Preparing what they thought would be their ‘forever’ home to accommodate them in retirement, Fay and Paul LoCicero built a townhome in Lemont 25 years ago. The couple designed it to ADA specifications; it had no stairs or thresholds, boasted wide doorways and low counters, and more. “We thought we’d be there the rest of our lives,” said Paul.
That did not turn out to be the case, and although they loved their house, they could not be more grateful. It’s their assessment that ‘karma’ stepped in and changed their journey for the better.
In 2023, when the couple had health issues simultaneously, they realized that taking care of each other as they’d done in the past was not a viable option, even in their carefully designed house. “Our son, who lives in North Aurora came and lived with us for two weeks to help grocery shop, take us to appointments, etc. We decided it was unfair to him. It took him away from his family. He offered to look at GreenFields of Geneva senior living community as an option for us,” said Paul.
Fay had been reluctant to look into moving to a retirement community because of preconceived but erroneous preconceptions. For instance, she said she assumed an apartment would be too small. She was thrilled that they found an independent living apartment at GreenFields of Geneva that is more than 1,700 square feet, with two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, an office, a spacious kitchen, and a large balcony. Their apartment, with large windows, overlooks a pond and golf course.
Fay had also assumed that food at a community for older adults would be institutional with limited choices. She quickly learned that the upscale dining at GreenFields rivals fine restaurants, with a constantly evolving menu featuring fresh, chef-prepared items. “We’ve had friends join us here for dinner, and they said, ‘You eat like this every day?’ and we said, ‘Yes, we do,” boasted Fay.
The couple chose their apartment in September of 2023, picked customization and design elements, and moved in at the end of the month. GreenFields coordinated the services of Honoring Aging to help the couple with their transition from start to finish. In January, Paul, who has battled chronic heart issues and had been hospitalized often while still in Lemont, became very ill and was rushed to Delnor Hospital which is just down the road from GreenFields. His condition was considered so severe that he was given last rites. Then, some doctors he’d not had before stepped in and made changes to his treatment plan, dramatically reversing the course of his chronic health issues. Paul is certain that they saved his life.
Arriving back at the senior living community, he was able to complete rehabilitation and recovery. Because GreenFields is a Life Plan Community, (formerly known as a continuing care retirement community or CCRC) in addition to its vibrant independent living, it also offers assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled care. Having the full continuum of care under one roof had been essential to the couple when considering senior living and was especially relevant at this time. Fay was able to walk down the hall to see Paul and have meals with him daily as he recovered.
“It was a long process for Paul but a wonderful gift,” said Fay. It was suggested to Paul, that he consider exercising in the state-of-the-art fitness center at GreenFields. “I’d never been a big proponent of working out. Now, I’m doing so three days every week. I use the NuStep machine and the treadmill,” said Paul. The benefits of his new regime are obvious. “This has contributed to much better health,” he said.
It’s also contributed a great deal to the couple’s happiness.
Before moving to GreenFields, Paul said they had friends, but their opportunities to socialize had dwindled. “Living in our house, our exposure was very limited. We’d go out occasionally, but that got harder and harder to do. Now, every night, we eat with friends. We have a myriad of friends,” said Paul. “People are very friendly, and there are lots of laughs. We’re very happy,” added Fay.
With a busy activities calendar, Fay and Paul pick and choose from a multitude of committees, performances, clubs and programs every week. Unexpectedly for Fay and Paul, this chapter in their lives is full of opportunities, good health, and joy. “So much has happened in the past 13 months that has elevated our lives. This feels like a gift from God, extending our lives. We’re looking forward to becoming old codgers here,” said Paul.
