“There’s something for everybody”: Resident Harold Weidler’s journey to Edgewood Healthcare

July 7, 2020

 

When Harold Weidler stepped into the Edgewood Healthcare community in Minot years ago to explore memory care options for his wife, Lois, he didn’t know he’d later become a resident.

Despite being in his 80s then, the farmer was still active on his homestead near Minot – even if his days consisted more of “ice cream meetings” with loved ones than farming duties. Harold was content with his life and didn’t think a move was necessary.

Find Senior Living Near Me

However, after Lois passed away three years ago, Harold’s health changed. He experienced several falls in his home due to knee pain, and his family began to think about options that would help him gain back physical strength and allow him to continue living independently.As the Regional Vice President of CaringEdge, Edgewood’s Health Services division, in North Dakota and Minnesota, Harold’s grandson Brendan Weidler became a go-to resource for his family. He thought Harold would be a good candidate for Edgewood’s Short-Term Stay service, as he could receive physical therapy with Edgewood’s in-home providers without moving in permanently.

Brendan and his family agreed to propose the option to Harold, but they wanted to ensure the conversation came from a place of love without putting pressure on him. It was, after all, his decision.

Brendan approached his grandfather with a proposal of eight weeks in Edgewood’s Short-Term Stay program. To this day, over a year later, Brendan remembers feeling “the most nervous I’ve ever felt talking to my grandpa,” he recalls.

“I didn’t want to push the idea to live at Edgewood, especially since I was an employee,” Brendan says. “But I had seen some of the success stories that we’ve had with other people with similar experiences. I saw an opportunity and approached it from more of an informational aspect to see if he wanted to give it a shot.”

That was on a Thursday back in October 2018. Harold moved in the following Monday.

“Brendan was the one that got me to come. He’s always picking on me quite a bit,” the 91-year-old quips with a twinkle in his eye.

Small Steps, Great Progress

Harold showed progress After working with Edgewood’s physical and occupational therapists for a couple of months. A lack of confidence, largely attributed to fear of his knee giving out, was now replaced by Harold walking on his own all the way across the building with less pain and more stability. As his endurance improved, it reinvigorated his confidence and sense of independence.“The staff had to buy new tennis shoes to keep up with him,” Brendan laughs.Once he finished outpatient therapy a few months later – equipped with a new knee brace – Harold was cleared to return to his farmstead. However, after getting to know the Edgewood staff and residents and participating in the many activities going on in the community, he felt like he was already home.“He came to my office one day and said, ‘Well, they’re transitioning me out of outpatient therapy. You don’t think they’re going to kick me out, do ya?’” Brendan recalls as Harold chuckles next to him. “I told him he could stay as long as he wanted.”From that day forward, Harold was a permanent resident at Edgewood in Minot, and it was “just like home as far as I was concerned,” he says.“It’s a great place to be. When you’ve got something hurting, they’ll help you. And you meet a lot of friends,” Harold adds. “Every time you walk out (into the common areas), you’ve got to say hi to everybody.”

“He’s always running into people he didn’t know lived here (in the Minot Edgewood community) that he knew earlier in life, too,” Brendan adds. “Every time I see him, he has a smile on his face and seems to get along with the residents and staff.”

“Something for Everybody”

Harold continues to advocate for Edgewood Healthcare and encourages fellow seniors who are experiencing a healthcare story like his to look into their options and get the help they need.

“It’s all about your attitude,” he says. “Don’t be afraid, and come on in. There’s something for everybody.”

To explore home and healthcare options at an Edgewood Healthcare location near you, visit our Find Community page or contact us today to learn more.

Please note: Photos and interviews in this story were taken and conducted before COVID-19. Edgewood Healthcare still has visitation restrictions in place to keep our residents safe. Visit our Find Community page to learn the specific precautions in the community near you.

More Recent Posts

View All News
Senior female residents enjoying lunch in the dining room.

March 27, 2025

More Than a Meal: Helping Seniors Eat Well & Stay Happy

Mealtime is more than just eating—it’s an experience, a time for connection, and a source of comfort. Think about how holiday meals bring families together, filling the room with warmth, laughter, and shared stories. Now, imagine sitting down to eat alone. Unfortunately, this is a daily reality for many seniors, and it can significantly impact […]

Read More
Mr. Rogers

March 19, 2025

It’s a Beautiful Day in Our Neighborhood!

Embracing the Spirit of Mister Rogers  For decades, Mister Rogers inspired generations with his kindness, empathy, and community messages on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. His legacy lives on in childhood memories and real-life communities like Edgewood Village in Bismarck. Recently, we received a touching story from a resident’s daughter about the profound impact our community has […]

Read More
Ray Peloquin and his daughter, Amy standing in the Kitchen at Dave's Pizza

March 14, 2025

A Slice of History & A Legacy of Hard Work: Ray’s Story

  One of the best parts of senior living is welcoming residents like family and uncovering the incredible stories that make them who they are. Resident Ray Peloquin from Edgewood in Virginia, MN, has a great story to share. As a local entrepreneur and a tremendously hard worker, Ray helped make Dave’s Pizza a household […]

Read More
Senior female with toes in the water

March 5, 2025

Come on in, the Water’s Fine: Assisted Living Brings Peace of Mind

Life’s transitions have a way of making us uneasy—especially during the later chapters. So, why not get some peace of mind?   We always say, “Check us out, stop in for a tour, or join one of our community events.” We encourage visitors to experience firsthand how different assisted living has become.       […]

Read More