A bright spirit finds the perfect place to thrive at GreenFields of Geneva
Norma DeMaar brought a warm spirit when she and her husband Wayne moved to GreenFields of Geneva senior living community, and it shows from the moment you meet her. Norma is pure sunshine. Her apartment glows with bold cheerful colors just like her outfits. At 80, she radiates energy and joy and it is clear she has always moved through life with sparkle.
The DeMaars spent many years in Elgin where Wayne coached baseball and later served as athletic director at St Charles High School. Norma taught elementary physical education before shifting to in home day care, a role she loved because it kept her surrounded by little ones.
A family decision filled with love
As time passed Norma began to fall more often and Wayne had his own health concerns. Their daughter and her family lived right across the street and helped often but after Norma broke two ribs the family agreed it was time for a community that combined safety with an active lifestyle. They explored options and immediately felt at home at GreenFields. Wayne loved their house so much that he said he would only leave it if their daughter could have it and that plan fell perfectly into place.
Their daughter Fonda is delighted with her parents new lifestyle in assisted living where they can be as independent and engaged as they would like and have access to support as they need. She visits often and has peace of mind knowing they are in a wonderful community.
A lifestyle that fits just right
Norma has embraced her new home with her characteristic enthusiasm. She loves parties and party food and enjoys the convenience of not having to cook. The free transportation for shopping and appointments is a bonus. Passing her convertible along to her 22-year-old granddaughter thrilled her and she now sees the world vicariously through her granddaughter’s joy.
Finding fun in every corner of the community
Since arriving at GreenFields Norma has started a euchre group, plays Jeopardy, enjoys games of every kind, attends entertainment events and dives into arts and crafts. She reports they are busy every day and she especially loves the moments when she is the only one who knows the answer during Jeopardy.
Norma has always enjoyed fun personal challenges. At 40, she gave up chocolate for 30 years then celebrated her 70th birthday with a chocolate themed party. Her next challenge was not cutting her hair until she turned 80.
Friendships make each day brighter
Norma loves people. She says she never meets a stranger and will talk to anyone. Living at GreenFields feels even better than she expected. She keeps a little notebook of everyone she meets and is already on her third page. She says the aides are wonderful and feel like best friends.
Challenges that become triumphs
When she experienced a fall after moving in at GreenFields, Norma recovered and completed her therapy right on site and felt well cared for throughout. She says she is so happy with rehab. They come down to her apartment to pick her up and they have such a good time together. It feels like a gym where she does not have to be the teacher.
A joyful approach to life at any age
Norma and Wayne came to GreenFields for safety and peace of mind and gained an entire community of friends. Their days are full and their smiles say everything.
GreenFields of Geneva
GreenFields of Geneva is a luxury senior living community providing an active retirement lifestyle in an ideal location. As a Life Plan Community, formerly known as a CCRC, GreenFields offers a complete continuum of care: independent living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. GreenFields of Geneva is owned by Lifespace Communities, a non-profit organization with more than 45 years of experience in senior living. For additional information, call 630/578-7969 or visit www.GreenFieldsGeneva.org.