A Historic Move!

For those who are not aware of it, Shepherd house has some very good news! We will be moving from our home in the convent on South Lake Drive, to our new home in the main building on Morgan Avenue. Our new house will be in what has been known as the Therapy Treatment Clinic. Our clients will have easier access to the swimming pool, art program, hair and nail salon, therapy department, and many other activities that take place at the main center. Many people are sacrificing their time and space to make this happen. And the therapy department is graciously adjusting their treatment space so that this move is possible. Our buildings and grounds department has been working very hard on getting the new addition for this area of the center remodeled and completed. Our move took place in the middle of December since the new construction went very well. Caregivers and transit companies have been informed about all these changes too. Suddenly, the new chapter in the history of Shepherd House–one that we looked forward to for so long–has become a reality!

– Marcia L. Hochstetter, Vice President of Shepherd House

 

This article is reprinted from the St. Ann Center Agency 'Seasons of Life' Newsletter.

Wellness with a Smile

Roy is a decorated World War II veteran who was a pilot in service to our country. After the war he kept flying as his job and also for fun. But now he is coping with dementia and has found help at Shepherd House, a special program at St. Ann Center for all ages. His wife, who has been his primary caregiver, was trying to balance his needs with her own struggle with recurrent cancer. So Shepherd House is a great relief for her and a secure, loving daycare for her husband.

Roy requires almost full care from the staff for his basic needs, but he continues to enjoy cowboy movies, loves music and has joined the music group at the center. As part of the wellness program offered at the center he also receives whirlpool baths and takes advantage of the new dental hygiene program. At St. Ann Center its service and being served with a big, healthy smile!

The Joy of Generations

Every now and then, day care encounters an individual who is anxious and upset that they are being left behind by their loved one for the day. A child will cry out and ask for their mother. A man will ask over and over again where his wife is and when he can go home. From childhood to adulthood, St. Ann's staff has found this to be a consistency throughout life's stages. Here at St. Ann's, the many generations find solace in each other.

A young girl repeatedly asking for her mother and crying during an intergenerational activity at St. Ann's Shepherd House, was placed on the lap of a client, suffering from dementia, who often grows upset by the absence of his wife. The two were instantly calmed. Together, they participated in activities with the other children and adults, without tears or nervous questioning.

A remarkable sight to see, but ever so common within the walls of St. Ann's, proving once again how the importance of intergenerational care is apparent as a successful therapy for a variety of generations.

Submitted by Stacy Ory

Our Clients Front and Center

The importance of client-centered care Shepherd House is very uniquely designed to specialize in dementia care and care for people with other memory problems. We emphasize the importance of maintaining independence and memory function through keeping active. Since everyone can be active in various ways, the staff at St. Ann's Center prefers client-centered care which is planning activities according to what our clients prefer to do. Each person has their choice, whether it be quilting, fishing, cards, building birdhouses, caring for plants, playing music, or just relaxing and conversing about the good ol' days.

Shepherd House incorporates three different types of activities per day: physical, mental, and social. Physical activities involve parachute games, silver sneakers fitness classes, and Wii sports/ Wii fitness games to bring back the sport and competition that many of our clients used to enjoy in their leisure time. Mental activities consist of trivia games, word puzzles, group discussions on historical events, and trips down memory lane, discussing a favorite toy as a child or a memory of the end of WWII. Social activities are incorporated into both physical and mental activities by keeping clients in small and personal groups to allow each one the chance at answers, questions, and introducing a variety of topics.

Shepherd House also employs client-centered care when planning outings. Special trips to the Harley Davidson Museum for those who used to ride, the Milwaukee Art Museum for the former art enthusiast, and fishing on Scout Lake for the avid sports person. The list goes on.

Whatever their preferences, Shepherd House has an activity plan for each person! After all, why should people change their lives drastically just to accommodate an inflexible program? We are here for our guests and look forward to their favorite activity as much as they do!

Written by Stacy M. Ory
Shepherd House Staff

Goodbye Carol

A long time client by the name of Carol, came to Shepherd House five times per week from her group home to participate in activities and increase her socialization. Carol was a wonderful addition to the Shepherd House family, spending a majority of her time in Leandra hall which is specialized for those with higher needs. Carol, although 73 years old, she declared to staff to be 16, though acted as youthful as a 3 year old.

As the elevator doors opened every morning to greet Carol, staff was greeted by her taking her shoes off and throwing them to the side, indicating that she was making herself as comfortable as possible. Shortly after her arrival into the building, the staff and clients were serenaded by wonderful songs such as “You are my Sunshine” and “Happy Birthday” as well as “God Bless America” and a year round rendition of “Jingle Bells.”

Carol, who was given the nickname “Little Carol” by staff due to her incredibly short stature, enjoyed only one activity beyond that of music, looking through her “book.” Staff and client family members searched their magazine collections to bring in any JCPenny catalogs they could find for Carol to page through until her little fingers turned black and the space next to her chair was piled high with pictures she wanted to share with others. Carol absolutely loved playing ball toss, talking about babies, and would often request “kissies” from staff. She laughed all day long and would call staff by name and talk about her sisters.

She was by far Danny Crivello’s number one fan. Every time Danny came to Shepherd House to sing, Carol was the loudest sing along voice heard, and gave the loudest cheers and claps. Danny would always get down on one knee and serenade Carol with her own song asking if she loved him, to which she would shout out “OH, YES I LOVE YOU!”

Unfortunately, Carol fell ill quite often, causing her to miss day care for as much as a month at a time. However, upon her arrival, she was as happy as ever, and staff would greet her by picking her up out of her wheelchair, and holding her in their lap like a young child, cuddling her and giggling with her. It was clear Carol was loved by her family, her group home, and by all of Shepherd House.

Little Carol passed away unexpectedly on November 9th, 2009. Shepherd House staff mourn her loss still today, but clients still talk about “that loud little one” from time to time, reminding the staff that Little Carol’s legacy at Shepherd House and as part of the St. Ann’s family, will never be lost.
Written by: Stacy Ory