St. Ann Center ceremoniously re-opened the Melitta S. and Joan M. Pick Respite Care Wingat the Bucyrus Campus on Thursday, bringing back to the campus a crucial support resource for people taking care of an adult relative.
St. Ann Center’s president, Sr. Edna Lonergan, and Sr. Immaculate Matini, who will direct the program, untied the colorful bow to proclaim the program opened once more. Guests got to peek in each of the nine private bedrooms, all directed colorfully and uniquely, as well as the dining room, kitchen, bathing area with whirlpool spa tubs, and central gathering space, and to admire the original artworks created for the unit by Milwaukee School of the Arts students.
Guests commented on the openness and natural light filling the space throughout, then enjoyed light refreshments as they chatted with staff. Caregivers were each offered a small scented candle to take home, a reminder that self-care is crucial for successful caregiving.
The overnight respite program, which began at the Stein Campus in response to caregiver requests, was available briefly previously at this campus, too, but shut down in 2020, as the Stein program remained open. With demand again on the rise, St. Ann Center is excited to again provide this specialty service for north side families, to allow caregivers peace of mind when they need to tend to their own needs – a business trip, medical procedure, vacation, or simply time to refresh to avoid burning out.
Caregivers should be aware that to arrange a stay, they must first enroll their loved one in the overnight respite program, a process that requires a physician’s clearance and other preparation.
For more information about the program or how caregivers can apply for overnight respite care for their loved one, please contact Tawanda Barnes, Respite Intake Coordinator, at (414) 210-2423, or email tbarnes@stanncenter.org.
