Jim Is Happier Than He's Been In Years
by: Jon L. Weeden, brother

My brother Jim has been institutionalized for about 25 years.  He was initially placed at the Sheboygan County Comprehensive Health Center, where he seemed happy enough.  My Dad, Pat Weeden, became involved at the “Comp” as a volunteer, and then as a part-time paid staff member when he re-opened a wood-working shop for the clients.  About four years ago, Sheboygan County decided to close the Comp and open a new wing (Woodland Manor) at Rocky Knoll Health Center for DD adults.  Jim was then moved there; a move my father fought as it seemed to be more restrictive. 

Jim did all right at Rocky Knoll, but he did have anger control problems and the solution proposed by doctors and staff was to increase his mood altering drugs.  Our family simply accepted this – as they were the “experts”. 

About a year ago, it was announced that all residents of Woodland Manor would be moved to Adult Family Homes or CBRFs and Woodland Manor would be converted to other purposes – again a move our family fought.  We felt Jim wouldn’t get proper care in an Adult Family Home.

Jim made the move (not easily) in late October, 2006, to your duplex in Plymouth, Wisconsin.   Not too long after the move, he wound up in the hospital with severe pneumonia (we feel from the meds he was on), from which he almost died.  Doctors at the hospital took Jim off of all psychotropic medications, and loaded him with antibiotics. Miraculously, he recovered and is now happier and healthier than he’s been in years.  What amazed me was the concern shown by your staff, particularly Dave A., who accompanied Jim to the hospital on a Sunday night and met me there.  He also visited during Jim’s stay. 

Today, in your adult family home, Jim is happier than he’s been in years.  Your staff is great!  I can’t say enough positive things about them.  He’s still not heavily medicated and when Jim has “issues”, they work through them with kindness and just the right amount of firmness.  He eats well, has fun and enjoys the visitors that stop by. 

Thanks for all your help!