Sun Haven in Ridgeville offers a homey approach to assisted living

Harry and Ruth Oakes direct Sun Haven, an assisted-living facility, in the town of Ridgeville. (Chris Gough photo)

A sign welcomes visitors and residents to Sun Haven. (Chris Gough photo)

By CHRIS GOUGH | For the County Line

It really doesn’t take much research to find that not only as a nation, but also right here in Wisconsin, we suffer from a shortage of elderly care facilities and, more importantly, the healthcare workers to staff and maintain them.

According to Home Healthcare News, in an article written by Bailey Bryant on Jan. 28, 2019, by 2026, 7.8 million jobs will be unfilled. Reports show that here in Wisconsin, about 16,500 positions are vacant. One problem that is being addressed among Wisconsin lawmakers is Medicaid reimbursement rates; they are not covering the cost to cover staff.

But a little gem of a home is right here in rural Ridgeville, on the corner of County Highway A and Junco Road. Sun Haven is a community-based residential facility directed by Harry and Ruth Oakes. It is an eight-room provider, with seven rooms currently engaged. Ages vary, because this is an adult facility, not just for the elderly. It is a warm and inviting home setting and includes meals, activities and even transportation to various appointments like the doctors.

The first things a visitor may notice when pulling into the driveway are the flowers and landscape, the brand-new pergola, and two lazy cats stretched out, taking a sunbath on the patio. You may feel that perhaps you were coming over to your favorite aunt’s house for a visit, not to an adult care facility.

Harry Oakes, a tall man with a big smile and the warmest of personalities, gives a tour of their immaculate residence. It includes a very spacious family room where everyone could gather for songs around the piano, a puzzle table was set up and going strong, and, like in all homes, a big television was available for all to enjoy.

The dining room was large with big windows streaming in full sunshine, making it feel even more like home. Off from the dining room was only what could be described as a traditional farmhouse kitchen, large yet practical.

Harry’s wife, Ruth, came in and sat at the kitchen table next to another big window overlooking the side yard. It was easy to become distracted and just gaze out the window and watch all of the birds fly by or just listen to the breeze blow over the ridge top.

Harry left his job at Toro in 2015. He explained that he had gotten up from his desk one day and it had just hit him. He had wanted to do a home business for quite some time, and with encouragement from his wife, felt this was his last chance. He gave three weeks’ notice to his employer, which had nothing but encouragement for him and his new direction. Of course, his love for people and his faith kept him on course.

Harry then took a job at Handishop Day Center in Sparta.

“It was the best job I ever had and a fantastic organization,” he said.

As fulfilling as it was, Harry still had children living at home and financial obligations. Enter Leanne Allen. Allen owned and operated Sunset Estates in Ridgeville and was ready to retire and sell her business. After three separate people had mentioned Allen to Harry, he thought it was time to meet with her. Was this a sign? Perhaps this might be just the venture for Harry and his family.

The timing was ideal; Ruth’s mother had passed away, and her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She and her family were looking for options for him and his continued care. It seemed it was meant to be.

So, in the fall of 2016, Harry went to work for Allen. With an abundant support from his wife and children, they bought Sunset Estates the following year, on March 1, 2017, and renamed their new home Sun Haven.

“No one needs to be reminded they need help.” Harry explained. He makes mention to their road sign. It states, “Sun Haven”; there’s no need to add the words “assisted living.”

Ruth’s dad eventually moved in, and with the help of their daughter Lydia and son Gideon, they forged ahead.

They chose to start small and eventually built their way up to the current seven occupied bedrooms. They take great steps to ensure that the “members of their “family” — they don’t like to use the word “clients” — are well cared for and their needs are met.

However, it is more than that. Harry makes sure to keep an open dialogue going with everyone. He takes the time to find out what household members are passionate about and encourages them to pursue that passion. He cares about the health and well-being of his extended family. He acts as an advocate when he takes them to doctor appointments and makes sure to ask all the right questions.

Sam Hora, their assistant, has worked for the Oakes the last six months, and it is plain to see she is a part of this great big family as well. She is quick with a smile and said she can’t even take a day off from work without members of this blended family asking for her.

“I have learned a lot from them,” she said.

Ruth oversees most of the office work, anything from payroll, scheduling appointments, to answering the phones. But her role is much bigger than that. She adds a sense of tranquility with her presence. She is very observant, and like clockwork looks over her shoulder every few moments to check and make sure all is well in the home. This comes naturally to Ruth, having raised and home-schooled four children and previously owning a daycare.

The residents at Sun Haven act like a family; it seems like a home just like any other in our community. They eat meals together, laugh, go for drives in the car, and even stop for chocolate shakes once in a while.

Harry easily becomes emotional when talking about his calling. A calling to love and nurture others. To give a place that is safe and assuring to those who need it most.

Harry is quick to point out that the transition from living on one’s own to moving into assisted living can be overwhelming. He is trying to avert that feeling for the people who come and live at Sun Haven.

Harry and Ruth also encourage people who are looking for care for someone in their family or even for themselves to call and stop by. They want people to see for themselves and understand their compassion for what they do.

Harry jokes that people will make comments about he and his wife being empty nesters, since their youngest child has now graduated school. As his arms spread out and over toward the members of his extended family, they are watching television in the room over from where we are sitting, he laughs and gestures that he is anything but an empty nester.

“I believe we have something special right here,” he said.

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