good to me. I’ve been happier here than in a long time. The staff is intent on helping you and pleasing you. This is home.”
Nancy is very active in the chapel for Mass, communion, Bible study and the Rosary, and also enjoys Friday night happy hours, bingo and puzzles.
“Other residents go out of their way to make you feel like you belong and include you,” she says. “We gather around the dining table for wonderful meals. At my age, I don’t really feel like cooking anymore.”
Safety and peace of mind were also factors in her wanting to live here.
“Since we wear 24-hour personal emergency pendants, when I lost my balance and fell recently while doing puzzles, the staff knew right away and there was a nurse to help me immediately,” she says.
The Village of St. Edward has three locations: Wadsworth, 880 Main Street, 234-217-8735; Green, 3813 Fortuna Drive, 234-294-0010; and Fairlawn, 3125 Smith Road, 330-668-2828. There are no long-term contracts. Pets under 20 pounds are welcome. For more information, or to take a virtual visit, go to VSECommunities.org.