Bloomingdale welcomes newest Alden site

One of Bloomingdale's newest residents is especially proud of his new digs.

And it's not just because his abode boasts a library with a fireplace, a game room, billiard room or a restaurant-style dining area.

Ultimately, Hy Farbman said he loves the people - more than 60 of them, plus a beloved dog that visits daily - who he always sees at his new home.

"I look forward to waking up every day," said Farbman, 65. "The residents are nice, the staff is nice, so what could be wrong?"

Farbman is one of about 60 people who just moved into the new Alden Gardens of Bloomingdale, an upscale supportive living community that opened in February on Army Trail Road. The site held its grand opening and open house this month, and it is open to seniors who need assisted living arrangements.

The new location, which took about 18 months to build, already has approximately 60 residents and 20 more who have reserved apartments. The building can house about 100 people in its studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments that are all handicapped accessible.

In his state of the village address this year, Bloomingdale Village President Bob Iden hailed the five-floor residence as a welcome new business in the village during tough economic times.

Joshua Anderson, Alden Gardens executive director, said Bloomingdale is a perfect location for the facility - Alden's eighth in the village to serve seniors and the developmentally disabled with a range of services.

"It really is ideal because we're right near the I-290/355 corridor, so it's easy for people to drive and come visit their family members," Anderson said.

This is, of course, when their family members aren't busy playing board games or pool, taking baking classes, exercising, visiting with Anderson's dog, Meeka, or getting medical care from one of the two certified nursing assistants on staff 24 hours a day.

After a chair exercise class, Farbman explains that assisted living at Alden Gardens is a big improvement over relying on help from his brother, who he formerly lived with in Des Plaines.

"Family is great, but not to live with, " he said, joking.

Despite its plush amenities and modern decor, Bloomingdale's newest business isn't just for residents who can pay out-of-pocket. Anderson and Alden spokeswoman Victoria Higgins Wolpoff said Alden Gardens serves a mix of Medicaid residents as well as seniors who can afford to live there at full cost. This is thanks to tax credits from the Illinois Housing Development Authority, which subsidize a certain number of low-income residents.

"For a lot of people who come here, they say it's the nicest place they've ever lived in their lives," he said.