A Letter From R. J.

Dear Reader,

When the responsibilities of a home and grounds became too much for me to care for, I knew it was time for me to start thinking about moving to a retirement community. I felt I’d find just the right place, and indeed I have.

It’s assisted living at The Highlands of Evanston, part of Presbyterian Homes. The Highlands met all of my requirements and then some. Let me tell you how I came to know it was the right time to make this move.

After my husband died, I lived alone in our home on the Rock River in northern Illinois. My daughter lived 100 miles away and had been coming to visit every Tuesday for 11 years. She didn’t mind the drive, but I certainly worried about her in bad weather.

In my hometown, we had owned a building and clothing store, but now the store is a bank. Things were different – long-time friends were no longer nearby. I thought to myself, “What am I doing here?”

I called my daughter and her husband and told them I wanted to talk something over with them. During lunch, I surprised them when I said that I was going to sell the house and move. They were thrilled. On their own, they had already “scouted” some places they thought I might consider near their home on the North Shore.

One of the places they especially liked was The Highlands of Evanston on the campus of Westminster Place. My daughter had visited The Highlands earlier and stopped residents to ask how they liked living here. Everyone was very positive and enthusiastic. She noticed the rapport the staff seemed to have with the residents.

I said I wanted a place with trees and flowers, and the 40-acre campus of The Highlands has abundant foliage, along with fountains and walking paths.

My daughter particularly appreciated that the campus offered independent living, assisted living, skilled care, rehab and memory support. That way, if I ever needed any of those services, I wouldn’t need to make a second move.

Now that I’ve lived here for over a year, let me tell you what I like about The Highlands. With a fire burning in the fireplace and a warm greeting from the concierge, it feels like a home. But not a nursing home. All the residents are nicely dressed. I feel like I’m visiting friends, and I have made many here. There is a non-denominational chapel on campus, and I love to go there often to pray on my own.

I enjoy my dinner companions so much. We all learn from each other’s life experience. This is a place where you can exchange memories, and we are all interested in hearing the latest news about each other’s children and grandkids.

I’ve also taken several of the Activity Department’s wonderful trips -- to Donald Trump’s new restaurant “Sixteen” in downtown Chicago, tours of Christmas decorations, and out to the Morton Arboretum.

My daughter says I’ve done more here in the past year than I did in several years in my former home. But no one pushes you to do anything. You can choose to do or not do whatever you like.

There are so many conveniences for Highlands residents. The Hansen Clinic is right in the building. I can see a doctor there and get dental care and even X-rays. If I don’t feel up to walking, I just call for a wheelchair ride.

Each resident is given Lifeline, a personal emergency response bracelet or pendant to wear. If ever I’m not feeling well, I push the button and a public safety officer and a nurse arrive immediately. I feel safe and secure here.

The Presbyterian Homes employees are wonderful -- so respectful -- and they always go the extra mile. From the dining staff to the housekeepers, they are always looking for any additional way they can meet my needs.

It’s been 18 months, and I never look back. My daughter and her husband stop in several times a week and now, I’m close enough to enjoy family activities more often. I couldn’t be happier. The Highlands of Evanston is my home.

Sincerely,

R. J.