Education

The topic of senior living communities in Illinois can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. These communities offer independent and assisted living that encourages independence and lessens stress. With these services, seniors can live happy, healthy, and longer lives.

Retirees are mostly the ones who seek senior living communities, but they can sometimes be torn between wanting assistance and holding on to their freedom. Many are afraid that senior living might take their independence away from them.

Their homes may seem like the ideal place to grow old in because it’s familiar, comfortable, and offers many good memories. But sadly, as family members build their own lives and careers, it can quickly become a place of isolation, with numerous chores and overwhelming maintenance.

As we age, health issues can begin to multiply, and if you consider those ailments plus the thought of doing household chores, it can lead to a difficult way of life. This is something worth considering when thinking about turning to assisted living.

What’s beautiful about senior living is that these thoughts are very well considered. Senior living communities are well aware of the discomfort of living in a different environment, which is why these facilities are designed to look and feel like home.

What Makes Assisted Living Different from Independent Senior Living?

Assisted and independent living both address the unique and specific needs of residents in various ways. Find out what type of senior living your loved ones need by consulting with a senior living advisor. But, for reference, here’s a brief overview of their differences.

Assisted Living Communities

Assisted living is a senior living service different from the usual conventional nursing home we’ve all been used to. It’s a facility that is carefully designed to create a loving, comforting, relaxing, and home-like feel.

Aside from receiving support and care, seniors are given the opportunity to engage with other senior residents and be involved in various community activities. Some of the tasks that seniors will be receiving in assisted living include bathing, dressing, laundry, escorting, medication management, and incontinence assistance.

All residents of senior living communities in Illinois are provided with three full meals every day, housekeeping services, utilities, activities, and outings to keep them entertained and stimulate their physical, intellectual, and mental health.

Who are suitable candidates for assisted living? If your loved ones are having a difficult time completing tasks or getting around on their own, then you should start considering the idea of assisted living. The usual case is when seniors forget to take important maintenance medications.

In assisted living, your loved ones will get the help and assistance they need in a friendly and fulfilling environment. The assistance is there, but it won’t affect their independence. Everyone has their own unique needs. The kind of assistance your loved ones get will depend on the level of their needs. An assessment will be done by the nursing staff to help determine the kind of care your loved ones should receive.

Another way to know if your loved ones require assisted living service is if they recently experienced a bad fall, if they can no longer keep up with their nutritional needs, or when they clearly cannot complete daily activities on their own. If their safety and wellbeing are starting to make you feel anxious, then it’s probably best if you talk about the possibility of assisted living.

Independent Living Communities

Independent senior living communities in Illinois are a great place for seniors who want complete independent while simultaneously enjoying amenities commonly found in senior living facilities. Most of these facilities offer one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartments. They also offer additional facilities such as pools, fitness centers or gyms, libraries, recreation rooms, theaters, bistros, gardens, and relaxing outdoor walking paths. Housekeeping, utilities, transportation, meal plans, and maintenance are all covered in independent living.

This is an ideal option for seniors who are still able to maintain their active lifestyles, like being able to commute, drive a car, or have a job. Seniors who only require minor assistance and will not need 24-hour medical care can also benefit from independent senior living.

It is a wonderful option for seniors who are looking for new friendships and social activities. Included in the services are bathing and dressing, so if your loved ones are having difficulty managing these tasks on their own, independent living can help.

Do You Want to Know More About Senior Living Communities in Illinois?

Growing old is a part of life, and part of happily growing old includes asking for assistance when you know you need it. People who are living with seniors should slowly introduce them to the idea of senior living. Explain the benefits and how their lives can greatly improve when they become part of this community.

One of the reasons why seniors don’t like growing old is because they don’t want to be alone. They are concerned about the possibility of being isolated. Let them know that they have an option to become part of a healthy and happy community that can assist them in their daily needs.

At Senior Living Experts, we’ll help you find the best assisted living and memory care communities for your loved ones. Our expert advisors will gather all pieces of relevant information needed so your loved ones can find an ideal placement that will cater to their needs, location, and budget. Before we make suggestions, we listen to your needs and preferences.

We only want what’s best for your loved ones, which is why we strive to offer the best services that will put a smile on their faces. Whether you need assisted living or independent living, we have you and your loved ones covered. Give us a call or browse through our list of services so you can learn more about what we have to offer. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We will be more than happy to discuss your needs and options with you.

‍

What’s there to love about assisted living in Campton Hills? If you drive around this beautiful and peaceful Chicago suburb, you’ll understand why families are drawn to the place. Campton Hills has an estimated population of 11,131, and according to surveys, it’s one of the best places to live (and retire) in Illinois. Residents love Campton Hills because it offers a great escape from the chaotic hustle and bustle of big cities. We are sure you and your family will fall in love with Campton Hills just like everyone else who has had the chance to explore the place.  

Why Should You Move to Campton Hills

Overview of Campton Hills  

This humble village is located in Kane County, Illinois. It’s a suburb that was established in 2007. Its north border is Elgin, south is Elburn, west is Lily Lake, and lastly, Saint Charles to the east. From a report in the 2010 census, the total area of Campton Hills is around 16.992 square miles, where 16.91 square miles is composed of land while 0.082 square miles is water.  

Let’s take a tour of Campton Hills by exploring some of the best places to visit when you’re there.  

Museums  

Campton Hills has plenty of museums. One of the most famous museums in this suburb is the Garfield Museum. The Garfield Museum hosts various entertainment, family, and educational events. It’s also a venue for essential seminars on topics about fruit tree grafting, wetlands management, woodlands, and prairie. In addition, special shows are hosted in the museum showcasing heirloom garden products and seeds, an antique collection of farm tools, and rare breed farm animals. The museum is jampacked with activities all year round. You can check out their page to see the full calendar of events.  

Parks  

Another thing to love about Campton Hills is they have plenty of beautiful parks, which are great for your senior loved ones. Campton Hills's famous parks are Seba Park, Headwaters Park, Pottawatomie Park, Lippold Park, Peck Farm Park, and many more.  

Did you know that parks offer several health benefits for seniors? It’s not just a place for children to play and pets to run around – it’s a place providing numerous advantages to the aging population. So, if you ever decide to take your senior loved ones for some leisure time, a park is an excellent place to go. So how can seniors benefit from parks?  

• Open to All Generations  

Parks are open to everyone regardless of age. The major benefit of parks is they are accessible and inclusive, allowing children and the older population to enjoy the tranquil scenery. It’s also a great place for seniors to socialize with people of different ages. In addition, seniors experience a great sense of calmness and joy whenever their families enjoy picnics at the park while the children play.  

• Improved Mental Health  

Studies show that being in parks helps improve seniors’ mental health and boosts their self-esteem. It’s probably because parks create an outdoor community where people can come together and socially interact with one another. As a result, seniors get to form relationships and build connections with other people. The interpersonal relations that they are able to create by visiting parks will significantly impact their mental health.  

• Be One with Nature  

Outdoor parks and playgrounds allow people to escape from the city's smog and noise. It’s a great place to breathe in the fresh air and explore the natural beauty of nature.    

• Encourages Physical Activity  

A park is a place where people get to relax and unwind, but it’s also a venue for physical movement. If you’ve been in any of the parks in Campton Hills, you’ll find seniors brisk walking, stretching, and even practicing yoga. More and more people prefer to work out in parks and playgrounds because the scenery helps them relax compared to exercising in gyms. Seniors must keep active to reduce their risk of developing certain medical conditions and health complications.  

Restaurants  

You will never run out of places to wine and dine at Campton Hills. Although it’s a small village, it offers plenty of cafes, diners, and restaurants for residents to choose from. These food joints boast of different cuisines that cater to everyone’s unique palates. You can choose from vegan, Mexican, Spanish, Western, and Asian cuisines, among others.  

Assisted Living Options  

If you are considering relocating, you may want to give Campton Hills a try. Despite its small size, the place has pretty much everything you need, including assisted living options. Families with seniors can explore the different assisted living communities in the area. In addition, Campton Hills is a beautiful and peaceful place that’s perfect for seniors. The calming ambiance allows for stress-free living, encouraging adults to thrive and live their best life.  

During their free time, they can enjoy afternoon picnics at the park with their caregivers, and loved ones socialize with other seniors in the community, which helps reduce their risk of loneliness, depression, and isolation. In addition, they can enjoy educational trips to museums and farms to help enhance their mental health.  

Are You Interested in Learning More About Assisted Living in Campton Hills?  

If assisted living caught your attention, you’re in the right place. Campton Hills offers assisted living options for you to choose from. We understand the stress and inconveniences of caring for your aging parents. Being a full-fledged caregiver is not easy since it requires being alert and attentive 24/7. However, you don’t have to shoulder this responsibility by yourself. Leave this job to professional caregivers.  

At Senior Living Experts, our advisors will work closely with you and your family to help you find the best place for your parents. We want nothing but the best for your loved ones. Our team will listen to you and your needs so we can find the perfect place for them. Call us today to learn more about assisted living and nursing homes. We are here to help you and your family find the very best living situation that best suits your loved one’s needs.

We are often asked who is perfect for assisted living, but rarely asked how cannot move into assisted living.   While it does seem like some assisted living facilities are willing to cross the line and care for people whom another facility down the street won't, there are some general guidelines.

If the resident is a danger to themselves or others

This could mean that they are violent. Hopefully this could be controlled with medication but if a resident is threatening to kill themselves or is harming staff or other resident they are not appropriate.  If this sort of behavior starts after someone makes the move, the resident is usually transferred to a geriatric psych unit in a near by hospital for observation and review of medications.

If a potential resident needs "total assistance" with 2 or more activities of daily living

If staff or a caregiver needs to perform the entire activity without your participation. Sometimes, if the family hires a full time caregiver to live in the assisted living home with the resident, it may work.  However if two people are required to help then they need a higher level of care.  A common example is a person who needs help transferring.  

If they can get from their wheel chair to their bed with some assistance, meaning they can pivot or support themselves while another person helps, that is OK.  If they are unable to move at all, then the caregivers are performing total assistance.  

Eating is another example.  Its OK if someone needs assistance getting the food to their mouth, or need the food pre-cut or pureed.  But if they need help actually eating once it gets to their mouth, then they need skilled care.

If the resident needs more than minimal assistance in an emergency - if you cannot get to a safe area.  

Being able to respond with our without assistance may be OK.  If the resident cannot respond at all, it is not appropriate. I find that some assisted living buildings will not residents who cannot self-propel themselves in their wheelchair to live there.  And others provide escorts.  Depends on the facility and their staffing and what they are willing to do.

If the following treatments cannot be self-administered or administered by a qualified licensed health care professional (not a care manager or caregiver but a RN, LPN, or physician assistant.  IV therapy; IV feeding; gastronomy feedings (g-tube); insertion, sterile irrigation and replacement of catheter; sterile wound care; sliding scale insulin administration; and routine insulin injections for diabetics.  

If you need treatment of stage 3 or 4 decubitus ulcers or exfoliaitive dermatitis you would also not qualify.If any of these apply to you, you need to bring them up with the facility as soon as possible, preferably before you set up a tour.  Some may immediately tell you they cannot care for the senior.  Some may ask you to come in a tour and then they may send their nurse out to do an assessment to see for themselves the type of care needed and go from there.  And some may decide to let you stay in a facility you have already moved to if these things start to happen if you become terminally ill and you qualify for hospice care.

It does surprise me how often families do not give all this information when conducting their search and then end up making a bad decision and having to repeat the process.These are just some considerations.  I would love to hear from any facilities out there as to what they can and cannot do!

Thank you to our friend Ryan for another great guest post:‍

How Often Should We Visit Our Loved Ones Who Are In Care?

‍Most individuals realize the difficulty of the decision to choose to send a loved one to an assisted living or care home facility; however, few people understand the ongoing concern after that decision has been made. Even just deciding when to visit and for how long is a heavily weighed choice for most as visiting can provoke a variety of emotions for both parties involved.For individuals visiting, the visit can prompt feelings of sadness or frustration, and the same is true for the loved one who is living in the facility. Either way, following a few guidelines for visiting is important to experience the most beneficial visit and to keep everyone’s feelings and emotions intact.

Visiting Frequency

‍One of the biggest questions individuals have when it comes to visiting regard show often can and should we visit. While individuals working at the nursing home may suggest that it is best to let them handle the loved one’s adjustment period, the truth is, you and your family are your loved one’s link to his or her identity. You are the one constant in his or her life.

That being said, visiting frequently is a good way to help your loved one adjust. Nevertheless, the frequency should be determined by your personal schedule as well as your loved one’s needs. One to two times a month may be doable and appropriate for some families and situations while others may require much less or much more.The true key, however, is consistency. Try to set aside a certain time each month or week to regularly visit the loved one and keep it consistent. This factor will help ground your loved one and help you plan your time more easily.

Other Guidelines

‍In addition to frequent visits, keeping a few other things in mind for visiting will help both you and your loved one throughout the process.

• The visit should be simple. While it may seem fun to bring several things todo with your loved one or to have several people come during the visit, these elements can make the time overwhelming. Remember to keep it simple when you visit and to focus on the together time as moments of joy.

• A quiet, comfortable space is the most enjoyable for visiting. The point of the visit is to spend time with your loved one, so look for a place to visit that is free of distraction. Consider a porch, chapel, or even just the loved one’s room.

• Be flexible. Depending on when you visit each time, your loved one may be participating in different tasks. Be flexible and avoid being overbearing. If you are on a time schedule, consider calling ahead to see when would be the best time to visit.

• Make the visit about your loved one. Consider your loved one’s interest prior to coming and think about what he or she may enjoy doing, but don’t make prejudgments. Once you have arrived ask your loved one how he or she wants to spend the time together and be flexible. Whether you are able to visit once a week, a couple of times a month, or a few times a year, make the times you do get to enjoy count.

Remember to focus on the individual and to include him or her in the decision making. Most of all just spend time together.

‍Author BIO: Ryan is a Freelance writer and health enthusiast. He is in his final year of nursing and passionate about helping others and sharing his thoughts on the online world.