Assisted living facility to open next month in Cary
Dorothy Brady has lived for 17 years in a retirement community in Grayslake, but felt it was time to stop working so hard at things like washing dishes and doing laundry.
Next month, Brady, whose 89th birthday is Saturday, plans to move into Three Oaks Assisted Living, the first senior assisted living facility in Cary, and also the first one built in Illinois by Spectrum Retirement Communities. A second one is slated to open in Lake Zurich in a few months.
The facility has 59 units for assisted living, including studios, one-bedrooms and two-bedrooms, plus 21 studios in the memory care wing, which offers intensive care for people who suffer from dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, Three Oaks Executive Director Keun Lee said.
The facility is 90 percent complete, and is expected to open sometime in June, pending final permits, Lee said. It will be open to adults 55 and older.
Having fun will be a priority, said the aptly named Director of Fun Penelope Friedsberg. Activities will include Tai Chi, book club, trivia games, casino night, bingo, PlayStation games and more, plus a variety of outings. Friedberg said she hopes that members of the community will want to share their talents with residents, who in turn will be encouraged to volunteer within the community.
There is also an in-house beauty salon and barber shop, a small surround-sound theater, a fitness center and a computer area where residents can learn about social media like Facebook and Twitter.
Dorothy’s son, Kevin Brady of Cary, is especially enthusiastic that pets are allowed to visit. He and his wife Kathy plan to bring along their dog, Sadie, to visit “grandma.”
Prices range from $2,895 per month for a studio to $5,970 for a two-bedroom. Additional services, like assistance with bathing and medication administration, are on a pay-as-needed basis.
The memory care wing, which can be accessed only via key code, attempts to recreate a neighborhood feel with colorful mailboxes and rocking chairs next to each door. Residents will have access to an outdoor area secured by a fence. Memory care services, which include 24-hour care, start at $4,875 and can go up to $7,085 per month.
Three Oaks is a month-to-month facility that does not require signing contracts. People can also try it out with one week-minimum respite stays, Lee said. For details call (847) 516-6016 or email info@threeoaksassistedliving.com. Community members who want to showcase their talents or can offer volunteer opportunities for residents should ask for Penelope Friedsberg.