Innovative Memory Care Community Opening Soon in South Barrington
The LaSalle Group, a leader in memory care with more than 15 years of experience, will be opening the first free-standing memory care community in the Village of South Barrington - Autumn Leaves of South Barrington - next month. The 29,000 square foot, $11.1 million memory care community will provide specialized care to nearly 50 residents living with Alzheimer's, dementia, and memory impairment. The announcement was made by Mitchell Warren, CEO and Co-Owner of The LaSalle Group, Inc. and Autumn Leaves, based in Irving, Texas. The LaSalle Group has nine communities open or under construction in the suburbs of Chicago.
"We are an extremely unique community in South Barrington, and we are thrilled to bring our passion for memory care to the Village," said Barbara Schechtel, Executive Director of Autumn Leaves of South Barrington. "We are compassionate experts at all levels of dementia care, and I look forward to making a difference in the lives of our residents."
Utilizing current scientific research, Autumn Leaves of South Barrington will feature an innovative building design and cutting-edge technology to create a calm, safe, and engaging environment. The community will be the first Autumn Leaves community in Chicagoland to feature the state-of-the-art Vigil System, a motion sensor program in each resident's private room that allows for safer independent living. The system subtly alerts staff members, if needed, and gathers information that serves to improve the resident's comfort level.
"We often see frustration when our residents and their families focus on what 'used to be,'" said Schechtel. "At Autumn Leaves, we bring out the beauty and passion that exists today in the lives of our residents. We offer many activities designed to engage our residents. I am excited to see their faces light up during music or pet therapy, and while they are gardening outside."
The community will offer free programs to the public including seminars, speakers, and monthly Alzheimer's support groups. Respite care is also available.
In addition, Autumn Leaves of South Barrington will offer opportunities for volunteerism to the residents and others from the surrounding area. Volunteers at other Autumn Leaves communities across the country participate in such activities as baking, fashion shows, holiday caroling, and spending time visiting with residents.
"I started with Autumn Leaves as a volunteer at our community in Vernon Hills," said Schechtel. "I would sit and talk with residents as they ate their lunches. Through that experience, I realized that I wanted to work at Autumn Leaves. I eventually became the Executive Director of our Vernon Hills community. It was a wonderful experience, and I feel honored to have the opportunity to now help families in South Barrington. We will certainly be part of this philanthropic culture by involving ourselves with the community."
Autumn Leaves of South Barrington is approximately 35 miles northwest from the Chicago Loop on the northeast corner of Higgins and Bartlett Road. The community is one mile from the Arboretum of South Barrington and five miles from St. Alexius Medical Center.
"I couldn't be any more excited about our opening," said Lora Ellis, Director of Sales and Marking for Autumn Leaves of South Barrington. "When you walk in, the love you feel is real. For our residents, this is their home and making sure that they feel at home is at the heart of what we do. This isn't a job for us. This is our way of caring for an extended part of our families."
If you are interested in volunteer opportunities with Autumn Leaves of South Barrington, please contact Barbara Schechtel at bschechtel@autumnleaves.com.
ABOUT AUTUMN LEAVES
Family owned and operated memory care assisted living communities, Autumn Leaves® is dedicated to serving those living with Alzheimer's and dementia. Autumn Leaves communities are committed to providing exceptionally high-quality care and research-based programs that allow for safe, secure, and active environments for its residents. An acknowledged leader in memory care, Autumn Leaves combines clinical expertise, knowledge of dementia, and heartfelt compassion to create the best possible care environment. Autumn Leaves currently operates 36 communities in 4 states with the ability to serve more than 1,800 residents. For more information, visit AutumnLeaves.com or call 888-662-8886.
ABOUT THE LASALLE GROUP
Family owned and operated since 1990, The LaSalle Group, Inc. designs, develops, builds, manages, and owns 36 Autumn Leaves® memory care assisted living communities designed specifically for people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, as well as other specialized real estate and businesses throughout the United States. For more information about our business lines, services, current projects, and investment opportunities, please visit LaSalleGroup.com or call Robin Carter, Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications, at 800-452-7255.