Briarwood Village leaders highlight resident care, nutrition and job opportunities in Spectrum interview

COLDWATER - Briarwood Village leaders say the facility is focused on resident care, strong team support and continued hiring across several departments.

During a recent appearance on Spectrum, Briarwood Village Human Resources Director Lynn Weigel and Nutrition Services Supervisor Megan Bromagen shared a closer look at the work being done inside the Coldwater facility and the people it takes to keep it running.

Weigel said Briarwood Village provides independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services.

She said her day to day role in human resources includes supporting staff, interviewing candidates, helping guide them through the hiring process and keeping employees in compliance with Ohio requirements.

Bromagen said nutrition services play a major role in resident care, with a focus on listening to residents, meeting their needs and making sure they receive quality food and proper portions.

The two also stressed that Briarwood Village relies on more than just nursing staff. They pointed to STNAs, activities staff, housekeepers, dietary workers and nurses as key parts of the operation.

Bromagen said one of the biggest differences about working at Briarwood Village is the reward that comes from knowing employees make a real difference in residents’ lives. She said trust is a major part of daily life at the facility, with staff working to follow through on promises and make residents feel at home.

She also said nutrition is especially important because residents care deeply about their dining experience. Bromagen noted the meals are built with both quality and health in mind, while residents also have access to an always available menu if they do not want the featured meal.

Weigel said Briarwood Village is currently hiring for positions in housekeeping, dietary, CNA roles and nursing. She said the facility looks for applicants with steady work history and experience helping or serving others, even if that experience is not in long term care.

She added that Briarwood Village also offers opportunities for people just entering the field. Housekeeping and dietary can serve as entry points, and the facility also provides CNA training.

Weigel said Briarwood hires employees as young as 16, making it a possible first job for high school students who may later move into other departments or training opportunities.

She also said Briarwood has introduced a support system for new employees, with leadership following workers through their first 30 days and completing seven checkpoints during that time.

Weigel said Briarwood’s core values are summed up in the acronym WE CARE, which stands for wholeheartedness, excellence, collaboration, accountability, respect and ethical behavior.

The conversation also touched on scheduling flexibility. Weigel said Briarwood offers first, second and third shifts, along with 12 hour shifts for nurses, allowing workers to find schedules that better fit family life.

She pointed to longtime employees and younger workers who have grown within the organization as examples of career advancement at Briarwood Village.

Briarwood leaders also highlighted the facility’s newer building across from the hospital in Coldwater, along with activities for residents that can include outings, shopping trips, fishing and other events chosen by residents themselves.

Families interested in tours or care options can contact Briarwood Village directly. Those interested in jobs can learn more and view openings by visiting briarwood-village.com and clicking Join Our Team.

Briarwood Village is part of a larger organization with sister facilities in Celina, Van Wert and Piqua.