St Francis Home

St Francis Home sits in Fond Du Lac, WI, and holds a 107-bed skilled nursing facility built by the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes back in 1977, and over the years, they've managed to keep things well-maintained while offering several types of care all on the same campus, so older folks can get independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term nursing, and even skilled nursing services without having to go somewhere else, and there's even a separate building called St. Francis Terrace with 15 assisted living units. The community accepts both Medicare and Medicaid, and the staff here have training in Alzheimer's and dementia care, which is pretty necessary these days. Rooms come in a few studio layouts, and residents can pick things like their own drapes, paint, carpet, and bedspread, so it doesn't feel too much like a hospital, and some rooms have private bathrooms, kitchenettes, or easy access for walkers and wheelchairs. The place offers daily housekeeping, laundry, and all sorts of meals-including chef-prepared food with special options for people who need meals for diabetes or allergies-and there's a full dining service you don't have to dress up for. People get help with bathing, dressing, transfers, medication management, and anything else needed for daily life, plus there's nursing help available up to 16 hours a day and a 24-hour call system for emergencies, which gives peace of mind. There's a flexibility in choosing private or shared rooms, and everyone gets cable, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi, so modern comforts aren't lacking.

The campus includes a main chapel and handy balcony access so even folks in wheelchairs or beds can take part in services or daily mass, and a full-time chaplain helps those who want spiritual care, while the complex as a whole has lounges, a beauty salon, movie nights, arts activities, and a gift shop, and the well-tended courtyard and garden give people places to sit outside or stroll. There's occupational, physical, and speech therapy on site for those recovering from surgery or illness, and the staff can also handle incontinence and non-ambulatory care for residents who cannot move easily. People don't have to worry about their medicine, as the pharmacy service runs 24/7 with a pharmacist always available, and there are consultations with a registered dietitian. Activities go on daily-there's a schedule for crafts, music, game nights, movies, devotional programs, offsite trips, and resident-led clubs-so there's usually something to do, and if you want some quiet time there's the library or just outdoor common spaces. Housekeeping, laundry, and concierge services are all included, and transportation is available for errands, appointments, or recreation. Residents and families can join councils to voice opinions and help the community improve, and a full-time chaplain and spiritual care team provide extra support for those who want it. The property replaced the former Henry Boyle Catholic Home for the Aged and runs alongside Nazareth Court and Nazareth Center, mainly for the sisters. The care team responds to individual needs, providing higher-level help when health changes, and makes sure everyone gets the help needed, whether that's with meds, moving around, or therapy. The facility continues to blend daily life comforts like movie rooms and walking paths with needed medical supports so residents stay as independent and comfortable as possible, and there's always someone nearby, but it never feels too busy or too quiet.