Assisted Living Locators Chicagoland West

12/25/2024

Christmas is the perfect time to show your senior loved ones how much they mean to you! Whether it’s a special breakfast together or a cozy evening with Christmas movies, the key is to make them feel included and loved. Start the day with a festive breakfast and maybe a small treat—something that brings warmth and joy to the morning. Don’t forget to involve them in simple activities like decorating the house or making DIY ornaments. It’s not about perfection; it’s about creating memories and enjoying the moment!

When it comes to gifts, consider something personal, a framed photo of the family or a cozy blanket for those chilly winter nights. Gifts that come from the heart are always the best. And, of course, Christmas isn’t complete without a little music. Gather around, sing a few carols, or put on some holiday classics that everyone can enjoy. For the seniors who may love a little nostalgia, these familiar tunes will fill the room with joy.

Christmas Day isn’t just about big celebrations, it’s about small, meaningful moments. Take time to sit down and hear their stories. Maybe even pull out a scrapbook and reminisce about past Christmases together. And if you’re not able to gather in person, don’t worry! A quick video call with family members can still make them feel connected and loved.

Finally, make sure to slow down and enjoy some quiet time together. Christmas can be a bit hectic, so it’s important to let your senior loved one relax and enjoy the peace of the day. A calm afternoon, some warm drinks and a heartfelt conversation can make all the difference. Here’s to creating a Christmas full of love, joy, and memories that last a lifetime!

09/22/2024

I am excited to announce that I will be participating in the Fox Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s on September 28th at Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles. It is not too late to create a team (or join my team!) and enjoy a beautiful day with others who want to raise awareness and support for the nearly 7 million Americans living with this disease.

Please help me reach my goal!💜

I am participating in Walk to End Alzheimer's. Donate today and help me reach my goal.

09/01/2024

Thank you Erin Cusack Blair and Melinda Smith for a fun night of cocktails and networking at Belmont Village's "Lemons, Limes, and a Llama event"! It was wonderful seeing everyone and getting the chance to meet Pebbles. So happy my sweet, animal loving niece, Kayla, could stop by too. Nothing like friends (and a llama!) to make you forget about the day's stress. ❤️

07/22/2024

Thank you Mary Helen Ekstam for sharing your incredible presentation, "A Neurological Perspective on Music, Memory, and the Brain" with the seniors at Wheaton's Mary Lubko Center. From "Feeling Groovy" to everyone's favorite patriotric songs, I have never seen such an engaged and happy audience!

A very interesting take away from Mary Helen- People who participate in mind challenging activities such as music are 63% less likely to develop some form of dementia. So, get listening and surround yourself in music!

05/06/2024

Fun day with my Dementia Friendly Elgin crew!

Thanks to all of you who stopped by the ECC Senior Health & Wellness Fair today!

Also, thanks to Advisory Council Members: LaVon (Dragonfly Senior Navigation), Amanda (Tower Hill Healthcare),Trisha (Healthcare Plus home healthcare), James (Sheridan at Tyler Creek Senior Living), Allison (Assisted Living Locators), and Dena (Weichert Realtors-Homes by Presto). So grateful for our caring, resourceful Advisory Council Members!

04/07/2024

Join me at the Senior Health & Wellness Fair at Elgin Community College on April 26th. I'll be there with an Assisted Living Locators Chicagoland West table and will also be presenting Dementia 101 for Dementia Friendly Elgin. Stop by to learn more about all of the great senior resources our area has to offer!

03/18/2024

It was wonderful to celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Memory Cafe with my friends and colleagues from Dementia Friendly Elgin. We had a record number of 42 attendees! Thank you Dr. Jennifer Stelter, dementia expert and founder of the Dementia Connection Institute, for your informative presentation. Also, a special thank you to Officer Jim Creighton from the South Elgin Police Department for playing a few songs on the bagpipes.

02/12/2024

I'm excited to host my colleague Dr. Lisa Gumina, owner of Finer Hearing, at our first Elgin Township TRIAD event of the year!

01/21/2024

01/06/2024

Looking for a new game to play in the new year? Join us on Friday, January 5th for Bunco! A social, group dice game that requires no skill 🎲

Thank you to our sponsor Allison Green from Assisted Living Locators Chicagoland West!

11/03/2023

Stepping Out and Up: Women in Business Expo 2023
I had the pleasure of being a participant at my first Women in Business Expo sponsored by the amazing Wheaton Chamber of Commerce. Thank you to all of the panelists who shared their inspiring stories of resilience and perseverance. My favorite quote of the afternoon, said by attorney Karen Mills, “You can have it all, just not today!”

10/02/2023

I am so proud and honored to have received this year’s Assisted Living Locators “Rising Star” award at our 2023 National Conference in New Orleans. It was scary to career change (especially in the middle of a pandemic!) but I know with all of my heart that this is where I am meant to be and that my journey led me here for a reason. I am so humbled every time a family shares their story, places their trust in me, and allows me to guide them through such challenging times. A big thank you to my friends, family, local referral partners, and Assisted Living Locators for supporting me!