Kids & Family

Everyday Inspirations: Altenheim & Shurmer Staff, Volunteers Help Make Life Enjoyable

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

Everyday Inspirations is a series that features people in Patch communities who inspire others through their work, or people who have faced extraordinary situations and grown from them. They have been featured by other people in the community that have been inspired by the nominees.

Nominated by: Donna Cantlin, director of institutional advancement at Altenheim and Shurmer Place

Vera Wendel began her association with Altenheim Skilled Nursing Facility when her mother was a resident here. She came every day to visit her, and as her mother required more care, Vera fed her mother lunch and dinner. After her mother passed, Vera volunteered in the dining room at lunch. Before we knew it, she was not only serving the residents lunch, but socializing with them. She became part of the Altenheim family, befriending many residents, as well as training other volunteers. Vera also volunteers her time as a member of the Women’s Auxiliary at Altenheim and Shurmer Place. 

Vera has been a positive influence on residents, staff and volunteers with her positive attitude. Going from home to a nursing facility is stressful for residents and their families. Vera’s kind and caring ways for the residents helped them with the transition. Vera is very humble stating that she “hasn’t really done that much.” Residents, volunteers and staff know differently.

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Brigitte Ward has served as the President of the Women’s Auxiliary at Altenheim and Shurmer Place. She coordinates the fund raisers and volunteer activities of the membership for the benefit of Altenheim and Shurmer Place residents. As President, she initiated several activities that have become tradition here and include buying birthday presents for residents who do not have families, providing volunteer services year round and providing entertainment for the spring and fall teas and Christmas party. She also attends Board meetings to update board members on the Auxiliary’s activities.

Brigitte volunteers on outings. She has befriended many of the residents. Favorite outings include shopping, dining out and trips to the local casinos. Because of Brigitte’s dedication, the Auxiliary has raised money to purchase holiday gifts for the residents and several entertainment hours including musicians. Brigitte is always ready to purchase items that the residents might need for their daily activities, such as baking items and arts and crafts materials.

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Charlotte Tada’s mother was a resident at Altenheim. She came everyday to spend time with her Mother. While visiting she got to know and help other residents. After her mother passed, she still wanted to help out. She comes faithfully twice a week. She volunteers with two of the resident activities, the cooking club and arts & crafts. She has taken over everything from set-up to clean-up, all the while socializing with the residents. She is always upbeat and smiling. She also goes with the residents on their monthly outings where she helps them on and off the bus, with menu orders and shopping.

Charlotte’s dedication to making life enjoyable for the residents is evident in everything she does. She has befriended many of the residents. She is patient and empathetic with the residents, giving them a sense of purpose. Charlotte has an aunt who is a resident now. She visits her frequently, takes her to the dining room and invariably helps out. Charlotte never turns down a phone call requesting her help; she can always be counted on to pitch in.

Charlotte is also an AARP volunteer during tax season.


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