Be the change you want to be. That’s the philosophy of Lisa K. Alberte, director of nursing and rehabilitation at Acres of Hope & Aspirations, a five-acre nature farm in Muskego. It’s there that Alberte interacts with her clients and their families, all of whom have been affected by brain injuries and disabilities.
According to Alberte, every 19 seconds someone suffers a brain injury. It’s a traumatic event that affects every aspect of a patient’s life, causing lifelong changes in physical, emotional and cognitive status.
The farm, which opened in May, offers what Alberte says are “gardens of hope and creatures of rehab.” Clients and their families may walk through the gardens and appreciate the serenity and comfort of nature, or learn new skills by digging into the soil and planting or weeding.
“The nurturing nature healing concept is a hot topic in today’s changing health care arena where integrative, alternative and cost-effective rehab programs are necessary,” Alberte says.
Meanwhile, the property also is home to several small farm animals, including two donkeys, a pony, chickens, ducks, geese, a rabbit and two pot-belly pigs. Clients may assist with feeding and taking care of the animals or simply show the animals some affection. Alberte says a group of special needs children from a nearby school district are regular visitors and particularly enjoy interacting with the farm pets.
Participating in activities such as gardening or animal care teaches the clients new skills, which gives them hope that they can learn new things.
“We’re trying to make a difference one patient at a time,” Alberte explains. “Anyone who has been through a traumatic injury needs to be proud of something.”
