Residents at The Village of St. Edward in Wadsworth are enjoying in-person visits with loved ones again

By Patricia Nugent

The power of a hug is like a ripple on water—far-reaching, pervasive, profound. Studies show hugs can release stress-relieving feel-good hormones, lower blood pressure and heart rate, improve mood, increase energy and even strengthen the immune system.

When the doors were reopened for personal visits at The Village of St. Edward in Wadsworth last month, and residents and their loved ones could finally give each other a long-awaited hug, the scene was magical and heartwarming.

“When our doors had to shut in 2020 due to the pandemic, there were so many different emotions and uncertainties,” says Megan Bright, corporate director of marketing and sales for The Village of St. Edward. “Being able to watch and assist in families reuniting with loved ones has been so incredibly special. It’s truly been the rainbow after the storm we all went through in 2020. It was a trying year for our families, residents and employees. No one knew how long it would last, what effects it would have, and how we would all come out of it.”

Time for Reunion

With a close-knit family of 11 children, isolation was tough for Elvy McGuinness. Her daughter, Karla Wehling, was the first of her kids to enjoy an in-person visit.

“It was so nice to hug her and sit and visit in her room, her comfort zone,” says Karla.

Because Kay Carps’ father, Lloyd Yoder, was under hospice care, she says she was not sure if she’d ever be able to hug him again, and that made their reunion all the more special.

Behind-the-Scenes Heroes

During the pandemic, all of the families and residents we interviewed for this story called the staff “heroic.” Going the extra mile coordinating FaceTime visits, taking and sending lots of pictures, providing their own one-on-one visits and coming up with creative yet safely distanced activities was a challenge they rose to.

“My mom started referring to the staff as her ‘new grandchildren’ because they were so sweet and caring toward her,” says Karla.

Kay’s father celebrated his 90th birthday during the pandemic. She says the staff decorated and threw him a lovely party.

Staff member Missy Banaska, STNA, reports that in addition to assisting with daily needs, they had to fill an emotional gap between residents and their families, and take on a role of reassurance in light of the uncertainty.

“Seeing our residents be able to visit with their loved ones personally after all this time brought tears to my eyes,” she says.

Stephanie Love, who is the granddaughter of Fran Potts, says the staff gave extra little touches of care, making sure Fran’s fingernails were painted, and that she had visits from the staff.

“They did an amazing job making sure my grandmother, who has made many new friends here and is very social, could stay connected in a safe way,” says Stephanie.

Now that their doors are open again, with all the safety measures still in place, Megan is thankful to everyone for coming together.

“Our communities and employees stepped up in ways I’m sure they never imagined having to,” she says. “Our families cheered us on and did everything they could to show their love and support for us, working so hard to keep their loved ones safe.”

The Village of St. Edward has three locations. This faith-based, not-for-profit facility features three separate wings for independent living, assisted living and memory care. In Wadsworth, the address is 880 Main Street, and phone number is 234-217-8735. In Fairlawn, the address is 3125 Smith Road, and phone number is 330-668-2828. In Green, the address is 3813 Fortuna Drive, and phone number is 234-294-0010. There are no long-term contracts and residents will not be asked to leave if they run out of funds. For more information or to schedule a visit, go to VSECommunities.org.