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Senior Lifestyles

Traveling down Somonauk Street, minutes from downtown Sycamore, one will find a peaceful neighborhood lined with a mix of beautiful 19th-century architecture and new development. In the middle of it all is a charming, two-story Victorian-style mansion, home to the luxurious independent- and assisted-living community at the Grand Victorian of Sycamore—a Good Neighbor Care establishment.

Walking up to the facility, one will notice seniors boarding the Grand Victorian Van, headed to a scheduled doctors appointment, a lunch-in at an area restaurant or the grocery store. Through the first set of doors, residents and guests enter a quaint four-season porch and reach a second secure set of doors, which requires a resident security code to enter (visitors will be greeted by staff after ringing the doorbell).

As the doors open, the warmth and friendliness of this modern senior community washes over you. During the day, the sounds of Dean Martin, Louis Armstrong, big bands, holiday tunes and more fill the air. Guests will observe a resident enjoying a book in the stocked library; worshippers visiting the non-denominational chapel; and seniors socializing in the café, billiard/game room or one of the many comfortable sitting areas, which are distinguished by cozy seats and a warm fireplace.

As residents and visitors continue wandering along the first floor, they will pass the on-site beauty shop, the resident-run peddler shop and the elegant dining room that provides three prepared meals a day served restaurant-style. At the back is the fitness center, where residents take advantage of treadmills, bikes, free weights and the popular “Sittercise” exercise class. To the right of the fitness center is a relaxing spa tub, and to the left is a door leading out to a wonderful courtyard, characterized by ample patio space and a blooming garden in the summertime. Just beyond that are walking paths, a putting green for the golf enthusiast and planting gardens for those who want to maintain a green thumb.

And that’s just the first floor.

An elevator, staircases at each end and a grand staircase at the front provide convenience when it comes to reaching the second floor. In addition to the warm sitting rooms, which include a big-screen TV room, the second floor houses the always-bustling activity room—host to a calendar year full of events and programs—and a modern movie theater. A point of pride at the Grand Victorian, the theater features more than a dozen comfortable chairs, a large projector screen showcasing a variety of feature films, state-of-the-art surround sound and a popcorn machine that rounds out the movie-going experience.

As for the living spaces, the Grand Victorian is equipped with 61 studio and one-bedroom suites, highlighted by 10-foot ceilings, wall-to-wall carpeting, window treatments and decorative lighting. While residents furnish the apartments, the Grand Victorian provides kitchenettes complete with a small refrigerator, counter space, plenty of cabinet space and an area to accommodate a microwave. The units, which are in close proximity to laundry facilities (housed on both floors), also feature spacious personal bathrooms with a walk-in shower, self-controlled air-conditioning and heating units, and a 24-hour emergency call system.

Beyond these lovely amenities, the Grand Victorian provides leading senior services to its 65 residents (both singles and couples)—plus the resident bird, Quincy. As an independent-and assisted-living facility, the Grand Victorian provides assistance with day-to-day tasks, as needed. Such services include weekly housekeeping visits, laundry service, medication management, monthly wellness checks, and personal activities such as dressing and bathing. The community also plays a role in the services provided through the Grand Victorian. Area schoolchildren frequently visit, various local bands offer one of many entertainment outlets and the Sycamore Public Library visits on a regular basis to offer traveling book checkout opportunities for residents.

A dedicated staff of 28—including an RN; CNAs; management; and dining, housekeeping and maintenance staff—oversees daily life at the Grand Victorian. According to Kim Livingston, Executive Director, these people are the driving force behind the success of this facility. “The Grand Victorian offers a comfortable, carefree living environment, with the staff providing individual care to residents in order to ensure the preservation of their dignity, independence and privacy,” she says. “The staff is

truly committed to the residents of this facility. The facility is what it is because of the great team effort we have here.”

The Grand Victorian of Sycamore is located at 1440 Somonauk St. and can be reached via phone at (815) 895-1900 or the Web at www.goodneighbor.com.