F E E L S L I K E H O M E
From the beginning Diane knew she had created that perfect job for herself. Diane and her husband Gil make a great team for running Kelly House. Diane considers herself a natural born caregiver who just loves figuring out therapeutic environments for those who choose Kelly House. In 1988, Diane, a registered nurse, worked for the Visiting Nurses and served the Evansville Area. The inspiration for Kelly House came from one of Diane’s favorite clients. Hattie was a delightful older person who could no longer take care of herself in her apartment, but did not need a nursing home. She was devastated when she had to move into one. At that time assisted living homes for the elderly were just beginning to show up in Southern Wisconsin. Diane and Gil had the opportunity to buy an old farm house with the contractor who was remodeling their home. Kelly House was bought in the fall of 1988 and opened on August 4, 1989.
Diane has been an active member of the assisted living industry being a past board member of the Rock County Council on Aging and the Wisconsin Association of Residential Care Facilities (now RSA Wisconsin). She was a member of the Rock County Long Term Support Committee, and was a founding member and past president of the Evansville Area Primetimers, an organization created to bring senior programs and a senior center to Evansville. Diane’s knowledge of the complicated long term care system in Wisconsin has proven to be helpful for anyone who is looking for information about assisted living. Most recently, Diane became a credentialed Alzheimer’s instructor.
Gil Skinner worked as a Respiratory therapist for 37 years at Meriter Hospital in Madison. He is the business manager for Kelly House. He brings acute, respiratory and cardiopulmonary care expertise to Kelly House programs. He served as the Housing Commissioner for Evansville for over 25 years. He is gourmet cook and sets high standards for the meals we serve at Kelly House. Gil and Diane have 3 children, Emily, Sara, and Eliot who have grown up working at Kelly House.
testimonials
KELLY HOUSE
Mission Statement
Diane's dream
"When I started thinking about leaving my home, I wondered if a place like Kelly House existed."
- Ruth B., Evansville, WI
"I am in a lot better shape then I thought I would be at 91. I am happy to be living somewhere that I feel important."
-Gordon K., Evansville, WI
"I have more friends here than I have ever had in my life."
-Leola G., Evansville, WI
Kelly House was developed to meet the assisted living needs for elderly in the Evansville Area. Our house rule is to treat every one with kindness and respect.
The secret to our success is that we strive to provide a therapeutic environment:
- Our home is warm and inviting
- We take the time to learn the wants and needs of every resident
- Our standard is one of caring, compassion, courtesy and respect
- Our meals are delicious and our dining room is just like home