Courtyard Estates of Girard for Carefree Living

By Cindy Ladage

Courtyard Estates of Girard is located on the northwest side of Girard almost in the country.  With the rolling landscape and pretty gazebo, there is room for fun outdoor activity at this Independent Living and Assisted Living home.

Allison Montgomery, Director at Courtyard Estates of Girard, shared that they have been Courtyard Estates since August of last year. This is part of the Petersen Health Care Family.

The Petersen Health Care Family encompasses a variety of health care options that include Senior Residential Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Long Term Care, Independent Living,  Supportive Living Centers and Communities. “Petersen Health Care is the largest skilled Nursing Corporation in Illinois,” Nicole Bauser, Marketing and Admissions Director shared.

“We have one- and two-bedroom apartments.  Every apartment has a kitchen. We have full activities, we do transportation to Dr. appointments and such, and we do restaurant style dining, offering three meals a day,” Nicole added.

“We just started doing a guest chef project,” Allison said, which has been popular with the residents.

Alicia Hudgins, LPN, is the Wellness Director at Courtyard Estates of Girard. “We have several cooks, dietary manager and a dietician that sets up our menu.  We have very good food here and try to be well rounded,” Nicole said. Allison added that she eats lunch there every day!

There are 21 staff members, and Courtyard Estates of Girard is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week so residents have a staff member available round the clock. “There is always someone here, even for those that are in apartments for independent living, we have someone check on them every day.”

“We are licensed for 25 assisted living and 7 independent residents in the main building and 16 strictly independent living apartments in the attached building, for a total of 48.” Allison said. Currently there are openings on both sides, in independent and assisted living.

Allison and Nicole both pointed out that both assisted and independent living is apartment living and that this is a lot different that living in a nursing home type of environment.  “Our people are fun and sassy,” Allison said.  “We have a good time with them!”

In their folder, they share, “Courtyard Estates of Girard is a senior living community that bridges the gap between independent living and nursing home care. Assisted living is not a nursing home, but an alternative level of quality housing appropriate for many seniors who choose not to live alone.”

What is the difference between the independent living and assisted living?  Courtyard Estates offers rental apartments for individuals for many seniors that don’t want to live alone.  “They may not want to cook at home or do lawn care and maintenance.  It is carefree living,” Allison said, “That is our goal.”

Independent living is designed to maximize individual freedom and choice with just a little help in daily life.  Residents can enjoy meals, weekly housekeeping and linen service, daily trash, and bathroom cleaning, planned activities and educational events, social events and community and family participation if families are available.  There is always an emergency call system and the aforementioned safety check.

There is also a beauty parlor onsite and garages for those that have cars are available as well as individual storage spaces.

When looking at assisted living apartment, Nicole said that usually a resident needs assistance with two or so activities of daily living like medicine management, and maybe shower assistance or dressing.  Assistance to and from the dining room and activities can also be included, as well as free transportation to and from medical appointments as well as laundry services.

The current average age of residents at Courtyard Estates is between 78 -80 years young.  While most of the residents are currently in the assisted care group, Nicole added that they are very active assisted living seniors.

Visitors are encouraged.  “Even with COVID, we are not prohibiting visitors.  We want to have visitors, and have the community come out for cards and BINGO. We are the highest vaccinated building in our Region for staff and residents,” Nicole said.

At Courtyard Estates of Girard, they offer a lot of activities, crafts, cards, Bingo and “The activity director takes them shopping as well.  We have a store here with laundry soap, candy etc.,” Nicole said.

“There are plans to update the lounge area with recliners sometime in the near future,” Allison added.  Currently they have a long table and dining room style chairs. They also have an exercise room, and the activity director is a certified fitness instructor as well.

Besides the independent and assisted care, Courtyard Estates of Girard also offers Respite care for those needing therapy and home health care after a hospital stay.  Respite care is also available for times when caregivers need time away.

“By enrolling a senior family member into our Courtyard Care program, caretakers can focus on other tasks while the elderly are in a safe, stimulating environment,” the brochure states.

“We also have a Senior Adult Day Care Program, it is offered for those that want it,” Nicole added. This like the Respite Care can be especially helpful to caregivers.  Courtyard Care is a supervised daytime program that provides seniors basic care in a social setting while offering an array of activities and nutritious meals. There is no minimum stay required.

To find out what is going on locally Allison said they keep their Facebook page updated at  Courtyard Estates of Girard | Facebook. Courtyard Estates of Girard is very community minded and that may be in part because most of the residents are local as is the staff.  “We have a lot of fun and hope that people will give us a chance to help them and love on them,” Allison said.

Courtyard Estates is a monthly pay facility. Cost varies based on the building and level of care you select.  Long-term care Insurance and Veteran’s Assistance for Veterans and their spouses may be available as well. For more information, call 217-627-9502, or log onto www.CourtyardEstates.net or check out their Facebook page!