When you walk into the Wentworth group home in Minnetonka, you are welcomed by its feeling of home. For more than four decades, this house has been home to four men—supported by the dedicated staff who have helped them navigate life through the years.

Mickey and Ann

Built in 2000 with financial support from the Wesley family, Wentworth was designed as a home where the people supported could thrive. In the 1980s, Wentworth was home to four boys—Mickey, Murray, Mark, and Doug—who moved from the Hammer campus dorms. After Doug passed away, Tim joined the household in 2018. Now in their 50s, Mickey, Murray, Mark, and Tim are living out the home’s original purpose: a safe, lifelong home where they can age together with dignity and live a full life.

Over the decades, the men have become like brothers. They know each other’s habits and preferences, and they find comfort in the familiarity of their shared routines. Person-centered practices guide the staff that support them in their daily life—knowing what each man loves to do, alongside what keeps them healthy and safe.

Tim

Each man’s interests are as unique as they are. In his younger days, Mickey loved Hammer Travel fishing trips. Now, though less active, he enjoys drawing, coloring, and playing with blocks at the kitchen table alongside his housemates. At that same table, Murray joins in with his Hot Wheels, Mark with his magnet blocks, and Tim with his sticker artwork. These simple routines create moments of companionship and joy that strengthen their bond, even as each pursues his own passion.

Murray with Ann

As each man’s needs change, creativity and compassion help guide staff to keep them engaged and healthy. Showers that were once a struggle for Murray, were turned into a game. Now, when Murray’s personal care routine is complete, he lines up his Hot Wheels cars on the shower ledge and gives them a “car wash” with the handheld shower nozzle. What was once a challenge is now a highlight for Murray. Mark, who loves to help cook, can be involved thanks to some adaptive items researched by Ann Wilmes, Wentworth’s Program Manager. Tim, who is a little more reserved, is encouraged to join in and work on his sticker art during time at the table. These social activities ensure that each person supported remains engaged, independent, and active in his own way.

The home has also evolved to meet the realities of aging. Raised toilets, handrails, shower treads, and walk-in showers with shower chairs have been added over the years to keep everyone safe and active. Wentworth was designed with a lifetime of care in mind, so that larger structural changes won’t be needed, just added features. 

Today, homes like Wentworth are critical to serving the first generation of senior citizens living with disabilities. Many of our homes need upgrades to accommodate our aging population. These proactive improvements ensure our homes remain safe and supportive environments as people age.  —Ellen Timmerman- Borer, Campaign Director

Mark with Ann

Behind these activities of daily living, are the skilled and dedicated staff who support the men daily. As the people we support age, training for staff makes all the difference—we need trained staff who know how to adapt routines, advocate for medical needs, and provide continuity as people age. Nursing support is also available at the home 24/7, keeping ahead of things like fall risk assessments, hearing aid support, and ongoing monitoring of the health of the people supported.

Ann Wilmes has been with Hammer & NER for nearly seven years. She began her career as the Lead DSP at Merrimac in Plymouth, then became the Medical Lead DSP at our ReNew Apartments program in Eden Prairie before stepping into the Program Manager role at Wentworth. Ann and the Wentworth staff support Mickey, Murray, Mark, and Tim, guiding daily routines, health, and safety as they navigate the challenges of aging.

What matters most is keeping the people supported safe while ensuring they remain active members of the household and community. From making their beds and preparing meals, enjoying their favorite pastimes and social events, these daily routines help them thrive and live a full and purposeful life.

“The Wentworth home shows us that with an accessible home partnered with highly trained staff, the people supported can thrive at every stage of life.” —Brenda Barthel, Program Director