Surrounded by an impressive array of amenities including the Tanna Farm Golf Course, GreenFields of Geneva has been specifically designed to complement the full lifestyle older adults are already living, by providing programs that accent their whole-person wellness. The community will feature fitness programs, a comprehensive workout center and access to 17 miles of walking trails; intellectual pursuits, including continuing education opportunities, resident-driven interest groups, spiritual life programs, a creative arts studio, media/computer room and library; and social opportunities such as cultural event outings, day trips, resident celebrations and a club room for mingling with friends. Many of the programs will be modeled after the popular activities at Friendship Village.

In addition to independent residential living, GreenFields of Geneva’s continuum of care includes 51 assisted living apartments, 26 memory support suites and 43 skilled nursing private rooms, all on campus, to provide services and support for residents, if needed in the future.

“As a Life Care community, we’re focused on providing an active lifestyle for independent living residents,” said Stephen Yenchek, CEO of FSO. “However, if you ever need short-term or long-term healthcare, you will know who is providing the care, where you’ll receive it, and the quality of professionals who are delivering the services. Residents of GreenFields of Geneva will have a plan in place to answer many of the questions seniors face today.”

GreenFields of Geneva will operate on an entrance fee model, in which residents pay a one-time entrance fee, which can be up to 90 percent refundable. The entrance fee, and monthly fee, gives residents access to all of the community’s services and amenities.

The residents and staff at Friendship Village look forward to making new friends with the future residents of GreenFields of Geneva. Additional community information is available online at www.GreenFieldsofGeneva.org.

The renovation finished this winter and raised morale with the addition of many new programming activities for the 100 assisted living residents, 75 who live in the Willows and 25 in Reflections, the memory support neighborhood of Willows. Apartments vary from studios, alcoves to one- and two-bedrooms.

Changes in this three-story wing of the community began with the removal of a three-story tree in the Willows atrium that is now free for worship services, programming and more interaction with the independent living neighbors. This new space is becoming a popular gathering spot for old and new friends.

Apartments and staff areas were also rearranged providing staff availability on both floors of the Willows. A fireplace added to the third floor draws residents together for games, puzzles and conversations while a new television room affords more opportunities for educational programming. A new lounge was also created for the staff.

Changes on the horizon for 2011 include the installation of a new WanderGuard System , to secure residents that might be at risk for wandering, the purchase of a Wii unit for Reflection residents, more cooking programs initiated by associates and/or family members, and the transition to electronic medical records.

The staff will also participate in “Silver Chair Training” along with front-line associates working in other areas on the Friendship Village campus. This computerized self-training course covers every facet of up-to-date best practices in resident care and ends with a certification test. Management will take this opportunity to recognize excellence in their newly-certified employees, most of who have worked at Friendship Village for five years or more.

“Each of the programs and improvements in the Willows has one goal: to allow staff and residents more time together so residents thrive,” shared Judy. “We have the best of all worlds here at Friendship Village because we focus on independence at whatever stage you’re in because we have the full continuum of care.”

This year, the Willows will also prepare for the state survey process rendered to assisted living communities every two years. Two years ago, the Willows received a perfect score from the state. Judy is confident that the improvements made and the staff commitment will once again win them this coveted recognition.

Excellence is expected.  Every day.  All day.  Perhaps that is why The Willows has received a “Violation-Free” status with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for the fourth year in a row.

“It’s really about our associates,” says Judy Petersen, director of The Willows, Friendship Village’s Assisted Living neighborhood.  “All of us have a passion for the elderly.  Their wisdom, honesty, sharing, resilience and perseverance are amazing.  They really know what is important in life.”  She added, “Everyone who works here knows what is expected of them.  In addition to the needs of each resident, our associates know and understand state regulations, Friendship Village’s mission and our quality expectations.”

Only 7% of Illinois assisted living communities have perfect state surveys.  Evaluations are made based on unscheduled health inspections, staffing ratios, quality measures and overall quality. Under state regulations, a “violation-free” status places Friendship Village among a select group of communities that are surveyed every two years by the Illinois Department of Public Health, rather than annually.

The Willows is housed in the upper two floors of the Birch Pavilion. It includes 100 assisted living apartments, including 25 in the secure “Reflections at The Willows’ neighborhood, which provides memory care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The Willows’ common areas are scheduled for a complete renovation during early 2010.

Striking a balance of a family atmosphere with exceptional care is rare.  Judy attributes specialized programs such as Spa Days, “Ravinia” nights, lots of music and ongoing spiritual counseling from a full-time chaplain with this unique balance. Each month, residents create a “Circle of Friends” where staff and residents connect personally.  This optional gathering usually attracts 20 to 30 people each month.

Rejoicing in each resident’s success contributes to the positive energy, too.  Willows resident Phyllis is creating a tidal wave of interest in water aerobics.  This great, great-grandmother who has always been wheelchair-bound, began synchronized swimming in college.  Now, several of her neighbors join her for swimming in Friendship Village’s 60-foot Aquatic Center.

“I tell my associates to take care of themselves so they can take care of the residents, but really we refuel by being around the residents,”  confides Petersen.  “It gives us energy, drives our ambition for excellence and ignites our passion for the work we do.”

Friendship Village has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to quality, becoming the first Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Illinois to earn accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. Today, it is among the 12 percent of CCRCs nationally that have earned accreditation.

Friendship Village was the first Chicagoland CCRC to offer assisted living, launching the new option for residents in 1988. Currently, The Willows is among a handful of assisted living communities offering a lifecare contract to new residents, with lifetime access to healthcare services.