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Touching Lives

Designed with your comfort and ease of lifestyle in mind

At White Oaks, a memory care community in McHenry, Illinois, your new home awaits you

Elisa's Story

Elisa immigrated from Barcelona, Spain in the 1950s to move to New York where she earned a scholarship to the College of St. Rose: a private, Catholic college. Elisa was a modern woman, who learned to speak English, and followed her dream to America where she believed there to be more opportunity as a female. Her husband of 61 years was from Poland, and together they raised five children in Bethlehem, PA. He was a professor, and she a homemaker until her youngest child was in school. Elisa then became a realtor and loved exercising her independence. She was known as a fantastic cook and made many European and American dishes. Debbie recalls her mom’s paella as the best.

Following the loss of her husband, Elisa moved to McHenry to be near Debbie. Initially, Debbie was the primary caregiver. She felt she was unable to meet all of Mom’s needs on her own. White Oaks provides the care and social activities to fill up Elisa’s days which in turn allow Debbie the opportunity to enjoy one-on-one time with her mom without the distraction of caregiving 24/7. Elisa enjoys our therapy dog visits and one in particular, Archer, is a Great Dane who helped Elisa recall her own Great Danes she had as pets: Paco and Duke. Spiritual opportunities through our visiting professionals allow Elisa to pray the rosary, as she is very connected to her faith. Debbie takes her to church on Sundays among several outings each week including shopping, getting her nails done and lunch with friends.

Debbie is back to being a full-time daughter, which is a wonderful benefit to having placed Elisa to live at White Oaks with loving care, friendship and lots and lots of smiles! Elisa has a signature smile that we just can’t get enough of!

Nan and Daughter Nora

Nan lived a classic, American fairytale. She and husband Norman raised two children and their marriage was the definition of a great love story of 60 years. Summer vacations in a camper across country, love of music, choir and the western US provided daughter Nora with a truly wonderful upbringing guided by loving parents. Norman and Nan retired in Arizona for 25 years where they enjoyed the entertainment of a roping town, gold rush history and Norman’s hobby of carving and Nan’s painting of carvings and canvas. 

Nan has called White Oaks at McHenry home since July of 2022. Her daughter Nora shored that having her mom at our community has been “life changing.” Not only is Nora confident with the care Nan receives, she is extremely happy with the variety of programming that takes place everyday at the community. Her mom is out of her apartment for the majority of the day which provides a big sigh of relief to Nora. 

Knowing that Mom is engaged, active, and for more social means Nora worries less about isolation. Nan is enjoying programs that explore boundaries beyond crofting. Nan has a silly side and she is encouraged to share that side of herself with our staff and residents. She is pictured here with one of our visiting therapy dogs, and her smile tells it all. Nora said, “The staff members treat the residents like family and everyone is approachable.” Nan benefits because the staff know her and she, them. Having a routine with team members has really mode a difference because they are so familiar with Nan and needs specific to her, which include embracing her silly side as much as possible.