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Summers Estate donation will fund renovations

Renovation projects are underway in both the hospital and nursing home components of Boscobel Area Health Care, thanks to a bequest from the estate of Elizabeth Summers in excess of $130,000.

Raised in Fennimore, Elizabeth lived and worked in La Crosse for many years before retiring to Boscobel. She was a resident of the BAHC nursing home for five years until her death in January, 2008.

The plan for implementing the terns of Summers gift was developed by Boscobel Area Health Care and Attorney David Kurth, Personal Representative of Elizabeth's estate and a family friend. In announcing the bequest, Kurth spoke of Elizabeth's concern for residents of the nursing home and her appreciation for the quality of care she received.

"Elizabeth realized that she could accomplish some marvelous things within her means. Developing a more pleasant environment for the nursing home residents and hospital patients was the guiding principle of the bequest," said Kurth.

Nursing Home Administrator Tracy Atkinson will implement several projects with the nursing home share of the Summer's legacy, which is two-thirds of the total bequest. Atkinson is especially enthusiastic about the complete makeover of the bath and shower areas on each floor of the facility from an institutional ambience to the "Summer's Spa." Both bath chambers will be enlarged and outfitted with state-of-the-art Apollo whirlpool tubs. Oversized spa towels and decorative touches will make the bathing experience more pleasant. In addition, the remodeled changing area affords greater privacy.

"Elizabeth Summers was a woman of great dignity. Now, through her generosity, our residents will have a more dignified and pampered experience with the building of the Summer's Spa," said Atkinson.

In addition to the Summers Spa, the nursing home is increasing the number of private rooms available to residents by conversion of areas now used for storage, has purchased 50 new wardrobe closets, and is remodeling remaining storage areas.

Part of the hospital's dedicated share of the Summers bequest will be used to replace its infant hearing screener with one utilizing the most recent improvements in technology. According to Stephanie Wanek, Director of Nursing, child development is profoundly improved when hearing deficits are discovered and treated within the first six months following birth. "Upgrading the hospital's screening equipment will help identify children with hearing deficit early, so they will have the necessary treatment for them to succeed," said Wanek.

Additional rooms in the south wing of the hospital will be converted to patient care rooms. Infrastructure improvements include extending the nurse call system and outlets for medical gasses. Aesthetic improvements, including new lighting fixtures, will provide for a better recuperative atmosphere.

Atkinson summarized the sentiments of the BAHC staff, who knew and served Summers well. "We are very appreciative of Elizabeth's kindness. These projects will be a reminder to us each day of the wonderful woman who once walked our halls," said Atkinson.