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Touching Lives

Designed with your comfort and ease of lifestyle in mind

At Heritage Woods, your affordable assisted lifestyle community in Centralia, Illinois, your new home awaits you

Heritage Woods is proud to provide a choice of apartment floor plans, each designed with your comfort and ease of lifestyle in mind. Our spacious apartments are designed with a living room area, kitchenette, full private bathroom and individually controlled air temperature.

All measurements are approximate, and dimensions may vary.

Betty’s Story: Thankful to Call Heritage Woods Her Home

Betty lived at her home in Centralia along with her daughter and two grandchildren.  They all lived very busy and happy lives for years, while enjoying traveling and vacationing together.  Soon later, her daughter got married, and they all moved out into their own homes.  After years of being together, Betty was alone in her four-bedroom home.   

During this time, Heritage Woods of Centralia had just opened its doors.  Betty said, “I had been at Heritage Woods at their first opening in March. I liked the thought of it being my new home”.  Betty moved in June and has been in the Heritage Woods family for the past eleven and a half years.  

She says, “I have met so many special and wonderful friends here!  I would definitely recommend our Heritage Woods to anyone who needs an assisted living home.”  Betty loves the staff that is here and enjoys various activities.  In fact, Betty never misses the opportunity to thank the staff, management and volunteers for all they do in making this a place she calls home. 

Roy’s Story: Enjoying Food and His Home

When Roy’s family realized knew that he needed someone to help him with cooking, cleaning, and laundry, they turned to Heritage Woods for help.  Roy has been living at Heritage Woods for over a year now, and he says it was the right decision for him.  Roy loves the food and service at Heritage Woods, and his family sure has noticed.  Roy’s niece said that “they are feeding him so well that he has gone from 34 waist to 36 waist”.  He enjoys not worrying about cooking, and he loves to be able to eat every meal with his new friends that he met at Heritage Woods. 

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Gerald & Kathy: Building New Friendships

Years ago, when Gerald and Kathy moved into an Independent Living Community, known as the Villas at Heritage Woods, they knew they found a place that felt like home.  They really enjoyed living at the Villas and liked going to the clubhouse for bingo and other monthly events. 

They lived in the Villas for 3 years and started thinking about transferring to the Supportive Living Community because they were concerned about growing older.  The couple discussed these concerns with their children and decided it was time to make the big move. 

After a few months, they are so thrilled with their decision to move.  Gerald and Kathy have both joined the Wii bowling team and encouraged other residents to join.  In fact, they helped generate so much interest in Wii bowling that Heritage Woods currently has three Wii Bowling Teams. 

Gerald was also nominated to be the president of Resident Council.  He accepted the nomination to lead the Council and thought it was a true honor to be selected by his fellow residents. 

Gerald and Kathy love it at Heritage Woods because they say they enjoy being around others and just being with people.  They love how Heritage Woods gives them numerous opportunities to build new friendships.

Polly’s Story: The Chance of a Lifetime

Polly, a retired school teacher, received a letter from one of her former students last year that sent her on a quest to scratch off one of her bucket list items: getting the best possible view of the 2017 total solar eclipse. The student told her that if she had a chance to travel to Carbondale, she should. She would be witnessing something that only happens once in a lifetime.

At this point, Polly was determined to see the eclipse. She shared her letter with staff and residents because she knew Heritage Woods of Centralia would make her dream come true.

And we did.

Our team planned a day trip to another Gardant community: Prairie Living at Chautauqua in Carbondale. It was there that she would have the greatest view of totality in the world. The experience was even more special because Polly was able to fulfill her dream with the friends she has grown close to after living at Heritage Woods of Centralia for many years. Polly described the eclipse trip as the most memorable experience of her life, and it would not have happened without Heritage Woods.

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Zed’s Story: A Friend in Need

Zed is one of the most outgoing residents at Heritage Woods of Centralia. He has never met a stranger.

Looking at Zed, you would never know that his wife was sick. The stress of her worsening health in a nearby nursing home began to wear on him. He isn’t the type of man who wants to burden anyone with his troubles.

When our team learned that his wife was in the hospital, and her prognosis was not good, our directors went with Zed as he sat by her side. The time spent with Zed was comforting for him and reinforced the compassion that we show each and every day.

Even now, Zed tells us that he has not forgotten the kindness that our staff showed to him during this difficult time in his life. He says that Heritage Woods is not just a home, but his home, and we are his family.

Rita’s Story: Life Changes Bring New Possibilities

When Rita moved into Heritage Woods, she knew she would finally have the assistance she needed. What she didn’t know is that she would also form new friendships.

Shirley and Rita became instant friends because they had a lot in common and enjoyed the same hobbies.

Today, it’s not uncommon to see the two of them together, playing bingo or enjoying lunch in the dining room.

Our community helps Rita maintain her independence, and our staff treats her with the dignity that she deserves.

Through her friendship with Shirley, both women have also realized that even with the changes of life, they can still have a life full of possibilities.

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Marthann’s Story: Finding Her Strength

When Marthann moved into Heritage Woods of Centralia, she wanted to try Wii Bowling but she wasn’t sure if she could do it. Her confidence wavered until another resident showed her that she was capable of anything, if she just believed in herself. With the help of her new friend, Marthann’s confidence grew more and more as she practiced with him. With a positive outlook and help from her new coach, Marthann started a new Wii Bowling team. She says she is thankful for the friendships she has found at Heritage Woods. Moving to our community has helped her realize that even with life changes, she can still find new experiences, achieve goals and maintain her dignity.