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Montgomery Place shares top senior activities near Chicago
Mar 13, 2024 |
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Top Senior Activities in Chicago

Chicago is a great place to live. With legendary attractions like Millennium Park, Wrigley Field, and the Magnificent Mile, the Windy City draws thousands of tourists each year. Many attractions in Chicago offer free admission all year long or discounts for seniors on certain days.

These are some of the activities seniors can enjoy around Chicago, as well as activities offered at Montgomery Place: Senior Living Community in Chicago.

Activities Around the Chicago Area

Chicago is filled with interesting things to do and see. Activities that seniors can enjoy include:

Museums

Chicago has some of the greatest museums in the nation. Many offer free admission to everyone all year long, and some feature free days for citizens of Illinois.

Chicago museums with free admission include:

  • Hyde Park Art Center

  • Museum of Contemporary Photography

  • Smart Museum of Art

  • Jane Addams Hull-House Museum

  • National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture

  • Chicago Cultural Center

  • National Veterans Art Museum

  • Loyola University Museum of Art

  • National Cambodian Heritage Museum

Public transportation from Hyde Park where Montgomery Place is located is provided by Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Metra.

Animals

Animal lovers have access to two great attractions in Chicago. The Lincoln Park Zoo is always free and open 365 days a year. Featuring massive waterscapes that house marine mammals, brightly colored fish, octopuses, sharks, and other water creatures, the Shedd Aquarium provides a glimpse into the wonders of the aquatic animal world.

The Great Outdoors

Chicago is home to lakeside beaches and some of the best public parks in the world. Chicago Botanic Garden encompasses 365 acres of nature and beauty and offers free admission days.

Shopping

Chicago's Magnificent Mile includes more than 450 retailers, all within walking distance of Downtown Chicago. Chicago Premium Outlets offer discount shopping right outside the city.

Music

Millennium Park on Michigan Avenue hosts the Chicago Gospel Music Festival, the Chicago Blues Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival, and the World Music Festival. Visitors can also enjoy shows, talks, exhibits, movie screenings, and more.

Activities You Can Find at Montgomery Place

Montgomery Place offers a wide range of enriching and entertaining activities for residents to enjoy. Examples of popular events include:

  • Chess Club: Chess tournaments with other residents and student volunteers are held in the game room

  • Tai Chi: Instructor-led classes are available to all

  • Film Committee Movie: The film committee selects English-language movies that can be watched in residents' apartments or in the lounge where popcorn is included

  • Yoga: Instructor-led classes for everyone

  • Hewson Swift Concerts: Residents select music from their own collections

  • Friday Night Speakers: The speaker's committee selects individuals to speak on a variety of topics

Senior living activities at Montgomery Place focus on residents' physical, spiritual, and social well-being.

See Why People are Coming to Chicago in Their Retirement Years

One of the reasons Chicago is a prime location for retirement is that there is so much to do here. Those who want to remain active in their retirement years have access to outdoor activities, museums, world-class restaurants, a vibrant art scene, excellent public transportation, and so much more.

Chicago also offers seniors a variety of incentives, including:

  • Good Healthcare

  • Retirement Income Tax Exemption

  • A Four-Season Climate

  • Central Location

  • Wonderful Neighborhoods

For those who enjoy city life, Chicago is one of the most exciting locations in the country.

See What Chicago Has to Offer

If you're looking for a place to retire, or your loved one needs help with relocation, Chicago has a lot to offer. Montgomery Park is a not-for-profit organization with a 5-star CMS rating, recognized for short-term stay rehab and skilled nursing care.

Contact us for more information or to schedule a tour.

Featured Image: Sean Pavone/ Shutterstock

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Hobby classes for seniors near Chicago
Mar 11, 2024 |
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Top Hobby Classes For Seniors Near Chicago, IL

Retirement signals the end of one stage of life and the beginning of a new one. With more time for reflection, the saying "Age is just a number" gains new significance. This period provides a sense of freedom. However, some seniors may focus on the past instead of embracing the present. One valuable aspect of retirement is the chance to pursue new hobbies.

Regardless of whether you are always on the go or like to live life at a slower pace, at Montgomery Place: Senior Living Community in Chicago, IL, you can be yourself. Keep reading to find hobby classes available to check out.

Art Classes

Unlocking Hidden Talents! Often, due to the demands of career and family, many innate talents remain dormant or unexplored during our younger years. Retirement provides a golden opportunity for seniors to delve into these untapped reservoirs of potential. Whether it's sketching, writing poetry, or crafting, a hobby can unlock hidden talents, bringing immense personal satisfaction. Luckily for residents, there is an active art studio with classes at Montgomery Place.

Physical Fitness

Physical Fitness, such as yoga, is a great hobby for seniors who want to be active and fit while stretching their minds. Many low-impact physical fitness activities give people a great way to improve memory. As a result, gaining better muscle memory and more movement coordination. Water aerobics, for example, allows seniors to remain flexible, which can help fight against cancer or other diseases that cause stiffness in the body.

Montgomery Place has amenities such as a 24-Hour Fitness Center, with group exercise classes and a 24-Hour Heated Indoor Pool, with group water aerobics for residents.

Gardening

Perfect for stress reduction and mental health. Engaging in activities one loves can be a therapeutic experience. Activities like knitting, gardening, or even bird watching can be meditative, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. In an era where mental health is crucial, hobbies act as a cushion, providing solace and mental relaxation. Having areas where your community is like Montegormay Place's private gardens, greenhouse, and conservatory with Wifi throughout the community and garden is important for keeping active.

Cooking Classes

Cooking is the perfect hobby for givers because they can put time and effort into something that others will enjoy. Who doesn't love the sizzle and scent of something delicious cooking on the stove? Combined with learning about nutrition and healthful eating, cooking can also come with a tremendous amount of health benefits. Poring over old cookbooks and perfecting your recipes can be a fulfilling hobby that is great for your mind and body. Joining a cooking class is useful so you can come back to your unit at Montgomery Place, which has a full chef's kitchen for those who enjoy cooking. Create a night trying out your newly learned dishes with your neighbors.

Reading and Writing

Many people have "writing a novel" on their bucket list, but writing for yourself can also be satisfying. Reading books, magazines, news articles, and blogs can bring enjoyment and stimulate your mind. Both reading and writing are beneficial for maintaining a healthy brain. The library at Montegomary Place is the perfect space to test out your reading knowledge, join a book club or discover new writing ideas.

Other Amenities for Hobbies Available At Montgomery Place in Chicago, IL

Other areas to pursue hobbies can be at Montgomery Place's chapel and meeting rooms for intellectual, cultural, and spiritual events and activities.

See What We Offer Retirees in Chicago!

Residents at Montgomery Place can participate in a variety of activities that promote social, physical, and spiritual well-being. There are over 30 clubs, classes, interest groups, and committees available, all run by residents. Older adults can live life on their own terms, at their own pace, and in their own homes at Montgomery Place.

Featured Image: Jacob Lund / Shutterstock

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Interview with WGN News: Personalized Senior Living Plans at Montgomery Place

You can give your loved one the care and attention they need at Montgomery Place Senior Living in Chicago, Il, and with Life Care at Home. Director Of Sales and Marketing Jeannie Mikso joins us now to how they help.

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assisted living facilities vs nursing home
Oct 20, 2022 |
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The Difference Between Independent Living Communities and Nursing Homes

When you or your loved one start looking into different senior housing alternatives, you’ll realize that there are a lot of them to choose from.

Questions like, “Is a nursing home the best option? What services do senior living communities offer? What’s the difference between independent living and nursing homes?” may arise. Whichever option you choose will depend on your needs or the needs of your senior loved one.

At Montgomery Place in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, we are ready and happy to welcome seniors looking for a welcoming and fulfilling place to call home. Our purpose is to improve the quality of life for individuals who choose to live here.

This article will explore the key aspects that set apart independent living from nursing homes.

Differences Between Nursing Homes and Independent Living Communities

When looking for a future home, it’s crucial to understand the distinctions between nursing facilities and independent living communities. Below is a list highlighting the key differences:

1. Daily Amenities and Services

In nursing homes, help is available 24/7 for seniors for basic life tasks like bathing, grooming, remembering to take medication, meal preparation, etc.

Medical care or nursing assistance is not part of independent living. Instead, convenience and an active lifestyle are the main focus for independent living communities.

2. Medical and Supportive Care

Nursing homes offer medical support to people who can no longer tend to their basic needs or make good decisions on their own, or function without the help of a loved one.

Independent living communities primarily focus on serving residents’ social needs and lifestyle aspects, as many can live independently without much support.

3. Access to and Contact with Staff

Staff in nursing homes are there to keep an eye on residents and check in on them. They will stay in touch with elders to ensure they are doing well. Staff may intervene if the senior looks to require further assistance.

Seniors in an independent living complex may not have regular contact with the personnel. The resident is the one to determine the level of interaction with the staff in these communities.

4. Family Involvement

Nursing homes provide skilled nursing care and relieve family members of additional caring duties. When the requirements of seniors evolve, the personnel are there to anticipate and satisfy those needs. Visitation schedules may need to be set up at many nursing homes as well.

Families can have peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are not alone or unseen in an independent living community. They can visit as able and don’t have to set up visitation with staff.

5. Continuum of Care

Most seniors who opt for nursing homes deal with health conditions. These types of seniors will eventually need extensive care. For this reason, nursing homes are the most idyllic.

But, many older adults in independent living communities will enjoy long and healthy lives without any extra assistance.

Similarities between Senior Independent Living and Nursing Homes?

Senior living communities and nursing facilities provide support with everyday tasks. This service includes help with personal hygiene duties, including washing, grooming, clothing, etc. Nursing homes and senior living communities have the following in common:

  • Care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

  • Transportation services are available.

  • Medical and drug administration.

  • They both assist with mobility.

  • Protocols for security and safety, and much more.

  • Dining options and meal plans are available in both types of communities to guarantee optimal nourishment.

  • Nursing facilities and senior living communities both provide opportunities to mingle and assemble.

Who Can Benefit From Independent Living Communities?

Independent living communities are ideal for:

  • Adults who are searching for a lifestyle that allows them to focus on social activities rather than worrying about house care and repairs.

  • Older adults may become increasingly isolated from society and want to be around people within their age group and enjoy the activities of a community.

Which One Is Right for Me?

You don’t have to be terminally sick to choose to live in a senior living community. The passage of time and the onset of health concerns should not decrease your quality of life.

Learn more and tour Montgomery Place in Chicago, IL

At Montgomery Place, we can assist you no matter what your ideal retirement looks like or what obstacles you experience in obtaining it. We provide a variety of senior living alternatives with beautiful spacious apartments that overlook Lake Michigan and the Museum of Science and Industry. Contact us today to take advantage of our many attractive senior living options. We’re excited to assist you in writing the next chapter of your life.

Image Source: Paul Vasarhelyi / Shutterstock

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who needs independent living facilities
Jul 15, 2022 |
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Who Is Senior Living Right For? Types of Residents in Independent Living Facilities

An independent living facility allows retirees to share life and create a community in a friendly and peaceful environment. Moving into an independent living community is an excellent way for physically independent seniors to trade living alone and chores for a healthy, stress-free lifestyle.

Have you been wondering about independent living communities, who should live in this type of community, and what it is like to live in this environment? Montgomery Place is one of Chicago’s best independent living communities and offers a vibrant urban lifestyle that engages the heart and enriches the mind’ by upholding the following values:

  • Integrity

  • Dignity

  • Engagement

  • Caring

  • Quality

What Is Independent Living?

Montgomery Place Retirement Community is a residential independent living community mainly for older adults who can live without the aid of personal or medical staff. Independent living allows the resident to maintain complete independence while benefiting from the social and recreational provided by the community.

There is a difference between independent living communities and assisted living facilities. The main difference is that independent living is primarily for younger retirees who seek housing for socialization purposes. Assisted living is for seniors who need long-term care in their daily activities such as cleaning, taking medication, etc.

Is Independent Living Right for You?

As your age advances, you might think of getting into a living community for retirees. However, losing independence might not sit well with you. An independent living location allows you to enjoy the convenience of a vibrant, active community and retain your freedom.

Anyone aged 62 or more who requires no assistance with their daily activities is an excellent candidate for a senior living community.

Independent living provides social and recreational amenities for the following types of groups:

1. Working Seniors

An independent living community is a splendid choice for any senior working full-time or part-time to plan ahead of retirement. Your new home will give you a platform to interact and form bonds with other seniors as you prepare to transition from working to retirement.

Some independent living communities are Continuing Care Retirement Communities that accept working seniors and see them through the office-retirement transition without the need to change locations.

2. Younger Retirees

Younger retirees might not welcome the idea of a senior living community for fear of losing their independence. An independent living community nullifies the myth that you lose your freedom once you move into a retirement community. Instead, you get to enjoy life as usual in an independent living community through the following offered features:

  • Bringing your pets

  • A private apartment that you can redesign and decorate according to your preferences

  • Privacy by choosing shared or private apartment

  • Having free time

  • Being in charge of everything except the household chores

3. Seniors Looking for New Friends

Independent living communities offer a variety of social and recreational activities where you interact with other residents within the community. You can still explore your hobbies and associate with residents with similar interests.

There is no chance of getting bored since you have access to many resources, and peers, family members, and friends are allowed to visit you. The community staff is always available to help you in case of anything.

Benefits of an Independent Living Community

The benefits of independent living communities are diverse, and here are some that might encourage you to make a move:

  • Maintaining your freedom as someone else takes care of the daily chores.

  • Enhanced safety and security from crime, at-home injuries and accidents, and even natural disasters

  • Access to high-quality care, services, and amenities in the same location

  • Opportunity to new experiences and daily enrichment

  • Chance to make and interact with new friends in the same age group

Why Choose Montgomery Place at Hyde Park

Montgomery Place is one of Chicago’s best independent living communities that offers an exceptional quality of life for seniors through the following benefits and amenities:

  • A well-rounded assortment of activities and events

  • Various residence options to choose from, including apartments, condominiums, townhouses, duplexes, and freestanding villas

  • Fitness classes

  • Group outings

  • Special interest clubs

  • Chef-prepared meals in community dining spaces

We offer a reputable independent living community for physically capable seniors. Our location is nestled in Hyde Park, Chicago, near all the urban amenities you might need.

We also offer other community living options, including skilled nursing care and assisted living communities. Contact us today for suitable senior living for you or your loved one.

Image Source: wavebreakmedia / Shutterstock

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nursing care at senior living community in chicago illinois
Jul 1, 2022 |
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Nursing Care Options in Senior Living Communities

When you’re searching for a senior living community for yourself or a loved one, it can be difficult to wade through all of the different options available.

One of the most common areas of confusion is the topic of skilled nursing care and exactly what that looks like in the day-to-day routines and lifestyles of residents. For so many people, the phrase “nursing care” brings to mind a series of unappealing (and often outdated) images of sterile, impersonal nursing homes. As a result, there is understandably a certain amount of hesitation for individuals considering nursing care as an option.

However, today’s senior living communities have evolved into warm and wonderful places for seniors to call home. Personalized services, detailed care plans, and plenty of social interaction, enjoyable activities, and compassionate care make high-quality senior care nursing an excellent choice for many people.

We’re taking a closer look at nursing care for seniors, helping you better understand what it is, how it works in a senior residential community, and whether it may be a good fit for you or your loved one.

What is Senior Care Nursing?

Senior care nursing is a residential arrangement that includes skilled nursing care services and medical support, with staff available around the clock to meet residents’ needs. Sometimes referred to as “nursing homes,” these communities are designed to put care services and medical professionals within easy reach at all times.

Generally, skilled nursing care for seniors includes:

  • Medication management and administration

  • Assistance with personal care routines and daily life activities, such as bathing, toileting, feeding, dressing, etc.

  • Certain medical treatments and skilled care from nurses/other professionals

  • Consistent supervision to ensure health and safety

  • Appropriately-adapted recreational activities

  • Living quarters may be private or shared

  • Common areas may include a dining room, recreational space, and possibly an outdoor area

Essentially, nursing care provides a higher level of medical and personal care that may not be available in a standard assisted living environment. That being said, there are some assisted living communities in which access to medical services makes it a viable option, even for seniors with certain medical needs.

Is skilled nursing care right for you?

A senior living community with nursing care is typically ideal for individuals who:

  • Require ongoing supervision

  • Need extensive support with personal care

  • Are not able to be mobile without assistance

  • Require daily medical care

  • Have significant cognitive impairments/symptoms

Ultimately, the best way to determine if nursing care is the right fit is to meet with the providers in a specific community. There, you can get specific details about what it offers, so you know exactly what to expect.

Benefits of Senior Skilled Nursing Care

The most notable benefit of skilled nursing care for seniors is that it can offer a vital level of health and safety services that may not be available in other living arrangements. Particularly for seniors who cannot live independently, a nursing care community can be an ideal setting for maximizing quality of life while still ensuring safety.

It can also offer families incredible peace of mind to know that their loved ones are extraordinarily well cared for by a team of caring and compassionate professionals.

Nursing Care Options for Seniors at Montgomery Place

At the Montgomery Place senior living community in Hyde Park, skilled nursing care is available as an option for residents. We have a team of board-certified physicians and geriatricians providing the highest standard of care, working collaboratively with residents, their families, and the rest of our staff to create tailored care plans for every individual.

Here, we take everything into consideration, including recreational therapy, dietitian-planned menus, social services, and more. We also offer memory support, pain management, and respite services, as well as short-term stay and rehabilitative care options.

Montgomery Place: Nursing Care for Seniors in Chicago, IL

Montgomery Place is a one-of-a-kind community for senior living in Chicago, providing residents with a broad range of options to suit their unique needs and preferences. We offer skilled nursing care in Hyde Park, as well as independent and assisted living. Here, residents can find a wonderful place to call home, a community and care provider that can effectively adapt to meet their changing years as time goes by. And above all, Montgomery Place seniors enjoy a sense of community and an exceptional quality of life.

If you’re searching for Chicago nursing homes for seniors, the decision-making process can be overwhelming. Selecting a senior living community is an incredibly important choice, one that you should feel completely comfortable and confident making. That’s why the staff at Montgomery Place are always here to answer your questions, provide detailed information, and guide you towards the option that’s best for you.

Montgomery Place nursing care can be the key to unlocking a safer, happier way of life for yourself or a senior you love. Learn more about our Chicago senior nursing care services when you contact us today.

Image Source: Photographee.eu / Shutterstock

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