The Story and History of Clement Manor
Senior Living Community
Seeds of Compassion
On a 40-acre farmland, the School Sisters of St. Francis envisioned a place for seniors where compassion and community would flourish. They laid the groundwork for the Clement Manor Senior Living Community, a Catholic-based facility with an onsite chapel. They had a vision: 168 nursing home beds and 99 independent living apartments to serve seniors looking for a community with care options.
A Place of Worship and Healing
The first cornerstone was laid, and a beautiful chapel was dedicated. The nursing home phase opened its doors, welcoming residents with warmth and care.
A Home for Independence
The momentum continued in 1983 when the independent living apartment building opened. It offered seniors a vibrant community where they could maintain independence while surrounded by caring staff and fellow residents. It became a safe residence for new friendships and comforting care.
Evolving Needs
By 1986, as residents’ needs changed, so did Clement Manor. The Independent Living building expanded to a new three-story complex with 102 apartments.
Respite Care for Caregivers plus Child Day Care
Knowing there was a need for respite care, Clement Manor created its Adult Day Center, where caregivers could drop off their loved ones for a day. Programming was designed for staff to serve older adults who needed daily assistance and activities. Child Day Care opened for staff, with programming designed for intergenerational activities with the Adult Day Care population.
The Continuum Grows to Assisted Living
99 Assisted Living apartments were licensed to open as part of the larger complex as a Residential Care Apartment Complex (RCAC).
The Clement Manor Golf Classic was Founded
As the years passed, the community continued to grow and celebrate its mission. The first Celebrity Golf Classic was held, bringing together locals and celebrities for fun and fundraising. Over the years, the golf outing has evolved and is still its largest annual fundraiser.
Lifelong Learning
The Clement Manor Center for Enrichment opened its doors, offering classes ranging from arts and crafts to technology workshops. Residents discovered new passions with an eager desire for learning, proving there is always time to learn. The Center for Enrichment is thriving today, attracting community members from nearby to continue their lifelong learning journey.
Recognition and Creativity
2008 marked a significant milestone when Clement Manor received the Step III Quality Award from the American Health Care Association. That same year, the Life Enriched Art Gallery opened, showcasing the creative talents of residents and local artists and inviting the community to celebrate art and creativity, which are still being showcased today.
Transitional Care
Recognizing the need for seamless care, Clement Manor introduced the Bridge Way Transitional Care in 2011. This program ensured that residents moving from hospital to home received the support they needed to recover comfortably. At this time, Child Daycare closed due to expanding the space for the Adult Day Care and Brain Stretch Club.
Our Lady of the Angels is Built
Our Lady of the Angels Convent, co-sponsored by the School Sisters of St. Francis and the School Sisters of Notre Dame, is built on the Clement Manor campus and is committed to serving their community living with memory loss with quality, specialized care.
Keeping Minds Sharp
The Brain Stretch Club launched, focusing on cognitive health through engaging activities, exercise, nutrition, and games. Residents found joy in challenging their minds and forging deeper connections with one another.
Clare Suites Memory Care and Enhanced Assisted Living
Clement Manor opened its Community-Based Residential Facility (CBRF), Clare Suites, providing specialized care for residents facing memory challenges. The warm, nurturing environment made families feel secure, knowing their loved ones were in good hands, offering another aspect of the continuum of care.
Surviving a Pandemic
The world changed in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe. Clement Manor closed its doors to public access, and the Brain Stretch Club and Adult Day Center had to close. Yet, even in isolation, the community adapted, finding new ways to connect through virtual gatherings, outdoor activities, and window visits, fostering faith and resilience.
Independent Plus
In 2021, the Independent Plus program was launched, offering additional support for those who wanted to maintain their independence while having access to essential services. This initiative reaffirmed Clement Manor’s dedication to personalized care and community well-being.
National Accreditation
Clement Manor was awarded Assisted Living Community Accreditation from The Joint Commission, a testament to its unwavering commitment to quality care. It was one of the first facilities to receive this accreditation in Wisconsin.
A New Chapter
As the community approached its fourth decade, a significant transition occurred in 2024 when the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity assumed sponsorship from the School Sisters of St. Francis. With this change came renewed energy and vision for the future, ensuring that Clement Manor would continue to be a beacon of hope and compassion for future generations.
And Beyond…
Throughout the years, Clement Manor Senior Living Community has been more than just a place to live; it has been a nurturing senior living community for all stages of life. From the School Sisters of St. Francis to the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, the Catholic vision and mission remain the same – committed to providing a continuum of care and fostering the highest potential for the well-being of each individual on our campuses and in our communities through the values of respect, collaboration, and quality service.
Photo from 1982