Teri Lepak Celebrates 10 Years of Service With Love

Caring for the residents is an important responsibility; one that requires much patience and a lot of love. We would like to take this opportunity to recognize a member of our staff who exemplifies the high quality care and commitment to the residents of Central Wisconsin Senior Living.

In 2001 Teri Lepak accepted the position as cook for the residents when North Haven Homes consisted of only one building and was celebrating its six month anniversary. From the very beginning it was apparent that Teri's talent extended beyond her ability and love of cooking. 

It's been said that the kitchen is the heart of the home which is why our assisted living facilities feature an open kitchen. But it takes more than a good floor plan and cooking skills to make a home for our residents; which is where Teri shines.

Teri is quick to point out how much she loves her job and looks forward to spending time with the residents. Her dedication to nurturing a caring environment is shown in the little extra gestures Teri offers the residents: going above and beyond her duties of providing meals to the residents, their family and friends as well as the people Teri works with. It's not uncommon to find Teri visiting with the residents in the dining area or in their room, giving them a warm neck wrap or playing cards with them.

Favorite family dishes and baked goods, holiday traditions and the stories behind a resident's best-loved comfort food will find it's way from the kitchen, lovingly prepared by Teri, to the joy of everyone.

When not at work, Teri enjoys spending time with her husband and their two grown children.

The residents of North Haven Assisted Living are truly blessed to be surrounded by caring staff members like Teri who makes "service with love" part of her everyday life.

Honoring North Haven Assisted Living Military Veterans

Several staff members of the North Haven Assisted Living Homes were honored to participate in the Fourth of July parade that made its way through downtown Stevens Point.

Front and center were the five residents of North Crest and North Ridge homes that proudly served our country. As the staff and residents made their way along the parade route, it was amazing to watch people lining both sides of the street stand up and applaud the residents when they were recognized as military veterans. 

The recognition and appreciation shown by the members of the community was genuine and obviously came from the heart and was appreciated by the residents.

Every one has a story to tell and this is especially true about our veterans.

Alex served in World War II; he was a medic who saved many of this fellow soldiers by crawling on the ground while bullets whistled over his head. Alex has shared that oftentimes he would have to hide the wounded until it was safe enough to return and bring them to safety.

Three of the residents served in the Army, another in the Coast Guard and one who served in the Navy and was on shore during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Parades are an important part of the Fourth of July celebration. This past year was the  235th observance of our nation's birth and it was an honor to remind the members of our community about the sacrifices made on their behalf.

In the words of Elmer Davis, "This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." 

Congratulations John and Wanda

Congratulations, John and Wanda, on the occasion of your 65th anniversary.

An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday,

and the hopes of tomorrow. 

Promises Made and Kept

Could there be anything that causes more guilt in adult children then ‘the promise’ that parents ask of us when they are usually in pretty good shape or at the end of their life. We agree to do what they ask, not thinking to far ahead. They may ask the promise of remaining in their home or to take care of their loved one when they pass.

It’s natural that we want to care for them. At first we figure we’ll stop over at the house and do what they need us to do. It’s kind of a pleasant way to help out, show our love, and share quality time. That can work for awhile but as years go by and care needs rise, we find ourselves faced with the facts that it is very difficult to raise our families, work our jobs, run to Mom and Dad’s everyday and meet their everyday needs. It is understandable to feel stress and anger that affects your health, and the feeling of not having control of your own life. 

With some guilt we start looking for other options, we may start with at home care giving. The guilt from someone who is not family hired to help and that is not what you intended. You were not trained to care give for your loved one; you can’t be there all the time. You have to do something knowing they will be safe and not alone all day.

Then the day comes where in-home care can’t handle all of their needs and their health issues. You know you have to break your promise, the one you agreed to. Our parents have visions of nursing homes of years ago. You will still be honoring the promise by choosing the best placement for your parent. Through thorough research and understanding there are alternative living arrangements like assisted living homes allowing your loved one to receive assistance with respecting there dignity and enhancing their quality of life. Even when your parents are placed in an alternative home, you are still a caregiver; they need you as their advocate.

The best part of this, you can let go of the guilt and enjoy them again. You aren’t doing everything for them, and you aren’t to worn out to be pleasant, you can be the person who visits, without all the exhaustion that used to make you feel frustrated and angry. Using the help of a good facility providing them with the best care humanly possible allows you to do it without guilt because you have done your best. You will continue to do your best honoring ‘the promise’ of taking care of your parents or parent.