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The Fountains at crystal lake in the News
Crystal Lake, IL – Forrest Turner, a retired US Army Colonel living in Crystal Lake, recalls his 33 years in the service as “wonderful years” during which he “learned how to be an effective leader, delegate to people and be organized,” he explains. Turner is one of dozens of resident Veterans who will be honored on Veterans Day at The Fountains at Crystal Lake, 965 N. Brighton Circle West.
Turner speaks with pride about his days in the military, the lessons he learned and the lifelong friendships he formed. For example, Turner talks about being stationed in Italy, the time he was shot in the shoulder by his very own friend, his Purple Hearts and his favorite gun, the M1. He recalls the time he was aboard a large ship – so large, in fact, it could not dock in its intended port in Italy and had to sail with its crew of 4,000 to a different destination. His memories of his service years remain vivid and a source of great pride and joy.
Turner’s contributions to his country are a source of pride to his family as well. Families are welcome to attend the Salute to Veterans at The Fountains on November 11 at 10:00AM. The public is also welcome to view tributes to Turner and dozens of other Veterans residing at Watermark communities nationwide by visiting www.watermarkcommunities.com/veteransday.
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While Turner is able to recall distant events as though they happened yesterday, he’s having trouble remembering more recent events these days. That’s because Turner has a progressive form of memory loss suspected to be caused by Alzheimer’s disease. He is not alone.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, a number that is expected to grow to as many as 16 million Americans by 2050. As many as half the population over 85 is said to have it. And Veterans may be at greater risk for the disease, a recent study suggests, because they tend to suffer brain injuries at a higher incidence than the average population.
Scientists from the University of California-San Francisco recently completed the study among a large group of older Veterans. The research findings, released in July at the Alzheimer's Association's annual International Conference in Paris, suggest that those who experienced traumatic brain injury (TBI) during their lives had more than two times the risk of developing dementia.
The findings add to a growing list of suspected causes and contributors to Alzheimer’s, and research to prevent, slow and ultimately end the disease continues at a frantic pace. Yet the fact remains: there is no cure today. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States and the 5th leading cause of death for those aged 65 and older. Alzheimer’s is the only cause of death among the top 10 in America without a way to prevent, cure, or even slow its progression. The statistics are devastating families as they helplessly watch and cope. More than 60 percent of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers rate the emotional stress of caregiving as high or very high; one-third report symptoms of depression.
While there is no direct evidence to suggest that Turner developed memory loss as a result of his time served in the military, his family is relieved that he receives the help he needs to live – and in many ways thrive -- in The Gardens, the memory care neighborhood of The Fountains at Crystal Lake. At The Gardens, residents live in a secured setting with access to 24-hour care, meals, transportation and caring associates specially trained in techniques that bring out the best in individuals based on their interests and passions. Support groups are also held regularly to help families and caregivers understand what’s happening and how to communicate better with their loved ones.
“Reminiscing about their days in the military can be very therapeutic for some Veterans,” said Amy Dunn, Director of The Gardens. When Turner talks about his military days, for example, he clearly recognizes his own identity, bolstering his sense of self. When individuals have a hard time retrieving memories, Dunn and her staff rely on strategies like music, hands-on art, visual cues, even aromatherapy to help make those connections.
There is no one-size fits all approach when it comes to memory care. And giving a loved one individualized care in a specialized setting such as The Gardens can be costly. Fortunately for military families, VA benefits can help cover the cost of such care for eligible Veterans.
By HILARY GOWINS
Ruth Hall, 98, talks to a reporter about aging while at The Fountains at Crystal Lake retirement home on Friday, April 8, 2011. (Sarah Nader - snader@nwherald.com)
CRYSTAL LAKE – Aside from having glaucoma, Erna Ericson is the picture of health.
She rarely goes to the doctor. She’s only ever had one surgery – for a bunion.
Ericson is 103 years old.
“I’ve been healthy, still am,” Ericson said. “I don’t think I’ll ever die. Well it looks like it, doesn’t it?”
The former Chicago North Side resident now calls The Fountains at Crystal Lake home.
Gina Alessi, community life director at The Fountains, said that the majority of residents of the retirement community were in their 80s, with others in their 90s and 100s.
This represents a dramatic change. In the early 1900s, the average life expectancy in the United States was 42, said Charles D. Johnson, director of the Illinois Department on Aging.
“We’ve almost doubled in the last 100 years,” he said.
The U.S. Census Bureau said that the oldest old, meaning people ages 85 and older, is the fastest growing segment of the older population.
“About one in eight Americans were elderly in 1994, but about one in five would be elderly by the year 2030,” U.S. Census Bureau demographer Frank Hobbs said.
Johnson attributed this trend of living longer to advances in medicine, wider use of prescription drugs, and people living healthier lifestyles.
Ruth Hall, 98, also is a Fountains resident and an example of extended longevity.
“Nobody in my family ever lived this long,” she said, adding that she was surprised she had gotten to 98.
Part of Hall’s lifestyle at the Fountains includes keeping active socially and physically.
“I exercise three times a week, and when I get through, I feel so much better,” she said.
While living longer like Hall and Ericson is becoming more common, these women are rare in that they lead active lives relatively free of health problems.
Alessi said health concerns such as strokes, heart attacks, and cancer were common later in life for most Fountains residents.
Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that there is a difference between the number of years lived and the number of years lived free of activity limitations. While average life expectancy is just below 80 years for both men and women, the life expectancy free of such limitations is just over 65.
As community life director, Alessi has a hand in the daily lives of the residents at the Fountains. Part of what she loves about the job is hearing their stories.
“You learn so much from them, it’s amazing,” she said. “The knowledge that they hold and the history that comes from them is amazing.”
Older residents such as Ericson and Hall definitely have stories to tell and lessons to pass on to younger generations.
Like Ericson, Hall grew up during the Depression. She never went to college because her family didn’t have the money for it, so after high school, she went straight to work for an insurance company and continued to live at home.
“I got $95 a month, and I paid my mother $4 a week for room and board, but that was just the circumstances back in those days,” Hall said.
“Things were harder then, but we didn’t realize it; it was normal.”
At 103, Ericson said it sometimes was difficult to remember everything. She did recall, however, certain details about her parents and childhood.
“My parents met on the boat coming over from Germany, Ericson said. “They met coming over here; they didn’t know each other before. They got acquainted on the ship.”
Grace Moline, exhibits curator at the McHenry County Historical Society, said it was memories such as those that gave history a face.
“Ever since I’ve been [at the historical society], I’ve done lots of interviews, and that is really the core of my exhibits because it makes them personal,” Moline said. “People can start relating, because it’s a person’s experience, whether it’s farming or the Vietnam War.”
Despite some of the higher costs associated with an aging population, particularly entitlements such as Social Security and Medicare, Johnson said, he thinks the trend of living longer is a good thing.
“We are able to pass on wisdom and resources to our children and grandchildren,” Johnson said.
• When Michael Gutman’s friend left for college, Michael told him he’d take good care of his girlfriend, Marilyn. He wasn’t kidding. Seems Marilyn made the right choice. She and Michael have been married 58 years.
Their advice for lasting love: "Learn to say, ‘I'm sorry.’"
• Wallace Douglas and Wanda Mae Templin married in 1953, having been introduced by Wally’s dad, for whom Wanda worked. They dated 12 months before they married.
Their advice: "Learn to accept each other, the good and the bad things. Know that you were meant for each other and figure out marriage together."
• Norman and Alice Lodtz married in 1963. It was a second marriage for both of them. They had grown up together in Crystal Lake.
Their advice: "Do things together and be kind to each other."
• Alfred and Marion Reichwein met at work. When her phone company boss offered to fix her up with her co-worker, Alfred, she initially shrugged off the idea. Alfred didn’t give up. Looking back now at their 59-year marriage, the Reichweins agree that the reason their love has endured is patience.
Their advice: "Be patient and learn to overlook things. No one is perfect and you have to learn that fact."
Crystal Lake, IL - Some of Crystal Lake’s distinguished military Veterans are sharing life lessons they learned in service through a project spearheaded by Watermark Retirement Communities, one of the nation’s leading operators of senior living communities. Senior veterans living at The Fountains at Crystal Lake are among dozens interviewed by Watermark. Here’s what some of them said:
"Do what you have to do!" - Paul Grossinger, served eight years in the Air Force during WWII
"Do ANYTHING for your Country." - Helen Pozniak, served 2 ½ years in the Coast Guard during WWII.
"Don't be a smart***. And follow your orders.” - Ed Young, Marine Corps, 1 ½ years.
"Get along with people." - Bob Haines, Corps Engineer, Korean War veteran
Dozens more sage life lessons from veterans coast to coast are published for public viewing at www.watermarkcommunities.com/veteransday. Stories and comments from other veterans are welcome there.
Nursing home excellence
To the Editor:
I was happy to read your letter to the editor regarding Valley Hi Nursing Home (Sept. 18, It’s Your Write). Nursing homes get bum raps far too often.
I know family members hate to think of putting a loved one in a nursing home. My experience with nursing homes was with my wife, Ruth, who was diagnosed with vascular dementia back in 1998. By 2005, it was getting to a point where I needed help.
Between Family Alliance and a caregiver four days a week, I was able to manage. But once Ruth could no longer walk, we took her to Centegra-McHenry thinking she had had a stroke, but tests proved negative. My physician told me I could no longer take care of Ruth and that she would have to go to a skilled-care facility. With help from the nurse at Centegra McHenry and Amy at The Springs, Ruth was admitted the next day. I said to myself, “Now what?”
To my amazement, the staff at The Springs was terrific. The administrators, receptionists, nurses, CNA’s, activity staff, beautician, and even Bob in maintenance – all treated me like I was part of their family. I could not have asked for more.
They cared for Ruth to the end, as Ruth passed away on July 26, 2010. I just want The Springs staff to know, and for many other people to know, nursing home care can be excellent.
Homer Verseman
Crystal Lake
To listen and to love are gifts that keep on giving say experienced dads who raised their kids in Chicago area a half century ago
Crystal Lake, Ill. – A new tie or a new rake may top the list of gifts kids will give their fathers on June 20th. However, a retirement community in Crystal Lake is shifting the spotlight onto enduring gifts fathers can pass on to future generations.
Staff recently interviewed experienced dads in residence about fatherhood. In offering their advice for young dads today, they didn’t mince words.
“Listen and don’t talk too much,” advised Frank Lambert, 91, for example. Lambert drove a CTA bus for 22 years and raised three children in Chicago.
“Keep your nose clean…be faithful to your wife and love your children,” added Lambert’s neighbor, Wilse Smith. A retired supervisor for Sara Lee, Smith raised two daughters in Chicago.
Carl Hummel, 92, raised two children in Chicago while working as a Mutual Clerk at the Arlington Race Track and Stand by Announcer at Maywood Park. His advice to young dads: “Do things with your children and watch everything they do.”
“Stay very close to your family and also keep the grandparents involved,” recommends Bob Haines. The retired engineer raised four kids in Indiana. He quickly adds “and give up smoking!”
A retired salesman and father of six, Bruce Brummond said: “If you tell your children you are going to do something for them….do it!”
Fred Silver drove a truck for 57 years. Today he tells young dads “Work hard and cater to your family.”
At 97, farmer-turned-engineer, Carl Sundquist, recommends: “Whatever you do, try to do it right and enjoy what you do.”
The fathers interviewed at The Fountains at Crystal Lake raised their families more than a half century ago. Such perspective lends both clarity and credibility to their advice.
By speaking out, these members of an experienced generation are giving today’s young Dads a most valuable Father’s Day gift.
May 12, 2010, Crystal Lake, Ill. - Gina Alessi, Community Life Director for The Fountains at Crystal Lake, reports that 130 guests plus 150 residents turned out for the community’s Cinco de Mayo fiesta last week. Participants were entertained by 6-piece Mariachi Band, Mariachi Real Guadalajara, and enjoyed a festive dinner that included tacos, refried beans, Spanish rice, tamales, flan and, of course, Margaritas. At the end they raffled off gift baskets and topped the evening with staff members Janeli Suarez and Xavier Leon doing a Mexican hat dance.
27 courses are included in the summer course catalogue. All are designed with interesting topics and activities to keep minds and bodies fit. Examples include: Spanish 101, Intro to Computers, Bird Watching and Ceramics. Many Watermark University courses are free and open to interested seniors from the surrounding area. Faculty includes instructors from outside The Fountains, as well as Fountains residents and associates who are eager to share their passionate hobbies. Summer courses will be ongoing through August. Register or inquire by calling The Fountains at Crystal Lake at 815-477-6582.
Community Life Assistant, Edith Rodriguez is explaining to students the easy-to-follow steps of learning Spanish, during one her recent Spanish 101 classes at The Fountains at Crystal Lake.
At a recent Watermark University registration event at The Fountains at Crystal Lake, Community Life Assistant, Edith Rodriguez and Community Life Director, Gina Alessi are signing up residents Sandi Pope and Alma Pavey for their course selections for the summer semester.
Ten Senior Women at The Fountains at Crystal Lake Offer Words of Wisdom
Crystal Lake, Ill., April 21, 2010 – Ten local moms with years and years of experience are among 150+ mothers nationwide who are speaking out in time for Mother’s Day. Even though they raised their own children decades ago, the sage advice of these moms is just as meaningful today as it was some sixty years ago. In between managing today’s hectic family schedules, working, carpooling, cooking PLUS diaper changes, young moms in 2010 can use all the advice they can get.
The collective advice ranges from tips on raising kids to advice for the moms’ personal lives. For example, Crystal Lake resident LuAn McNeil, who raised two children in Riverdale NY, advises:
“Pay attention and listen to what your children have to say.”
Other local mothers’ advice includes:
“Cleanliness is next to Godliness.”
-Celia Kovalchik, raised 2 children in Detroit, Mich.
“Get an education!”
-Ellen Pitstick, raised 2 children in Moline, Ill.
“Spend as much time as you can with your children…hold them and don’t waste any moment showing them love and affection.”
-Lois Johnson, raised 2 children in Cleveland, Ohio.
“Don’t get married too young.”
-Clarissa Turner, raised 2 children in Springfield, Ill.
“Be honest with all your transactions. Have self-respect and aim for the sky.”
-Joyce McCord, raised 2 children in Chicago, Ill.
“Be married BEFORE you have children…..and stay out of debt.”
-Patricia Heady, raised 2 children in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
“Families are the most important thing, so don’t forget to keep in touch.”
-Delores Coulon, raised 5 children in Chicago, Ill.
“Be 100% for the children. Watch them, discipline them and let them know you love them.”
-Helen Pozniak, raised 5 children in Broadview, Ill.
“Keep an eye on them.”
-Edith McDonough, raised 3 children in Wilmette, Ill.
All ten of the local senior mom experts interviewed for this project reside at The Fountains at Crystal Lake, the full-service retirement community located at 965 N. Brighton Circle West.
Crystal Lake, IL-- 260 guests joined residents of The Fountains at Crystal Lake, 965 N. Brighton Circle West, on March 17th to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. With a menu that included corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, crème de menthe sundaes and green beer, it’s no wonder everyone’s eyes were smiling. King’s Corner and The Nippersink Rogues provided live entertainment throughout two dinner seatings.
Among the celebrants was Carl Sunquist, 98, pictured below with Azilia Drake, 88, a Fountains neighbor and also an inlaw. Azilia’s son is married to Carl’s daughter, according to Community Life Director Gina Alessi.
Alessi says she has a ball planning this annual celebration, along a full calendar of diverse activities to stimulate the body, mind and spirit, every day of the year.
Azilia Drake (left) and Carl Sundquist (right), together with Fountains staff member Seth Krogstad (center) enjoy a taste of Ireland last month during the community’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Fountains back under familiar management
By CHRIS FREEMAN
CRYSTAL LAKE – A familiar name has again graced the halls at a senior living center in Crystal Lake.
Earlier this month, Watermark Retirement Communities Inc. resumed management of The Fountains at Crystal Lake, a 325-unit senior living center at 965 N. Brighton Circle West.
Watermark Retirement managed the center until 2005 – it was called Fountains Retirement Communities at the time – before Sunrise Senior Living bought the property. Watermark is in the process of resuming management of all 16 Fountains communities.
“It’s very important,” The Fountains of Crystal Lake executive director Michael Gamache said of the news. “It’s one of the great attributes of the Fountains at Crystal Lake. It’s been here about 22 years, and we have team members who have been here well over half that time, team members with 13, 14, 15 years of experience. How residents benefit from that is there is familiar with folks that provide services every day. And at the managerial level, too, we have managers who have been here for well over 10 years.”
The Crystal Lake center has 230 associates serving the more than 300 residents on property. Most units are independent living, with skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory support care also available. Gamache said the mix of units was not expected to change after the management transition.
“It was a very positive environment that it operated in the past,” said Gamache, who has been the executive director in Crystal Lake for two years and has spent 10 years in the senior living industry. “When word came that they would be returning to in essence the same group, [associates] were very excited about that.”
Among the benefits for residents is programming called Watermark University, where residents and associates put together programs that they have an interest or background in to teach others.
“People are interested in instruction on poetry, art, languages ... it’s amazing the different interests people have and are willing to share,” Gamache said. “We plan to be rolling that product out in the months to come.”
The new management also provides connections between properties. Watermark properties get together for weekly conference calls that can help improve services and care for residents.
“We’re in discussions with other communities on a weekly basis,” Gamache said. “And it’s the discussion of best practices. If we’re finding a way to do something that works very well, we do have a forum to share that.”
The benefit for staff from the new management comes in helping provide access to information, Gamache said.
“In terms of new technologies, Watermark brings some very interesting reporting and charting information to us which will really help us in the future to utilize their enhanced techniques to streamline our work and help us spend more face-to-face time with our residents,” he said.
Copyright © 2010 Business Journal. All rights reserved.
Watermark Retirement Communities Reappointed as Manager for Fountains Portfolio
Watermark Retirement Communities, Inc., formerly Fountains Retirement Communities, has been reappointed as manager for 16 retirement communities previously managed by Sunrise Senior Living, announced David N. Barnes, President/CEO of Watermark Retirement Communities.
“Watermark was the obvious choice for managing the Fountains portfolio because we know the communities so well,” said Barnes.
After selling 18 properties within the Fountains brand to Sunrise in 2005, Fountains Retirement Communities was renamed Watermark Retirement Communities. Over the past four years, with his partner David Freshwater, former Fountains CEO, Barnes has grown Watermark’s management portfolio to 11 communities plus three home health agencies in six states. The addition of the Fountains portfolio brings Watermark’s total managed communities to 27 in 16 states.
“We very much look forward to the coming weeks and months as we personally welcome back so many former residents and associates into the family of Watermark communities. It feels like we’re putting the band back together,” stated Barnes.
Watermark Retirement Communities has owned and operated successful, innovative senior housing communities for more than 20 years. According to Barnes, Watermark is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive and a culture where everyone is encouraged to express their creativity, passion and inner child – to express their true selves. As a result, Barnes says, Watermark communities are full of spirit, character, compassion and adventure.
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The Fountains at Crystal Lake | 965 North Brighton Circle West | Crystal Lake, IL 60012 | 1-815-893-7216
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