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.
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 ensure 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.
Generations at Neighbors Rehab & Post-Acute Care
811 W. Second St., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-2511, GenerationsNeighbors.com
This around-the-clock rehabilitation and post-acute care community provides top-notch service and loving care to residents of Byron, Ill., and the surrounding area.
Whether families are looking for a short-term stay, rehabilitation services after a hospital visit, or long-term care, rest assured your loved one will be greeted with a welcoming and loving staff who care about their residents.
Located close to the Rock River, Generations at Neighbors can satisfy both short-term and long-term needs. This skilled nursing and sub-acute care community offers several services in a family-like setting, including 24-hour skilled nursing care, wound care, pain management and on-site dialysis.
Generations at Neighbors’ short-term rehab program was created for anyone who has an illness, injury or a recent operation. The rehab program offers a wide range of individualized therapy, such as joint replacement, stroke recovery, post-surgical mobility rehabilitation and amputation recovery. Outpatient therapy is also available for individuals needing continued support after their return home.
The community was designed to give residents similar luxuries they’d have at home. There are 131 beds available, and residents have the option of private or shared rooms, depending on their individual needs and budget.
The subacute rehab rooms were designed to remind guests of the comforts of their own homes by offering wood flooring, window treatments, high-speed Wi-Fi and bathrooms with a step-in shower and safety bars. Short-term rooms are equipped with their own microwave and mini-fridge.
The concierge level gives residents access to additional services, including a therapy gym, family lounge, restaurant-style dining and post-acute rehabilitation.
Residents can enjoy their meal in the main dining area, which features a soothing and natural look. There’s also a family lounge with a fireplace, ice cream parlor with internet cafe and a beauty shop.
Residents are provided with stimulating activities throughout the day, including sing-alongs, bingo, video games and movies. There are several other events and social activities offered throughout the year, like cooking classes and live entertainers.
If your loved one wants a little bit of fresh air, they can visit the outdoor patio and picnic areas, where guests can take time to themselves or spend time with their fellow residents in a safe and comfortable environment.
Guided tours are available for prospective families, and staff members can provide additional information about Generations at Neighbors during a visit. A virtual tour is also available online at GenerationsNeighbors.com.
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 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.
Greencastle of Mulford
2750 N. Mulford Road, Rockford | (815) 633-5544 | [email protected]
Residents who call Greencastle of Mulford home enjoy affordable housing for seniors 62 and older. Our 115 one-bedroom and 7 two-bedroom apartments community is located on a 9-acre campus with a walking path around the entire perimeter. Each apartment is equipped with a patio/balcony, air conditioning unit, emergency alert system and a walk-in shower.
This community is conveniently located on the city bus route and close to popular restaurants, banks and medical facilities.
In addition, residents have access to on-site laundry facilities, an exercise room, a gift shop, a beauty salon, a computer lab, a craft room, a community room, a private courtyard with raised garden beds, a grill, and a covered pavilion with seating for outdoor activities and resident parties.
Services include on-site 24/7 maintenance, on-site Manager and Social Service Coordinators, lunch-time meal program, and weekly bus trips to the grocery store and pharmacy. Regular opportunities for physical, social, intellectual, emotional and spiritual engagement are offered to encourage active aging and living well.
Greencastle of Mulford is owned and managed by Embrace Living Communities, whose mission is to provide actively aging adults and people with disabilities affordable, welcoming homes in communities that embrace living. Greencastle of Mulford team embodies this mission every day. Now is the time to embrace your living! Reach out now to learn more.
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) 801-3900 | 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, which are: Intellectual, Physical, Social, Spiritual, Vocational, Environmental and Emotional Wellness.
Are any of these missing in your wellness, or that of a loved one? Imagine how, if all of 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.
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.”