In May 2023, initial discussions began regarding the renovation of Kloster Annenthal. The Senior Care Center provides care for more than 40 elderly sisters who require nursing care. Due to the deaths of several sisters, a number of rooms had already become vacant. The provincial leadership needed to ensure long-term care for the remaining sisters which is only possible by opening the Senior Care Center to the general public.
Strict building codes apply to public senior care facilities. For example, thresholds are not permitted anywhere in the building and all showers must be at ground level. Bathrooms must also be large enough to accommodate both a wheelchair user and a caregiver.
Our facility has been under renovation since early 2025 and is scheduled to be completed within a year. Once finished, the “Haus Anna” Senior Care Center will have space for 80 residents.
Currently, the construction site is an ever-present part of daily life. Every day, we marvel at the network of ceiling pipes that have been exposed for the last year and a half.
The renovation is divided into distinct phases. During each phase, the designated section of the buliding completely cleared out. This means that many of the sisters are temporarily staying in different rooms, with some residing at nearby Haus Emmaus or Haus Julia. The rooms in the north and west wings are now complete, allowing all the sisters at the Senior Care Center to move into new rooms. The facility also features two new bright dining rooms with air conditioning. Additionly, the cafeteria is open again, as has the gallery overlooking the chapel. We are grateful for all the progress that has been made.
