St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care Bucyrus Campus stanncenter.org 414.210.2430 Milwaukee 53205-53206 zip codes, officially rated low-income in Wisconsin’s largest cultural and economic city, is home to more than 39,000 people. Although not without positive qualities, challenges to these predominantly African American communities are reproduced in many low-income neighborhoods around the country. Women are the majority of the population. Unemployment and incarceration rates are high. A significant percentage of its public school’s students are eligible for free or reduced lunch programs. Disparities in education and income compromise access to healthcare and result in unfavorable health outcomes for many. |
Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi and planted in the heart of the 53205-53206 zips stands a beacon of hope for young and old alike — the St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care - Bucyrus Campus. Respite care is one of the essential services provided by its on-site medical clinic.
“St. Ann respite care accepts patients 18 to 90 years old who require around-the-clock support. Respite is an indispensable service for maintaining the physical and emotional health of caregivers. It’s sad but true that some caregivers die before the loved one they are caring for. Many caregivers in this community don’t know about respite or fully understand its benefits. All forms of Medicaid are accepted, and financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Our respite service is available for one night or up to 28 days,” explained Neaver Walters, BSN, RN, Director of Nursing and Respite Services at St. Ann.
Respite care is temporary was developed to tend to the needs of sick, elderly, or disabled individuals who are otherwise dependent on relatives for around-the-clock support. This service gives caregivers a break from these responsibilities, time for their personal needs, activities, or even vacations.
“For 30 years, I worked as support personnel for the Milwaukee Police Department. So, I’ve seen the gamut of people. Many ended up in the criminal justice system when they just needed someone to take care of them. When I retired, I decided that I wanted to do something to help people in a more positive way.”
Walters returned to college and earned a nursing degree. Her first job was in the clinic at a maximum-security prison for adult males. “After that job, I worked with patients suffering from varying degrees of mental illness. Skills developed from these experiences and seeing people at their lowest have helped me be a better nurse. Having comorbidities (pre-existing conditions) deepened my understanding of patients’ physical/psychological concerns and strengthened my commitment to advocate for their needs. When this position was offered to me, I thought it was a way to give back to my community.”
Caregivers have their choice of available rooms best suited for their loved one’s individual needs. Comfortably furnished spaces are equipped with amenities found in hospital rooms and patients are monitored every half-hour.
“St. Ann respite care accepts patients 18 to 90 years old who require around-the-clock support. Respite is an indispensable service for maintaining the physical and emotional health of caregivers. It’s sad but true that some caregivers die before the loved one they are caring for. Many caregivers in this community don’t know about respite or fully understand its benefits. All forms of Medicaid are accepted, and financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Our respite service is available for one night or up to 28 days,” explained Neaver Walters, BSN, RN, Director of Nursing and Respite Services at St. Ann.
Respite care is temporary was developed to tend to the needs of sick, elderly, or disabled individuals who are otherwise dependent on relatives for around-the-clock support. This service gives caregivers a break from these responsibilities, time for their personal needs, activities, or even vacations.
“For 30 years, I worked as support personnel for the Milwaukee Police Department. So, I’ve seen the gamut of people. Many ended up in the criminal justice system when they just needed someone to take care of them. When I retired, I decided that I wanted to do something to help people in a more positive way.”
Walters returned to college and earned a nursing degree. Her first job was in the clinic at a maximum-security prison for adult males. “After that job, I worked with patients suffering from varying degrees of mental illness. Skills developed from these experiences and seeing people at their lowest have helped me be a better nurse. Having comorbidities (pre-existing conditions) deepened my understanding of patients’ physical/psychological concerns and strengthened my commitment to advocate for their needs. When this position was offered to me, I thought it was a way to give back to my community.”
Caregivers have their choice of available rooms best suited for their loved one’s individual needs. Comfortably furnished spaces are equipped with amenities found in hospital rooms and patients are monitored every half-hour.