10/05/2026
A Legacy That Continues
The history of the Medina County Home begins in the middle of the nineteenth century, when county governments were responsible for providing assistance to residents who were unable to care for themselves. In 1854, Medina County officials moved toward establishing a county infirmary. The facility began receiving residents in February 1855.
The institution was then known as the Medina County Infirmary. Its residents were commonly referred to as "inmates," a term that reflected the language and social attitudes of the nineteenth century. The population served was diverse. The Infirmary became a home for elderly and infirm residents, people who were poor or without families able to care for them, people suffering from illness or mental disabilities, and others who had nowhere else to go. Historical records also document injured individuals, unwed mothers, transients, and people who were simply unable to support themselves.
The beginning of the twenty-first century brought an important challenge to the County Home. In 2002, Medina County voters were asked to approve a property-tax levy supporting the operation of the Home. The measure passed with 64 percent of the vote, demonstrating that Medina County residents recognized the value of maintaining this unique county institution.
The Home's mission was formally expressed in a 2003 resolution adopted by the Medina County Commissioners. That mission calls for the County Home to “provide custodial care in a homelike environment while supporting residents' personal self-worth, freedom of choice, independence, and continued connection to the broader community.”
That philosophy represents a significant evolution from the nineteenth-century infirmary while maintaining the original commitment to helping residents who need support.
The current building, located at 6144 Wedgewood Road, was constructed in 1894. The Medina County Home is not simply an old building. It is a living piece of Medina County history that has continued to serve the people of this county from one generation to the next.
More than a century and a half later, the fundamental principle remains. The people of Medina County continue to provide a place where residents can live with dignity, receive assistance, participate in their community, and call the Home their home.
Its greatest historical achievement may be the simplest: for more than 170 years, Medina County has refused to forget its responsibility to care for its own.
Originally, all 88 counties in Ohio had County Homes. Today, there are only 8 like us. The Medina County Home is a 50-bed facility which provides primary custodial, rest-home type care. However, The Home offers both private and semi-private rooms. The current 2026 average census is 44 residents.
The Medina County Home is designed for adults who need a safe, supportive residential environment and assistance with daily living, but who do not require the level of skilled nursing care provided by a nursing home. Eligibility is based on factors such as Medina County residency, age, mobility, care needs, and the individual's ability to function within the Home's residential setting. Fees are assessed based on income.
The Medina County Home also provides an Adult Day Care to the residents of Medina County. The program incorporates participants into the daily routine of the Home. This provides a comfortable home-like setting that enhances socialization and peace of mind for adults that are not capable of full-time independent living. This program allows caregivers to have “time off” from their care giving responsibilities.
Participants need to reside in Medina County and should be mobile with minimal assistance. Mobility with a cane or walker is acceptable. The cost is $35/day, and this includes one meal per day, routine nursing care and participation in all scheduled activities at the home. This may include crafts, cards, Bingo, board games, exercises, and special events. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If caring for a loved one leaves you feeling frustrated and tired, please contact the Medina County Home to discuss if Adult Day Care (ADC) is an option for your family member.
If you would like more information, please call Amy Perrine at 330-722-9323.
Sources:
Beachy, Eli R. The Medina County Home: Those Early Years 1855-1935. 2007
Medina County Resolution 03-112, adopted on February 10, 2003
Helping Hands, Commissioners’ Corner, May/June 2021, Medina County Home by Steve Hambly, MC Commissioner
