community
River Forest village president prepares to leave public life
RIVER FOREST — For 20 of the past 24 years, John Rigas has been an elected official. It’s been a quarter-century filled with major changes in River Forest and the high school, and several large controversies.
Volunteers key to emergency preparedness
RIVER FOREST — Jim Flanagan is already well known as a senior citizen advocate and co-founder of the annual Celebrating Seniors week in May. Last week, though, Flanagan was out working not to honor but to protect numerous seniors and other village residents, from the threat of flooded homes.
Families need to find reputable caregivers, protect patient from fraud
Recent headlines included the news of a caregiver accused of stealing $255,000 from the Lincolnshire man that she was supposed to be looking after. The Detectives involved in this case say that events like this one occur more frequently than anyone would like to see.
Springtime brings thoughts of moving for seniors
Springtime brings flowers, outdoor activities and often the start of the moving discussion in families living with seniors. The cold winter months may have led to isolation, a possible illness or many other possibilities; whatever the reason, many senior living communities see an increase in tours and moving discussions as the weather improves.
Public-private partnership creates senior activities
Public-Private partnerships are not new. Communities and the businesses that support them often work together to provide opportunities for their residents. In Highwood, the mayor and his wife are teaming up with a local skilled nursing facility to help create a central location where seniors can connect and engage.
New Oak Park library director will listen and learn
OAK PARK — On April 4, The Oak Park Public Library Board of Trustees announced David Seleb as the library’s new executive director. Library trustees praised the lifelong Chicago-area resident’s “solid leadership, experience, and vision for human-centered library services.”
River Forest man skis blind, sees more adventure in his future
RIVER FOREST — John Erickson is an adventure seeker. He regularly skis the snowy slopes of Utah, and once bungee-jumped with his son in Australia.
Oak Park nurse tackles new sport
OAK PARK — Growing up in Lansing, Mich., Brandy Hatcher was pretty she wasn’t going to be a nurse. And she darn sure never thought she’d ever play semi-pro football. Nowadays, she’s a passionate practitioner of both.
Hospitalists help focus care, coordinate communication
When a patient is admitted to the hospital today odds are great that their own primary care physician will not oversee their treatment, instead that person will meet a specialist known as a hospitalist. For some seniors, the idea of a hospitalist can be upsetting.
Volunteer has helped children’s hospital fundraiser grow
RIVER FOREST — Georgette Carlini has a friendly, unassuming look as she works behind the service and reception desk at the River Forest village hall.
Speaking effectively to patients with Alzheimer’s
Communication can be the biggest challenge when living or working with someone with Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementias. Having a conversation can be frustrating both to the individual with dementia and the caregiver.
Oak Park preschool teacher improves life through improv
OAK PARK — As a little girl growing up in New Jersey, Rhona Taylor fell in love with acting. She recalls being so enthralled with Mary Martin going airborne as Peter Pan on television that her father had to catch her as she leapt off the couch, so certain she was that she too could fly.
Volunteer work leaves impression on Oak Park art historian
OAK PARK — As an art historian specializing in 19th century French painting, Oak Park resident Gloria Groom works in a world most people only visit. Groom, fluent in French and Spanish and “reading fluent” in Italian, regularly travels through America and Europe for her work.
Multiple levels of senior housing options
Recently in California an individual died when a retirement community would not perform CPR. This incident has lead to many questions about different levels of senior housing. What do the different levels provide and what should be expected from each level?
Relocation stress for seniors can be real issue
For the family of a senior, the decision to move may seem simple. Mom needs more care, Dad can’t manage the home — a move is the obvious choice. However, senior relocation experts warn that moving a senior can create a very real trauma known as relocation stress syndrome.
