SENIOR HOUSING NOTES
Gardening therapy
The horticulture therapy program at Terra Vista Memory Care Assisted Living in Oakbrook Terrace has been well-received by residents and their families. Certified as a wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation, Terra Vista’s multi-sensory Innerwalk™ courtyard facilitates garden therapy for its residents. The sights and smells of the garden can help residents reduce their stress and anxiety by seeing colorful flowers, touching leaves and petals, and smelling overturned soil and fragrant blooms. Raised beds make gardening accessible while a figure eight layout provides a calming, spacious walking path. Specialty gardens highlight seasonal sun and shade loving flowers as well as herbs. Butterflies and hummingbirds support the connection to nature, which is particularly therapeutic for those with dementia.
Good neighbors
This summer, Trulee Evanston will open its doors in the Evanston community. Before they welcome residents into its nine-story contemporary building, staffers at Trulee have been making efforts to be good neighbors within their new community. Earlier this year, they surprised firefighters at Evanston Fire Department with smiley face sugar cookies — some even decorated wearing a mask — and supported a local business by purchasing the cookies at Tag’s Bakery. Staffers also supported another local business by hosting coffee chats at Newport Coffee House in an effort to meet Evanston residents.
Caregivers group
Taking care of a loved one can be challenging, especially when that person suffers from dementia. That’s why Artis Senior Living of Elmhurst offers monthly virtual support group meetings the third Thursday of every month for those caring for a loved one with memory loss. Led by Artis’ experienced team, the program offers a comfortable environment to connect caregivers on a similar journey and offer them a safe place to share, learn and support one another. The next virtual meeting will be at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 20. For more information or to register, call 331-642-1984 or visit artisseniorliving.com and search for the Elmhurst community.
Wine pairing dinners
Residents at Villa St. Benedict in Lisle are once again able to enjoy chef-prepared meals in the dining rooms, bistro and lounge. With the return of warmer weather, residents can enjoy their meals outdoors on the patio or around the fire pit. The retirement community also is resuming its small dining events including its Specialty Spanish Wine Tasting and Dinner. The event included a fourcourse meal prepared by Executive Chef Chris Moore, each course pared with a wine originating from Spain.
Activities return
Social distancing guidelines haven’t slowed down the residents at The Admiral on the Lake in Chicago. This spring the Admiral Gardening Group has brighten everyone’s day with their beautiful floral arrangements. Residents head to the art studio to channel their creativity and inner artists. Recently a visiting artist stopped by to teach a program about chalk artwork. They’ve also gathered safely to resume in-person social groups, including playing games like Mahjong.
Fans celebrate baseball
The Chicago Cubs might have lost their home opener, but that didn’t stop residents at Lake Forest Place from celebrating the return of baseball. The retirement community’s social committee recreated a day at the ball park with a concession stand complete with peanuts and Cracker Jack. The walk-through event, held the day before the big game, also included trivia questions, a photo booth with banners featuring the W flag and Chicago Cubs logo, and a batting cage.