The Village of St. Edward embraces aging as a joyful experience
By Patricia Nugent
Since opening last March, The Village of St. Edward in Wadsworth has earned a reputation for living up to its passion of providing seniors a home-like haven for joyful aging.
Tucked back on rolling green space in a neighborhood setting, the faith-based, not-for-profit facility caters to the physical, spiritual and social needs of its residents within three separate wings dedicated to independent living, assisted living and memory care. There are 50 one- and two-bedroom suites in independent living, 29 one-bedroom and studio units in assisted living and 28 memory care studios for a total of 107 units.
The atmosphere is homey and welcoming, with a modern farmhouse esthetic punctuated by sliding barn doors, reclaimed wood, white-washed shiplap walls and roaring stone fireplaces.
Amenities include a salon, fitness center, restaurant-style dining, four charming courtyards, a 24-hour personal emergency pendant system and nurse on duty, weekly housekeeping, weekly laundry of linens, room service if needed and chauffeured transportation to doctor appointments and shopping.
Spiritual needs are nurtured by Sr. Marilyn Ambrosic, who works with residents on a daily basis, and Fr. James Kramer, who helps keep the faith, saying mass three times a week in the beautiful chapel.
Meet Elvy and Mary Jo
Elvira McGuinness is one of the newest residents at the village, having moved in this January.
“My doctor said he didn’t want me living alone anymore, so my daughter and I toured here and fell in love with it,” says Elvy. “I have impaired vision in one eye and everyone has been kindly helping me with daily tasks. I feel very safe, well cared-for and blessed.”
Mary Jo Miller says she and the other residents feel like the staff is in tune with them, even hosting monthly meetings to see if there are ways they can improve the experience.
According to Aubrey Harmath, who is an administrator, one of the recent subjects the residents discussed was a directory with everyone’s suite and phone number. “Our folks are very social, so we said, of course, and are compiling it now.”
About the Food
It speaks volumes that the reputation for the restaurant-style fare at the village is so good, the general public often tries to make a dinner reservation. (For the record, you can’t. Dining is for residents and their families only.)
Dishes are made from scratch and Chef Bob creates specialties based on what the residents keep requesting. Mary Jo reports the stuffed pork chop is a favorite. And Elvy says the Sunday brunch buffet is out of this world.
Vibrant Memory Care
Oftentimes people assume memory care is a depressing place. That couldn’t be further from reality here.
“Our memory care residents enjoy a walking club and all the same amenities as our other residents,” says Becky Soucie, who is director of nursing. “The unit was specifically built to include areas for safe wandering and sensory activities.”
They’ve even created a Snoezelen Therapy Room, a multi-sensory environment specially designed for those with dementia. It enhances quality of life and reduces agitation and anxiety by offering soothing sensory experiences such as music, vibration, colors and textures.
“Whether in memory care, assisted living or independent living, we offer a continuum of care and benevolent care,” says Becky. “No one will ever be asked to leave if they run out of funds. With the Medicaid waiver, they enjoy all-inclusive care.”
Staying in Touch
In light of the visitor restrictions that went into place last month, the caring administration and staff at The Village of St. Edward have made it their mission to provide residents and their families with “information, reassurance and opportunities to stay in touch,” says Danielle Maur, vice president of operations and COO.
They are making sure each resident enjoys virtual visits and creative “window visits” with their family and friends, as well as receiving cards from community members.
Here’s an example: Each day Tara Reynolds scans a photo or two for her mother-in-law, Mary Ann Rothacker. She places them in a document along with a description of the photos and emails it to the staff. They print it out and give it to Mary Ann, who writes her own memories within a designated space on the document. At the end of the Covid-19 crisis, Tara plans to put the pages together to create a keepsake for future generations to enjoy.
Annette Walters, corporate director of marketing, says they have been overwhelmed by all the support the hardworking staff has received during the crisis. “We even created a ‘Positive Hallway,’ where we hung signs and letters of encouragement people created for the staff,” she says.
Although residents cannot gather in the chapel together, Spiritual Care Coordinator Sr. Marilyn Ambrosic has been leading virtual prayers for residents and the community, asking for grace and peace during the crisis.
The Village of St. Edward has three locations. 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. Pets under 20 pounds are allowed. For more information, or to schedule a visit, go to VSECommunities.org.