2024 Photo & Testimonial Contest WINNERS!

Winning Testimonials (photos shown on left)

1st Place: Ina Ray, Heritage Woods of Flora

“After experiencing a couple of falls at home, not being able to drive, I knew it was time to consider moving to an assisted living facility.  My family and I discussed it, and we agreed that now was the right time.  Since moving to Heritage Woods in Flora, my life has truly changed!  I can relax, knowing that all my needs are taken care of-laundry, meals, and housekeeping are handled with care.  I’m so grateful to call Heritage Woods of Flora my Home.  The staff and the care I receive here are simply the best!! I’m no longer lonely and they have lots of activities that keep me busy.” 

2nd Place: Floyd Roberts, Heritage Woods of Freeport 

“Living at Heritage Woods of Freeport has been an exciting and new experience for me.  At the age of 85 I found an example of the meaning of community, and I love it!  Our main street leads to the Heritage Cafe where nice balanced meals are served each day.  I hear more people say thank you here than in any place I have ever lived.  Imagine, courtesy, and general appreciation we share with the staff as they do with the residents.  You will see this when you visit, we share a unique blend of experiences and interactions that often generate conversation just like family gatherings.  It’s all about the people and it is called ‘community’ here in Freeport.”

3rd Place: Lari & Billy McNair, Heritage Woods of South Elgin

"We have been living here for 14 and half years. We feel so fortunate to be a part of this community. Being able to live right across from each other has been such a wonderful blessing. We completely love the activities, and our Resident Services Coordinator goes above and beyond to make them special. We enjoy playing bingo, working on puzzles and reading. We love our bus outings especially because they accommodate wheelchairs. The staff here is loving, caring, kind and completely dedicated. We are happy we have each other as a family & support system. We couldn’t be more thankful to call Heritage Woods our home, it’s truly everything we ever wanted."

Honorable Mention Winners (photos lower left)

Roxy Fess, Grand Prairie of Macomb
My home is now Grand Prairie, I have such fun each day!
The family’s so happy.
And they’re thrilled I want to stay.

Activities are daily.
Bingo, cards and more
And everyone’s so friendly
When I open up my door.

The food! I can’t believe it!
I’ve put it to the test
And every bite I’ve eaten
Has been the very best.

 The garbage girl is awesome
The maintenance done right
Our laundry clean and folded
The music’s out of sight.

The nurse is always helpful.
The volunteers are great
The cleaning lady’s busy
There’s just nothing here to hate.

To sum it all up,
It is all such a blessing!
But, the best of the best…
Is the Poppy Seed Dressing!

Ed Littlejohn, Brookstone Estates of Robinson (written by daughter Carol Pulliam)    

"Brookstone is an amazing place that our family was very blessed by. My dad, Ed Littlejohn, was able to live there from September 1st, 2019, till March 29th, 2024, when he went in the hospital and passed away on April 12th. Dad loved living there and all the staff became like family to him and to us. I remember telling Tatum one time that I was sorry if dad bothered her, and she said we are happy to visit with our residents and never a bother and that was part of their job. They all did that part of the job very well! I witnessed it many times with other residents asking them about their day or family. If we did have a problem, I knew the door was always open to discuss and figure out a plan. This gave me so much peace to go about my life.

We were able to take a trip and not worry about what dad might need. It was taken care of, all of it! I often said my dad’s apartment was something my mom would have loved too. It was always clean and just the right size. Dad loved having privacy but also enjoyed when someone came in to see how he was doing or grab trash or give meds. He knew a little bit of their lives and would ask them about it. Many became like grandkids to him. The elderly need people around them and Brookstone provides that. Dad actually was in the nursing home for the Covid lockdown, and I kept in contact with Tatum about when he was able to get out and back into Brookstone And she was doing all she could to make that happen as soon as possible. Things were just out of her control. What a strange time but when dad did get back to Brookstone, they did a great job of protecting their residents. I just can’t say enough about what a wonderful experience we had at the place. It was always clean, and boy do they decorate for the holidays. I loved walking in and seeing the place. I miss my dad and miss going in there on a regular basis but have visited a few times since he passed. They still treat me the same, just like family."

Gloria Anthony, Heritage Woods of Belvidere
“I had a stroke, and I knew I couldn’t manage a home by myself anymore, inside or out. I lost my confidence to drive and do simple daily tasks by myself. Mickey and Tina had come out to Indian Trails to do a presentation about Heritage Woods. We were very interested, so we came to take a tour and LOVED it. It had everything I needed at this stage in my life. I have lived here now for almost 3 years, and I have loved every moment of it. I am safe, secure, comfortable and taken care of. I couldn’t be any happier. I have made so many wonderful friendships that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”

Lorraine Rattazzi, Deer Path of Huntley

“Deer Path provides a safe, welcoming, healthy environment among this diverse community. They ensure timely medication refills or monitoring to those needing assistance. Staff is qualified, showing discretion and respect while assisting residents with their individual needs.  Deer Path employs one of the best activity directors I’ve known. She considers the entire community when creating a monthly outline filled with activities to occupy and intermingle the community."

Pat Martin, Grand Prairie of Macomb
“The reason I chose Grand Prairie is because I was lonesome and depressed in the winter. So, I went to many assisted living places looking for a place I want to spend the rest of my life. I picked Grand Prairie because the people who work here were so caring and friendly. I was made to feel at home welcome, and I knew many of the people that live here. I get great food every day. I am able to invite my friends, and they always leave happy. I didn’t need a CNA, but when I got sick, she brought me meds and kept checking on me. All I had to do was push a button!”

Rose & Dave, Brookstone Estates of Rantoul

“My husband Dave and I both live here at Brookstone Estates.  I enjoy socializing with my friends and participating in the active lifestyle here.  I am President of the Resident Council and have enjoyed being the voice of the community.  I also love to sew and have various projects going on in my sewing room that keep me busy.  We are a family here and our community is the place to be if you want to have fun and enjoy senior living."