Do you want to create an e-mail or paint a picture?

Each day Yolanda comes to work at St. Ann Center to assist the clients and add a little joy to their lives. They have the opportunity to take part in arts and crafts and Yolanda helps them express their creativity. She provides a special touch and takes time with each person. She introduces them to many different types of art media from painting with water colors to decorating pieces of clay. She has a blast working with the clients and you can tell by the smiles on their faces, they love working with her too.

Yolanda calls Mondays her “computer day.” St. Ann Center has a special computer with a touch screen and large keyboard for clients’ fingers that aren’t controlled enough to hit the correct keys. Many of our clients, especially those with physical challenges, really want to use the computer so this special keyboard with large letters makes it easier. In fact, some can’t use their hands at all, so there is a special pointer that can be attached to the head so they can use it on the touch screen.

When Phil comes to “computer day” he likes to send emails to his brother, so Yolanda helps him get the screen set up correctly. Then Phil sets to work writing a message to his brother. Katherine, one of our very special volunteers, likes to type up her “to do list,” so each Monday she and Yolanda sit at the computer together, with Yolanda on one key board Katherine on the other as they type her list. Yolanda is a very special gift to the clients of St. Ann Center, but Yolanda says, “The clients are a very special gift to me.”

Do you live with Arthritis? Do you have pain in your joints? Do you want to exercise but are afraid of the pain in your joints? The Aquatic Center at St. Ann Center is now offering a special Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program! This program is specifically designed for people with arthritis and related diseases and taught by a certified instructor. Participants improve their joint flexibility and reduce their pain and stiffness while supported by the water’s buoyancy and resistance. The classes also provide a friendly, fun atmosphere in which participants can make new friends and try new activities.

Water is a safe, ideal environment for relieving arthritis pain and stiffness. This swimming exercise class is designed to safely keep your joints moving and improve your sense of well-being.

At St. Ann Center swimmers enjoy a comfortable atmosphere where the solar heated water temperature is always 88 degrees. The pool is accessible to people of all physical abilities, a ramp and a special wheelchair is available to be taken into the water. For persons with limited mobility, we offer a moveable seat that supports people at water level and allows them to move freely.

Classes offered: Tuesdays 7:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. and Thursdays 2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Classes are taught by Joanne Lange a certified Arthritis Foundation instructor. We are offering a Special Rate of $5 per class.  Call Kristen at 414.977.5015 to learn more!

Click here to learn more about the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program.

We want to hear from you!  Have you taken part in one of our Arthiritis Aquatic Program?  Did you like the class?  Please post a comment here!

“I’m Still Here” Important Reading for Family Caregivers and Professionals « ElderCarelink blog

“I’m Still Here” Important Reading for Family Caregivers and Professionals « ElderCarelink blog

It's Freezing Outside!

You might be shivering from your head to your toes, but step inside the doors of St. Ann Center and its warm and balmy, not to mention full of energetic voices and brimming with activity! From the tall palm trees to the warm indoor swimming pool, St. Ann Center is an oasis from the cold!

Each day the atrium at St. Ann Center is alive with activity. The patio tables are filled with clients creating different arts and crafts, strolling through the atrium pathways or quietly sitting and reading a book. You’ll find a mighty game of rummy being played at the patio tables most afternoons!

When it’s cold or rainy outside the children enjoy jumping in the ball pit, sliding down the slide and shooting hoops. There’s room for a rousing game of Duck Duck Goose or the ever exciting parachute game! Many of the adult clients will sit in the atrium and watch the children as they climb, jump and dance. What fun it is to be able to run, play and climb like you’re outside. Even on the coldest or rainiest days it warm and cozy inside.

St. Ann Center is open to the public during the day. If you want to get out of the cold, stroll in the atrium or jump in warm water pool, just come on in!

Greenbay's Going All the Way!

A heart warming site on a cold winter day!

Mornings can be crazy in the lobby at St. Ann Center – people coming and going, staff coming in for the day, clients arriving on buses, caregivers dropping off their loved ones, parents dropping off their sometimes crying children, housekeeping trying to keep the floors clean and dry in these wet winter months.

As I watched the clients arrive I was humbled as I usually am by the amount of care and concern the staff shows to each and every person that arrives through the front door. One arrival in particular caught my attention - Marta a woman in her 20’s. She was seated in her wheelchair bundled from head to toe with hat and scarf, large winter coat and blanket on her legs. Marta can’t speak but she has the most infectious smile. Today, as she’s greeted with a friendly “good morning” her nose is running from the cold. The caregiver who greeted Marta sees her and says “Oh honey, let’s wipe your nose, that must be uncomfortable,” and she gently wipes Marta’s nose. Marta returned the favor with one of her beautiful smiles.

Marta is unable to wipe her own nose, she’s unable to dress herself, she’s unable to feed herself, and she’s unable to go to the bathroom by herself. These are all the things that the staff at St. Ann Center provides for her along with loving companionship. It really was a very heart warming sight to see!