Gardant

Some love stories begin in unexpected places. For Sean and Rubi, theirs began in senior living, and their connection to Bardwell Residences goes back even further!

Sean, Activities Director at Bardwell Residences in Aurora, and Rubi, Marketing Director at Heritage Woods of South Elgin, first met while working together at a senior living community. They fell in love and eventually took positions at different communities, but their shared passion for serving seniors has always remained a special part of their story.

And here’s the amazing full-circle connection: both Sean and Rubi were born at the “Old Copley” hospital, what is now Bardwell Residences! Years later, Bardwell would become part of their love story, too.

When it came time to announce their upcoming wedding, they chose another place with special meaning: their Save the Date photos were taken at Bardwell Residences in their historic Irvin Hall. From the place where they both entered the world to a backdrop for the beginning of their next chapter together, it doesn’t get much more full circle than that!

2 weeks ago, Bardwell residents surprised the happy couple with a wedding shower that had been more than a month in the making. It was a beautiful celebration for two people who have given so much love, joy, and care to the residents they serve.

Then, over the weekend, Sean and Rubi officially said, “I do!”

Born at old Copley. Brought together through senior living. Save the Date photos in Irvin Hall. Careers dedicated to serving seniors within Gardant Communities. And now, husband and wife.

Sometimes life has a beautiful way of bringing us right back to where our stories began.
Congratulations, Sean and Rubi!

On Wednesday, our Clinical Educator, Rafael Corona, Senior Regional Director of Engagement, Kim Mead, and Vice President of Wellness & Engagement, Meghann Giarraputo, became certified as Dementia Friends through a Dementia Friendly America training led by Emily Greene as part of the Dementia Friendly Kankakee County movement.

Dementia Friends is a global movement that helps communities better understand dementia and turn that understanding into meaningful action.

We were reminded of five important messages:
💜Dementia is not a normal part of aging.
💜Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain.
💜Dementia is not just about memory loss.
💜 It is possible to live well with dementia.
💜 There is more to the person than the dementia.

Becoming a Dementia Friend is more than a certification, it’s a commitment to turn understanding into action, lead with compassion, and cultivate environments where every person feels valued, respected, and connected.

Will you join us and become a Dementia Friend today? https://dfamerica.org/dementia-friend-online-session/

We’re happily marking World Smile Day today, a wonderful time for us all to share some extra kindness and cheer with everyone around the globe.

Throughout the entire month of October, we come together to observe breast cancer awareness, focusing on raising vital education, support, and advocacy for those affected by the disease.

Earlier this week, Gardant brought together Maintenance Directors from across all our communities for an incredible team retreat!

From collaborative workshops and leadership sessions to well-deserved giveaways, it was a week packed with connection, learning, and recognition.

Our Maintenance Directors work tirelessly behind the scenes every day to keep our senior living communities safe, smooth-running, and comfortable for our residents. Thank you to this incredible team for all that you do!

Every month, our Gardant business partner meeting gives us the opportunity to come together, share company-wide updates, celebrate our people, hear stories that remind us why we do what we do, and connect with the communities around us.

Today was a particularly meaningful one.

Today, we welcomed Dennis Baron and Bill Yohnka, from The Currents of Kankakee to share the vision behind the exciting new riverwalk coming to the Kankakee River. They gave us a look at the construction, plans and vision for creating a space where our community can gather, connect and enjoy the river for years to come.

We were also honored to welcome the Alzheimer’s Association as they joined us to receive a $104,590 donation raised through Gardant’s fundraising efforts.

One conversation looked toward the future of our community. The other celebrated the difference we can make when our people come together for a purpose bigger than ourselves.

Both are reminders that what we do matters!

At Gardant, our mission is rooted in love, compassion and dignity, and that purpose doesn’t stop at the doors of our communities. It reaches into the neighborhoods we call home and the organizations working to make life better for others.

People. Purpose. Community. Together, we’re making a difference.

Heritage Woods of South Elgin are Honoring Dolly Parton today on 9/25 (9 to 5) Day!

They brought the sparkle, the sass, and a whole lotta Dolly! From fabulous looks to big smiles, they celebrated Dolly Parton in true glitz-and-glam style.

A little 9 to 5, a little rhinestone magic, and a whole lot of fun!