By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
As of Wednesday, May 1 Wisconsin Illinois Senior Housing (WISH) became the new owners of Bell Tower Residence Assisted Living, replacing the Holy Cross Sisters who had owned Bell Tower Residence for the last 29 years.
Thursday afternoon, May 9, Bell Tower hosted a reception to thank the Holy Cross Sisters and to welcome WISH to the area.
In 1989, the Holy Cross Sisters chose to make Bell Tower Residence their sponsored ministry, and converted the convent to a community-based residential facility for older adults. Their main goal was to provide high quality, affordable living to the elderly. According to Sister Pat Cormack, Provincial of the Holy Cross Sister, it was time to find new ownership to ensure that Bell Tower’s future was secure.
“As time goes on the Sisters are getting older and there are fewer and fewer,” said Bell Tower Administrator Kris McGarigle. “The Sisters just wanted to make sure that what they built would be around for a long time, and that’s why they decided to change ownership.”
WISH currently owns 11 other assisted living homes across Wisconsin and Illinois. According to Bob Siebel, President of Carriage Healthcare Companies (CHC)-management company for WISH- the organization will do everything in their power to make sure Bell Tower and its residents maintain a happy and healthy living environment.
With new ownership coming to town some residents were skeptical, however McGarigle is confident in a smooth transition.
“As far as how residents will be treated and the day-to-day stuff, nothing will change,” she adds. “We will maintain the same staff and give the same care.”
