Lexington Square Lombard staff helping make lives better
When her parents moved to Lexington Square Lombard, their lives changed. Sheila Kendall's parents moved to the senior living community 10 years ago. “They loved it. They made friends and were always busy. It was the best place for them to be. It gave them the freedom to do things. They seemed alive, and all their needs were taken care of,” Kendall recalled.
As a result, Kendall and her sister found their lives changed as well.
“Rather than being their caretakers, we had the opportunity to visit and enjoy their company,” she said. It was a gift that Kendall has continued to treasure.
Seven years ago, she half-jokingly told the staff at Lexington Square, “if you ever need any help, call me.” Shortly thereafter, they did. The Bolingbrook resident, who had been an at-home-mother, came back into the workforce. She started by helping in the Lexington marketing department, and eventually became the move-in coordinator. In that capacity, she said, “I help residents move onto this next stage in their lives. I know what my parents had here, and I know that I can help make the transition easier. I talk to residents as a family member, not just as a staff person. I love it. I don't look at it as a job. I just enjoy my time here.”
Kendall said she helps to turn a resident's new apartment into their new home. “I get the fun part. I can help to update the apartment and pick out paint and flooring. I get to help them move in and get comfortable in their new home. I always tell them that I'm their new best friend. Everyone knows where to find me and I'm always available and happy to help.”
During COVID-19, Kendall said, making the move has taken on some new urgency.
“Residents have everything they need here, which means that they don't have to go anywhere, and they don't have to have outside maintenance people coming to their home. They don't have any of the burdens associated with being a homeowner, and most importantly, they feel safe here,” she said. Additionally, the activities team is making sure to keep the residents busy and engaged. “We have social hours on the floors, hallway activities, dancing and entertainment in the atrium, and small group activities in which the participants are masked and socially distanced. We have an in-house television station with different programs going on. And even though communal dining is on hold, residents are receiving their meals delivered to their apartments.”
Kendall said that seven years later, the work culture at Lexington Square remains amazing. “The entire team treats our residents as if they're our parents or grandparents, with love, dignity, and respect. We treat them like family because that's how we feel about them. What keeps us going is our common goal to make their experience the best it can be, and we don't take short cuts. We're always on our game,” she said.
Kendall concluded that residents are always glad that they moved to Lexington Square, and most wish they'd done it sooner, her parents included. “Their lives improve for the better,” she said.
Lexington Square Lombard and Elmhurst are two of the preeminent senior living communities in Chicago's western suburbs. Lexington Square Lombard offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite. Lexington Square Elmhurst provides independent living and assisted living. Both have priority access to long-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing care through the Lexington Health Network. For more information visit www.LexingtonSquares.com or call (630) 576-4800.