It's all about family-
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's is challenging to say the least and having family to support you is the most important aspect of this process. One of the toughest decisions that you will make as a care provider is to transition your loved one out of the home and in to a full-time facility. There are many choices out there and the horror stories are plenty. Completing research is exhausting, both physically and mentally, and the fear of your loved one's neglect is generally your highest concern (no one can ever love and care for them as much as you). In my opinion and from the bottom of my heart, I believe that The Emerald Place is the best choice for Alzheimer's care in the Chicago area.
I'm living it. I spent nearly 6 months researching facilities across the Chicagoland area, landing initially on in-home care and eventually moving to a full-time facility ONLY because my dad was required as a hospital admit. My first-choice option for a facility was not open at the time as it was still under construction. We enrolled my dad at the second choice and it was not the right fit. We ultimately disenrolled my dad and brought him back home until our first-choice option, The Emerald Place, opened.
My research was spot on!
At the Emerald Place- it's family. Not only does your family member get support but you become a part of an expanded family who welcomes you in to a community of love, compassion, and care where the needs of the disease are met and exceeded. It is where you can immerse yourself in education about how to receive and provide the best care not only for your loved one but for yourself as well. It is where you can sing and dance, hug and cry, share stories, and relax. It is where you don't have to worry about the details and stress of what is happening to your loved one because the people here love them just as much as your family. It is where you can find peace. The family-focused activities, group events, and holistic approach to care are what sets The Emerald Place apart.
My dad has been at The Emerald Place since it opened nearly 8 months ago. When he first arrived in the care community, he was a direct hospital admit, meaning he rode from the ambulance to the facility as his health was such that he could no longer remain with in-home care. Today, he is one of the most active, exuberant, and lively individuals there. He walks, dances, sings, and participates in the daily events that the incredible team of care providers offers.
While the disease causes a decline in dad's traditional definition of health, dad's spirit improves. I attribute this to the approach, team, environment, services, and sense of family that exists at The Emerald Place.
My dad isn't the only one who has displayed improvements in the past 8 months. Both my mother and I have also seen a tremendous reduction of stress and return of happiness and faith that each moment of dad's life is comfortable. This is directly tied to the holistic approach of The Emerald Place, where the belief is that Alzheimer's affects everyone and that the family is cared for through a focus on group social events, blended activities, educational events, and a genuine care and concern for the family.
You will not find care providers, nurses, volunteers, administrative team members, and environmental services and food services staff who every single moment of the day genuinely love and care for your family member and you anywhere else in the Chicagoland area. A single individual cannot care for someone who suffers from Alzheimer's- it takes a family, and this is what you will find at The Emerald Place. read more