Guide to Aging Well 2012

GUIDE TO AGING WELL

aging

well

guide to

The

beyond excellent care...

A bington of G lenview

Skilled Nursing

R ehabilitation Requiring high-level medi- Ther apy cal care. Medicare certified, insurance accepted.

Elegant decor, delicious and nutritious meals, engaging activities, and personal attention in a community of friends.

M emory Support (A lzheimer’s) A place of comfort, a place that’s secure and familiar.

Regain functions lost because of surgery, illness or accident. One-to-one therapy programs, includes skilled therapists, state of the art facilities, and proven treatment protocols.

R espite C are

Hospice C are Comfort, kindness, and personalized pain management for people needing special care.

O utpatient P hysical Ther apy Customized programs aimed at achieving outstanding outcomes.

At home care givers need time off whether for days or weeks.

3901 Glenview Road, Glenview, Illinois 847-729-0000 • theabington.com JCAHO ACCREDITED

contents guide to aging well

Assisted Living Facilities u

Continuing Care Facilities u L earning Opportunities Tech-Savvy Senior u For Older Adults u

By Austin White

By Stuart Greenblatt

Nursing Home Facilities u

etirement R Communities and Home, Health and Hospice Facilities u

Greeting the North Shore u

By Stuart Greenblatt

mission statement The mission of Make It Better Media is to be the mosttrusted, easiest-to-use community resource and print magazine that helps you make your life, and the lives of others, better.

Carrying forward the best of magazine

Elinor Miller Aging in place on the North Shore u

By Austin White

Make It Better North Shore (ISSN No. 2151-0431) is published 11 times per year by Make It Better LLC, 1150 Wilmette Ave., Suite J, Wilmette, IL 60091-2642. Phone: 847.256.4642.

Copyright 2012 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.

Make It Better is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Copyright 2012 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.

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guide to aging well 2012

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GUIDE TO AGING WELL

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guide to aging well 2012

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GUIDE TO AGING WELL

We play many roles in life, and just because we have reached retirement age doesn’t mean we plan to slow down. Many of us will continue to work. Some in new careers; others will stay in jobs that they love.

We are the foundations of our families and communities. We parent, grandparent, mentor and volunteer for causes near and far. At the same time, we pursue hobbies and passions with renewed fervor. Athletics, academics, art—no area is off limits to explore and embrace.

Some say that the future belongs to the young. That may be true, but the present can be shared by all and made better by wisdom and experience. Enjoy each day, fulfill your goals and plan for a satisfying and enriching tomorrow.

We wish you well in your journey.

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Assisted living facilities

Name/Location Alden Courts of Des Plaines Memory Care Assisted Living Community 847-294-0644 aldencourtsofdesplaines.com

Adu lt Da y Ca re Alzh eime r’s C are Barb er/B eaut ician Exer cise Area Hos pice Prog ram Libr ary Phys ical T hera Relig py ious S e rvi Re Dinsitaurant ces ng -Styl e Shor t Ter m Ca Sp pateiech &/ re ona or O Tran l Therapccu- y Serv sporta ices tion

Assisted-living facilities offer additional care for adults who, for the most part, can function independently.

Additional Information

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Alden Gardens of Des Plaines Assisted Living Community, 847-2940644, aldengardensofdesplaines.com Axelson Manor at Covenant Village of Northbrook 847-480-7110 covenantretirement.org

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The Highlands of Evanston at Westminster Place 847-864-1615 westminsterplace.org King Home of Presbyterian Homes Evanston, 847-866-2111 kinghome.org

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Different levels of care based on individual needs.

5-star accommodations, activities and services.

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Luxury hotel setting for seniors who require help with ADLs, meals, transportation and care.

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3 meals/day, daily bed making and room upkeep, weekly housekeeping, specialized activities, comprehensive wellness program, pastoral care.

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On-site pharmacy and clinic. Fitness center with classes and pool. Computer lab, educational and cultural programs, wellness nurses, and social services.

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Educational/cultural programs, close-knit community, wellness, therapy, Medicare, and CARF certified.

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Adu lt Da y Ca re Alzh eime r’s C are Barb er/B eaut ician Exer cise Area Hos pice Prog ram Libr ary Phys ical T hera Relig py ious S ervi Re Dinsitaurant ces ng -Styl e Shor t Ter mC Sp are pateiech &/ onal or O Ther ccuTr Searvnsporta apy ices tion

GUIDE TO AGING WELL

Name/Location

Additional Information

The Moorings Assisted Living, Arlington Heights, 847-956-4095 themooringsofarlingtonheights.org

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North Shore Retirement Hotel, Evanston, 847864-6400, retirementhotel.com The Ponds of Wealshire Lincolnshire, 224-5437070, wealshireponds.com

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Terrace Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care Morton Grove, 847-4704550, terracegardens.org

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Weinberg Community for Senior Living Deerfield, 847-374-0500 cje.net

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Sunrise of Wilmette 847-256-1600 wilmettesunrise.com

Three Crowns Park Evanston, 847-328-8700 threecrownspark.com

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Three meals served daily, daily housekeeping service, 24-hour desk and wellness center, full social activity program, swimming pool, ice cream parlor.

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We operate under a sheltered care license with higher staff/resident ratio than average assisted living.

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Special Intimate Memory Care Community for 34 Residents. Serving the North Shore for 7 years.

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Educational and cultural programs, 24-hour nurses, computer lab, social services, secured memory care, mini-mart, coffee bar, CCAC-CARF accredited.

Our brand new community offers secure Memory Care and Assisted Living.

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Not-for-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) with 117 years of service in a quiet neighborhood of Northwest Evanston.

Weinberg Community includes Gidwitz for Assisted Living, the Friend Center for Alzheimer’s Care and Adult Day Services North.

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Continuing care facilities

Name/Location

Adu lt Da y Ca re Alzh eime r’s C are Barb er/B eaut ician Exer cise Area Hos pice Prog ram Libr ary Phys ical T hera Relig py ious S e rvi Re Dinsitaurant ces ng -Styl e Shor t Ter m Care Sp pateiech &/ ona or Tran l TheraOpccu- y Serv sporta ices tion

Continuing care facilities are retirement homes that allow residents, if necessary, to shift into nursing home care at the same site.

Additional Information

Covenant Village of Northbrook, Northbrook, 847-480-6380, covenantretirement.org

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The Garlands of Barrington Barrington, 847-304-1996 thegarlands.com Gero Solutions Arlington Heights, 847705-2123 gerosolutions.org

King Home of Presbyterian Homes Evanston, 847-866-2111 kinghome.org

Lake Forest Place Lake Forest, 847-6048800 lakeforestplace.org

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30 meals/month, emergency system in all apartments, fitness center, pool with jacuzzi, steam and sauna, social, educational, and cultural programs.

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Garlands members enjoy a variety of housing options, gracious amenities and convenient services.

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Computer lab with iPads, access to fitness center with heated pool, educational and cultural programs, wellness nurse, resident gardens, CCAC-CARF accredited.

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Fitness center/classes, personal trainers, pool, computer lab, internet groups, educational and cultural programs, wellness nurses, social services.

Adu lt Da y Ca re Alzh eime r’s C are Barb er/B eaut ician Exer cise Area Hos pice Prog ram Libr ary Phys ical T hera Relig py ious S ervi Re Dinsitaurant ces ng -Styl e Shor t Ter mC Sp are pateiech &/ onal or O Ther ccuTr Searvnsporta apy ices tion

GUIDE TO AGING WELL

Name/Location

Additional Information

Lutheran Home, a Lutheran Life Community, Evanston 847-368-7400, lutheranhome.org

Luther Village Arlington Heights, 847506-1919 luthervillage.com

The Mather Evanston, 847-492-7400 thematherevanston.com The Moorings of Arlington Heights Arlington Heights, 800445-8431 themooringsofarlingtonheights.org Vi at the Glen Glenview, 847-904-4600 viliving.com/glenview Westminster Place of Presbyterian Homes Evanston, 847-570-3422 Wyndemere Senior Living Community Wheaton, 630-690-8889 wyndemerelcs.com

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Faith-based continuing care. Established over 100 years ago. Neighbors enjoy a vibrant, gracefilled lifestyle within a wide range of residential options.

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Luther Village offers a wide variety of maintenance-free town-homes and apartment-style homes, all with 100% equity ownership, on a lush 60-acre campus.

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The Mather is a forwardthinking destination located in downtown Evanston for those who plan ahead.

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Fitness center with classes, heated pool, computer lab, educational and cultural programs, wellness nurses, mini-mart, coffee bar, social services.

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Vi at The Glen, a continuing care retirement community in Glenview, Illinois, offers distinctive services.

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Faith-based, not-for-profit, vibrant educational/cultural programs, wellness/ therapies, gardens .

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Recipient of the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission (CCAC) “Gold Seal of Excellence” award.

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Nursing home facilities

Name/Location King Home Health Center, Evanston, 847866-2111, kinghome.org

Adu lt Da y Ca re Alzh eime r’s C are Barb er/B eaut ician Exer cise Area Hos pice Prog ram Libr ary Phys ical T hera py Relig ious S e rvice Re s Dinsitaurant ng -Styl e Shor t Ter mC Sp are pateiech &/ onal or O Ther ccuTr

a Searvnsporta py ices tion

Nursing home facilities offer basic to skilled care for adults dependent on others for daily functions, with medical staff available 24 hours a day.

Additional Information

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ManorCare Highland Park, 847-266-9266 hcr-manorcare.com

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ManorCare Libertyville 847-816-3200 hcr-manorcare.com

ManorCare Northbrook 847-795-9700 hcr-manorcare.com

ManorCare Wilmette 847-256-5000 hcr-manorcare.com

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Computer lab with iPads, educational and cultural programs, access to fitness center with heated pool, wellness nurse, housekeeping and social services.

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Staff includes registered nurses, physical therapists, registered dietician, recreational therapist, and social services. Partnerships with specialists in wound care.

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Staff includes registered nurses, physical therapists, registered dietician, recreational therapist, and social services. Partnerships with specialists in wound care and physiatry.

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Staff includes registered nurses, physical therapists, registered dietician, recreational therapist, and social services. Partnerships with specialists in wound care and physiatry.

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Staff includes registered nurses, physical therapists, registered dietician, recreational therapist, and social services. Partnerships with specialists in wound care, cardiology, and physiatry.

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Adu lt Da y Ca re Alzh eime r’s C are Barb er/B eaut ician Exer cise Area Hos pice Prog ram Libr ary Phys ical T hera Relig py ious Serv Rest ices Dini aurant ng -Styl e Shor t Ter mC Sp are pateiech &/ onal or O Ther ccuTr

a Searvnsporta py ices tion

GUIDE TO AGING WELL

Name/Location

Additional Information

Maryhaven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Glenview, 847-729-1300 maryhaven.reshealth.org

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Mather Pavilion Evanston, 847-492-5679 matherpavilion.com

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McGaw Care Center of Presbyterian Homes Evanston, 847-866-1659 westminsterplace.org

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Resurrection Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Park Ridge, 847692-5600, resurrectionnursing.reshealth.org

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The Wealshire Lincolnshire, 847-8839000, wealshire.com

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Westmoreland Nursing Center, Lake Forest, 847535-6797, lfh.org

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Whitehall of Deerfield Healthcare Center 847-945-4600 whitehallofdeerfield.com

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Subacute rehabilitation, skilled nursing care, homelike, newly remodeled rooms, pain management.

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Providing quality care and personal attention in a comfortable setting near Northwestern University.

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Accredited by CCACCARF. Memory care (Foster Pavillion) with secured outdoor garden.

Aquatic, pet and music therapy. Medicarecertified.

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Subacute rehabilitation, skilled nursing, pain management, wound care, IV therapy, spiritual service.

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Separate residential areas for different levels of care and cognitive function.

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Outstanding care and tremendous longevity among staff.

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Whitehall of Deerfield accepts Medicare and most insurance plans, and is Joint Commission accredited.

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retirement home facilities

Name/Location Chestnut Square at The Glen, Glenview, 847-9981118, chestnutsquare.info

Adu lt Da y Ca re Alzh eime r’s C are Barb er/B eaut ician Exer cise Area Hos pice Prog ram Libr ary Phys ical T hera Relig py ious S e rvi Re Dinsitaurant ces ng -Styl e Shor t Ter mC Sp are pateiech &/ onal or O Ther ccuTr

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Nursing home facilities offer basic to skilled care for adults dependent on others for daily functions, with medical staff available 24 hours a day.

Additional Information

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Crestwood Place Northbrook 847-272-0170

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Village-owned, reasonable rent, social activities, exercise classes, weekly scheduled shuttle.

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The North Shore’s bestselling condominium community for active adults age 55 and over. Final Units!

Mallinckrodt in the Park Wilmette, 847-910-0268 mallinpark.com Mather Place of Wilmette 847-256-9306, matherplaceofwilmette.com North Shore Retirement Hotel Evanston, 847-864-6400 retirementhotel.com

Ten Twenty Grove Evanston, 847-864-5451 tentwentygrove.com

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Elegant 1 & 2-BR apartments with 100% refundable entrance fee, flexible dining and 24-hour security.

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A strong sense of community, reputation, and wide array of support services.

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In middle of vibrant downtown Evanston. Assisted living support services available as needed.

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Educational and cultural programs, wellness nurse, social services, access to dining services, access to fitness center with heated pool, CCAC-CARF accredited.

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home health & hospice facilities Adu lt Da y Ca re Alzh eime r’s C are Barb er/B eaut ician Exer cise Area Hos pice Prog ram Libr ary Phys ical T hera Relig py ious S e rvi Re Dinsitaurant ces ng -Styl e Shor t Ter mC Sp are pateiech &/ onal or O Ther ccuTr Searvnsporta apy ices tion

Home health and hospice care range in services from monthly visits to round-the-clock care.

Hospice specifically provides care for the terminally ill and focuses on alleviating pain and providing comfort.

Name/Location

Additional Information

A-Abiding Care Park Ridge, 847-698-1400 aabidingcare.com

Alden Estates of Evanston Rehabilitation, Assisted Living & Health Care Center, 847-328-6000, aldenestatesofevanston.com

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A-Abiding Care has provided personalized private duty home care since 1983.

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Experience the difference in rehab and assisted living with 24-hour care and fivestar amenities.

LivHOME, Inc. Skokie, 847-470-1703 livhome.com/skokie

We enhance the safety and quality of seniors’ lives who choose to stay in their own homes.

Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter, Glenview, 847-467-7423, carecenter.org

Opening August 2012, Cook County’s first freestanding hospice specialty care center in Glenview.

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learning opportunities for older adults

By St uart G r e e n b l at t

One of the joys of aging is the freedom to pursue learning for learning’s sake. When you no longer must pursue subjects to maintain a career—or attain an advanced degree— the mind can soar into areas you have always wanted to know more about, but never had the time to explore.

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GUIDE TO AGING WELL

And while there are numerous continuing education opportunities throughout the Chicago area, there is one that stands out as truly unique.

“OLLI has grown more than 30 percent over the last four years,” she continued.

“It is truly a vibrant learning community.”

Chicago and Evanston Programs

Shared Peer Learning

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offers an intellectually challenging curriculum to more than 700 mature adults on its Evanston and Chicago campuses.

According to Director Judy Mann, “We offer unique, peerorganized and led discussion groups, presenting our members with an array of stimulating study groups in subjects such as history, literature, contemporary issues, science and technology, philosophy, creative art, economics and our newest study group concept— civic engagement.

What makes OLLI different is that classes are shared, peer-learning experiences that are held seminar-style in learning groups. There are no professors, teachers or tests. Student members learn together for the pure joy of learning in a non-threatening environment.

But, according to Mann, active participation is key to the experience.

At a recent information session at OLLI’s headquarters at NU, the diversity of the student members was clear. Susan Gaud, an Evanston resident and retired Kraft food scientist, spoke about her five-year

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involvement in the program.

There was a man from Park Ridge who called himself an “insurance guy” who said his career is winding down. One woman was a psychotherapist originally from France and another was a translator born in Italy. And one gentleman expressing interest explained he had been incarcerated for 15 years.

According to Mann, the age range of student members spans from 50 to 93, and most participants are in their 70s to mid 80s.

“Curiosity Never Retires”

OLLI cultivates the varied life experiences of its members and is a place where seasoned adult learners can celebrate their curiosity, seek intellectual inspiration from and with each other, discover creative

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ways to express their wisdom, and investigate with their peers. OLLI’s motto is “Curiosity Never Retires.”

Membership Has Its Benefits There are three OLLI membership levels: • All-Inclusive Membership • Basic Membership • Trial Membership Costs range from $150 to $310 a semester depending on the membership level.

The two higher levels include: • Student WildCARD ID with area discounts • Full access to NU libraries and online databases • Reduced rates to audit School of Continuing Studies courses • Free access to campus computer labs • Free inter-campus shuttles • Student discounts

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sponsor e d con t e n t

successful postsurgery recovery takes planning Jerry Markbreit

Advances

in

B y A l d e n E s tat e s surgical

proce-

dures have made

it possible for people to live longer and more active lives.

Older adults are more active than any previous generation and want to run, dance and play basketball and tennis at the same level of intensity as they did in their 20s. In 10 years, experts estimate, there could be as many as 3.2 million knee replacement surgeries each year.

How Do You Recover?

A primary concern for patients after surgery is the recovery period. Successful patient outcomes are directly related to rehabilitation procedures following surgery. black According to 100% Lindsay McKenzie, administrator of Alden Estates in Skokie, when a patient has hip or knee replacement surgery their job is to get people back on their feet and home.

“The goal of our short-term rehab program is to have people home and active in 14 days or less.”

A long-time Skokie resident and famous retired NFL referee, Jerry Markbreit had hip replacement surgery and

spent 16 days learning to walk with his new hip at Alden.

“I procrastinated for four years until I could hardly get around,” says Jerry. “Today, I’m back in the game and have absolutely no hip pain.”

Alden Estates of Skokie specializes in rehab following knee or hip replacement surgery. All employees must pass a 12-hour post-acute certification program developed for Alden by the rehabilitation nursing team at Mayo Clinic.

Making a Decision Typically, when a patient is released after surgery he or she meets with the hospital’s social worker to discuss recovery options. The hospital may provide a list of area rehab facilities to consider, or the rehab plan could be determined before the surgery takes place.

“Some surgeons will recommend a preferred rehab center,” says Jennifer Illarde, administrator of Alden North Shore in Skokie, the second Alden location in Skokie that specializes in short-term orthopedic recovery and post-acute services including pulmo-

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nary and stroke recovery. “I always encourage patients to visit and tour the facility before their surgery or procedure, make a reservation and have peace of mind that a plan is in place.”

If it sounds like reserving a hotel room some might agree. Along with the intensive therapy programs, patients can enjoy a fine dining program with meals served on china and a luxurious private room in an environment that enhances healing.

Alden also operates Alden Estates of Evanston that also specializes in short-term orthopedic recovery, postacute services as well as assisted living.

Alden Estates of Evanston 2520 Gross Point Road, Evanston 847-328-6000 AldenEstatesofEvanston.com

Alden Estates of Skokie 4626 Old Orchard Road, Skokie 847-676-4800 AldenEstatesofSkokie.com

Alden North Shore 5050 West Touhy Avenue, Skokie 847-679-6100 AldenNorthShore.com

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tech-savvy senior

By Austin White

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GUIDE TO AGING WELL

Even if you don’t think technology is always your friend, it can be useful. Here are some of our recommendations for how technology can make your life easier, healthier or just more fun.

Pill Reminder by Drugs.com $0.99, iPhone This app reminds you to take pills and schedule refills. It also keeps track of medications— especially useful for coordinating among multiple doctors or specialists.

Flipboard: Your Social News Magazine free, iPhone and iPad Explore information with a very userfriendly format. You can either search

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based on your interests or “flip” through randomly generated information. It’s loads of fun.

My Pain Diary: Chronic Pain Management $4.99, iPhone For those suffering from chronic pain, this app encourages you to record how you feel, so you can track trends and problems.

The information is easily shared with your physician.

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Silver Surf free, iPad

Draw Something free, iPad and iPhone

Designed for people who have vision issues, this app offers high contrast viewing, large fonts and navigation buttons.

This multi-player game is loosely based on Pictionary. It’s social, creative and so much fun, it’ll actually get you laughing out loud.

Great to have on your iPad for when grandchildren visit.

Skype free, iPad and iPhone The interface on Skype is so simple that anyone can participate in their instant messaging services, and their claim to fame: video chatting. It’s a great way to stay in touch with family, and it enables you to see the face of the loved one you are talking to.

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greeting the north shore

By Stuart G r e e n b l at t

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Guide to aging well 2012

As Baby Boomers move into “older adulthood,” one common theme that resonates is the strong desire to make a meaningful contribution. Whether it’s volunteering, running a small business or mentoring someone, many adults want to do something that keeps them happy and involved.

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GUIDE TO AGING WELL

Brian Bourke of Evanston is doing just that. And he’s combined his years of experience to create an environmentally friendly product—one that everyone buys.

A Career Continues

Brian is a graphic designer who graduated from the University of Illinois and the Art Institute. Most of his professional work was creating illustrations, brochures and annual reports for ad agencies, public relations firms and an architectural firm.

But for the last three years he has been owner and sole proprietor of GreenCards.

His company produces “welldesigned, well-illustrated, tasteful cards for a specific

market niche.”

The genesis for his homebased business was in 2007 when he designed a whimsical card that featured a picture of a cicada. “That was the year we were inundated by cicadas and the card sold out at Winnetka’s famous Book Stall.”

Limited Production and Environmentally Friendly

From the famous insect was born a series of cards that have featured Chicago landmarks, holiday themes, sports teams and area schools. Everything is printed on 100% recycled paper with environmentally friendly inks.

Brian, whose mediums include watercolor, pencil and gauche, is the primary illustrator, along with three artists and others under consid-

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GUIDE TO AGING WELL

eration. “Everyone involved is 65 and older. We didn’t limit ourselves in terms of age— that’s just how GreenCards has evolved,” he explains.

None of the card images are computer generated. All the art is created by hand, transferred to Brian’s printer and produced in very limited quantities. There is no warehouse full of cards. Rather, Brian prints on demand for about 40 retailers, including: • Perennials, Evanston • The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, Winnetka • Four Finches, Evanston • 57th Street Bookstore, Chicago • Yellow Bird, Wilmette • Schaefer’s Fine Wines, Foods & Spirit, Skokie

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Guide to aging well 2012

Life from a Different Perspective

Brian had a kidney transplant four years ago that made him look at life differently. “My transplant had tremendous complications and I clung to life in a coma for 15 days,” he says. “Time is much more precious to me now than ever before, including my wife, Sharon, and our two daughters.”

The lesson to be learned is that talent and skill can be sustained later in life. As Brian explains, “We are not done being active and involved. If no one will hire us then we’ll hire ourselves.”

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sponsor e d con t e n t

All photos are of The Mather, located in Evanston.

what’s a ccrc & is it right for you?

B y T h e M at h e r A continuing care retirement community

(CCRC) is a new option in retirement planning and living. A CCRC asks for a one-time entry fee— often largely refundable—and then monthly cost-of-living fees. In exchange, as a CCRC resident, one can “age in place” while enjoying a fulfilling, independent, and worry-free lifestyle— knowing that guaranteed, in-house life care is available, if ever needed.

Amenity-Rich Retirement In addition to the variety of long-term assurances that provide both financial and personal peace of mind, The Mather, a CCRC located in downtown Evanston, offers an all-inclusive lifestyle. Some amenities include: • A variety of distinctive restaurants and lounge areas • A fitness center and day spa including a 20-meter saltwater pool, warm water therapy pool, sauna, and steam showers • Landscaped gardens and outdoor walking paths, and raised garden beds for

Advantages of a CCRC

• Investment protection: a refundable investment that goes back to you, your children or your estate • Spouses with different levels of independence can continue to live in the same community • An active and engaging lifestyle via onsite pursuits • Access to onsite health care that includes assisted living, memory planting • A movie theater • 24-hour concierge service “Residents at The Mather have redefined what retirement can be,” states vice presi­ dent and experience director, Sara McVey. “They are interesting and accomplished people who are exploring new passions, and rediscovering forgotten ones. Plus, they have peace of mind because they know they can better anticipate future living expenses ... the initial investment made by residents is 90 percent refundable to their estate … and a portion of the fees is

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support and skilled nursing care, if ever needed Tips to Consider

• Investigate the financial health of a CCRC to ensure it is financially secure, well run and with stable management in place • Make sure you understand the financial obligations and what is included for your monthly fee often tax deductible.”

The Mather is financially backed by Mather LifeWays, an award-winning, non-demoninational, not-for-profit organization, founded more that 70 years ago, dedicated to creating ways to age well.

For more information, or to receive an Orange Paper on “The Value of A CCRC” from The Mather, call 847-448.0789.

The Mather 425 Davis Street, Evanston thematherevanston.com 847-448-0789

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GUIDE TO AGING WELL

local treasure

elinor miller Aging in place on the north shore

B y S t u a r t G r e e n b l at t

“The older Elinor becomes, the younger she gets,” says Kathy Brock, ABC-7 co-anchor and former next-door neighbor to Elinor Miller, the 96-year-old “treasure” and matriarch to her block on Lincoln Ave. in Winnetka.

Since 1948, when she moved to the block, Elinor has been making friends, sharing her wisdom and filling the role as a kind of guardian grandmother to people of all ages. She is, indeed, the perfect example of an older adult who is aging in place—with grace and purpose.

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Guide to aging well 2012

A Friend For Life A window into Elinor’s personality opens with this story from Kathy: “When I first moved here in 1990, I was pregnant and did not know a soul,” she says. “Elinor was my first friend, and the only one who visited me in the hospital when my child

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GUIDE TO AGING WELL

was born—and she brought me flowers!”

Even though Kathy moved from the block 20 years ago, she and her family have remained very close to Elinor.

They share holidays together, they talk often, and Kathy says that Elinor is as much a grandmother to her children as anyone.

Elinor has been able to stay in her home with the help and support of friends and family.

“You have to keep active,” says Elinor. “I go to the library, I read two books a week, I exercise and watch television news and PBS every day.”

She doesn’t dwell on the health issues of growing older. Rather, she prefers to keep current and will engage anyone on issues from politics to the day’s news.

Although she has numerous friends and neighbors to help, the “ladies on Lincoln” —her immediate core helper team—jumped into action when Elinor stopped driving two years ago. “When you don’t drive you go back to being a child—relying on friends,” says Elinor.

Not that it’s an issue. According to neighbor Susan Davis the “ladies” very willingly took turns to drive Elinor to places like the North Shore Senior Center and to weekly exercise at the Winnetka Community House.

Intergenerational Connections One of the keys to Elinor’s happiness is her ability to transcend age and connect with people of all generations. Whether it’s her “best

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friend” Lilly Christopher— her 10-year-old neighbor—or Susan who says, “The beauty of Elinor is that she does not discriminate about age—she opens her heart to everyone.”

After a job opportunity took the Christophers to Europe for two years, one reason they wanted to move back to their house on Lincoln Ave. was their friend Elinor. “It’s a gift to have her as our neighbor,” says Elizabeth Christopher.

“It’s very unusual what has happened for me in this neighborhood,” says Elinor.

“I don’t feel isolated because the neighbors have wanted to help me.”

Remaining Independent

Elinor says that her ability to remain in her home is attributable to three things: her mobility, her mental alertness 28

Guide to aging well 2012

and her incredible support system. “I value every day and know that I am a very fortunate person,” she says.

“For some older adults their home becomes a ‘closet’,” says Kathy. “But for Elinor her house is a source of comfort—not a wall to the outside world.”

Neighbor Julie Unruh says that Elinor brings new meaning to growing older gracefully. “She always sees the brighter side of life and is a model for the rest of us to emulate,” says Julie.

“When I come home from work in the evening it’s comforting to see the light on in Elinor’s house.” Julie sums up the joy of knowing Elinor best when she says, “It makes us all feel good to know she lives on our block.”

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preventing financial fraud among older adults

By F i r s t B a n k o f h i g h l a n d pa r k

fastest growing forms of elder abuse, even on the North Shore. Surprisingly, family members are all too often the perpetrators. To combat fraud, the Illinois Legislature passed a rule in 2010 requiring financial institutions to train employees regarding financial exploitation of older adults.

First Bank of Highland Park goes beyond the rule to protect its older adult clients. “One thing that makes us different from other banks is that we build relationships with our clients and get to know them personally,” says Denise Bryant, First Bank of Highland Park’s Director of Marketing, adding “we are an established, trustworthy community bank that has been in business for 57 years.”

Financial fraud is one the

Knowing Clients Is Key Bryant says that knowing their clients well is First Bank of Highland Park’s first line of defense when protecting older adult clients. “Recently, an older client came to the bank with a family member who clearly wanted to withdraw a large sum of money from the older client’s account,” explains Bryant. “The client was visibly upset, and the banker determined that the family member was pressuring them. Because the banker had an established relationship with the client as well as the necessary training in spotting and handling elder financial abuse, the transaction was stopped immediately.”

First Bank of Highland Park works closely with local law enforcement

agencies and has made prevention of elder financial abuse a top priority.

Tips To Prevent Fraud The bank offers the following tips to help prevent elder financial abuse: • If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

• Never give your bank account, social security, or credit card numbers to anyone you don’t know and trust.

• Say no to any offer or deal that is only available right now.

• If you are offered a prize, but are asked to pay a “processing fee” or “taxes in advance,“ it is likely a scam.

• If you are unsure talk to your banker or law enforcement.

Highland Park, 1835 First St., 847-432-7800 • Northbrook, 633 Skokie Blvd., 3rd Floor, 847-272-1300 • firstbankhp.com

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