What They're Saying About Saint John's

There's no better perspective on the Saint John's On The Lake experience than a resident or staff member's. Here are some personal thoughts from a few of our finest.

Phyllis

Phyllis is an active woman who recently chose Saint John’s On The Lake as her home. We spoke with her on the phone while she was enjoying her winter in Florida.

Why did you decide to move to a community?
Last year, I experienced a health issue that really got my attention. I’m fine now. However, the experience persuaded me to begin looking for a senior living community. While searching, someone who lived in my son’s building moved to Saint John’s and they had nothing but good things to say about it. We decided to take a look.The minute I walked into the parlor area, I felt a sense of warmth. It reminded me of my family home where I was raised. It was very comforting and welcoming. I felt an immediate connection.

How has your lifestyle changed since moving to Saint John’s?
My lifestyle really hasn’t changed much. I’m stillable to do everything that I did in my own home, and honestly, even more. The only change is getting familiar with this side of town. However, my kids live in the area and have been great about showing me around. As a Snowbird, I find it easy to “fly-the-coop.” It’s a great feeling to know that I can lock-and-go to Florida without worrying about pipes freezing, shoveling or any other maintenance issues. I know if there are mechanical concerns in my apartment, the wonderful maintenance team will handle it. And,when I return from Florida, I can pick up where I left off…very convenient! While I’m away, I stay in touch with new friends that I’ve made at Saint John’s. In fact, I just received a letter from Bonnie and a call from Audrey, my neighbors at Saint John’s. It’s a nice feeling knowing you’re still thought of while you are away. I also think of them regularly. Everyone at Saint John’s is so nice, both residents and staff, that it’s easy to develop new friendships.

What amenities do you use at Saint John’s?
I enjoy exercising, so I use the fitness room and take yoga classes. Here in Florida, I go to theYMCA. They actually teach the same yoga class as they do at Saint John’s! I also participate in a wide variety of educational classes which are offered at Saint John’s. In addition, it’s comforting to know there are many services are available on campus if you need them, including a spa,beauty shop, Corner Store, podiatrist, dentist, transportation, banking and nursing services.They even have Taylor’s, a restaurant with a great view, where I’ve dined with my family.

Are you a Life Care Member?
Even though I felt very comfortable when I moved to Saint John’s, I confess, there was part of me that was thinking, “I’m just giving it a try to see if I like it.” However, after living here for less than a year, I feel so comfortable, I can’t imagine myself anywhere else. To the delight of my children, when I return from Florida, I plan to sign a Life Care Contract. They think it’s a great idea to have an “Insurance Policy” in place if I ever need health care services. It’s reassuring to me too. The guaranteed access to high quality health care gives us all peace-of-mind!

Ed

Ed, age 70, moved into Saint John's early in 2008 from Milwaukee's Eastside after a real estate career in Racine and Chicago. He loves the "premier community in Milwaukee" - and didn't look into other communities before deciding to move in. "Bricks and mortar are great but the people are even better."

Ed enjoys his "perfect" new apartment, being close to the Lake, the community common spaces, takes a morning cup of coffee in the café with other residents and is now volunteering in the Corner Store.

Janet

Janet is a retired Milwaukee school teacher in her late 60s, who moved up her plans ten years when she visited Saint John's, and decided it was the place for her. "All of the residents like it here; I've never heard anyone say otherwise."

Janet finds that her life at Saint John's allows her to remain very active in the greater community, as a volunteer at the Milwaukee Public Museum, the Nature Center and a food pantry for Native Americans. She is very interested in protecting our environment and has made numerous helpful suggestions for the development of the new building and expanded community.

Jean

Jean retired as the Executive Director of the Public Policy Forum, a business and government membership organization in Milwaukee.  A long time "Eastsider," she moved to Saint John's three years ago.

She was initially concerned about affordability. One of her three sons, an insurance executive, assured her that Life Care was not only affordable, but would provide healthcare benefits if needed and preserve her assets.

Jean is an active member of Saint John's Diversity and Inclusion Committee and spearheads resident involvement. She regularly swims and is looking forward to our new pool. Her sons live in New York and California.

Lois & John

Lois and John, Saint John's residents for six years have recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with family and friends in grand style, beginning with a Mexican dinner catered by Saint John's.

After retiring from Indiana University, they moved back to Milwaukee and considered a number of options. They decided they did not want to move twice, and looked at a number of retirement communities. They felt immediately welcomed at Saint John's and decided it was where they wanted to live. Their north side residence enjoys a view of Lake Michigan, the shore line and the University Of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. 

They are very active at Saint John's, at their church and with their family.

Jim and Kathie

Jim and Kathie are depositors for the new building, currently living in the neighborhood. They enjoy being able to walk to so many places and venues for music, dining or to the REP for a matinee.

"We want to be where we do not have to worry about a house. In Wauwatosa, we had water in the basement at least three times – and we are so glad to be free of concern with a basement, attic or roof during storms and flooding.

They had to deal with the consequences of a parent who became ill and needed extensive care. "We do not want to do that to our children," A long-time hospice volunteer, Kathie says: "I have seen how good planning for future care makes it easier on a family."