New senior community opens in Algonquin
Residents have begun moving into Clarendale of Algonquin, a new $40 million senior living community offering various levels of care under one roof.
The facility at 2001 W. Algonquin Road includes 186 rental apartments: 76 for independent living, 56 for assisted living and 54 for memory care. More than half of the independent units have been reserved so far, Executive Director John Jorgenson said, and the other apartments are filling up quickly.
"We have gotten tremendous feedback," he said. "The fact that folks can age in place - move from independent to assisted to memory care while staying all under one roof - that gives them peace of mind."
Construction on the project began last year and was completed in time for a grand opening last week. Independent living residents started moving in Saturday, Jorgenson said, and the assisted living and memory care residents will be allowed to move in later this month.
About 80 people will be employed once the senior community is fully operational, he said.
The Algonquin facility is one of four Clarendale communities - including one in South suburban Mokena - developed by Minneapolis-based Ryan Companies and managed by Iowa-based Living Care Services Inc.
Socialization and personal care are top priorities in the senior homes, Jorgenson said. Clarendale of Algonquin offers fitness and therapy rooms, a cocktail lounge, a bistro, outdoor patios and courtyards, a salon, a movie theater and restaurant-style dining for all residents. Residents can also participate in group activities, such as computer lessons.
At least seven physicians will work out of an in-house wellness center, Jorgenson said, and transportation, housekeeping, utilities and maintenance services are also available.
Rent for a one-bedroom independent living unit, which includes a full kitchen and laundry unit, starts at $2,800 per month, he said, and costs increase based on apartment size and level of care.
In assisted living units, which start at $4,425 per month plus the cost of care, staff members will assist residents with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, remembering to take medication or being escorted to meals.
Residents in memory care units, studio-style apartments starting at $6,500 per month, are provided almost constant care, Jorgenson said. Residents will likely be divided among three secure "neighborhoods," he said, depending on whether they are at the beginning, intermediate or advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease.
"We're putting like people with like care together," Jorgenson said. "Operationally that makes sense, as well as (for) cohesion among the residents."
The staff will help put together biographies for residents and their families, Jorgenson said, and the facility may begin offering "life stations," which will give residents a chance to practice a former hobby or profession.
"It's all about moments of success," he said. "It's about what they remember to do, versus what they've forgotten."