By Amber Ellis of BMA Management, Ltd.
A testimonial from a resident of Heritage Woods of Chicago has earned First Place honors in the 2013 Affordable Assisted Living Coalition’s (AALC) Testimonial Contest.
Heritage Woods of Chicago is a BMA affordable assisted living community located on Chicago’s west side. The community serves low-income older adults, including those on Medicaid.
The testimonial was submitted by Phillip Bradley, who has lived at Heritage Woods for almost five years. Judges selected his story after reviewing hundreds of testimonials and photos that were submitted from affordable assisted living communities in Illinois.
Here is what Phillip wrote about his life since moving into the community:
“I have had the pleasure of being involved with all kinds of building activities and functions. I am 69 years of age, and I feel wonderful about my life in “The Woods.” I have not only found that I can be assisted (by the CNA staff), but I am also happy to assist others. It helps me to help others — whether it’s in the resident store, delivering groceries after one of our many shopping ventures, or being the leading scorer and captain of our Wii bowling team.
Being here helps me maintain my independence and dignity, and the penthouse view doesn’t hurt either. Chicago’s skyline is beautiful. I like the beautiful surroundings with trees and our wonderful backyard. J.J., our wonderful maintenance director, helped me piece together my apartment and really make it a place to call home. The staff is helpful, friendly and always there when you need them.
I volunteer in our resident store and have the opportunity to witness people having their needs met and interacting with one another. I also belong to the cooking club and enjoy helping in preparation and cleaning up after some great meals. I enjoy the friends that I have made while here and look forward to making new friends. Camaraderie and having someone there is so important at this stage in life and can’t be taken for granted. I really am happy to have a supportive living family to belong to and a place to call home.”
The AALC is a non-profit membership organization made up of individuals and entities that develop and/or operate affordable assisted living projects through the Illinois Supportive Living program. The 2013 contest winners are recognized for using pictures and words to tell some of the great stories that happen every day in assisted living communities across the state.
Visit the AALC Website for more information about the contest and a complete list of this year’s winners.
All affordable assisted living communities managed by BMA Management, Ltd. are certified and surveyed by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. All assisted living communities are licensed and surveyed by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
“BMA Management, Ltd. is the leading provider of assisted living in Illinois
and one of the 20 largest providers of assisted living in the United States.”
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