At The Village of St. Edward, residents enjoy safety and peace of mind while engaging in familiar, fun, and faith-based activities
By Patricia Nugent
Residents and their families at The Village of St. Edward in Wadsworth give favorable reviews to the protocols put in place by the conscientious staff to provide safety and peace of mind during these uncertain times.
“Our mission is to engage our residents at every level along their journey,” says Annette Walters, corporate director of marketing. “We’ve been fortunate to welcome new residents during the pandemic by offering virtual tours to give them a nice introduction.”
Since opening last spring, the faith-based, not-for-profit facility has catered to the physical, spiritual and social needs of its residents within three separate wings dedicated to independent living, assisted living and memory care.
“Our staff is doing everything it can to bring joy to residents’ lives,” says Annette. “For instance, Spiritual Care Coordinator Sr. Marilyn Ambrosik has been leading virtual prayers for residents and the community. She spends time enjoying personal visits with all the residents as well.”
What Residents and Their Families are Saying
Leland McFarland was the first person to move into the Wadsworth Village in January of 2019.
“I visited other places, but to me this place best fit my description of what independent living is,” says the energetic 82-year-old. “I come and go as I please. I have my own car (a new Corvette). They let me bring my cat. I get meals here and my apartment cleaned. I just write one simple check per month.”
He said he was living in a large home after his wife passed away in 2017, but after he had a seizure in 2018, he rethought that living arrangement.
“Now, no matter where I go, I wear a safety pendant with GPS,” he adds.
For Mary Jo Miller, assisted living at VSE is the perfect fit. After becoming a widow in 2018, the 86-year-old was worried about having a fall. Home health aids were coming to her home 8-10 hours a day, but her family was thinking that wasn’t enough.
Her son Blake and his wife Kim toured several facilities in the area and liked St. Edward the most.
“It was bright and cheerful,” he says. “She had lived on a small farm and loves nature. Now she enjoys walking around the grounds and taking in nature. She’s very comfortable here. The staff all know her by name and take great care of her.”
Leslie Ciammaichella says the first thing she noticed about the memory care unit during her tour was how the staff was having conversations with the residents.
“There was so much kindness here I didn’t see anywhere else,” says Leslie.
Her 85-year-old mom Shirley had been in another facility and she didn’t feel she was well cared-for.
“There’s nothing more important for those with dementia than communication and stimulation, and that’s what is happening here,” she says. “The staff actually sits and eats meals with the residents, which is integral to their thriving. My mom is much healthier after coming here.”
Leslie says the activities are thoughtful pursuits, too.
“If my mom painted a picture in art and the staff noticed she liked it, I’ll find it on an easel in her bedroom,” says Leslie.
The Village of St. Edward has three locations. In Wadsworth, the address is 880 Main Street, 234-217-8735. In Fairlawn, the address is 3125 Smith Road, 330-668-2828. In Green, the address is 3813 Fortuna Drive, 234-294-0010. There are no long-term contracts and residents will not be asked to leave if they run out of funds. Pets under 20 pounds are allowed. For more information, or to schedule a visit, go to VSECommunities.org.