A new long-term-care facility opens this month in northwest suburban Wheeling.
The Greek American Rehabilitation and Nursing Centre is a four-story, 204-bed facility at 220 N. First St. (near Milwaukee Avenue and Dundee Road). What’s a little different about the facility is that its development was spearheaded by members of the local Greek-American community.
“This facility is a real tribute to the dedicated people who worked for 16 years to make this happen,” said Susan Barbian, facility administrator.
Barbian is quick to point out that the new home is open to everyone, not just those from the Greek community. Like other long-term-care facilities with an ethnic bent or name, the Greek American Centre doesn’t discriminate based on a person’s race, religion or national background. Luckily, the menu at the new facility will routinely include Greek dishes. And many of the staff members speak Greek, as well as other languages such as Spanish, Polish, Tagalog and German.
The facility offers a spectrum of services including long-term nursing care and short-term rehabilitation services for those recuperating from surgery or an injury. A separate wing is dedicated to residents diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia.
The facility also offers respite care — short-term stays for seniors whose caretaker families are on vacation or who need a break from caregiving.
The 8-acre site has includes a small lake, an outside patio and walkways for residents and visitors.
The Greek American Nursing Centre is a not-for-profit facility. It is certified to accept Medicare and Medicaid payments. Semi-private rooms cost $145 a day. Private rooms and rooms in the memory care unit are $165 a day. Rooms are still available.
– Glenview Terrace in north suburban Glenview is undergoing a renovation that includes the addition of a new pavilion for seniors recuperating from an illness or injury. Glenview Terrace, at 1511 Greenwood Rd., near the old Glenview Naval Air Station, provides long-term care as well as rehabilitative services.
The first phase of construction is the addition of a three-floor wing, which should be finished in about three months. The rehabilitation center will be housed on the first floor of the new wing. The rehab unit will have its own entrance, lounge area, dining room and courtyard, all separate from the long-term-care section. The physical therapy department will be housed in a new atrium that overlooks the building’s grounds.
The original building, meant for long-term-care residents, is also being redone. The renovated building will have enlarged and redecorated rooms, all with private bathrooms and walk-in showers.
The Alzheimer’s care unit is also being renovated. It will have interior design meant help preserve the resident’s abilities: a secure outdoor walking path and several lounges for small groups.
Private and semi-private suites are available, several of which include family-room-style seating areas. Room rates start at $118 a day. Prices include meals and services. The facility accepts Medicare and Medicaid payments.
– A new condominium building for those age 55 and older is under way in west suburban Melrose Park.
The $35 million building, the residences of RiverWoods, will include 126 condominiums in an eight-story, brick building. The project at 8303 W. North Ave. should be complete in early 2003.
Condos have one, two and three bedrooms. Some units have a den. All units include indoor parking spaces. Condos, base-priced from $160,000 to $450,000, range in size from 855 to 2,537 square feet.
The community, developed by New West Realty and Renzi construction & Development Corp., includes a clubhouse with a kitchen, a rooftop fitness center, outdoor grilling area, bike trail and landscaped grounds. The building is bordered on two sides by Thatcher Woods. The property also has a half-mile walking path with exercise stations and a gazebo. The building has a rooftop sun deck.
Units have 9-foot ceilings, carpeting and private balconies or a terrace. Individual storage lockers are available. Kitchens have oak cabinets, double-bowl stainless steel sinks, built-in appliances and ceramic-tile floors.
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Jane Adler is a Chicago-area freelance writer. If you have questions or information to share regarding housing for senior citizens, write to Senior Housing, c/o Chicago Tribune Real Estate Section, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611. Or, e-mail realestate@tribune.com
