Snow, Safety, and Care: How Lutheran SeniorLife Teams Prepared for and Responded to the Storm Posted on January 23, 2026January 28, 2026 When a major winter storm was forecasted to hit our region, Lutheran SeniorLife began preparing early to ensure our residents, patients, and team members would remain safe and supported no matter what the weather brought. Across all communities and programs, teams mobilized with one clear goal: continuity of care without disruption. Snow removal and de-icing plans were activated around the clock, extra supplies were secured, and staffing plans were adjusted to sustain uninterrupted care. At Passavant Community, additional beds were brought in, and snow removal partners from MMC Land Management were scheduled to be on site for immediate, nonstop support. Team members from nursing, personal care, dining, maintenance, environmental services, and leadership made plans to stay overnight, ready to meet every need, from safe walkways and warm meals to direct support and reassurance. “Our team is incredible,” said Laura Roy, Executive Director of Passavant Community. “Nursing and personal care staff will be here to meet residents’ needs. Dining staff will stay to make sure everyone is fed. Maintenance will be out in the snow to keep sidewalks safe, and Environmental Services will continue keeping the community clean. It truly is teamwork at its finest.” At St. John Community, preparation quickly turned into long days, late nights, and hands-on teamwork. Several team members stayed on campus throughout the storm, using empty rooms and offices so care and daily operations could continue without interruption. Executive Director Samantha Rapuk, Director of Nursing Tanya DeFranciscis, Kaitlyn Hanes, Shirley Garing, and Dana Bradley remained on site from Saturday through Monday, finally returning home once conditions were safe. “Managers know it is all hands on deck,” said Rapuk. As snow continued to fall, staffing needs were constant. Team members stepped in wherever they were needed, working carts, covering housekeeping for the entire building, coordinating schedules, and even driving to pick up coworkers when roads became difficult to navigate. Clinical Managers Logan and Merrett came in on Sunday to help with carts, while others volunteered to transport fellow team members to ensure shifts were covered. Despite limited staffing and nonstop demands, care never slowed. Residents were supported, meals were served, and the community continued to run because people showed up for one another. “It was hectic, but it went well,” said Rapuk. “We had enough staff both days, but we were running all day. I couldn’t be more proud of our team or more grateful to everyone who showed up or made every effort to get here.” Planning extended far beyond our residential communities. VNA Home Health and Hospice teams coordinated triage nursing and prioritized patient visits as conditions allowed, while staff remained focused on safety and winter driving protocols. Across LIFE Programs, The Commons at Stonebrook, and HUD housing, teams and snow-removal partners ensured buildings were stocked with shovels, salt, and generator fuel, ready for whatever the storm brought. “We are preparing for the worst while hoping for the best,” said Paul C. Harman III, Supervisor of Property Management for HUD Housing. “Our teams and partners are ready, and we will do whatever it takes to keep our residents safe and cared for.” Then the storm arrived, bringing more than 12 inches of snow to Butler County. Throughout the storm and in its aftermath, Lutheran SeniorLife team members and partners delivered on every plan. Maintenance teams worked tirelessly day and night, clearing sidewalks, entrances, and parking lots, supported by our snow removal partners at MMC Land Management. Nursing and personal care staff, dining services, environmental services, leadership teams, and managers stepped in wherever needed, many staying overnight, to provide uninterrupted care, warm meals, and a clean, safe environment. VNA Home Health and Hospice teams continued serving patients through triage nursing and prioritized visits as conditions allowed. Because of this extraordinary teamwork, our residents, patients, and communities remained safe and supported during one of the most significant winter storms we have seen in years. To every Lutheran SeniorLife team member and partner who answered the call, thank you. Your dedication and commitment to one another exemplify what it means to put people first, always.