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
Family Feedback
Barb has been a resident of White Oaks since September of 2023. Her daughters Victoria and Doreen are extremely active in their mom’s day-to-day which has provided opportunity to know the community, the residents, and the team members. What is extremely special about their testimony, is the idea that they, and their mother, see White Oaks as family.
Barb has made several close friends and is engaged at her own level, which can look different for each resident. Victoria and Doreen applaud our activity professionals, Doris and Deb, for their detailed approach in hosting daily events that keep residents of all phases of the Dementia journey seen, heard, engaged and respected. They note how “White Oaks is lucky to have Doris and Deb. They go above and beyond while fitting the needs of the individual. Doris and Deb talk to you – to others- they are not overly loud, or raise their voices to be heard. Instead, they bend down and speak to residents at their level.”
Victoria and Doreen bother shared a sense of peace in knowing their mom is well cared for. Being witnesses to the care has helped in facing any type of “caregiver guilt.” They are confident Mom is living fulfilled days, surrounded by compassionate caregivers. From their perspectives, “Staff will stop with whatever they are doing to help, are family, and genuinely kind. Staff bring positive attitudes to each shift. We have heard caregivers say sweet dreams and I love you before putting residents to bed.” The bond they feel with caregivers spoils over when connecting with White Oaks family members through the similarities of sharing the Dementia experience. There is no judgment, but rather support, which strengthens the gift of a second family.
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.
