St. Luke's Nursing Home Bids Farewell to Beate Kalowsky following a 34-year tenure.
Beate Kalowsky, the retiring Director of Nursing at St. Lukas Care Home and St. Lukas Day Care Center, has dedicated over three decades of her life to the care and support of individuals with dementia, Parkinson's, and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Hailing from Hilden, Kalowsky's tenure at St. Lukas Care Home has been marked by her infinite love for the elderly and her kind words towards residents. Her role at the care home, with its geronto-psychiatric focus, required a special intuition, which she demonstrated time and again.
The architectural plans of the expanded St. Lukas Care Home, which opened in 2018, were heavily influenced by Kalowsky's and her team's experience in caring for individuals with dementia. Circular paths were designed on each living area to facilitate navigation and reduce stress for those with memory issues.
St. Lukas Care Home's history dates back to 1999, when the day care center was opened, catering to 12 guests daily. The expansion building, including a comprehensive renovation of the older building, was put into operation the same year.
Kalowsky's retirement plans include traveling, a well-deserved break after years of dedication. Business manager Franziskus von Ballestrem described her as "a woman with a big heart."
As Kalowsky steps down, she hands over the reins to Anne Obermann, who will take on the role of Director of Nursing. Many residents at St. Lukas Care Home have lost essential communication abilities due to their illnesses. Despite this, Kalowsky always kept the residents, staff, and relatives in mind, ensuring that the care and support provided were of the highest standard.
Despite not being the longest-serving employee at St. Lukas Care Home, Kalowsky's 34-year tenure has left an indelible mark on the institution. St. Lukas Care Home continues to provide care and support for individuals with various neurodegenerative diseases, upholding the values and standards set by Kalowsky throughout her years of service.
In her dedication to the care of elderly individuals facing neurodegenerative diseases, Beate Kalowsky not only demonstrated her love for science, particularly in the field of geronto-psychiatry, but also championed health-and-wellness practices to enhance their quality of life. Upon retirement, Kalowsky's focus will shift towards personal health-and-wellness, as she plans to travel.
