One of our most significant decisions in life is how we’ll be cared for when we can no longer care for ourselves. This guide introduces you to some of the excellent care available within our region.
Aging is a natural part of life, and it eventually comes with day-to-day challenges. So, why do we often feel unprepared to tackle the challenges and necessary choices in our later years?
Many families work together to carefully select what’s best for their loved ones well in advance, but it’s not something most are eager to discuss or even think about. Some people plan ahead to create a smooth transition into their retirement years; others may be forced into quick decisions after an unexpected hospital stay or diagnosis.
With careful research and consideration, it’s possible to find the highest level of comfort and care in our region.
Whether you face health complications or just need a little extra help with daily living, there are many excellent options that meet the housing and health care needs of seniors. The senior communities profiled in this guide provide state-of-the-art amenities and individualized plans to cater to your specific needs.
Each has its own unique amenities, but all focus on providing an experience that will continue to keep your loved ones happy and engaged throughout their later years.
This guide can assist your family in navigating the many options available in senior housing. Our area’s experts stand ready to help when the time comes for this often challenging, but important, conversation.
Highview in the Woodlands
1000 Falcon Point Place, Rockton, Ill. | (815) 624-6700, highviewseniorliving.com
In the deepest part of our hearts, we have an innate desire to help others. Driven by this desire, people can be moved to do things that change lives. In 1904, two dynamic and determined women began a movement that resulted in Highview as it’s known today.
Highview in the Woodlands is nestled in a park-like, natural setting. Residents can enjoy spring blossoms, summer roses, changing leaves and snow on the pines. They’re able to view all the seasons in their colorful display. Nature abounds at Highview.
Highview’s interior is eclectic with antiques that enrich the environment and were given as gifts over the years to be enjoyed by all. The residents have a social life with each other and take excursions to various plays, parks, sporting events, the conservatory and great restaurants.
Although individualized care is central to what is provided in both Assisted Living and the Alzheimer’s unit at Highview, it is the overall culture that energizes everyone. Members of a trained, professional staff are there for each resident, quietly fulfilling their needs. The staff strive to make any transition a smooth and pleasant experience as each resident enters new phases of life at Highview.
The staff at Highview believe the secret to a happy life is where you are, who you’re with and what you’re doing. And while a sense of place goes far, it is the people and experiences that truly make our happy times. Highview strives to achieve this dynamic for each resident, making them feel at home, making them feel loved, and making sure they are loving what they’re doing.
The staff believe residents should continue to live with dignity and enjoy their special interests. Residents are encouraged to make new friends, go on new adventures and explore new surroundings. They should thrive at Highview.
With more than a century of experience providing for seniors, Highview in the Woodlands continues to refine its legacy of care. The experienced leadership, dedicated staff and fully licensed facility ensures that residents will enjoy an optimum quality of life.
The facility offers 36 one- or two-bedroom private apartments on the Assisted Living side and 26 private suites in the secure Alzheimer’s unit. The staff takes great care in creating a traditional and safe environment that feels like home for all residents.
Conveniently located in Rockton, Ill., Highview is just a short drive for family members traveling from Rockford, Belvidere or Beloit.
The Highview staff encourage you to browse highviewseniorliving.com in its entirety and to call when you are ready to learn more. It would be their pleasure to answer your questions and give you a tour of the facility.
Memory Lane at Liberty Village of Freeport
2170 Navajo Dr., Freeport | (815) 233-2400, libertyvillageoffreeport.com
Memory Lane – Fitness for the Mind at Liberty Village of Freeport is more than just a name. This new extension of our long-term care facility is focused on providing individualized therapeutic programming that is focused on cognitive processing and designed to encourage those with memory impairment to use their remaining abilities and maximize their current level of function. Fitness of the Mind seeks to exercise the brain, enhance memory and maintain independence.
Our therapy teams will provide specialized programming for your loved one, designed to focus on their strengths. Once assessed, this programming will be tailored to their physical, mental and psychosocial well-being. Memory Care Specialists will be there every moment of the day to guide your loved one’s interactions using their unique level of functioning.
Independence is our top priority. Your loved one will be encouraged to perform everyday tasks such as dressing, bathing and maintaining personal hygiene as independently as possible. Our Care Specialists will be there to assist and provide support where needed. Fitness for the Mind also provides programming to help your loved one walk, eat and maintain continence with a realistic level of independence.
All participants in our Fitness for the Mind program also receive a free membership to A.J’s Fitness Center our state-of-the-art therapy gym. A.J’s Fitness Center is equipped with strength training and endurance equipment, as well as a wellness program with a variety of activities to help older adults maintain fitness and independence in a safe environment.
By focusing on your loved one’s remaining abilities and lived experiences, our Memory Care Specialists can actively ensure that they are thriving, not simply surviving through the struggles related to memory impairment. Fitness of the Mind gives you the freedom of knowing that your loved one is not just being cared for. They are being actively encouraged to live their best possible life.
We understand that caregiving can be a challenge and want to be there to provide guidance and encouragement for the entire family. Our monthly support group offers a place where families can come together for support while meeting and sharing with others who are on a similar journey.
We hope you will see, for yourself, how Memory Lane – Fitness for the Mind is surpassing expectations. We would be honored to enroll your loved one in this unparalleled program.
Heritage Woods
4730 Squaw Prairie Road, Belvidere, (815) 544-9495
202 N. Show Place Dr., Rockford, (815) 332-3700
1500 S. Forest Road, Freeport, (815) 801-39000 | gardant.com
Heritage Woods is your choice for an affordable, assisted lifestyle community for older adults who need some help to maintain their independence.
A financial assistance program is available to those who qualify, making the Heritage Woods lifestyle affordable to all. If you or a loved one would benefit from an assisted lifestyle community, but are concerned about financial arrangements, please do not hesitate to ask the staff about this financial assistance program.
The Supportive Living Program is available in Illinois for seniors 65 or older who need help maintaining their independence regardless of their financial resources. Seniors on Medicaid who only receive minimum Social Security income can qualify.
Living well can mean different things to each person. Heritage Woods follows the Seven Dimensions of Wellness. Are any of these missing in your wellness, or that of a loved one? Imagine if all these needs were met, you would truly be Living Well. Plan your visit to one of Heritage Woods’ communities and see how they can help you Live Well.
Seven Dimensions of Wellness: Intellectual, Physical, Social, Spiritual, Vocational, Environmental and Emotional Wellness.
Are any of these missing in your wellness, or that of a loved one? Imagine if all these needs were met, you would truly be Living Well.
Greencastle of Loves Park
4260 Sunset Terrace, Loves Park, IL | (815) 637-6000 | [email protected]
Residents who call Greencastle of Loves Park their home enjoy affordable housing for seniors 62 and older in a comfortable, enjoyable and welcoming living environment. The community is in a residential area and has 39 one-bedroom apartments, three of which are wheelchair accessible.
In addition, residents have access to on-site laundry facilities, an exercise area, a beauty salon, computers, a community patio with raised garden, a grill, and outdoor seating under a pergola for activities and resident parties. Services include on-site, 24/7 maintenance, on-site manager and social service coordinator, and a weekly bus to the grocery stores and pharmacies. Regular opportunities for physical and social engagement are offered to encourage active aging and living well.
Greencastle of Loves Park is owned and managed by Embrace Living Communities, whose mission is to support seniors and people with disabilities by helping them age with dignity in affordable and welcoming communities that embrace living. Our team at Greencastle of Loves Park embodies this every day in all that they do.
Parkview Home
1234 S. Park Blvd., Freeport | (815) 232-8612 | parkviewhome.org
As its name suggests, Parkview Home in Freeport is steps away from beautiful Krape Park and is conveniently located near Highland Community College, the YMCA, a hospital and medical clinics, Freeport Public Library, golf, churches, a country club, dining and shopping.
But that’s just the beginning of a community that provides a continuum of care through maintenance-free homes, individual apartments, assisted living, a health care center, memory care and rehabilitation services.
This cozy community boasts plenty of home-like amenities including a library, barber and beauty shops, outdoor terraces, sun porches, activities, transportation and delicious meals, all within a lovely, landscaped neighborhood.
Other types of on-site care include restorative care, 24-hour monitoring by licensed nursing staff, and licensed therapy services.
“What makes Parkview unique is our continuum of care, which allows residents to move from one level of care to another within the same community without leaving the facility,” says Dee Kuhlemeier, manager of marketing and human resources. “As the resident’s needs increase and more care is required, the cost of that care increases. The lifetime care plan guarantees if a resident loses their ability to pay for their stay, they do not have to leave, and they’ll be taken care of for the rest of their life.”