One of the most significant decisions in life is how we’ll be cared for when we can no longer care for ourselves. Explore some of our area’s top communities for senior living.
Not that long ago, “retirement home” was synonymous with “nursing home.” Thankfully, that’s no longer true. Today’s retirement communities offer an array of living options that accommodate all senior lifestyles and phases of senior life, such as independent living, personal care, home care and skilled nursing care.
Reasons to move into a senior living community can range from a desire to eliminate the day-to-day challenges of keeping up a home, the social need to live near people the same age, or sometimes an inability to manage on one’s own. Luckily, seniors and their families have numerous resources to consult for information and advice, from the internet to local agencies.
Many retirement communities cater specifically to independent, active retirees, some as young as 55. By taking advantage of the convenience and carefree lifestyle that senior living communities offer, retirees are better able to travel and do things they enjoy.
Other retirement facilities offer assisted living for those who need help with certain day-to-day activities, or skilled nursing care for those who require round-the-clock medical care.
Still others offer all three options within one community, providing guaranteed housing, social activities and increased levels of care as needs change. These communities give older adults the option to live in one location for the duration of their life, which can provide a great level of comfort to them and their families.
This diversity of senior living options is well represented in our region. Offering the most comprehensive listing in the area, our Senior Living Guide will introduce you to some of these excellent retirement communities.
Crimson Pointe Senior Living
7130 Crimson Ridge Dr., Rockford, (815) 398-7792, lifeatcrimsonpointe.com
Type: Assisted living community managed by Five Star Senior Living.
How to schedule a visit: Contact Mike Barr at (815) 398-7792.
Housing options: Studio and one-bedroom apartments.
Amenities: Large social room with fireplace; den with library and large-screen TV; lovely courtyard with water fountain; large covered patio with tables and chairs; flower gardens; on-site convenience store; restaurant-style fine dining; private dining room for special-occasion use by families.
Other care types on premises: Physical, speech and occupational therapy; home health care and hospice partners.
What sets Crimson Pointe apart:
“Crimson Pointe is a community offering a close, welcoming neighborhood feel for seniors who need some support with activities of daily living,” says Mike Barr, marketing director. “We also offer individualized medication management customized to each resident’s needs. Our community can provide rehabilitation and respite/short stays. Our Lifestyle 360 program offers a unique approach to community living that focuses on the five dimensions of wellness: intellectual, social, physical, emotional and spiritual.”
Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center
3470 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 877-1441, fairhaven.cc
Type: Private, faith-based, Continuum of Care nonprofit.
To schedule a visit: Call Chris Hintzsche at (815) 877-1441, ext. 1303, or Tom Bleed at ext. 1304.
Housing options: Duplexes, independent apartments and studios, supportive care, health center.
Amenities: Transportation for appointments, a coffee shop, gift shop, social gathering areas, library, computer stations, life enrichment activities, TVs with senior programming, emergency nurse call system in every room and personal pendants with 24/7 nursing staff, fitness center and Dakim online brain fitness program. Pets are welcome in duplexes.
Other care types on premises: A supportive care memory care area and nursing care in health center.
What sets Fairhaven apart: “The Christian focus outlined by our mission statement is shown through scheduled Bible studies, chapel services and chaplain who help keep our residents connected with their home church,” says Chris Hintzsche, director of marketing and resident services.
Heritage Woods
4730 Squaw Prairie Road, Belvidere, (815) 544-9495; 202 N. Show Place Dr., Rockford, (815) 332-3700, gardant.com
Type: Illinois Supportive Living Program managed by Gardant Management Solutions.
To schedule a visit: Call or stop in.
Housing options: Studio and one-bedroom apartments, each with a kitchenette, spacious bathroom and shower, emergency response system, independent climate control, ample storage space.
Amenities: Staffed by certified nursing assistants 24 hours a day to help with dressing, medication reminders, showers and other daily tasks. Weekly housekeeping, laundry services and transportation assistance. Ongoing health monitoring and nursing assessments, a range of programs and events, three meals daily, activity room, beauty/ barber shop, convenience store, dining room, exercise room, TV lounge, library, multi-purpose room, lobby with fireplace, patio and gazebo.
What sets Heritage Woods apart:
Heritage Woods is more than just a community; it’s a home where residents of all incomes enjoy the privacy of their own apartments with the benefits of a caring staff around the clock, restaurant-style meals, and plenty of social and volunteer opportunities to give meaning and fullness to their lives.
Highview in the Woodlands
1000 Falcon Point Place, Rockton, Ill., (815) 624-6700, highviewseniorliving.com
Type: Private, nondenominational, nonprofit facility.
To schedule a visit: Walk-ins welcome weekdays, by appointment on weekends.
Housing options: 36 one- or two-bedroom private, licensed assisted living apartments and 26 private suites, including a private bedroom and bath, on our licensed Alzheimer’s/Dementia-Related Care unit.
Amenities: An antique-filled lobby with a fireplace welcomes residents and guests. Each bright and spacious apartment has a call light. Caring nurses are on-site 24/7, as well as C.N.A. assistance, daily sittercise and outside therapies. Residents receive weekly housekeeping and laundry services for linens. An expert culinary staff provides delicious, nutritional meals in a lovely dining room atmosphere.
What sets Highview apart: Highview in the Woodlands has been “Caring since 1904,” our unique legacy. It goes beyond the limits of the walls. It is a lifestyle. Social activities transcend the four beautiful seasons of the year. Highview takes ordinary experiences and makes them extraordinary. Our caring includes the whole person’s health and joy of life. Our caring surpasses all expectations.
Liberty Village of Freeport
2170 Navajo Dr., Freeport, (815) 235-0778, libertyvillageoffreeport.com
Type: Continuum Care Retirement Community
To schedule a visit: Tours welcomed any time
Housing options: The Villas single family and duplex homes, Estates retirement apartments, Hawthorne Inn supportive living, Manor Court skilled nursing, Garden Court Alzheimer’s and dementia care, Bounce Back Rehabilitation program and AJ’s Fitness Center.
Amenities: Liberty Village is a full-service retirement community offering everything from AJ’s fitness center, Beauty/Barber and Village Blend Coffee shop to activities and scheduled transportation to local shopping.
What sets Liberty Village apart: We are very fortunate to have the entire continuum of care here at Liberty Village, with no endowment fees – which takes the worry out of future needs. As your medical needs increase, you and your loved ones will be comforted knowing you will not have to find another place to move to. We also take the worry out of the question, ‘What you would do if you ran out of money?’ We receive Medicaid approval at higher levels of care for campus residents.
Oakley Courts Assisted Living
3117 W. Kunkle Blvd., Freeport, (815) 233-5129
Just like the community of Freeport, Oakley Courts Assisted Living has its own flavor, personality and heart. Because those who live, work and visit here affect one another in profound ways, we at Oakley Courts have created YOUnite, a unique way of interacting with our customers.
The purpose of YOUnite is two-fold. First, we want to establish our residents as individuals who are at the core of our decision-making. Second, we want to recognize the contributions of our staff, our families and our community as key components of the individuality of our residents.
By focusing on five distinct YOUnite categories – RESIDENT CHOICE, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, STAFF APPRECIATION, HOME-LIKE ENVIRONMENT, and THE DINING EXPERIENCE – we’re better able to care for our community and create the positive outcome that our residents, families and staff deserve.
The heartbeat of Oakley Courts is represented in our YOUnite committee, which seeks input from staff, residents and families to ensure that our actions are consistent with the wishes of these important members of our community.
We’ve established a process of continual feedback, in order to understand the needs and expectations of our residents, their families and our staff, as well as the needs of our local community.