For years The Garlands has been known as of the premiere senior retirement communities in the country, a place that truly redefined what active senior living could be. And now we're doing it all over again!

Building on the success that The Garlands and its members have enjoyed, our new Phase II construction aims to provide nothing less then the finest senior living community in the country.

I'll be updating this blog with news of our construction progress, so check back here to watch us grow!

Tom Herb

Labels: active senior living, Chicago assisted living, Phase II, senior living facility, senior retirement communities

Excuse me, please. I've got a gripe, and I just have to get it off my chest. I hate to complain crack out of the box but maybe after I tell you what the deal is, you'll understand. At least those of you who ever have owned a kitten or a cat will get it.

You see, it's now getting cold outside and frankly I love to curl up in the warmest softest spot available. Well, my caregivers have tagged me with a new name, "Cuddle Puss." Do I look or act like a kitten, cat or a four legged animal that purrs or says "meow?" Please, the next time you see us around, set the guy on the scooter straight. My name is P.D. Perfect Dog. And if you believe that, I'll sell you The Garlands' bridge.

Now on a happier note, have I got news for you! Remember I was planning a play date with Toni, the French poodle. Well, it was perfect with one exception. We met as planned, but who was hiding in the bushes...Toni's old boy friend. But he was so fat, with a belly dragging on the ground, that he was no match for Toni's slim figure and swift graceful pace. Of course, I'm used to running along side my scooter, so we out paced him in no time and enjoyed our day together chasing the squirrels and sniffing out other park smells.

And there's more news since the last time I wrote. Stuffed in our cubby were two letters addressed to me. One from Willie and another from Jewel, Bill Youngberg's family buddy. The sad news is that Jewel thinks I'm not big or strong enough to play with him. He didn't even give me a test run. But I have hopes that Willie will come soon for a romp. No way will any other dog take Toni's place, but because she has been shipped off to boarding school, I'm glad to find another friend.

By the way, Jill, do you suppose I could have my own mail box? I've got two snoopy caregivers, and they read my mail before I get a chance to see it. But then, where would I hide the key? I have a big enough problem remembering where I bury my bones. Looking forward to seeing you in the park before the snow flies.

Love, P.D

Labels: active retirement community, Chicago assisted living, chicago senior living, pd the dog, senior living facility

There is a story to be told in my retirement community. It is a story of love. It isn't puppy love, young love or the many-splendored love of years past. It is lasting love: love over time. Not sexual, but simply love of each other as partners.

Care is love. Care of what was, what is and what will come. We walk slower now, can't see as before, and hold hands for warmth and support.

Aging is not uniform or equal. Time takes from each at its will and whim. We pray first for the other partner to stay well then our self.

Our bodies slow differently: Alzheimer's disease steals bit by bit the light of knowledge. Nerve systems weaken and short-circuit. Arteries clog. One partner becomes the light, another helps recognition.

The story is the caregiver. Care given daily, constantly, wearily shows lasting love. "Until death do us part" is recalled while time flows onward. Love becomes duty; honorable, enduring and necessary.

How does one tell the story of lasting love? I tell it by admiring the spouse pushing a wheelchair providing mobility and togetherness, by applauding those who read to the other with dimming sight, and by praising those who explain, interpret and encourage loved ones unable to remember their world.

Any lapses in the past are forgotten with today's love; a lasting love.

Labels: active retirement community, Chicago independent living, Jack and Rita, senior living facility, senior retirement communities, the garlands

I can do it!! Yes I can. You see I'm a lefty and this letter will not be perfect because using my right paw isn't the easiest thing to do. But we haven't been in touch for quite a while; thus this attempt.

Why haven't I been more diligent? Well, it's a long story and despite my need to yap out every detail, I'll cut to the chase. I HAD SURGERY. Yup, big time, at least I thought so.

Perhaps some of you saw my bright red bandage that wound around and around my left leg. Their supply of gauze, tape and stretch stuff must have been in mucho supply because it was only the end of my left paw that needed to be protected. Why oh why couldn't they see I'm a big boy and can take care of myself.

Well, back to the surgery. I was poked, prodded, shaved, put to sleep, cut and stitched. I finally woke up in a tiny horrible cage, and I'm not used to a cement floor. Have I got your sympathy? I certainly hope so because don't we all need a dose of TLC at times?

Despite being incapacitated for two weeks, it all turned out for the best, but I drove my family nuts during my recuperation. I couldn't go out for a walk, play with my toys, and jump on the furniture... (don't tell) and have yummy treats. Besides, I had to wear an upside down lampshade at night to keep me from tearing that annoying bandage off. I looked stupid.

But I did get even with my caregivers because they had to stay close to home for fear I would get into trouble, which I've been known to do. Because the doctor's orders had to be carefully followed, I was under their watch 24/7. What a bummer!!

Try as I did, the bandage just didn't come off. But the stitches did; two weeks later. According to the vet, my paw will be back to normal in no time. Until then, more sympathy please.

Love,
P.D.

Labels: active retirement community, Alzheimer's Care, chicago retirement community, pd the dog, senior living facility

Many of our members sell their homes before moving to The Garlands, so we know that prospective members may be thinking about putting their own house on the market right now. Here's a tip we recently came across: list your home with a very exact price--like $472, 775, instead of $475,000. Sound bizarre? Well, a recent Cornell University study found that homes actually sell for more when the list price is exact.

The researchers found that in a sample of 30,000 recently sold homes in New York and Florida, having a terminal zero in the list price lowered the ultimate sales price by .72%. Psychologically, people tend to see numbers that end with zeros as larger than those that don't, hence the marketing gimmick of everything ending in .99 or .95. And a number like $472, 775 will show up in more Internet searches since people often look in ranges that a round number could be left out of.

So if you want it to sell high, make it exact!

Source: The Price is Right by Jan Cullinane

Labels: active senior living, Chicago assisted living, chicago senior living, garlands blogger, senior living facility, upscale retirement home

The number of retirees that are taking control of their health and joining fitness centers is growing every year. In this installment we will look at how a traditional senior fitness program affects your balance. The chief reason people go to the health club is because their daily lives don't provide enough movement to keep them in good shape. The various machines at the club help fill that activity void. Since we don't have very much time, we try to fit an entire day's worth of movement into an hour or two at the fitness center. Walk on this. Pedal that. Pull this down. Press that up. Go home.

The only problem is that when you use machines for cardio and strength training, you are leaving out one crucial ingredient--balance. Think about the treadmill. You are walking, but you are also holding tightly onto the handles to keep you balanced. There are no curbs or potholes to dodge, no rabid dogs to get away from, just you in a perfectly controlled and unchallenging environment. How about a typical exercise bike? What are the chances that it might tip over? I would say about slim to none. As far as balance goes, most exercise bikes are about as demanding as lying on the couch. What about strength machines? Almost all of them require you to sit during use. Some even have seat belts (why don't they include cup holders while they're at it).

You get the idea. If you use these machines like many seniors do, you may become strong, and you may improve your endurance, and I think that's great. Unfortunately, they won't do much for your balance. Having strong muscles and good endurance without good balance is like having a truck that has four hundred horsepower and gets fifty miles per gallon but tips over every time you turn a corner.

That's why you need to train your balance with balance exercises. Better balance will enhance the benefits of both strength and cardio training. In just ten minutes a day, you can train your sense of balance to keep it in shape or even improve it. You can do balance exercises at your health club or in your home whenever it's convenient for you.

Stay tuned for Part 4 where we'll take a closer look at balance exercises.

Mike Ross
Author of "The Balance Manual"
balance-exercises.com

Labels: active retirement communities, active senior living, better balance report, Chicago assisted living, Fitness and Activities, senior living facility

One of our members recalls walking slowly out of the Louvre in Paris in 1973 promising that someday she would learn to paint. Years and many museums later it is still an unfilled promise.

Fast forward to 2006, she relocated to the active senior living facility, The Garlands of Barrington. There, to her joy, the activities department arranged a painting class, in water colors, for beginners. Visions of past self-promises challenged her--she joined the class at once.

Our member's first attempt to create and paint a mushroom was a disaster, in her mind, but others liked it. Now, her family has to decide who gets the mushroom. Her next painting, a pink orchid, was beautiful, and fortunately, the class continued--she kept painting.

The Garlands encouraged an exhibition of the students' art in our gallery outside the Performing Arts Center. Three walls of paintings, from present and prior member painters, hung there. The artists attended, answering questions to other members and guests, while all enjoyed wine and hors d'oeuvres. Some paintings were sold that evening, and our newest artist felt honored when an admirer of her work offered to buy one of her paintings. She declined to sell until her family selects their favorites. Our burgeoning artist is proud for keeping her long-ago promise

The Garlands currently has an oil painting class and next month will offer a drawing class--great chances for those who have "Promises to Keep."

Labels: active retirement communities, active senior living, chicago senior living, Jack and Rita, senior living facility, senior retirement communities, upscale retirement community

"The Wii Bowling Tournament" created a murmur of excitement as the many contestants and fans followed the signage to the game area. Wii is a game played electronically on TV sets. The Garlands chose the two large sixty inch TVs in the Grill and Timbers Lounge for the competition.

The mixed bowling contest between three senior retirement communities in the area, Sedgebrook, Lincolnshire and The Garlands included about eighteen players, eleven women. Community names identified both teams colorfully attired in long hip-length sports shirts which made for an impressive group.

"Virtual Bowling" truly lives up to its name. A player holds a remote control in hand, securely attached by wrist-strap. On the TV a complete bowling lane is shown with ten king-pins set up. The player first adjusts a guiding line on the alley remotely to direct his aim. She or he then holds down a trigger allowing them to swing the control at the TV. (Wrist-strap prevents the control from escaping to damage the TV) The control electronically releases a ball at the virtual pins. The TV, in brilliant color, shows accurately the path of the ball and records the hit with real sounds and actual pictures of pins falling in all directions.

Both teams, dominated by women, are dedicated and talented. This day, the Sedgebrook players showed a superior ability. The four person Sedgebrook team that I watched all bowled over 200 with a high of 245, truly remarkable scores. I noticed that our team was closing in on that level. Our congratulations go out to the Sedgebrook bowlers.

Wii bowling is almost real: the sounds of pins flying, the curving of the ball down the alley, the long view of pins, the replay close-up view of fallen pins and automatic scoring make it enjoyable to play and watch. It is easy for everyone to play--in fact, one of our most spirited woman players bowled from a wheel-chair.

Jack Roche

Labels: active retirement communities, Chicago independent living, Jack and Rita, senior living facility, senior retirement communities, upscale retirement home

Where is the Greatest Generation Tom Brokaw wrote about? Some are here at The Garlands. I learned this at a November Veterans' day gathering.

One member, a Marine Captain landed in Japan after the Nagasaki bomb to assess damage, another was with Chennault's Flying Tigers group in Shanghai. A Navy man's destroyer lost its bow to a Kamikaze bomber at Okinawa, and a Merchant Marine helped safely guide ships through the oceans of the world.

Members flew for our various air forces in combat missions; transferred personnel and materials. Army member won a Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster fighting in Germany at Remagen Bridge. Navy man rode PT gunships into battle. A medic in France tended wounded during the Battle of the Bulge.

One of our ladies, a WAC (Women's Army Corp) gladly re-enforced our military medical needs in the United States and another member helped returning troops, refueling at Newfoundland, telephone anxious families.

The Greatest--friendly, interesting members: avid world travelers, bridge players, play reading actors, poker players, ladies charitable sewing, fancy car lovers, participants at dances, kite flyers, and, yes, Grandparents!

They rarely talk about their war, but there is a lingering pride for having helped defend our Country.

Labels: active retirement communities, Chicago estate planning, Jack and Rita, senior living facility, upscale retirement community

The trek may be virtual, but the benefits are real.

A group of Garlands members are on a their way to Paris (more than 4,140 miles away from Barrington) by walking, swimming, biking, even climbing! About 40 men and women--all senior citizens--are participating, counting the miles logged while exercising against their goal. They're currently just over half-way. Members report that having a goal makes exercise easier and more fun.

Au revoir! See you in Paris!

Labels: active senior living, Chicago assisted living, Fitness and Activities, senior living facility, senior retirement communities

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

The frequent visits with Jennifer, John and the grandchildren are a continuing joy. The swimming pool and billiards tables at "GaGa and Papa's big castle" make their trips from downtown Chicago to Barrington exciting, fun-filled adventures. Our son, John Michael's first visit from his home in Brooklyn, NY quickly convinced him that we had made the right choice.

Both children are very content that we chose an aesthetically pleasant and safe environment. The various social, educational and athletic activities, as well as, the nearby and on site health care facilities put them at ease. They like our new home, so much so that they suggested putting their names on the waiting list for this upscale retirement community!

--Jack

Labels: active retirement communities, Chicago estate planning, Jack and Rita, senior living facility, upscale retirement community

This Phase II construction at The Garlands is going to set the standard for active retirement communities nationwide, and will shift perceptions of what independent senior living can be. As such it is a complex and sophisticated undertaking.

Since it's raining today, I thought I'd explain a little about our plan of attack. We are building the second phase of The Garlands in three vertical sections--starting with the east, moving to the center and finishing with the western portion of the building. We are building vertically vs. horizontally (meaning floor-by-floor) because we feel there are better economies of scale in doing so. In this manner we can have greater efficiencies with the tradespeople, meaning our lead trades can go in creating the "bones" of the first third of the building and then clear the first vertical, making way so the following tradesmen--mechanical, electric and plumbing--can start their work.

Labels: active retirement communities, Chicago independent living, Phase II, senior living facility, upscale retirement home

It's great for the gardeners, but not so great for construction of an upscale retirement community, i.e. The Garlands Phase II. Ours has been an unusually rainy summer, and has definitely kept our tradesmen from working on certain days. The good news is, we are not far off schedule and have every reason to believe that we will be caught up by September.

Labels: active retirement communities, Chicago estate planning, Phase II, senior living facility, upscale retirement community

Today, tradesmen have been busy framing-up the walls along the perimeter of the building. Columns are also being framed and set on the existing footing. In fact, most of the columns that hold up the first floor on the east side of the new building are completed. Soon we'll begin pouring the columns in the center of the building. For us at The Garlands, it's exciting to see how Phase II is changing and enriching our upscale retirement community!

Labels: Chicago estate planning, Phase II, senior living facility, senior retirement communities, upscale retirement community

We have frequently been asked why we chose the upscale senior living of The Garlands. We hope that our story may be of help to you as you consider a similar move.

First, a little background is in order. I retired from a career as a sales and marketing executive in a large corporation, and Rita is a retired operating room nurse. Time passes, and we decided to leave our large townhouse for a retirement community where we could avoid maintenance and repairs. The question became, with the option to move anywhere in the country, where should we go and to which community?

The invitations, from many active retirement communities, to have lunch and tour their facilities proved to be exactly what we needed to learn, compare and decide. Visits to nine or more retirement communities revealed many differences. Then our daughter, Jennifer, alerted us to The Garlands here in Barrington. After a few visits we followed our hearts from Philadelphia to Chicago and sealed our choice by selecting The Garlands.

-Jack

Labels: active retirement communities, Chicago estate planning, Jack and Rita, senior living facility, senior retirement communities, upscale retirement community

Excavation is nearing completion. To date we've moved over 211,680,000 pounds of dirt to clear the way for this bold new addition to our upscale retirement community. We're also building 110 parking spaces in a heated garage for Phase II residents--fit's all in an effort to enhance what we call The Garlands Lifestyle!

Labels: active senior living, Midwest retirement home, Phase II, senior living facility, upscale retirement community