She was ready. He wasn’t.
When Velma first brought up senior living, her husband Carl, a lifelong farm boy, pushed back hard. After decades in their century-old farmhouse, the idea of leaving home felt impossible.
But Velma kept the conversation going. She even talked their daughter into taking them on tours. After several visits, Velma knew “in her gut” that Edgewood Mitchell Assisted Living was where they belonged. Carl took a little longer to come around, but eventually, he found his place there, too.
In time, Edgewood became home to both Velma and Carl. With support from staff, technology like CarePredict, and preferred partners CaringEdge Mitchell and Legacy Medical, they had the resources they needed to feel confident and supported while continuing to do what matters most to them.
Carl even planted the first garden at Edgewood Mitchell Assisted Living. He lived alongside Velma for three years before he passed away earlier this year.
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Independence doesn’t mean doing everything alone. It means having the right support to stay safe, active, and in control of daily life.
At Edgewood Mitchell Assisted Living, CarePredict’s Tempo wearable adds a smartwatch to another layer of insight to Velma’s care. Worn by residents throughout the day, Tempo captures patterns in activity, mobility, sleep, and daily routines, helping the care team recognize changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
CarePredict can help identify falls and changes in movement or routine, giving caregivers timely information to determine when additional support may be needed.
Technology and people work together to create a more complete picture of daily well-being, allowing the care team to respond with personalized support. For Velma, it means another layer of safety and reassurance without taking away the independence she values.
After several strokes, Velma began working with Natalie Fischer, Occupational Therapist at CaringEdge Mitchell in the outpatient clinic. Their goal wasn’t simply to complete exercises. It was to help Velma keep doing the things that make her life hers.
Together, they worked on navigating curbs and sidewalks, strengthening her fingers for the piano, using her typewriter, and learning to text and make calls on her iPhone. Natalie even encouraged Velma to try a new piano piece when she felt nervous.
Today, Velma plays “Happy Birthday” during birthday lunches for other residents. With Natalie’s encouragement and support, she also practiced and learned a new song to play for a friend.
Heidi Williams, VP of Provider Services & Outpatient Therapy at CaringEdge, explains: “Our focus is also on staying ahead of potential challenges, building strength, improving balance and mobility, reducing the risk of falls, and supporting overall safety.”
For Velma, those goals have translated into something even more meaningful: confidence to keep doing the things she loves.
One moment showed Velma just how much she had gained.
After driving herself to the post office, she faced a curb that was difficult to navigate. When she came back outside, her car wasn’t close enough to use for support. Then she remembered what Natalie had taught her. Velma found a sloped section of the curb and safely made her way down using the strategy she had practiced in therapy.
It may sound like a small moment. To Velma, it was proof that therapy wasn’t something she only did with Natalie. It was something she could carry into everyday life.
And that’s what independence can look like: having the skills, confidence, and support to keep doing the things that matter to you.
When asked what she would tell someone considering a move to Edgewood, Velma’s answer is simple:
“Definitely go for it.”
Another part of Velma’s experience is having medical care available inside the community. She sees our in-home provider at Legacy Medical every two weeks. The convenience of this service has brought comfort for both Velma and Carl.
Velma describes having an in-home provider in the community as a “Godsend.” Having this service where Velma already lives means she doesn’t have to leave home to get the care she needs. It also creates natural opportunities for providers and the Edgewood team to communicate about her changing needs.
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For Kathy Shroyer, Executive Director, the answer comes down to creating an environment where residents feel safe, supported, and truly at home.
“It’s a big transition,” Kathy says. “So, they need all the services to make this community their home.”
That philosophy runs through Velma’s experience, from the staff who helped her find her place at the dining table, to the therapist who taught her how to navigate a curb, to the technology and on-site care that add layers of safety and support.
Carl may have needed more time to see it, but eventually, Edgewood became home for him, too. He planted a garden, shared three years there with Velma, and became part of the community in his own way.
Edgewood Mitchell Assisted Living offers comforts and conveniences that help residents feel at home. Private bathrooms, kitchenettes, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and emergency response systems support independence, while restaurant-style dining, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, wellness spaces, outdoor areas, and daily activities make everyday life easier and more engaging.
If you’re looking for assisted living with added support, advanced technology, and access to more care services, reach out to Edgewood at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com to explore your options.
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