Many residents have lived at Homme Home for the Aging in Wittenberg for several years because they can go from independent living to 24-hour care. The nondenominational, nonprofit facility, which has 81 licensed beds and 52 assisted living apartments, is managed by 46 Lutheran churches.
“Everything they need is right here,” said Arlene Hanus, community-based residential facilities administrator. “We provide quality care in a Christian environment.”
Stephen Seybold, executive director, said the facility has a campus of services. Homme Home started 140 years ago when the Rev. E.J. Homme, a Lutheran pastor in the area, built an old folks home and an orphanage. The current building was constructed in 1955; additions were added in 1968 and 1980. Remodeling continues as needed with the possibility of more construction in the future.
“We’ve got some ideas,” Seybold said.
There are 170 Wittenberg employees for the three floors and six dining rooms.
Two memory care units have special activities for the residents. Hanus said music is especially helpful for the residents with memory loss.
“We play music that they’ve enjoyed,” Hanus said.
They also use essential oils that have a calming effect and can reduce the use of drugs.
“We do the best for our residents,” she said.
The activities vary from day to day. Residents can play bingo, enjoy musical entertainment, exercise, and attend monthly birthday parties and special events. There are Catholic, Lutheran and nondenominational church services on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and one Tuesday a month.
There is a rehab unit for those who qualify.
“They come in, get their therapy, and go home,” Hanus said.
The annual Strawberry Festival, which was started by the Homme Home Auxiliary, will be held June 14. The day includes a church service at 10 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., parade at noon, grand march at 1 p.m., strawberry dessert at 1:30 p.m. and Gary Kuchenbecker’s Ole Lagers Orchestra from 1-3 p.m.
“It’s a way to do something for families and the residents,” Seybold said.
The activity department and residents choose a king and queen to reign over the festivities.
This year’s king, Earl Nelson, 90, has been a resident since November 2013. He has five children, 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Queen Margaret La Valley, 93, has been a resident since July 2013. She has five children, 12 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.
The home also has a resale shop, Alpha House. Money raised by selling donated items goes to the Homme Home Foundation. It is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
“Every month it makes a significant impact on the foundation,“ Seybold said.
Homme also has facilities at Wildwood Apartments in Bowler and Forest Park Village in Wausau. Justin Cieslewicz is the in-home administrator. For information, call 715-253-2125.
