St. Monica's Senior Citizens Home

Searching for a loving, spiritual place for yourself or your senior loved one? St. Monica's Senior Citizens Home of Racine, Wisconsin, is run by Augustinian Sisters of St. Rita and a volunteer board of directors populated by members embodying a number of denominations. Board President Richard Roloff declares, "When you walk into the place, you can feel the love."

St. Monica's aims not only to keep mature adults safe, healthy and entertained, but also to invest in each individual's spiritual well-being, whatever the religion might be.

The community is the only senior living option in the area with its own chapel. St. Monica's is also a winner of the coveted Caring Star award for 2011 — due to rave, 5-star reviews from families in and around Racine.

St. Monica's recently celebrated an anniversary: 40 years of operation. The community was founded in 1971 by the Sisters of St. Rita (hailing from Germany). From the onset, late Administrator Sister Irene Hanika intended to target the middle class, believing that the needs of the wealthy were already satisfied and the poor were covered through government assistance. Though Sister Irene passed in February 2012 — after 36 years of service — this commitment to middle-income folks will endure.

As important as spirituality is at St. Monica's, they also recognize that is mental stimulation and social involvement support a long, quality life. Staff members are committed to including all seniors in meals at the dining room and in daily activities, even going from room to room to make sure folks are aware of the latest fun event. Aiding in that effort, management devises unique entertainment and outings for residents. Highlights include visits from the likes of "Helen Keller", "Eleanor Roosevelt" and "Mary Todd Lincoln," who amuse listeners with their life stories. St. Monica's also participates in the Senior Olympics each year, and among three counties, theirs won gold medal ribbons three years in a row! Finally, seniors can enjoy a moment in the spotlight by writing and reciting their own poetry before an audience. Their creations are posted on the bulletin board for all to admire.

Activities/Events

• Arts/crafts
• Games
• Fitness
• Poetry readings by residents
• Dancing
• Music
• Sing-alongs
• Stories
• Youth visits
• Presentations/lectures
• Daily mass
• Non-denominational scripture studies
• Senior Olympics participation
• Carnival by the Sea event with youth involvement (see our Facebook page for photos)

Facility Features

Situated on 40 picturesque, wooded acres: unique for an assisted living facility

• Walking routes
• Recreation areas
• Home-like interior: intentionally designed
• Large windows in every room: extensive views
• Lounge areas: ample room for entertaining guests
• Craft and activity areas
• Beauty shop
• Barber shop
• Onsite chapel: accessible to all denominations

Services

• Three home-cooked meals per day
• Nursing assistance
• Medications dispensed
• Medical needs assessed
• Doctors and medical facilities contacted
• Monthly podiatrist visits
• Housekeeping
• Sheets/linens laundered by staff
• Personal laundry assistance
• Free laundry facilities for personal laundry
• Bath assistance
• Transportation to medical appointments

Benefits

• Loving, home-like atmosphere
• Affordability
• Glorious grounds
• Easy-to-navigate facility
• Safety/health a priority: regular nursing staff on duty 12 hours a day, seven days a week
• Significant mental stimulation

Further proof that St. Monica's Senior Citizens Home is an admirable institution is seen in the longevity of its employees and board of directors' members. Department heads' combined years of service total well over 100 years, with some managers exceeding 25 years' service. Office Manager Jan Parker says "The board of directors, all volunteers, are dedicated to the well-being of St. Monica's."

This commitment becomes infectious among caregiver staff and fosters the overall caring attitude of the home. Perhaps this dedication explains why the facility received so many 5-star reviews that they made Caring.com's list of Caring Star providers!