The residents are embracing their new beginning to the fullest at the faith-based, not-for-profit community of The Village of St. Edward in Green
By Patricia Nugent
Opened in 2019, The Village of St. Edward in Green offers rustic, home-like accommodations for independent and assisted living, as well as memory care. It’s set on an expansive wooded lot with placid ponds and meandering walking paths.
The faith-based, not-for-profit facility caters to the physical, spiritual and social needs of the residents. All are welcome to join Catholic Masses throughout the week as well as a weekly non-denominational service. In addition, there are many other spiritual programs for anyone to join if interested.”
How to Avoid Outliving Your Funds
Madison Radke, community director of marketing and admissions at the Village, says many of the people she takes on tours are concerned with 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 care.
“People want the peace of mind looking down the road and finding a long-term solution, whether that eventually means assisted or memory care,” she says. “I recommend people proactively start researching senior living before they need it. This gives them a chance to visit a place several times, at different times of the day, and speak with other residents, staff and families. I think people have a preconception about senior living that doesn’t match what we offer. They are always pleasantly surprised with our lively and active atmosphere. Moving into senior living doesn’t have to be an ending point, but rather a starting point.”
Madison says the residents are what make the Village such a warm and welcoming place. “They really go out of their way to get to know new residents and engage and include them,” she says.
Meet Judy Trammell
“Accommodating” and “exceptional” are two words that Judy Trammel often uses when describing her life at the Village.
The upbeat 80-year-old moved here from Indiana in January of 2021. After her husband passed away, she was living alone. Following surgery on her arm, Judy and her son, who lives in Uniontown, decided it was time for a safer living space, a community where she can be around others.
“He toured several places and this one was his favorite because of the genuine and caring staff,” she says. “We wanted somewhere I could enjoy independence to its fullest, but still know that other helpful services were there if I needed them.”
Although she has a car, Judy has not yet gotten her driver’s license in Ohio.
“I know I will when the weather gets nicer,” she says. “It’s just so convenient to have the bus take me to shopping trips, and the car service can take me to doctor’s appointments. We also go to restaurants for lunch or dinner. There’s always the opportunity to get out.”
In addition to Pokeno (similar to bingo but with playing cards), Judy reports that she’s taken up poker and loves often beating the gentlemen who join her at the table, which doesn’t always go over well.
“The staff goes out of its way to make things special,” she says. “For instance, they hosted a delightful dinner for Valentine’s Day with wine, shrimp cocktail, filet and lobster tail. The musical entertainment they bring in is wonderful, too.”
The Village of St. Edward has three locations: Green, 3813 Fortuna Drive, 234-294-0010; Fairlawn, at 3125 Smith Road, 330-668-2828; and Wadsworth, 880 Main Street, 234-217-8735. 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.