For more information
For more information about providing artwork to display at the New Glarus Home, contact: Dennis Tomczyk, artatnewglarushome@gmail.com, with your name, address, email, phone number and a brief description of art to donate.
MONROE - Renovations are on track for the New Glarus Home, with a bigger facility to cater to the growing needs of an aging population.
Work began on a 38,000 square-foot addition in May of 2015. Executive director Erin Francois said the building is slated for completion this summer.
"It's an expansion and utilization of licensed beds we've had for years," Francois said. "We're seeing a change in the clientele we serve. We are trying to meet the needs of a growing population, but also to our current population."
The facility has held 97-bed licenses for years, Francois said, but even at full capacity, the home could only accommodate about 80 spots.
While she said trends point toward a preference for individual rooms, some double spaces will still be in place for the additional rooms.
Hospice suites with family rooms will be added. There will also be short-term rehabilitation spaces for quick recovery and a nearby 3,000-square-foot therapy gym with state-of-the-art equipment.
Remodeling of the nursing home has yet to begin on the current structure, spanning just over 44,000 square feet. Francois said that space should see phases of updates, beginning on Monday with the administrative offices. The heating duct system has been the main reason for upgrades, but the entire building will receive an overhaul.
"The wings really haven't been touched since, probably, the 80s," Francois said. "They are in dire need of updating. We obviously want to move to more energy efficiency."
Renovations should take roughly one year. In all, the project will cost a total of roughly $13.5 million. Bonded through the Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority, Francois said the facility partnered with Woodford State Bank, the Bank of New Glarus, Union Bank and Trust Company and Greenwoods State Bank.
Currently, there are 194 healthcare workers employed through New Glarus Home: Francois said the facility is looking to be at 225 total staff.
With new space, the home has decided to use the renovation and expansion of the facility to beautify the existing and new space with unique and locally made artwork. Francois said the facility is looking for talented, local artists looking to contribute.
Dennis Tomczyk, New Glarus Home board of directors president, said the addition and remodeling have provided the opportunity for distinct decoration.
"We thought this would be an opportune time to put up some artwork," Tomczyk said. "Art really does inspire, especially for our residents, a lot of who have memory problems. We're hoping artwork that has southern Wisconsin would be more inspiring rather than buying generic art."
Tomczyk added that studies have found music and art are more effective in providing memory recall for individuals.
"It's something that's not only nice to look at, but therapeutic as well," he said.
Tomczyk said he would like to see young artists from local high schools become involved. He said information will be sent out again to gauge interest.
Plans include an open house to highlight the work and posting the pieces online to credit each artist.
Work began on a 38,000 square-foot addition in May of 2015. Executive director Erin Francois said the building is slated for completion this summer.
"It's an expansion and utilization of licensed beds we've had for years," Francois said. "We're seeing a change in the clientele we serve. We are trying to meet the needs of a growing population, but also to our current population."
The facility has held 97-bed licenses for years, Francois said, but even at full capacity, the home could only accommodate about 80 spots.
While she said trends point toward a preference for individual rooms, some double spaces will still be in place for the additional rooms.
Hospice suites with family rooms will be added. There will also be short-term rehabilitation spaces for quick recovery and a nearby 3,000-square-foot therapy gym with state-of-the-art equipment.
Remodeling of the nursing home has yet to begin on the current structure, spanning just over 44,000 square feet. Francois said that space should see phases of updates, beginning on Monday with the administrative offices. The heating duct system has been the main reason for upgrades, but the entire building will receive an overhaul.
"The wings really haven't been touched since, probably, the 80s," Francois said. "They are in dire need of updating. We obviously want to move to more energy efficiency."
Renovations should take roughly one year. In all, the project will cost a total of roughly $13.5 million. Bonded through the Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority, Francois said the facility partnered with Woodford State Bank, the Bank of New Glarus, Union Bank and Trust Company and Greenwoods State Bank.
Currently, there are 194 healthcare workers employed through New Glarus Home: Francois said the facility is looking to be at 225 total staff.
With new space, the home has decided to use the renovation and expansion of the facility to beautify the existing and new space with unique and locally made artwork. Francois said the facility is looking for talented, local artists looking to contribute.
Dennis Tomczyk, New Glarus Home board of directors president, said the addition and remodeling have provided the opportunity for distinct decoration.
"We thought this would be an opportune time to put up some artwork," Tomczyk said. "Art really does inspire, especially for our residents, a lot of who have memory problems. We're hoping artwork that has southern Wisconsin would be more inspiring rather than buying generic art."
Tomczyk added that studies have found music and art are more effective in providing memory recall for individuals.
"It's something that's not only nice to look at, but therapeutic as well," he said.
Tomczyk said he would like to see young artists from local high schools become involved. He said information will be sent out again to gauge interest.
Plans include an open house to highlight the work and posting the pieces online to credit each artist.