The Nathaniel Witherell: A Greenwich Treasure Worth Protecting Dr. Stephanie Paulmeno reflects on decades of excellence, compassion, and community care
The Nathaniel Witherell has held a special place in my heart since 1987, when I first trained there to become a licensed nursing home administrator. You sense the uniqueness of The Witherell the moment you walk through the door, whether you’re greeting staff, volunteers, or residents, or enjoying one of the wonderful recreational or spiritual care programs.
The staff at The Nathaniel Witherell are second to none. Our nurses and social workers set the gold standard for compassionate care. Our volunteers give generously of their time and truly reign supreme. George, our admissions director, is widely admired for his compassion and kindness. Even our beauty parlor staff contribute immeasurably, restoring dignity and lifting spirits for residents who deserve to look and feel their best.
Too often overlooked, yet equally essential, are the housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, and dietary teams. They form lasting bonds with residents and families that many in the broader community never see, but their daily work is integral to the quality of care and the sense of home that The Witherell provides.
During my decade as Director of Nursing and later Acting Administrator (1989–2002), The Witherell had on-site rehabilitation, dietary management, and even its own pharmacist — services that set us apart from other facilities. Being a not-for-profit also made us unique. Decisions always prioritized quality of care and quality of life. At the same time, The Witherell contributed revenue to the Town’s General Fund — a fact sometimes overlooked in budget discussions today. Balancing social responsibility with fiscal accountability was our constant challenge, but it made us stronger.
At that time, The Witherell was one of only two municipal nursing facilities in Connecticut. With the closing of Smith House, we now stand alone in this distinction. Greenwich should take great pride in that. As someone who has lived here and raised my family in this community for 44 years, I know the value of investing in institutions that strengthen our town. I pay my share of school taxes gladly, even though I no longer have children in the schools. I wish the same sense of shared responsibility applied when it comes to supporting The Witherell, should subsidies ever be needed.
Today, I am proud to serve on The Nathaniel Witherell Board and to act as liaison to the Friends of Nathaniel Witherell, whose programs add immeasurable joy and enrichment to residents’ lives. The older adults who live at The Witherell once built and sustained the very community we call home. They deserve nothing less than our continued care, compassion, and commitment.
The Nathaniel Witherell is not only a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility — it is a treasure. It is a place where compassion, dignity, and community come together, and one that Greenwich should preserve and celebrate with pride.
Dr. Stephanie Paulmeno
