Senior Housing NOTES
Expansion begins
This spring, King-Bruwaert House (KBH) in Burr Ridge started work on its campus expansion with construction on a new wing. Health Care, consisting of two 14-bed neighborhoods, will offer state-of-the-art amenities as well as dedicated support to those who require memory care assistance. Each neighborhood will feature a dining room, living room, activity room, visiting rooms, and large, private bedrooms with private bathrooms.
In addition, KBH will construct The Gardens of King-Bruwaert House. The 35-acre campus will feature 44 independent living apartment homes located near a walking path, two ponds, gardens, fenced-in dog park and a tributary of Flagg Creek. Both Health Care and The Gardens are slated to open in late 2023.
Aiding Ukraine
After Russia invaded the Ukraine, the residents and staff at Lexington Square stepped up to support the people of Ukraine. Dining room staffer, Iryna (last name held upon request), who has family in the Ukraine, inspired the Lexington Square of Elmhurst community to collect items including medical goods, cell phones, head lamps, warm socks, blankets and canned goods. One generous donor even gave several first aid kits to the collection. Residents and staff at Lexington Square of Lombard also made donations for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine by collecting funds for Americares.
Life enrichment stations
Terra Vista’s commitment to treating the whole person is founded on the Montessori philosophy that a nurturing environment allows individuals to follow their own interests at their own pace. These techniques are used to stimulate each memory care resident’s individual capabilities and interests via colorful Life Enrichment Stations located throughout the community in Oakbrook Terrace. These stations create opportunities for residents to reconnect with a familiar world that instills confidence and a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Simple, easy-to-read instructional wording encourages engagement in everyday environments such as a kitchen, garage or laundry room where familiar tasks and past hobbies can be safely recalled, experienced and enjoyed.
20th anniversary celebration
In honor of its 20th anniversary, the Garlands of Barrington kicked off its year-long 20th anniversary celebration in March with its St. Patrick’s Day event. The celebration featured 30 Trinity Irish dancers from teens down to age 5. Residents enjoyed a St. Patrick’s Day themed dinner of traditional Irish fare including corned beef and cabbage, Shepherd’s pie and Irish soda bread. The emerald anniversary celebration also included music from the Emerald Isle with a mix of Celtic music and American songs that reflected both Irish heritage and Midwestern roots.
Pop tabs for a cause
This spring, residents and staff at Friendship Village in Schaumburg diligently saved the tabs from their favored canned beverages for Ronald McDonald House in DuPage. The last donation by the community weighed 8.88 pounds, bringing Friendship Village’s total donations to 45.5 pounds. Ronald McDonald House takes the aluminum pop tabs to a recycling center. They receive a check based on the price of aluminum. This money goes back to help cover operating expenses at Ronald McDonald House. Anyone interested in contributing pop tabs at Friendship Village can contact Georgene at 847807-4032, Ext. 5552.
Medical director honored
Recently Dr. Peter Jaggard, medical director of Westminster Place in Evanston and adjunct professor of bioethics at Trinity International University, received the James Pattee Award for Excellence in Education. The award was presented by the American Medical Directors Association (AMDA) – The Society for PA and LTC Medicine. An active AMDA member, Jaggard is past chair of the Ethics Committee. He’s a primary author of several Society white papers including the “Role of the Facility Ethics Committee” and “Sexual Consent Capacity in Dementia.”