Staying together at GreenFields of Geneva
"We've been married for more than 60 years, and we've traveled the world together. Living together was not negotiable, even if we needed different levels of care," said Bob McFadden who along with his wife May, lives at GreenFields of Geneva senior living community.
Bob is a retired professor of mathematics who was responsible for helping to launch the doctoral program in mathematics as well as a vibrant rugby team at Northern Illinois University. He later helped to start a doctoral program in mathematics at the University of Louisville. Natives of Belfast, Ireland, Bob and May have also lived in Australia and Scotland, as well as in Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, and Kentucky.
May worked in various capacities while raising the couple's two children. Bob and May both spent many years as volunteers for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
May and Bob were living in Louisville when they decided it was time to downsize and start looking at retirement communities. "We wanted to be closer to our son and his family in Illinois. His wife's family had moved to GreenFields and were very happy here. We visited them and also looked at other area retirement communities. We found GreenFields to be modern and upscale," said Bob.
The couple decided to live in assisted living at GreenFields where May, who is recovering from a broken hip and some health challenges, can receive support as needed. Although Bob does not require assistance and could have lived down the hall in independent living, he decided to stay firmly by his wife's side. The couple moved into what had been two studio apartments that were combined into a deluxe one-bedroom apartment. Their home features a spacious living room, one and a half bathrooms, a laundry room, and abundant closet space. "We are the first tenants in this apartment. Everything is new, and it's larger than the house we had as newlyweds," said Bob.
"We're very happy at GreenFields. We've made some nice friends; there's a steady group of people who have meals with us. We go to activities, movies and concerts, and we exercise in the fitness room. I have two artificial hips. With the exercise I do here, I've been able to stop needing a cane. May stopped needing to use a walker," said Bob. "The staff is very nice. Everyone is willing to help … from the concierge, to security people, to the resident assistants and nurses. It's all first class. The apartment is cleaned weekly, the laundry is done, and linens are washed. It's like living on a cruise ship, and there's always help if we need it."
"I like it very much, and It's perfect for us. We have a lovely apartment, and the food is good. It couldn't be better," said May.
GreenFields of Geneva
GreenFields is an exceptional Life Plan Community offering a wonderful retirement lifestyle in an ideal location. GreenFields offers independent living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation and skilled nursing care with the most comprehensive plan available for long-term care if ever needed. For additional information, visit www.GreenFieldsGeneva.org.