At The Village of St. Edward, residents are experiencing the joy of lives well lived
By Patricia Nugent
For the nearly 700 residents and families at The Village of St. Edward, the concept of bucket list has taken on a new meaning through the new VillageLIFE initiative.
Supported by VSE’s non-profit foundation, the program is a vibrant philosophy of aging supported by growth, discovery, joy and purpose. In short, the idea is to encourage individuals to redefine their expectations of senior living.
“We’re committed to providing an exceptional living experience for our residents by delivering activities and experiences that build cherished memories, lasting friendships and deepened faith,” says VillageLIFE Coordinator Annette Cannone. Recently, residents took to the ice with chair ice skating, ventured out on Portage Lakes in a pontoon boat and enjoyed a taste of Vegas during Casino Night, complete with professionally manned gaming tables.
Meaning of LIFE
The program’s acronym stands for Learn, Inspire, Faith and Explore.
“Lifelong learning is enjoyable, helps residents adapt to unexpected changes, and promotes brain health,” says Annette. “Our program encourages residents to stay informed and nurture brain health. The Village provides a range of learning options, from on-site discussion groups and speakers to visits to museums, historic and religious sites, and other cultural activities. VillageLIFE cultivates perpetual discovery, ensuring each day is an exciting new chapter.”
When it comes to inspiration, she explains they fan the flames of fulfillment by encouraging residents to live their fullest lives.
“Age doesn’t limit the sense of joy that comes from accomplishing something new,” she adds. “VillageLIFE provides encouragement for residents to try, to do, and to be successful. It encourages aspirational thinking by providing opportunities for residents to try new things.”
Creativity is part of the program, too. For instance, when Annette discovered a resident loved Kentucky Fried Chicken, she orchestrated KFC Day, surprising her with a KFC meal delivered by a staff member who resembles Colonel Sanders dressed in full costume, down to the white goatee and white suit.
“Next year, we’ve already planned some unique events, such as an Arts Fest and Ice Wine Soiree in January, at each campus,” says Annette.
Based on Faith
Faith has always been the core of VSE, which has locations in Fairlawn, Wadsworth and Green. The original site in Fairlawn opened in 1964 and has been run by Akron’s Sisters of St. Dominic. Since then, the Fairlawn campus has evolved to include facilities for independent living, as well as a number of options for supported and assisted living, including a rehabilitation and nursing center for round-the-clock care and memory care units.
VSE locations in Green and Wadsworth opened in 2019 to offer rustic, home-like accommodations for independent and assisted living, as well as memory care.
At all the locations, the faith-based legacy continues.
“Practicing one’s faith in a community of friends provides a greater sense of well-being, a capacity to cope, and increased optimism,” Annette explains. Weekly gatherings to watch The Chosen, followed by a group discussion, non-denominational Bible studies, and added times to meet, pray, and say the rosary are just a few of the ways The Village continues to meet the spiritual needs of residents.”
The last letter in LIFE is “e” for explore or “living life one ‘I can’ at a time.”
“This personal sense of adventure encourages new experiences and trying something new,” she says. “It continues to reshape perspectives, revisit former interests, and consider new ones. VillageLIFE isn’t just about activities. It’s about empowerment. It whispers, ‘I can,’ and celebrates every courageous step”.
You Will Have A Home For Life
Many seniors and their families today share a viable concern of outliving their funds.
Annette explains that through VSE’s Benevolence Program, that will never happen.
“Once someone moves in, they will never be asked to leave if they run out of funds,” she says noting that support in the form of donations helps offset some of The Village’s uncompensated care costs.”
Up, Up and Away
At The Village of St. Edward, when it comes to making residents’ dreams come true, literally the sky’s the limit.
In August, when 94-year-old Carol S. was asked what her ultimate wish would be, to do something she’s always dreamed of, her answer was immediate.
“I’ve always thought it would be wonderful to float up in a hot-air balloon,” she says.
VillageLIFE Coordinator Annette Cannone’s reaction was similarly immediate: Challenge accepted.
“Through the Village’s Live Your Wish program, modeled on the Make a Wish Foundation, we ask residents what their wish is, to do something they’ve never done but always wanted to,” she says.
She found a sponsor for the initiative, RE/MAX Oasis Dream Homes of Wadsworth, and invited other residents, as well as Carol’s family, to join in the lofty adventure. They were treated to a fascinating historical backstory about hot air balloons as part of the experience.
“If you’d told me that someone my age would be flying around in a hot air balloon, I wouldn’t have believed it,” says Carol. “My son-in-law went up with me and kept me steady. We could see for miles, out over the beautiful fields and farms of Wadsworth. It was a thrill, a memory I’ll cherish and never forget. I’m thankful to have done it.”
Carol’s advice for anyone of any age? Do the things you only dream about. Make them a reality.
Supported by the Village of St. Edward Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, the Village of St. Edward communities are located in Fairlawn, at 3125 Smith Road, 330-668-2828; Green, 3813 Fortuna Drive, 234-294-0010; and Wadsworth, 880 Main Street, 234-217-8735. For more information, go to VSECommunities.org.