The latest news for you

July 2023

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News and information regarding Gardant-managed award-winning communities, community anniversary celebrations, the benefits of music lessons for seniors, dental hygiene and its affect on Alzheimer's disease and more!

Recognized for Excellence in Quality

Congratulations to Heritage Woods of Freeport, Heritage Woods of Minooka, and Heritage Woods of Ottawa. The three Gardant-managed communities were among eight assisted living communities nationally and the only assisted living communities in Illinois to be named 2023 Silver Achievement in Quality Award winners. The awards are based on the core values and criteria of the Baldrige Performance Excellence program. They will be presented at the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living national conference being held in this fall in Denver, Colorado.

In 2022, Heritage Woods of McHenry was the only Illinois assisted living community and one of only three nationally to be recognized with a Silver Quality Award.

Affordable Assisted Living a Saving Grace

A former computer programmer who was facing eviction from where he was living found Glasswater Creek of Plainfield to be a saving grace. The Gardant-managed affordable assisted living community is located on the west side of the Indianapolis metropolitan area.

Celebrating 20 Years of Serving Older Adults

Eagle Ridge of Decatur recently held a 20^th Anniversary Celebration. Since opening, the affordable assisted living community has served more than 1,000 older adults of all incomes. Staff members Brenda Jarrett, C.N.A., and Tracy Mel-Gruen, C.N.A., were honored for 20 years of service.

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Music Lessons and Older Adults

A new study found that music lessons increase gray matter in older adults. The study demonstrates the potential for using music lessons as a non-pharmacological treatment for age-related cognitive decline.

Brushing Your Teeth and Alzheimer’s

Another study indicates that good dental hygiene may reduce your dementia risk.

U.S. Rep. Visits Bowman Estates

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, who represents Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District, recently visited Bowman Estates, a Gardant-managed affordable assisted living community in Danville, Illinois. She had the opportunity to tour the community and talk with residents. We discussed the benefits of the Illinois Supportive Living program; the challenges of operating assisted living communities, especially staffing, the impact of inflation; and unrealistic rules being proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid; and our support of legislation designed to expand veterans long-term care options.

Physical Activity is Good Medicine

Engaging is regular physical activity has immediate and long-term health benefits, says the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services.

Celebrating Hawaiian Style

Heritage Woods of Dekalb celebrated its 15 Anniversary with a Luau. During the celebration, the community honored resident Darlene Brunk and staff members Rosa Ozier, C.N.A.; Kristen McDermott, C.N.A.; and Lindsey Oas, who started in Dietary, then moved to be the community’s Resident Services Director; and now serves as Director of Marketing.

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Dollars Well Spent

A recent study finds that money spent on Home and Community-Based Services, including assisted living, goes further than money spent on nursing homes.

State Rep. Visits Bolingbrook

Illinois State Rep. Dagmara Avelar visited Heritage Woods of Bolingbrook. The representative serves on the House Health Care Availability and Access Committee and is a member of the General Assembly’s Medicaid Task Force. She had the opportunity to talk with residents, tour the affordable assisted living community and learn more about the Illinois Supportive Living program.

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Senior Yoga on Wednesdays

Heritage Woods of Centralia hosts Senior Yoga from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesdays. The class at the affordable assisted living community in Centralia, Illinois, is open to the public. There is no charge. Call 612-532-4590 for more information.

Dog Days of Summer

Gardant was honored to participate in the 2023 American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living Congressional Briefing in Washington, D.C. Gardant team members joined with the delegations from Illinois and Indiana in their visits with U.S. Senators and Representatives and their staffs to advocate for nursing homes and assisted living.

Benefits of Social Media

A Blog by psychiatrist Paul Weigle that was posted on the Hartford HealthCare website highlights four ways older adults can benefit from social media.

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Gardant Management Solutions operates senior living, assisted living and memory care communities in Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, and West Virginia. Our focus is on providing residents with the Love, Compassion and Dignity they deserve.

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