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.
The Garlands of Barrington
1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington, Ill., (847) 304-1996, thegarlands.com
Celebrating its “Emerald” 20th anniversary this year, The Garlands of Barrington sets the standard for a world-class retirement lifestyle right here in the northwest suburbs. Nestled in the heart of Barrington, the resort-style retirement community offers unprecedented amenities and services, as well as a complete spectrum of care options.
Independent living one-, two- and 2-plus bedroom homes at the Garlands are of the highest-quality construction, and they offer large and open floor plans, spacious rooms and gourmet kitchens. High ceilings and oversized windows give each home a beautiful, light-filled ambiance. With multiple floor plan options, including apartments, penthouses and villas, as well as customizable financial plans, new members find moving into The Garlands of Barrington to be a highly personalized and comfortable experience. The Garlands even offers relocation services to help new members sell their current home, pack and move.
Dining at The Garlands is an exquisite experience, with four restaurants from which to choose, as well as two al fresco dining options. Executive Chef Glenn Zamet and his team create delicious meal options and offer a flexible and engaging dining experience for all.
The Garlands of Barrington supports an active aging philosophy, where members have ample choices to pursue multiple lifestyle options that contribute to their overall well-being. Invigorating walking paths meander through the community’s acreage. A spa, a salon, a health and aquatic center, and a fitness staff help members feel and look their best. The Garlands Center for the Performing Arts offers a convenient venue for sharing music, theater, art and dance. Lifelong learning classes appeal to members with an interest in pursuing hobbies, learning new skills or enjoying the talents of others.
As a Life Plan community, The Garlands also offers on-site assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care services at Prairieview at the Garlands, which was recently ranked “Best Of” by U.S News & World Report, making it one of the most elite short-term rehabilitation providers in the country.
At The Garlands, retirement is a new beginning filled with excitement, adventure and promise. Here, members find the inspiration, great neighbors and convenient support services to thoroughly enjoy this new chapter and, at the same time, rest assured knowing the highest quality of additional support services are available should they ever be needed.
For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Michelle or Tracy at (847) 304-1996 or visit online at thegarlands.com.
White Oaks at McHenry
4605 W. Crystal Lake Road, McHenry, (815) 344-2970, gardant.com/whiteoaksatmchenry
When your loved one moves into White Oaks Memory Care, in McHenry, they will 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.
Assistance is available for daily living activities including bathing, dressing, personal hygiene and grooming. White Oaks provides opportunities to maintain a sense of purpose and belonging throughout the different seasons of dementia. We focus on abilities rather than limitations, because we understand that as we age, our heart’s hopes and desires do not. We are continuously seeking innovation through a variety of philosophies to sustain the aspects of life that really matter.
Located next to Heritage Woods of McHenry, a supportive living community, White Oaks offers private studios, semi-private and companion suites. Each apartment includes a spacious bathroom with a handicapped-accessible shower, ample closet space and an emergency alert system.
The community utilizes Caremerge, a HIPAA-compliant family engagement app. Families can check on their loved ones anywhere, access their calendars, manage appointments, and stop playing phone tag. The app allows families to message authorized community staff, share photos from wherever they are, and receive photos from care staff. A monthly virtual support group offered to families is another way to stay connected. People can also follow happenings on the building’s Facebook page.
Despite having their own space, most residents spend as little time as possible in their apartments. Throughout the day they are busy interacting with staff members and other residents in common areas such as the spacious dining rooms and multi-purpose rooms. The community also has a cafe, salon, library, fitness area, sunrooms, and several cozy TV lounge areas. Our residents can get fresh air by enjoying one of the attached flower-filled courtyards.
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. All of our staff members receive 16 hours of Alzheimer’s and dementia training annually and 2 hours of education monthly on related Alzheimer’s and dementia topics.
Residents at White Oaks keep their bodies and minds active with a wide range of activities, including seated chair exercise, current events, puzzles, art, musical therapy and socials. We use one’s life story to create a tailored, personalized approach to serving the individual and family.
Call (815) 344-2970 for more information or to schedule a visit. We offer on-site tours, or personally guided virtual tours if the family prefers.