[New] Remembering WHAT MATTERS

Community Adult Day Center helps dementia patients find good moments

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN | PHOTOS BY 726 VISUALS

Dementia is an issue that touches many families. According to the Alzheimer’s Disease International website, there were over 55 million people living with dementia, worldwide, in 2020. That number almost doubles every 20 years. The need for reliable care for loved ones with this condition is significant.

For three and a half decades, Downers Grove’s Community Adult Day Center, (CADC), located on the lower level of Gloria Dei Church, (directly across from North High School), has been helping dementia patients rediscover purpose and find joy in everyday living.

over the entire course of her 40-year career. Having joined the team at CADC a year and a half ago, Sinderson, along with her dedicated staff and volunteers, is passionate about raising the awareness of members’ abilities. “Dementia isn’t the sentence it once was. There are still many ways to find good moments in ordinary days,” Sinderson said. The care and professionalism CADC staff have for their members is truly palpable. Here, dementia patients are treated with utmost compassion and concern. And above all, patience. They act as a ‘family away from the family.’

To peek inside the CADC is to see a bright, therapeutic, holistic day center where dementia patients have fun. They learn to find joyful, productive moments in a confusing, and often frustrating, time in life. The outside world can become frightening after a dementia diagnosis, for the mere pace at which it moves. Here, members engage in activities, from chair yoga to an art project to a music class, at a slow pace, to keep frustration at bay. Members are carefully supervised at every moment.

All day long, members move between four rooms, following a carefully preplanned daily schedule of varying activities designed to sharpen both physical and mental skills. A member is welcome to choose activities in which to participate; nothing is mandatory. From creating mosaics to playing in a drum class led by a teacher, to visits from therapy animals, all activities help to increase neuroplasticity.

The “Magic Table” room is a favorite pastime among members, in which a projector projects scenes and scenarios onto a table. Using their fingers, members add to a scene and draw pictures. Each afternoon after a catered lunch, everyone is invited to have “quiet time,” reading or relaxing in comfy chairs. A small outdoor garden space is tended, weather permitting. Thanks to a generous donation, indoor hydroponic garden trees will be available starting this year, for colder months.

Members’ families report a huge difference in a loved one’s demeanor because of the care CADC provides. Patients appreciate being among people in their own age bracket, making friends and sharing the camaraderie they experienced in their “old life,” before their diagnosis. While patients might not be able to relay to their families exactly what they did that day, their demeanor changes and mood elevates. “We’re often amazed that members might have trouble holding a conversation with staff, but easily connect with one another,” said Director of Operations, Shandra Bowlin. “We see real friendships being forged.”

The burden of full-time caregiving can be exhausting. CADC affords caregiving families some time to rest or go to work. It’s truly a win/win situation. The family has some free time from constant care and the patient gets a chance at something very positive.

Certain members have been told by doctors that the progression of their condition has slowed due to the daily activities in which they engage. For example, Nancy, a member, was ‘stuck in the house’ after her dementia diagnosis. Despite her hesitancy to leave home and the frustration of her condition, she began attending CADC once a week at the behest of her family. Everything changed. Nancy now attends four days a week and thoroughly enjoys her time there. “My doctor noticed an improvement, not only in my attitude, but also my neuro-condition,” she stated, smiling. “It’s been life-changing.”

It’s not only members who benefit from the kind care offered by this organiza- tion. Sinderson and staff also spend much time assisting the families of CADC members. “People come to us at all different stages on the dementia journey,” she said. “We meet the families where they are on that journey, while helping them look ahead. They need to know what to expect down the line.”

C.S. Lewis wrote that “you are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” CADC lives this mantra daily. For further information, please visit www.communityadultdaycenter.org. ■

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Orchid Heart is truly a business with a heart

BY VALERIE HARDY | PHOTOS BY 726 VISUALS | IMAGE BY ANNIE SPRATT OF UNSPLASH

Located in the heart of Downers Grove (4956 Main St.), Orchid Heart, A Boutique and Creative Studio, has something for everyone. Featuring the latest women’s fashion trends, red carpet-worthy jewelry, and an entire room of goods for girls, it is no wonder that the shop’s clientele ranges from “8-yearolds all the way up to my 90-year-old customer,” owner Jennifer Ryle said.

Ryle followed her successful entrepreneur father’s advice to “find a need and fill it” when she decided to take the reins of the boutique two years ago. She said she did not want “pieces that anyone can buy anywhere” and aimed to differentiate her inventory so “shoppers in town have a choice of what they are looking for.”

Orchid Heart carries high-end brands such as Liverpool and Kate Spade, and as of this fall, it became the sole seller in the state of the Anna Zuckerman Luxury jewelry brand. However, the boutique welcomes even those who are not looking to buy anything. Ryle said, “We still sit there and talk or have coffee. It’s a safe place for everyone to just come together on Main Street.”

Ryle’s commitment to building community extends to adolescents also. This is, perhaps, most apparent in the teen empowerment group – Inflorescence – which she facilitates for two hours every week.

Inflorescence’s vision statement reads, “Little girls with dreams become women with vision.” For the girls in Inflorescence, this vision is cultivated, in part, through mentorship. Ryle said she partners with other female-owned businesses in the community to educate participants (typically ages 9-15) about the accounting, marketing, and communication skills required to run a successful business.

Members of Inflorescence also develop hands-on experience running their own business: EMPOWER Cosmetic Line.

The inaugural members of the empowerment group wanted to start their own line of makeup. Ryle helped connect the girls with the established Benefit Cosmetics company, and the

EMPOWER’s first products launched in July. Included were mascara, lip gloss, blush-bronzer, and highlighter. Consumers can pur - chase individual items for $17 or a whole kit for $55. The cosmetics are toxin-free and never tested on animals, and each purchase helps continue the Inflorescence program.

To establish product pricing, Inflorescence members first analyze materials and shipping costs. While Ryle is by their side as a guide, “they have to do the math, and they can’t use a computer or their phones,” she said.

They must have gotten the math right because EMPOWER has already sold out of their inventory two times. The makeup is sold at the Orchid Heart Boutique and online.

Comprised of a mix of returning and new members, this season’s Inflorescence group is now busy developing a line of holiday products. Be on the lookout for EMPOWER stocking stuffers such as Santa Baby red shimmer lip gloss and Naughty or Nice felt tip eyeliner (the girls are also in charge of product naming).

Inflorescence will be debuting the holiday-themed line at the 2nd Annual Benefit Fashion Show, Denim & Diamonds, on the evening of Dec. 2 at the Loyal Order of the Moose in Downers Grove. Tickets are required.

Ryle initiated this fashion show last year “as a way to bring the community together,” she said, “and it is all about supporting local [vendors].” Proceeds from this year’s show will support the Inflorescence program and Metropolitan Family Services, a nonprofit organization that has empowered DuPage County’s most vulnerable children and families since 1930.

With a background in not-for-profit work, it is no surprise that Ryle blends business and philanthropy. However, her greatest motivation is setting a strong example for, and providing for the success of, her children and others like them within the community.

The single mother of three adolescents explained that her purchase of Orchid Heart Boutique coincided with receiving “some really bad health-related news.” She was born with a heart condition and has “a prognosis that is not good.” However, she has dedicated herself to the motto “never give up,” which is central to her work with the girls in Inflorescence and her message to her own children.

During a recent hospitalization, Ryle missed some Inflorescence meetings. The girls within the group “did it all. They did the invoicing and got the orders out. They said, ‘Mrs. Ryle says we don’t give up,’” Ryle said.

Included in Inflorescence are Ryle’s two teenage daughters (she also has a 12-yearold son). Though she remains optimistic, Ryle does not know what the future holds. She is at peace, however, because “if something happens to me in a month or whenever I am finally confident my kids have what I taught them,” she said. “They’re not going to give up.” ■

NOTABLE & QUOTABLE

Orchid Heart, A Boutique and Creative Studio offers a wide range of products and services. From clothing, jewelry, and gifts to DIY soap-making or candle-making parties, this store and more is a must-visit downtown Downers Grove destination. Customers who stop in to browse just may catch a glimpse of the young entrepreneurs from the Inflorescence empowerment group in action – refining their latest business plans, selecting merchandise for the boutique’s back room, or working at one of the parties. Here is what a few of the Inflorescence members had to say about their experiences:

“Empower is such an amazing community that truly feels like a home away from home. Jen and the other girls have made it such an amazing place to learn about makeup, friendships, how to hire, and so much more!”

– Sophie Spanovic, 13

“I love coming to work [at Orchid Heart] every week and for parties… I absolutely adore everyone who works here.”

– Eleanor Lucht, 13

“My mom runs [the Teen Empowerment Program]... she is my inspiration and tells the group and us at home to never give up. The program has taught me business, résumé-building, and communication. I have a hard time with communicating… The program has brought friendships and leadership to my life.”

– Olyvia Ryle, 15

“Ever since my [sister and I] started our own jewelry business, I wanted to learn more about business. That is why I joined the group.”

– Katerina Pitsilos, 10

Dermatology

Q: What is a dermal filler?

A: Dermal fillers restore facial volume to smooth skin lines and wrinkles as well as enhance areas like the lips, chin, or jawline. This is done with gel-like materials that dermatologists inject under the skin at different depths. Fillers are seemingly unlimited when it comes to applications. They can be used to lift cheekbones, improve hollowness of the facial skin in areas like the temples and under the eyes. Moreover, fillers can be used to treat areas like the neck and chest to restore skin health and diminish the appearance of finely wrinkled and thin skin. Lastly, fillers can also be used to rejuvenate the hands.

Q: What is in a dermal filler?

A: Fillers are made with FDA approved substances injected beneath the skin. These include Hyaluronic Acid, Calcium Hydroxylapatite, and Poly-L-Lactic Acid. Poly-L-Lactic Acid also known as Sculptra is Dr. Steil’s favorite dermal filler. It is biocompatible, which makes it completely safe to use. It is a totally biodegradable synthetic substance,which means it dissolves. Lastly, it works by stimulating skin to rebuild the natural collagen resulting into smoother skin and greater volume.

Almost 20 years ago, Dr. Steil learned from the best, Danny Vleggar, MD. He was a trained Poly-L-Lactic Acid Specialist who taught her how to apply the filler like an expert. For aging facial skin, Poly-L-Lactic Acid can add volume, structure, balance and lift. For younger patients, it can be used to improve facial symmetry.

Q: Are fillers going to make my face look fake?

A: “I have been injecting in Hinsdale for 20 years, and everyone says the same thing— I don’t want people to know and I want to look natural. At CSC, we will make your treatment look natural,” says Dr. Steil.

The physicians at CSC Dermatology, Dr. Steil and Dr. Bognet, have a combined 30 years of experience treating patients with fillers. They both agree that the best results are when you don’t look like you’ve had a filler. To make this possible, CSC offers only the most professional opinions and treatment styles in all of their procedures. The bottom line— experience matters. “Sometimes a filler is not the solution,” says Bognet and “we tell the patient no. An overfilled face is not on our style.”

Q: What does it feel like?

A: Getting a filler is a very comfortable experience. The filler material is mixed with numbing medication which makes it virtually painless. In addition, applying ice prior to a more sensitive area like the lips helps to aid in numbing.

Q

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How much do fillers cost?

A: Filler treatments can range from $500-$2000 per session depending on the exact product and the number of syringes used. “We often layer products to achieve the best result so more than one type of product may be used during a treatment session,” says Dr. Steil.

Q: How long will fillers last?

A: On average, fillers can last from six months to two plus years. After being injected, your body gradually and naturally absorbs filler particles. Factors that affect longevity include the product used, how much was injected, and where it was injected. Depending on your age and your goals, treatments are often repeated yearly.

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Call 630 455 0045 now to book a session at either one of our prominent locations in Hinsdale or Downers Grove.