Their future is secure at GreenFields of Geneva

"Transparency" is more than just a buzz word at GreenFields of Geneva. In fact, the retirement community is a testament to the importance of true transparency. Despite the fact that GreenFields was working to refinance their debt this year, people have continued to move in … aware of the financial challenges of the community, but confident in its longevity.

"We'd talked about moving to GreenFields for years. We had a big house in Elgin and wanted to downsize," said David Dattilo, who with his wife, Patty, moved to GreenFields this past spring. "We'd liked the property before it was actually GreenFields, and watched the building going up. Through the years, we looked elsewhere, but not very hard. We really liked it here, and the location, between our children in Sycamore and Bartlett, is perfect." An avid golfer, David added, "I really like being situated between two golf courses!"

Through the years prior to their move, the Dattilos had been encouraged to attend programs and events at GreenFields. One in particular, was a major motivator for them.

"We attended a session where they introduced different experts available to help with all aspects of the moving process. There was a moving company, stager, and estate sale planner," said David. When the Dattilos saw how easy the entire process could be, they decided to move forward with their plans.

"Someone looked at our furniture and helped us determine which pieces would work in our new home. We had all our belongings packed up at our home and then unpacked for us in our apartment. There was an estate sale of the items we didn't plan to take with us and at the conclusion, they got rid of everything remaining. We never really had to do a thing. GreenFields recommended competent vendors to help with the move, and that made it go really easily," said Patty. "We went from a 5,400-square-foot home to a two-bedroom 1,200-square-foot apartment. Our apartment looks like our former home, only smaller and it's perfect."

David said that early this year he heard that GreenFields was having financial difficulties due to unforeseen construction issues early on, resulting in delayed regulatory approval and thus occupancy. When he learned about the refinancing, he called and talked to Jim Holbrook, executive director of the community. "Jim was extremely candid and laid everything out for us. I was impressed with his honesty and positive attitude. Our attorney talked with Jim as well and said, 'it's okay. You're well protected.'"

"David called and said he wanted to understand the financial situation," said Jim. "We have been very honest and forthcoming with all information about the financial situation from the very start. As things change, we continually update our current and prospective residents as well as our staff. This transparency is reassuring and very much appreciated. We explain how we have worked to ensure that residents' assets will be protected, regardless of how the process concluded. We've just learned that Friendship Senior Options which has owned and managed GreenFields from the beginning, will be able to keep the property and continue to operate it as the highly-rated community that it's been."

The Dattilos have been extremely pleased with the move and haven't looked back. David, who has quickly become involved with a number of resident committees at GreenFields said that he equates their new home to a cruise. "If you can't find something you want to eat, they'll fix something. If you can't find something you want to do, they'll set something up. If you don't want to do anything, they'll leave you alone. Before we moved, I had talked to a friend who was living here. She told me, "don't wait to move in. Do it now!' and she was right!"

GreenFields is an exceptional Life Care community offering a wonderful retirement lifestyle in an ideal location. GreenFields offers independent living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation and skilled nursing with the most comprehensive plan available for long-term care if ever needed. For additional information, visit www.GreenFieldsofGeneva.org.