After eleven years as director, Kathrin Seiler is leaving Regens Wagner in Erlkam.
From October the facility for adults with disabilities will be run by Stefan Glaser.
Looking back, the 41-year-old remembers her most beautiful and tragic moments in Erlkam.
Ms. Seiler, is it very difficult for you to say goodbye?
Kathrin Seiler:
Yes.
I really appreciate the porter, the residents and colleagues.
We had a great cooperation here.
Then why are you turning your back on the facility at all?
Kathrin Seiler:
For private reasons, I'm moving to another district.
Professionally, I remain active in the church sector.
As head of a Caritas association.
Tell us about your most beautiful moments in Erlkam.
Kathrin Seiler:
The celebration of the 50th anniversary of Regens Wagner in Erlkam in 2011 was great.
Back then there was a big, colorful festival in a somewhat unconventional way.
With a small catwalk on the stage and a church service.
Many people with disabilities were included.
Sounds really nice.
Kathrin Seiler: In the
afternoon there suddenly was a thunderstorm and we had to hold onto the pavilions.
My shoes broke in the process.
And because I have such small feet, I had to borrow some from a resident.
That was funny.
Were there any sad experiences?
Kathrin Seiler:
There are particularly sad moments when people with disabilities die young or suddenly.
One of the most tragic experiences in my professional life, however, was when our resident Sebastian M. suddenly disappeared with his tricycle at the end of May this year.
He has been missing since then.
It is difficult for all of us to endure this uncertainty.
What challenges did you still have to deal with?
Kathrin Seiler:
On the one hand with our renovation work.
A decisive year was also 2018, when the last nuns who were also assigned to the care left us.
The foundation of the Regens Wagner factory goes back to the Dillinger Franciscan Sisters.
At that time there were only very few sisters left, many were older and were distributed to other locations.
That was a big change for us.
The corona crisis has certainly shaken up a lot for you ...
Kathrin Seiler:
Yes, that was also a very big challenge for us.
All of our day care facilities had to close overnight.
External visitors were no longer allowed, residents could no longer visit their relatives.
We had to reorganize quickly.
Fortunately, our employees were open here.
A high degree of flexibility was required.
And many specific decisions had to be made on site.
The responsibility also remained on site.
It was a very emotional time.
And we always had to weigh up between the well-being of those being looked after and security, also for employees.
You have been with the facility for a long time. What has changed?
Kathrin Seiler:
On the one hand, our range has grown.
Open aid was added in 2010, and in 2018 we took over an intensive care facility in Hausham.
Little by little we have built up our outpatient living.
Overall, there has been a change from supervision to support and assistance.
From integration to inclusion.
From support to social participation.
Nowadays people are more attentive to the individual needs of disabled people.
Overall, with 220 employees, we take care of around 150 people in the district.
Your successor will take care of this from October. What can you tell us about Stefan Glaser?
Kathrin Seiler:
He has been the division manager of our open aid in Miesbach since 2010.
He is a loyal, collegial, open-minded colleague with a clearly structured way of working.
Are there any major changes in store for the facility?
Kathrin Seiler:
There will be a few internal changes.
Glaser's position also has to be filled, for example.
How do you say goodbye to those you are taking care of?
Kathrin Seiler:
I hope that as many people with disabilities as possible can take part in my farewell party in September.
We have to see what the corona situation allows until then.
Kathrin Seiler will be bid farewell
with a celebration
on Thursday, September 16. From 1 p.m. there will be a snack at the parish center St. Josef, at 2 p.m. there will be a thanksgiving service with handover in the St. Josefs Church. The event is only intended for invited guests, people with disabilities and Regens Wagner employees.
