When Elizabeth knew it was time to move her dad Fritz into a facility in Chicago, she reached out to her synagogue. Her rabbi and other community members guided Elizabeth to The Selfhelp Home. Her father (96) is healthy, active and vibrant – he is also a Holocaust survivor. Elizabeth needed a CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community) that would allow Fritz to live independently, have access to compassionate high quality healthcare, continue celebrating his Jewish traditions and of course, enjoy his love of music and gardening.
According to Elizabeth, it was b’shert (destiny) that she found The Selfhelp Home. She says: the programming is impressive and I was in love with the renovated apartments. Elizabeth is grateful to have found an outstanding facility only 10 minutes from her home, giving her the comfort of checking in on her dad at any time.
Fritz and his daughter enjoy weekly dinners together. They are excited to start growing seedlings in his apartment this spring to get ready for this summer’s rooftop garden.
What is a CCRC?
Continuing Care Retirement Communities are the ideal senior living option for individuals to “age in place”. CCRC’s are an all-in-one solution that combines independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation therapy, and skilled nursing care. Some communities also offer outpatient therapy as well, all under one roof, like The Selfhelp Home in Chicago. “Families usually begin a search for a community after noticing a decline in health, memory or safety, sometimes the loss of a spouse or an extended hospital stay can trigger the need to make the change,” said Sheila Bogen, Executive Director of The Selfhelp Home.
The Selfhelp Home is a prime example of offering services which include housekeeping, personal care, medication management, balanced meals, excellent medical care options, and inspiring programming. Families are comfortable knowing that their parents will have the opportunity to participate in these wonderful programs and be supported with all their care needs. Our CCRC offers access to any level of specialized state-of-the-art healthcare or desired living situation.
Which Amenities are Important?
Residing in a CCRC creates less worry for families as parents move along the aging continuum. Living independently in maintenance-free apartments, whether one bedroom, one bedroom deluxe or convertible studios, residents will have housekeeping staff to assist them. If needs arise, assisted living services can be put in place. “People feel safe and comfortable knowing that they never have to move again,” Bogen said.
We’ve recently renovated our apartments to feature modern and stylish open-concept spaces with quartz countertops, curbless showers, solid wood kitchen cabinetry, spacious closets, personal thermostats, WiFi, an emergency pull-cord notification system in every room and more!
The CCRC you choose will become your loved one’s new world, it’s important to make sure that the environment is inviting, comforting, and promotes a sense of happiness. At Selfhelp we are proud of the variety of amenities that our residents enjoy: Roof Garden, Solarium, Movie Theater, Gift Shop, Wellness Center, Media Room and Sanctuary.
Continuing Care for all Stages
One of the most important amenities of a CCRC is not just the continuum of care, but the need for short-term care. Communities with a short-term rehabilitation unit offer its residents a safe and comfortable place to recuperate from a hospital stay or illness. The transition and healing process becomes easier with a familiar place and familiar faces. The Selfhelp Home offers its residents a state-of-the-art rehab facility that is ranked 5-stars from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
“A CCRC allows residents to live a stress-free life, knowing that they will have a continuum of care,” Bogen added.
Active Programming and Jewish Lifestyle
Continuing Care Retirement Communities are wonderful places for seniors to maintain a social life and stay active. It’s important to keep one’s brain and body moving; as they say, “Use it or lose it!” Search for a facility that offers programming that you feel will be beneficial and enjoyable for your loved one. “Minds are continually being challenged across every spectrum of what we do,” said Sheila Bogen. “Lifelong learning is the lifeblood of The Selfhelp Home that keeps the intellect stimulated.”
Selfhelp’s monthly calendar is full of opportunities. Watch your aging parent experience true joy, make new friends, and continue learning as they participate in daily activities. Our variety of cultural entertainment is designed to spark imagination and encourage social interaction. Live music concerts take place every Sunday, and a wide variety of programs and activities are scheduled daily.
A few examples of activities we offer include: yoga; art appreciation; garden club; movie discussions; interesting lectures and group discussions; weekly Shabbat services & dinner; news briefs; tai chi, daily exercise; and celebrating the Jewish holidays. Our goal is to make these experiences accessible and fun for residents to form friendships and celebrate life!
Where to Find Reviews & Rankings to Make an Informed Decision?
When researching CCRC facilities that would best fit your parent’s or loved one’s needs, there are several excellent resources to find current rankings and reviews of facilities. There is a wealth of information when it comes to finding the right CCRC and a variety of criteria to consider when making your choice. We highly recommend browsing various websites and touring facilities to create the most comprehensive plan for your parent.
The Selfhelp Home maintains the highest ranking from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services. We’ve earned recognition as U.S. News and World Report “Best Nursing Home” for 2018-2019, and we have earned the Joint Commission Seal of Approval for Post-Acute Care and Nursing Care Center.
Visiting The Selfhelp Home
Selfhelp invites you and your family for a tour, to meet our staff, ask any questions you may have, and spend some time speaking with our residents about their experience living here. Life’s transitions can be challenging but not impossible! Let us help you accommodate the needs of your loved ones and make their transition as comfortable as possible. Choosing Chicago’s Selfhelp Home will connect them with their Jewish community, support their healthcare needs, and encourage them to thrive with our uplifting programs.
Our vision is for The Selfhelp Home to be a place for health, happiness, community, conversation, and kindness for your loved one.