5 Tips for Better Senior Health: Celebrating National Senior Health & Fitness Day

Photo Credit: 123 Photos

Exercise is vital for good physical and mental health. Healthy eating plus regular exercise is the winning formula for positive well-being at any age. As we age and our bodies change, how we safely exercise and the importance of what we eat to keep fit also changes.

May 31, 2017 is the 24th annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day. According to the their official website, the common goal of this day is "to help keep older Americans healthy and fit.” In honor of this beneficial day, here are five things you can do year round to keep you fit as a fiddle.

1) Getting Out and About

Photo Credit: Fabrizio Verrecchia

A fun way to get your steps in is to join group outings. Going to the museum, the zoo, flea markets, historical tours, or craft shows are a few ways to get out and about, learn new things and be social. Walking is a simple exercise that strengthens muscles, can stop bone mass loss, and improves sleeping. Even if a person has mobility issues that keep them confined to a wheelchair, one can still enjoy the new sights and change of scenery.

2) Yoga

Photo Credit: 123 Photos

Yoga is for every body. Many people erroneously think yoga is about turning people into human pretzels. But that is not true. Yoga is a mind-body practice that strengthens and stretches our bodies while connecting with our breath. There are numerous postures, from beginner to advance, and ways to adjust the postures to suit different individuals’ needs. One can even do yoga while sitting in a chair. There are gentle restorative yoga routines designed specifically for seniors or for people with back problems. 

3) Enjoy Your Favorite Hobbies

Photo Credit: 123 Photos

Oh, the simple joy of casting a fishing line on warm summer day, watching the sun dance on the water and listening to the birds singing. Gardening, fishing, birding, flying a kite - these are all great ways to move around and have so much fun doing it, you will forget you are exercising as well.

4) An Apple A Day…

Photo Credit: Peter Belch

As the old saying goes, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Health concerns such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers are connected to poor weight, nutrition and not enough exercise. Healthy diets are an important part of keeping one’s cholesterol, blood pressure and other health-related numbers in the healthy zone.

5) Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day

Photo Credit: 123 Photos

Before embarking on any new fitness routine, talk to your doctor to find out if there are any physical or health considerations to keep in mind. Remember - Rome wasn’t built in a day. All new exercises should be built up slowly and gradually. A great way to stick to your exercise routine is to find a group of like-minded people to join you and help you stay motivated, accountable and to share the joy of accomplishing goals with.

The Scottish Home is a unique senior living community nestled in five quiet, park-like acres just a few miles west of downtown Chicago, in North Riverside, Illinois. Our beautiful location is filled with lovely outdoor spaces for people to go outside and enjoy the fresh air! Come see for yourself. 

Spring Has Sprung: The Healing Power of Being Outdoors for Seniors

It’s time to shake off that coat of winter hibernation and let the sunshine in! The cold weather makes movement a lot more challenging for those who have trouble getting around. Spring’s warmer weather invites us outside to celebrate the beauty of the crocuses and the lilacs blooming and inspires us to move about while giving us a renewed sense of freedom. Exercise and the warm sun are good for our stimulating our minds and moving our bodies. This is especially important to seniors that may have been homebound during the winter months.

5 Ways for Seniors To Enjoy The Warm Weather Outdoors

1) Take A Stroll

Getting outside in nature and taking a walk is beneficial to people on so many levels.

It strengthens muscles, can stop bone mass loss, can improve sleeping and boost the immune system, and is a great way to lose weight. The benefits of walking for seniors are tremendous.

2) Have a Picnic

Pack a little snack, and find a quiet, peaceful spot and enjoy “al fresco” dining. Bringing cards and playing a game outside is always fun too. This is a great way to enjoy social time together and the beauty of the outdoors.

3) Get a Bird Feeder

Who doesn’t enjoy watching birds at a bird feeder. You can make a game out of it and get a bird identification book to help name the different birds that come to visit - helps stimulate our minds and memories as well.

4) Just Be

Simply sitting outside and enjoying the sights and sounds of being outside is a fulfilling way for everyone to improve their physical and mental health. Getting outside breaks up the day-to-day routine and brightens our mood. Just 15 minutes a day outside in the sun can boost your vitamin D levels, which can improve your immune system and help foster a more positive outlook.   

5) Simply Open a Window

Seniors with limited mobility may have limits to their ability to go outdoors. But even sitting by an open window can bring the fresh air in, brighten the senses - and make a world of difference.

The Scottish Home is located North Riverside, Illinois, in a beautiful location with lovely outdoor spaces that allows its residents and guests to go outside, enjoy the fresh air - and feel better! Come see for yourself this special assisted living community where friends become family. http://www.thescottishhome.org

The Scottish Homes Presents: Hand Massage “Touch” Therapy Workshop

Physical touch is a sensation that human beings crave from birth. Infants cuddle their mothers, children hug their parents and friends and family members regularly embrace to provide a sense of security and closeness. Even a kind touch on the shoulder or a gentle hold of a hand helps people feel more connected and less lonely. Senior citizen’s living in retirement communities are especially receptive to the benefits of human interaction and touch.

The Secret Touch

Research has suggested that providing touch-therapy to elderly residents, in particular those suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia, can have a drastic, positive effect on their mood, demeanor and health. Touch and massage therapy are some of the oldest non-invasive therapies in the world and generally focuses on using human touch along with calming essential oils to provide pressure and stimulation to muscles in the body. In the book, Care Through Touch, the author says that “touch is a natural and therapeutic way of being with the elderly . . . touch and its life-enhancing benefits are too frequently denied the elderly in our culture."

Social & Physical Healing

Senior communities can often create a sense of isolation or loneliness for residents. Through touch therapy practices, experts and properly trained family members can create a better, more full life for individuals in the senior community. Regular human contact from family members, friends and peers can help maintain a positive, connected mindset for seniors. Aside from the obvious social benefits, the practice of touch therapy can create an immense improvement in seniors’ overall health. Massage and touch therapy has been reported to:

- Relieve sore muscles -Help with arthritic pain -Improve circulation -Enhance digestive and respiratory system functionality -Improve circulation -Stimulate the nervous system -Help normalize appetite, sleep, and mood -Speed up postoperative recovery time.

Join Us

At The Scottish Home, we strive to provide a sense of living for our residents resembling that of a warm and welcoming home. We believe that touch therapy and massage can provide miraculous benefits to our residents which is why we are hosting a “Hand Massage Touch Therapy Workshop” for those curious about proper technique and its benefits for seniors. The session is $55 and attendees will receive a workbook, certificate of completion and a gift of essential oils. Learn more by viewing the event on Facebook or visit our site to learn more about senior living options at The Scottish Home. 

What to Say When the Memory Fades

Communicating with someone who is diagnosed with Alzheimer's can be an emotionally challenging situation. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia steal away stories and details that were once easily accessible and make everyday communication difficult. These changes happen in three stages (referred to as mild, moderate and severe Alzheimer’s disease) and take understanding, patience and good listening skills to deal with. For those experiencing Alzheimer’s, these changes can be scary and extremely frustrating. Effective communication can help put those with dementia or Alzheimer’s at ease.

Mayra Ligeza, from the Alzheimer's Association, recently presented a Brunch Series at The Scottish Home that examined “Effective Communication Strategies.” She explained, “communication is more than just talking and listening – it’s also about sending and receiving messages through attitude, tone of voice, facial expressions and body language. As people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias progress in their journey and the ability to use words is lost, families need new ways to connect. Learning to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s can help you connect and communicate at each stage of the disease.”

A few effective tips for successful communication are:

Mild Alzheimer’s:

●       Don’t exclude them from conversations. Talk directly to them.

●       Take time to listen to how the person is feeling and if they need anything.

●       Be patient and give them time to find the right words and respond. Don’t interrupt or finish their sentences unless they ask for help.

Moderate Alzheimer’s:

●       Keep eye contact. It communicates you are active listening and that you care about what is being said.

●       Speak slowly and clearly.

●       Don’t overwhelm the person with complicated requests. Offer simply, step-by-step instructions.

Severe Alzheimer’s:

●       Promote nonverbal communication, e.g. pointing and gesturing.

●       Utilize touch, sights, sounds, smells and tastes as another way to convey experience.

●       Remember - it is OK if you don’t know what to say. The most important thing is your friendship and presence.

Looking for more tips? We highly recommend exploring the Alzheimer’s Association's webpage. They have a host of resources and information, including more tips on effective communication strategies: https://www.alz.org/care/dementia-communication-tips.asp

The Scottish Home regularly hosts events with expert presenters that examine issues involving elder care; including our regular Memory Care Brunch Series, every 2nd Friday of the month, from 9am - 11am. We would love it if you could join us. Check our Facebook page or website for upcoming events. Call Rebecca Drennan to RSVP: 708-447-5092.

Senior Living That Feels Like Home

Putting loved ones into a senior living facility can create more worry than relief for family members who wonder if they are making the right decision. If your parents are struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, there is even greater importance that their new living space feels like a home and not a hospital. The Scottish Home and the Caledonian House in North Riverside, Illinois offers a unique living arrangement that provides you with peace-of-mind knowing that your loved one is well cared for. Here are five unique advantages to The Scottish Home:

1.     A step above assisted living – The Scottish Home is licensed to provide Sheltered Care. This means that we offer your loved one the same level of care they would get in assisted living, plus nursing care around the clock. We give personalized assistance based on patient need as well as friendship, emotional, and physical support for whole patient care. In addition, our residents get three meals a day, housekeeping, beauty and barber shop services, and regular activities and outings.

2.     Skilled nursing and intermediate care – If your loved one requires more care because of an injury, surgery, or prolonged illness, our staff is trained to provide skilled nursing care as well as therapeutic recovery services in a comfortable, homelike setting. We provide a personalized approach for each of our residents so the level and type of care is tailored to meet their specific needs.

3.     Memory care – Our facility offers an environment that helps patients struggling with the impact of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. A homey setting comforts them and is free from long, confusing hallways and an institutional feel. Residents have private bedrooms and a full bathroom that open to a center common area with a comforting fireplace, seating area, and open kitchen. 

4.     Family setting – All meals are enjoyed with fellow floor residents. Additionally, our certified nursing assistant staff are trained to help patients with personal care, culinary requirements, housekeeping, and dementia care. They take the time to engage with each resident and make them feel at home.

5.     Respite care – We offer respite care for family members who need a short break to recharge from the demands of caring for their loved ones.

The Scottish Home is the only facility that offers this type of elder care model in the Chicagoland area. Contact us to schedule a visit. 

Survival Tips for Alzheimer's Patients and Families During the Holidays

Survival Tips for Alzheimer's Patients and Families During the Holidays

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Sleigh bells are ringing, Jack Frost is nipping at your nose, and it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Yes everyone, tis the season to be merry! The time of countless family gatherings, gift buying, wonderful meals, and endless holiday cheer.

But with the many joys and special memories that are created during the month of December, there can be as many stressful and painful experiences as well, particularly when a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Why not give the gift of preparation and calm this season not only to your loved one, but to yourself. Take advice from your friendly experts at the Scottish Home , and listen to these three quick survival tips for you and Alzheimer’s patients.

Plan Carefully

It’s often hardest on Alzheimer’s patients and their family members when they are not prepared for the challenges they could encounter in their holiday plans. We highly recommend you consider your social and emotional expectations and discussing your holiday plans with relatives and close friends as far in advance as possible. It may even be advisable to celebrate the holiday a day or two early!

Take Good Care of Yourself

The holidays are special time to not only spend quality time with the people you love, but also, for you to relax and enjoy yourself! Asking for assistance for you and your loved one is a great day to maintain a positive attitude during the holidays. You can also arrange for in-home care when the holiday rush dies down to take an afternoon for yourself!

Make Sure Your Loved One is Prepared for the Holiday

Making sure your loved one is prepared for holiday events allows everyone to get the most out of the holiday season. Schedule naps and family and visit times to make sure everyone is well rested and enjoying their time together. We also recommend you play familiar music and reserve a quiet room for necessary breaks when planning an event.

From all of us at The Scottish Home, may you have a happy and blessed Holiday season!

The Differences Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s: What You Need to Know

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are often thought of as the same thing. Although the symptoms of both conditions can appear similar, their underlying causes and treatment methods can be quite different. Alzheimer’s patients often exhibit dementia, but not all people who deal with dementia have Alzheimer’s disease.

The main difference between these two common conditions is that dementia is a group of symptoms, whereas Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease with a formal diagnosis. By contrast, dementia is a syndrome, meaning it is not a formal disease, but rather a set of symptoms that point to an underlying, separate cause.

Some of the symptoms of dementia include:

• Impaired language and communication
• Memory loss
• Foggy thinking

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s can include the symptoms of dementia listed above, as well as:

• Behavioral changes
• Short-term memory loss (inability to recall what was just said)
• Disorientation
• Depression and apathy
• Progressive decline in ability to walk, speak, or care for oneself

Alzheimer’s is one of the biggest causes of dementia, but people affected by Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, stroke and vascular diseases, nutritional and metabolic disorders, or drug interactions may also exhibit dementia without having Alzheimer’s. Whereas Alzheimer’s causes a specific form of dementia, there are many types of dementia, caused by other forms of damage to different areas of the brain.

It is important to understand the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s because treatment methods and the prognoses for the two conditions can vary. For cases of dementia, identifying the root cause determines the plan of treatment. Some forms of dementia can be alleviated by treating the root cause of the problem, especially in cases of metabolic disorders and drug effects. In cases of vascular disorders, prevention of further damage, such as future strokes, may prevent an escalation of dementia symptoms.

If the underlying cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, the focus becomes management of symptoms. Some treatment strategies include boosting brain function, using sleep and depression medications, and treating memory loss with pharmaceuticals. Those dealing with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease can benefit from supportive services and memory care.   

Located in North Riverside, Illinois, we at The Scottish Home understand the challenges and difficulties of memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. For over 100 years, we have been providing personalized care to seniors. Our services include residential and respite care, as well as “Best in Class” memory support care at our brand-new Caledonia House. The Scottish Home is where friends become family. Contact us or visit our website to learn more about what makes our family of staff, residents, relatives, and community members so special.  

#MemoryCare Wednesday Brunch Series: Debt Collection and Consumer Rights

Debt collectors used to hound individuals until they received payment. Today, there are certain guidelines set in place to prevent consumers from being harassed, deceived and abused. Shannon Geier from Geier Law LLC recently spoke at The Scottish Home and was able to give advice on debt collections and consumer rights. Here’s what we learned.

Consumers have legal rights when faced with unfair debt collection practices. To a certain degree, they are even protected. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits debt collectors from being abusive, unfair, or using deceptive practices when attempting to collect debt. How do you know if a debt collector is violating consumer rights? Some general provisions that the FDCPA prohibits include harassing, oppressing, abusing, deceiving or misleading representation, and unfair practices. If you are being harassed by a debt collector, write down important details including the name and number of who called you and what was discussed on the phone.

Unfair debt collection including nursing home debt collection is subject to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. For more information, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website at this link.

The Wednesday Brunch Series takes place the first Wednesday of every month at 9 am in The Caledonian House. On October 5^th, we will be welcoming Bright Star Cheri as she presents “Learning to Speak Dementia”. The following month (November 2^nd) Eleanore Webber will be presenting "Retired or Thinking of Retirement (age 50+), Understand Medicare and Long-Term Care Funding – Immediate and Future!"

RSVP your spot today by giving us a call at 708-447-5092.

If you would like to learn more about the Wednesday Brunch Series taking place at The Caledonian House every Wednesday from 9 to 11 am, please follow The Scottish Home on Facebook!

7 Signs of Alzheimer’s and How The Caledonian House Can Help

Alzheimer’s is a form of severe dementia that progresses over time, with a gradual increase in symptoms such as forgetfulness, disorientation, and disruptive behavior. Alzheimer’s is a fatal disease that attacks the brain, and although there is no cure yet, early detection and treatment can slow its progress and extend quality of life for both patients and caregivers.

Most people wait far too long to recognize or seek treatment for Alzheimer’s, by which point, damaging lesions have already spread through the brain, and it is too late to maximize the benefits of treatment strategies. A timely diagnosis, specialized memory care, healthy diet, physical and cognitive exercise, social stimulation, and even medication can help stave off the progression of Alzheimer’s.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, here are some early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease:

• Forgetting recently learned information
• Poor judgment and decision making
• Difficulty concentrating or completing familiar tasks
• Trouble speaking or holding a conversation
• Frequently misplacing or losing items
• Withdrawal from social activities with friends and family
• Changes in mood and personality

If your loved one is exhibiting these symptoms, see their physician as soon as possible.

At The Scottish Home, we are pleased and excited to feature our enhanced memory care facility, The Caledonian House. We know that memory loss is never easy but we hope to make the transition to assisted living as smooth as possible for all involved. This new facility is our response to the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Each of the Caledonian House’s two floors will be home to 10 residents in which they can enjoy private bedrooms, full bathrooms and a community space for lounging, cooking and dining. In addition to a home-like setting, the Caledonian House also provides the best care possible for residents in need of skilled nursing and memory care.

The Scottish Home is currently accepting new residents at The Caledonian House! If you are interested in learning more about our facility, set up a tour with our team by calling 708-447- 5092.

Summer Events at The Scottish Home

Summer is a wonderful time of year for everyone, especially our residents at The Scottish Home. Our ongoing Wednesday Brunch Series continues throughout the season, and August boasts our 100th annual Scottish Home picnic! Read on to learn more about these great summer events at The Scottish Home.

The Caledonian House Wednesday Brunch Series

The Caledonian House Brunch Series takes place every Wednesday morning from 9:00 am to 11:00 am in our effort to redefine memory care. We host guest speakers who talk about memory care and health issues affecting the elderly, while the attendees enjoy brunch! Admission is FREE, but we do ask that you RSVP by calling 708-447-5092. Here are the upcoming topics and guest speakers for the remainder of the series:

●       July 20 — Downsizing.  Presenter: Meredith Morris

●       July 27 — No brunch program today

●       August 3 — Woohoo!  Presenter: Jim Boyle, Administrator of The Scottish Home

●       August 10 — The History of the Saint Andrew Society.  Presenter: Gus Nobel, President Saint Andrew Society

●       August 17 — Having a Say in Your Future.  Presenter: Helen Mesoloras, Dutton & Casey P.C., Attorneys at Law

●       August 24 — Virtual Dementia.  Presenter: Gloria Harrington, Right at Home

The 100th Annual Scottish Home Picnic

The 100th Annual Scottish Home Picnic will be held on Saturday, August 6th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Admission is free, and the whole family is welcome! There will be live music, food vendors, a horse-drawn trolley, raffles, Highland dancers, bagpipers, and games for the kids. In the past, picnic attendees have enjoyed all the fun activities we have to offer, and noshed on delicious Scottish food as well as traditional picnic fare. Since this year is the 100th anniversary, it’s the one you won’t want to miss! The picnic will be held at The Scottish Home grounds. If you need directions, click here.

We have so many great events scheduled for the remainder of the summer, you won’t want to skip a single one. From all of us at The Scottish Home: we look forward to seeing you!

The Caledonian House: A New Model Of Memory

Here at the Scottish Home, we are pleased and excited to announce an update on our new facility, the Caledonian House.  We are currently in the final stages of construction and putting the finishing touches on the Caledonian House.  With completion on the horizon, tours are now available at the Caledonian House!  Call us today at 708-447-5092 to set up your appointment. Don’t forget to pick up an application - spots are filling up fast!

What is the Caledonian House?

For more than 100 years, The Scottish Home has been providing senior citizens with quality care and a warm community for residents and their families.  In an effort to provide the community with enhanced memory care, The Scottish Home is opening the Caledonian House this Summer.

This new facility is our response to the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.  Each of the Caledonian House’s two floors will be home to 10 residents in which they can enjoy private bedrooms, full bathrooms and a community space for lounging, cooking and dining.  In addition to a home-like setting, the Caledonian House also provides the best care possible for residents in need of skilled nursing and memory care.

The Scottish Home is currently accepting admission applications for The Caledonian House!  If you are interested in learning more about our facility, set up a tour with our team.  If you would like to learn more about memory care and health issues affecting the elderly, we invite you to join us for our Wednesday Brunch Series during the month of June. 

The Caledonian House Brunch Series takes place every Wednesday morning from 9 am to 11 am in our effort to redefine memory care.  Take a look at the following sessions and topics!

June 1^st: Laugh For the Health Of It, presented by Colleen Carol of Amita Health

June 8^th: Alzheimer’s, presented by Grace Catalano of Alzheimer’s Association

June 15^th: Understanding Changes in Medicare, presented by Jean Lyons of Lyon Retirement Solutions

June 22^nd: Understanding Hospice, presented by Metoda Posega of Seasons Hospice

June 29^th: Ageless Grace, Neuroplasticity and The Brain, presented by Peggy Kinst of Certified International Trainer of Ageless Grace

If you are planning on attending any of these events or would like to schedule your tour of the Caledonian House, please call 708-447-5092 or visit our website!

Open House Soon to Come for Caledonian House!

As many of you know, The Scottish Home is enhancing and adding to our senior living facility with the construction of The Caledonian House.  The Caledonian House is due to open in early summer and we are happy to announce that we are right on track with construction!  Designed as a home rather than an institution, we are hoping The Caledonian House will be a welcoming environment for those who need more than just a traditional nursing facility.

While we have not set a date for Open House yet, there is still plenty to look forward to!  We are thrilled to spread the word about the extraordinary services that will be offered at The Caledonian House and our existing nursing facilities.  Located in the heart of the forest preserve of North Riverside, we have been settled on 5 wooded acres for the past 100 years.  The Caledonian House will add to the beauty of our land with a red-shingled roof, half-timber frame and stone veneer.

In addition to our scenic setting, we offer great spaces and a continuum of care to suit the needs of our residents.  The Caledonian House is currently under construction but we presently have space available for seniors in The Highlands, our sheltered care.  Shared spaces are also available for those who enjoy entertaining family and friends.  This is an ideal setting for those seeking additional care for daily activities, medication reminders, meals, housekeeping, laundry and socialization. 

As always, we offer 24-hour intermediate and skilled healthcare for all residents.  Our staff to resident ratio will be 1-5 in the New Caledonian House and 1-8 in our other facilities.  Prices are very affordable; simply give us a call to set up a tour with The Scottish Home team. 

The Scottish Home would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the construction of The Caledonian House and we are excited for the grand opening in June.  To keep up-to-date on The Caledonian House construction and Open House dates, please like our Facebook page or contact Becky Drennan at 708-426-7175!

The Scottish Home, exceptional care where friends become family.

Construction Underway For Caledonian House

The Scottish Home has been providing loving care and quality services for over a century.  For many years, we dreamed of enhancing our Scottish Home campus by building a new residence for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  We are pleased to share that construction of our Caledonian House is underway!  Set to open this June, the Caledonian House will offer state-of-the-art memory care whilst remaining true to the Scottish Home’s heritage of being a place where friends become family.

Designed as a home rather than an institution, the Caledonian House has been under construction since last June and will be ready for completion in just a few months.  So far, a red-shingled roof has been placed on the frame of the building.  Eventually, the framing will be sheathed in a half-timber and stone veneer that will give the building a homey, welcoming appearance! 

Inside the Caledonian House, you can expect much more than a traditional nursing facility.  This facility has been created and specifically designed for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia.  The Caledonian House is arranged like a home with an open floor setting.  Rather than resident rooms coming off of long corridors, rooms open up into a shared living area, sitting area, dining area and open kitchen. 

In addition to quality construction and an advanced floor plan, staff members of the Caledonian House will be providing best in class memory care.  Staff will be cross-trained to provide nursing, food service and housekeeping duties so they will better be able to forge personal relationships with residents. 

The Scottish Home would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the construction of the Caledonian House!  The donations and support we receive have allowed us to continue our commitment to senior citizens and continued memory care.  If you have a family member suffering from Alzheimer’s that needs quality memory care, consider the Caledonian House.  The grand opening is set for June and space is limited.  

To learn more about The Caledonian House and our construction phase, please like our Facebook page or contact Becky Drennan at 708-426-7175!

Valentine’s Day at The Scottish Home

The history of Valentine’s Day and the holiday’s namesake, Saint Valentine, is not entirely known. The holiday is thought to have began as a Christian celebration of the martyr Saint Valentine of Rome. It is believed that Valentine’s Day was created many centuries ago to be celebrated at the same time the three-day Roman pagan fertility festival, Lupercalia, was observed. Thus, Valentine’s Day fell on February 14th, right smack in the middle of Lupercalia.

According to history.com, the legend of Saint Valentine contends that he was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Legend claims an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is said that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a heroic and romantic figure.

Today, Valentine’s Day is still a holiday of love. It is punctuated by flowers, chocolates, poetic greeting cards and paper hearts. About 150 million cards are exchanged for Valentine’s Day each year, making it the second most popular card-sending holiday next to Christmas. For many residents of The Scottish Home, though, Valentine’s Day can be a lonely one. If you have a loved one residing in a nursing home or assisted living center, take the time to pay them a visit or send them a homemade Valentine. Receiving a visit, a greeting card, or a vase of flowers will undoubtedly brighten their day. Thoughtful gestures like these can mean so much to our residents! Beyond holidays, keeping a consistent visiting schedule will help reduce loneliness. And as always, know that your loved ones are in the good hands of our staff at The Scottish Home.

Thanks For a Great Holiday Season!

Thank you to our residents, family members, volunteers and employees who participated in The Scottish Home holiday celebrations!  Even though residents were away from home, we were happy to provide our seniors with the comforts of home during the holidays.  Take a look at what made the 2015 holiday season at The Scottish Home great!

The holidays were a busy and festive time as residents and staff were hard at work creating a magical atmosphere throughout The Scottish Home.  Carolers from churches, schools and scouts filled the air with joyful holiday sounds.  The residents enjoyed the glow of Christmas lights during an evening, guided bus tour through Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo.

By far, the highlight of the season had to be the annual Resident Family Christmas Party.  Residents and their families indulged in a variety of sweets while listening to carolers.  They were even surprised with a performance by the Thistle and Heather Dancers.  The night was closed out with a visit from Santa and plenty of goodies for the residents and children at the party.

Once again, thank you to all who participated in our Holiday festivities and we look forward to a great 2016!  Even after the holidays end, we are proud to provide our residents with warm, friendly and loving care.  No matter the time of year, The Scottish Home is a place where friends become family.  To learn more about The Scottish Home, please visit our website and schedule a tour today!  We are conveniently located at 2800 Des Plaines Avenue in North Riverside, Illinois. 

Caledonian House

2015 has been an incredible year for the Illinois Saint Andrew Society. Our supporters have recognized that there is something very special about this organization and they have given passionately and generously to encourage and enable us to accomplish our mission. We are truly grateful for the commitment of our Scottish community. Thank you.

One very special highlight of the year is that construction on our new building is well underway. For many years, we dreamed of enhancing our Scottish Home campus by building a new residence for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. On May 12^th 2015, our dream became a reality. We broke ground and began to build the Caledonian House. Designed as a home rather than an institution, the Caledonian House will offer state-of-the art memory care whilst remaining true to the Scottish Home’s heritage of being a place where friends become family.

We invite you to watch our new video and learn more about the Caledonian House and what makes its thoughtful design and person-centered memory care so important.

Many have already made contributions to help build the Caledonian House. We appreciate the support very much and hope that donors are inspired to offer their continued commitment. We would like to share one example that illustrates the power of philanthropy and the necessity of our bold, innovative response to Alzheimer’s disease.

Last year, Barry and MaryAnn MacLean, longtime members of the Society, chose to support the Caledonian House with a transformational gift of $1 million. Their extraordinary philanthropy enabled us to begin construction. And incredibly, after seeing our recent progress on the building, they have increased their pledge from $1 million to $1.5 million. We are deeply grateful to the MacLeans for their investment and humbly gratified by the confidence it represents.

On behalf of the MacLean family, our Board and all the families – past, present and future – whose lives are enriched by the Scottish Home and soon the Caledonian House, we invite you to join us in our battle against Alzheimer’s disease.

You can join us in the battle against Alzheimer’s disease by making a tax-deductible donation to the Caledonian House or on their website.

If you are looking for care and are interested in learning more about the Scottish Home and the Caledonian House, please contact Becky Drennan at 708-426-7175 or email her.