Oak Trace cottages offer seniors independence with support

Their move provided them with the perfect balance of independence and support.

When Suzanne and John Potter moved to Oak Trace this past February, they had access to a unique opportunity that ultimately checked off all the boxes for what they were looking for in their home.

Oak Trace senior living community in Downers Grove has a limited availability of cottages along the edge of the 40-acre campus.

These spacious, single-level homes with private garages and decks are detached from Oak Trace’s main building, yet offer access to all the community’s programs, services, and amenities.

The Potters had the chance to move into one of the cottages rather than the main building. For them, this helped ease the transition into senior living. “It just felt more natural for us,” said John.

The couple had lived for many years in a beautiful home in Oswego, but as they approached their 80s, they realized it was time for a change.

“Our home had four flights of stairs,” Suzanne said. “We liked it, but some of our close friends had experienced falls or had mobility challenges. We didn’t want to wait for something to happen. And we agreed that we didn’t want to move into a ranch house somewhere, just to have to move again later.”

That clarity helped guide their search. They began looking for a community that offered not just a beautiful place to live, but also a plan for the future.

Oak Trace recently completed a $112 million multi-phase expansion and renovation project. This included new luxury independent living apartments, a state-of-the-art fitness and aquatic center, a performing arts center, multiple restaurant-style dining venues, a salon and spa, and beautifully landscaped grounds with ponds and walking paths.

“When we learned about the Life Care model for senior living communities, it became really important to us,” Suzanne explained. As a Life Care community formerly known as a CCRC, the Potters wanted to move into independent living, with the opportunity to make great friends and enjoy the wonderful amenities. If their health needs change, they can receive care and support without having to leave their new home.

“We only considered communities that could offer all levels of care if we need,” Suzanne said.

Oak Trace stood out. The Life Care model gave them peace of mind. In addition to the community’s luxury apartments in the main building, the cottages gave the Potters the sense of home they were looking for. They even had the chance to help choose finishes for their kitchen renovation, adding a personal touch right from the start.

John, who had a long career as a clinical administrator at Dreyer Advocate in Aurora, approached the move thoughtfully and analytically. “We had never purchased long-term care insurance, but the continuing care component included in Oak Trace’s predictable monthly rate made a lot of sense,” he said.

Everything about the move felt right, even to their friends. “A friend came to visit and said our home feels like a fancy cruise ship,” Suzanne said. “We’ve cruised with her before, so that comment meant a lot. It confirmed we’d made the right decision.”

Fully settled into their home, they are enjoying every aspect of life at Oak Trace. John is getting involved in the community, exploring technology and joining the model train club. He’s also participating in strength and balance classes, alongside Suzanne, who takes chair yoga and appreciates having a variety of wellness options. They also participate in the lifelong learning program and attend parties and live performances that are scheduled frequently.

“The food here is excellent, and I’m very picky,” Suzanne said.

The Potters love entertaining friends who haven’t moved to a senior living community, often inviting them to brunch after church or over for dinner. They are interested in the amenities and lifestyle at Oak Trace. The Potter’s 16-year-old granddaughter also enjoys visiting, which makes their new home feel even more special.

With two children and five grandchildren, family is important to the Potters. So is freedom. “We love the lock-and-leave lifestyle,” Suzanne said. “We have a cottage in Michigan, we go to Florida for a month or so, and we still enjoy going on cruises.”

“The world is open to us,” John added. “We’re healthy, and we can do it.”

They’re also relieved to no longer worry about home maintenance. “That’s been such a big benefit,” John said. “It gives us the freedom to focus on what we enjoy.”

And the people at Oak Trace have only made things better. “The staff is amazing. They’re so nice and friendly,” Suzanne said. “Everyone has been incredibly welcoming.”

For the Potters, Oak Trace isn’t just a place to live. It’s a community where they feel secure, supported, and inspired to keep enjoying life to the fullest.