If you've visited The Garlands lately, you're sure to have noticed all the activity surrounding construction of the second phase of our upscale retirement community--read all about it on the Phase II Construction Blog. As for this blog, I'll be keeping you up to date on the bevy of others exciting aspects of The Garlands. While we are all thrilled about the new buildings, we also have a fully developed and vibrant community that we're eager to share with you.

Labels: Chicago assisted living, chicago retirement community, chicago senior living, From the Executive Director, upscale retirement community

Throughout my years as Executive Director at The Garlands, I've enjoyed many conversations with our members. And given the inquisitive nature of our members, I've fielded my share of questions as well. It's very important to me to be available and interactive with our community, because 1) I enjoy it, and 2) that's where I get the best feedback on how to maintain The Garlands high standards and lifestyle.

In addition to impromptu talks, we've set up regular Q&A sessions to discuss dining and activities. In addition to these Q&As on general topics, we look for feedback in our suggestion box, survey members annually and ask for their input/act on their suggestions and host monthly chats with the executive director as well as regular "state of the union" member meetings. Community and lifestyle are what's most important to us at The Garlands, and nobody knows how we're doing better than our members who live it everyday. That's why I like to say, "when you're a member here, you've always got my ear!"

Labels: Chicago assisted living, chicago senior living, From the Executive Director, Midwest retirement home, retirement community

The Garlands Sequoia: upscale retirement living just got bigger and better! The Garlands limited edition, single story Sequoia features over 2,000 square feet of the highest quality and maintenance-free villa living...not to mention the service, surroundings and security that only The Garlands can provide.

Deluxe Master Suite

Room enough for the whole family tree, the Sequoia also features a gracious dining room... library/den/study...two-car garage... front porch and back deck...full basement...fireplace...and more!

Gourmet kitchen

Labels: Chicago independent living, chicago retirement community, From the Executive Director, Midwest retirement home, upscale retirement community

At The Garlands, we believe that a life of continued learning is a big part of a well-rounded lifestyle. As such, our active senior living community is proud to present the following Harper College sponsored lectures and events as a part of our Lifelong Learning Center.

Short Story Treasures
Through May 18, 10am-Noon in the Robie Lounge
Edith Maynard returns to facilitate this favorite class. You need to purchase the book prior to class date. Please contact Jill for more information.

American Jazz in Paris
Friday, May 22, 1-3pm
European critics embraced jazz before anyone in the United States wrote anything complimentary about the music. The reasoning is wrapped up in the cultures of both France and the United States. Scott Cashman will discuss the cultural and historical implications of jazz in both the United States and France while listening to the music from the earliest period to the present as it has been played in the City of Light. Scott Cashman earned a Ph.D. in Anthropology by studying the economics of being a jazz musician in Paris.

Great Decisions Sampler
Tuesday, June 30, 1-3pm,
Try it, you'll like it! Register for this course and get a sample of our Great
Decisions Discussion class. Join Enrico Chiappetta for a lively exchange of opinions on "Dealing With Iran." Prior to the discussion you will receive a briefing booklet prepared by the Foreign Policy Association. You must register by June 15 in order to receive the materials.

Labels: active senior living, Chicago assisted living, chicago senior living, From the Executive Director, Midwest retirement home

Skilled Nursing Program Earns 5-Star Rating

Prairieview at The Garlands skilled nursing program recently earned an overall five-star rating by the federal government's Center for Medicare Services (CMS). Prairieview at The Garlands offers around-the-clock assisted living and skilled nursing services within the context of the Garlands of Barrington's premier Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) located in Barrington, IL.

Prairieview's skilled nursing program is one of the only skilled nursing programs within a 25-mile radius to earn a five-star overall rating and consistently top marks for health inspections, staffing and quality.

"This is a remarkable accomplishment and a true testimony to the quality and
value The Garlands skilled nursing program offers our residents in the event
they should ever need short-term rehabilitative or long-term care services,"
says Thomas S. Herb, President of Barrington Venture Holding Company LLC,
owners and managers of The Garlands.

Due to state licensing agreements, access to the highly rated skilled nursing program at Prairieview is limited to members who currently live within The Garlands CCRC as independent living or assisted living members. As such, the peace of mind that comes with having access to such top-notch care should it ever be needed is an added benefit for Garlands members and one to consider when looking into The Garlands lifestyle for yourself or a loved one.

The CMS Five-Star quality rating system helps consumers, their families and caregivers compare nursing homes more easily. The ranking system is important because skilled nursing programs vary in the quality of care and services they provide to their residents. Reviewing health inspection results, staffing data, and quality measure data are three important ways to measure nursing home quality. This information gives consumers a "snap shot" of the care individual nursing homes give.

For more information about the CMS ratings visit www.medicare.gov and select "nursing home compare."

Labels: active retirement community, Alzheimer's Care, Chicago assisted living, From the Executive Director

In addition to our exciting Phase II construction, Prairieview's memory care program, which typically receives very little public attention, is also growing. What is most important to note about this program is that our members--particularly their caring families--are quite pleased with our specialized memory care services. In fact, The Carroll family, a lovely family of six kids from the northwest suburbs, recently shared their family's story with us as testimony to our program. As Frances, the eldest daughter says,

"Our mother taught all of her kids the fine art of caring. With the help of the people at Prairieview, we are honoring her legacy."

As you read through their family's experience with Alzheimer's Disease, their rationale for choosing Prairieview for assisted living needs and their experiences with the program, we think that, like us, you will be very pleased with the services we offer families who are on this very difficult journey.

Labels: active senior living, Alzheimer's Care, Chicago assisted living, chicago retirement community, chicago senior living, From the Executive Director, upscale retirement community

As many families of our residents know all too well, Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive brain disease that destroys brain cells, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior that are severe enough to affect most every aspect of one's life and the lives of those who care for them. One in eight Americans age 65 or older (13%) has Alzheimer's disease.

In honor of our Prarieview residents who have this disease, and in tribute to their legacies, Prairieview is a proud sponsor of the Alzheimer's Association's 2008 Memory Walk.

We would like to invite you to join the Prairieview team--comprised of Prairieview staff, family members and concerned members of the community--to "take steps" to end Alzheimer's Disease on Saturday morning, October 4 at the Lake County Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk.

The Alzheimer's Association, the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's Disease research and support, is advancing progress in prevention, treatments and an eventual cure and provides support for all those affected by the disease. The Memory Walk is a noncompetitive walk, and a festive event for families, coworkers and friends of all ages.

The Memory Walk, a 5K (3.2 miles) walk, is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. The event will be held at Independence Grove, 16400 West Buckley Road in Libertyville. Optional transportation is available to and from The Garlands of Barrington on the day of the walk. Registration starts at 8 AM followed by an 8:45 AM opening ceremony and the walk itself.

To join Prairieview in taking steps to end Alzheimer's Disease, as either a walker or a sponsor, contact team captain Amy Nyberg at 847-852-3500. We would love for you to join us!

Labels: active retirement communities, Alzheimer's Care, chicago senior living, From the Executive Director, senior retirement communities, upscale retirement community

The Garlands of Barrington is currently offering Phase II Founders Club pricing and options to personalize finishing touches on a total of 85 new, private residences. The new homes are scheduled for occupancy starting as early as fall 2010 and include 20 one-bedroom, 49 two-bedroom and 16, 4th story, one-of-a-kind, two-and three bedroom Penthouse Suites.

Phase II Founders Club pricing, available now through the end of the year, reflects pre-construction savings of 15% over opening day prices. In addition to these savings, Founders Club members, those who make a deposit of 10% on their Phase II home in 2008, will have the opportunity to personalize their premium cabinetry, appliance and flooring selections.

The Garlands Phase II architects, Cochran, Stephenson and Donkervoet, Inc., have predominantly featured the Northern European influences, heavy timber accents and quality materials that have become the hallmark of The Garlands award-winning design. Each private Phase II residence, many of which feature one-of-a-kind floorplans, will boast 9-16 foot ceilings, gracious crown moldings and millwork throughout, a master bedroom suite and full gourmet kitchen with granite countertops. Floor-to-ceiling windows let the fantastic views and an abundance of natural light pour in. Floor plans range in size from 1,000 to over 3,000 square feet.

The Garlands Phase II residences will also features the high-quality, signature services that have become synonymous with The Garlands unique, active senior living lifestyle. Service plans include housekeeping, interior and exterior maintenance, landscaping, snow removal, dining programs, social, education and cultural programs, 24-hour security and emergency response system, utilities and membership to The Garlands Fitness Center. Plus, all Garlands members and their families have access to The Garlands amenities including the restaurants, pool, theater and spa.

For more information, please call 847-304-1996, visit the website at www.thegarlands.com or call to schedule an appointment to review Phase II floor plans. You can also keep track of construction progress and literally watch as these beautiful new buildings go up, all right on our new blog.

Labels: active retirement communities, active senior living, chicago senior living, From the Executive Director, senior retirement communities, upscale retirement community

Experience upscale senior living at The Garlands and immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture at the same time!

Enjoy a fun and relaxing evening at a Hawaiian Luau complete with a Hawaiian-inspired feast and a performance by the Royale Polynesian Revue featuring music and dance from Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti and New Zealand.

The Royale Polynesian dancers will entertain you with music and dance from Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti and New Zealand. Be dazzled by costume changes and a Don Ho-eque singer. Leis will be provided.

The Garlands Chef Hans has prepared an exceptional menu of greens with citrus segments, berries, Macadamia nuts and hearts of palm with rice wine vinaigrette; Hawaiian seafood salad; whole barbequed suckling pigs; char grilled barbequed pork tenderloin; char grilled Opakapa topped with papaya salad; pineapple coconut chicken; whipped sweet potatoes; fried rice; banana fritters; stir fried peapods, sprouts, sweet peppers and water chestnuts in a Teriyaki glaze; tapioca pudding with caramelized pineapple; coconut cream pie and a tropical fruit display.

The Luau will be held Friday, August 22, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at The Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington, IL. The cost is $40 per person for dinner and entertainment with a cash bar. Reservations can be made by calling 847-304-1996 by August 19.

Labels: active retirement communities, Chicago independent living, From the Executive Director, senior living facility, upscale retirement home, upscale senior living