St Croix Healthcare reopens Kitty Rhodes dementia crisis stabilization unit

The St. Croix County government is set to revitalize its commitment to dementia care with the upcoming tour of the Kitty Rhoades Memorial Memory Care Center. This facility, named after a passionate advocate for dementia care, aims to address the growing needs of residents facing mental health challenges.

During a recent meeting, Sandy Hackemuller, the administrator of the St. Croix Healthcare Campus, and Shari Lopez, the Health and Human Services Deputy Director, discussed the center's history and its significance to the community. Kitty Rhoades, who served as a representative and later as the Department of Health administrator, was instrumental in advancing dementia care initiatives in Wisconsin. Her legacy includes the establishment of memory cafes and training programs for local businesses to better support individuals with dementia.

The center's reopening comes after a temporary closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted plans to expand its services. Hackemuller explained that the facility had previously transitioned residents to another unit during the pandemic but is now ready to resume operations. The need for such services has become increasingly urgent, with reports of adult protection cases nearly doubling in the past four years.

The Kitty Rhoades Memorial Memory Care Center is poised to play a crucial role in addressing these challenges, providing specialized care and support for individuals in crisis. As the community prepares for the tour, the focus remains on enhancing mental health resources and ensuring that residents receive the care they need. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to improving health services in St. Croix County and honoring the legacy of Kitty Rhoades.