Community Go-Getter Trusts Radford Green for Husband's Respite Care
Diane Karzas is a woman on the move. "I'm not just a stay-at-home old woman," said the 87-year-old member of the Ravinia Festival's annual fund committee, who has traveled to Cuba three times in fewer years to lend her influence in bringing the Cuban arts scene to America. The former events planner is also a retired Chicago Symphony Orchestra trustee still active with the CSO and current board member of the Antiquarian Society of the Art Institute of Chicago.
With the first of her trips to Cuba planned for March of 2014, Diane was in search of care for her husband, Byron. A Cal Tech engineering alum, former Duff and Phelps investment analyst, and son of the owner and builder of Chicago's Aragon and Trianon Ballrooms, Byron has been in a declining pattern with Alzheimer's disease for the past 15 years. Not wishing to employ in-home personnel and not ready for him to make a permanent move outside their apartment, Diane needed quality short-term care for her husband and peace of mind for herself. "I have a busy, active life, and I'm gone many hours of the day. I had to know Byron was safe when I was away," she said.
Diane's first step was to contact Dickinson Hall, a provider of services and activities for older adults in the couple's town of Lake Forest. Staff there unhesitatingly recommended Radford Green Health Care and Rehabilitation in Lincolnshire. "At the time, I hardly knew what respite care was," she said. But, once Byron came to Radford Green, Diane was immediately reassured that her husband was in a safe environment, with a private, furnished suite and attentive, personalized care. "I realized quickly what a need respite care fills for those who have to have relief from caregiving. It was a very satisfying solution."
Following Byron's first time in respite care at Radford Green, he had two additional stays while Diane was on subsequent trips to Cuba. In October of this year, she decided it was time for him to move to the community permanently. "They understand Byron at Radford Green; they tailor programs and activities to his needs, as they do for all residents," said Diane. "At home, there is no activity for Byron unless I'm there, but at Radford Green, there is a concerted activity level, and no one is left to sit idly." Diane is also comforted by the community's two onsite physicians, one of whom has become Byron's primary care provider. "His doctor is right there, if needed, and there are nurses and aides on duty all the time, too. This makes me feel very secure."
According to Diane, if and when she needs a care community, Radford Green will be her choice. "I'm a very fortunate person who can still run circles around people younger than I am. But, if the time comes, Radford Green is where I'll be."
Sedgebrook is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offering a diverse lifestyle, maintenance-free living and outstanding amenities. Five-star rated Radford Green Health Care and Rehabilitation is located on the 92-acre Sedgebrook campus in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Sedgebrook is owned by Senior Care Development LLC and managed by Life Care Services LLC. For additional information visit www.WelcomeToSedgebrook.com or call 847-901-3319.