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.
Alden Estates of Huntley
12140B Regency Parkway, Huntley, (847) 961-7500, aldenestatesofhuntley.com
When navigating your road to recovery following a surgery or hospital stay, Alden Estates of Huntley is a place you can call home while you’re recuperating and recovering.
Alden Estates of Huntley specializes in the delivery of post-acute care services and offers exclusive programming that meets orthopedic, cardiac, neuro/stroke, pulmonary and medically complex rehabilitation needs. With Alden’s specialized rehabilitative programming, each person’s medical complexities are addressed with the care and rehabilitation services needed to restore maximum functionality and independence to support a successful transition back home.
“Individuals come here for transitional care after being hospitalized for a planned surgery or an acute illness,” says Ashley O’Brien, administrator. “Before they can transition back home, they might need skilled care or physical, occupational or speech therapy.”
The facility offers a unique combination of quality clinical care and innovative therapies within a luxurious environment that has plenty of pampering amenities.
“Our approach to care places a distinct emphasis on the environment as having a vital role in the recovery process,” O’Brien says. “As a result, the layout and decor of the facility mimic an upscale hotel, and when paired with our upscale amenities, a post-acute rehabilitation stay can feel like a vacation centered around wellness and recovery.”
Resident rooms promote rest and recovery and feature en suite bathrooms with a private shower, custom-made furniture, beautifully appointed decor and flat-screen televisions.
Aside from luxurious private and semi-private deluxe rooms and a state-of-the-art therapy gym, amenities include a laptop loaner program, complimentary Wi-Fi, newspaper delivery, full-service hair and nail salon, ice cream parlor, coffee bar and upscale restaurant-style dining.
At Alden Estates of Huntley, four-course menus, a la carte choices, daily soups and a salad bar are prepared by an executive chef and a team of trained culinary staff. Residents are served by a professionally trained wait staff, offering a true, five-star restaurant experience.
“Nutrition is such an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle,” O’Brien says. “Our fine dining program goes beyond just nutritious meals and menu items. We offer an unparalleled dining experience for our residents.”
Patient-centered, compassionate care is coordinated by a clinical staff who provide expert care and services for each resident. This team of clinical staff manages medical conditions with a physician-directed, personalized approach that helps facilitate an expedient, yet safe transition back home.
Discover the perfect blend of industry-recognized therapies, luxuries and pampering amenities, offering you the best of everything during your stay.
Enjoy every day, your way at Alden Estates of Huntley.
Huntley Springs Retirement Resort
11700 Samantha Lane, Huntley, (847) 961-4575, rlcommunities.com/illinois/huntley-springs-retirement
Huntley Springs Retirement Resort is an all-inclusive, resort-style independent living community that gives residents the comfort and convenience of daily living without the hassle of cooking, cleaning and daily upkeep.
That means residents are able to spend extra time enjoying more of the things they love, such as seeing family, socializing in the billiards room or learning a new skill, like painting with watercolors.
Parent company Resort Lifestyle Communities opened the Huntley Springs property last year. Residents who are at least 55 years old are able to enjoy the perks and amenities available at this worry-free community.
One of those perks is the Freedom Dining program, something this community hangs its hat on. Residents are treated to three made-from-scratch meals each day, all prepared by an experienced chef. Snacks are available between meals, which always feature fresh and healthy ingredients.
Tableside dining, casual buffets and a Sunday brunch are some of the additional meal options. If you prefer to dine in your room, there’s room service available.
This senior living community offers 128 apartments in studio, one, two, or three bedroom units. Each apartment is decked out with a full kitchen, custom cabinets, spacious walk-in closets and paid utilities.
Residents also have regular access to an on-site professional staff, live-in managers, an emergency call system, concierge services and valet parking.
Some of units have patios, while others have balconies. The best part is residents don’t have to pay a buy-in fee or sign a long-term lease. There’s also no fee for pets, so your furry friends are always welcome.
“When residents move in, everything is included in their monthly fee, just like an all-inclusive resort,” says Kelly Jo Hinrichs, vice president of marketing for Resort Lifestyle Communities.
To ensure residents remain happy and socially connected with others, a full-time activities director maintains a busy events calendar. Fun events include Happy Hour Fridays, fitness classes, shopping trips and other fun outings. Residents are free to participate in as many activities as they’d like.
Of course, residents can also take advantage of various health and wellness programs as well as a fitness center to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The main corridor inside Huntley Springs, known casually as “Main Street” to residents, is a common gathering place. It has an in-house bank, pharmacy, salon/barber shop and a gift shop. Guests can also unwind in the computer center, library and game room. And, they can kick their feet up and enjoy a movie inside the community’s 150-seat theater.
“Our research indicated there was a significant need for additional independent senior living communities in Huntley,” says Phil Benjamson, COO of Resort Lifestyle Communities. “Huntley Springs offers a life-enriching lifestyle with all the conveniences of home and provides peace of mind to residents’ families and loved ones.”
White Oaks at McHenry
4605 W. Crystal Lake Road, McHenry, (815) 344-2970, gardant.com/whiteoaksatmchenry
When your loved one moves into White Oaks, they’ll be greeted with several services and amenities to help create a smooth and seamless transition. This memory care community welcomes older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia.
Plenty of assistance is available for daily living activities including bathing, dressing, personal hygiene and grooming.
Located next to the Heritage Woods of McHenry assisted living community, White Oaks has 40 apartments, including 32 studios and eight semi-private companion suites. More importantly, the senior living community has a goal to help residents maintain a sense of purpose and belonging.
Each private apartment includes a spacious bathroom with a handicapped-accessible shower, ample closet space, carpeted living and sleeping areas, and an emergency alert system.
Despite the amazing rooms, residents spend as little time as possible in their apartments. Throughout the day, they’re busy interacting with staff members and other residents in the common areas, such as the spacious dining rooms or the multi-purpose rooms. The facility also has a cafe, salon, library, fitness area and cozy TV lounge.
Residents can get some fresh air by visiting the courtyard just outside. They’re invited to plant vegetable and flower gardens, build bird feeders and play outdoor games.
Other amenities include three restaurant-style meals served each day and ongoing health monitoring and nursing assessments. Nursing assistance is available around the clock.
The dedicated personnel at White Oaks help to separate the senior living facility from others in the area. These staff members are specially trained to work with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease patients.
Residents at White Oaks keep their minds active with a wide range of activities through the Reminiscing program. Since Alzheimer’s disease and dementia involve memory loss, staff members help residents to remember certain life events, often with the assistance of field trips to places like the Volo Auto Museum, in Volo. Such a trip can inspire residents to spend days reminiscing about vintage cars and days gone by.
Residents who are war veterans are honored and recognized during a special Memorial Day service.
The staff get to know residents and their loved ones on a personal level. That way, if a patient if afraid of something like thunder, they’ll get the proper help and support needed when a storm strikes.
Call (815) 344-2970 for more information or to schedule a visit.