In a high school biography assignment many years before, franchise owner Steve Nooyen had referred to Grandpa Al as "Super Man." And in many ways he was. A caring husband, father of 12, a grandfather, a farmer, a school bus driver, banjo player, and singer in the church choir...in many ways ordinary...but to those who knew him like Steve...a real "Super Man!"
By the early 1990's however - with Grandpa Al in his mid 80's - he had changed. Specifically, the family began to notice the onset of dementia.
He often became agitated and confused over routine things like setting the thermostat in the house or even telling time. It became harder and harder for his family - as large and extended as it was - to ensure that he was safe and properly cared for in his long-time Greenleaf home near the family farm.
As a result, despite his resistance, Al DeCleene was eventually relocated to a Green Bay area assisted living facility where he spent his remaining days.
However, it was through this family experience that Steve decided in 1997 to open Wisconsin's first Home Instead Senior Care franchise. The goal, of course, to help seniors like his Grandpa Al and their families cope with the challenges of aging at home. More specifically, to help seniors stay "home instead" of having to relocate.
