Life Gets Even Better for Presence Fox Knoll Residents Thanks to a $9,000 Grant
June 23, 2016 (Mokena, Ill.) – Presence Fox Knoll, a senior living campus in Aurora, recently was approved a $9,000 grant from the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley to renovate an existing structure into an open-air gazebo in Fox Knoll’s spacious outdoor patio.
The Presence Fox Knoll team strives to create an environment that goes beyond the concept of ‘aging in place’ offering their residents the opportunity to thrive in place. The senior living campus features all levels of retirement living, including independent living, assisted living and memory care, allowing residents to ‘thrive in place’ by simply moving apartments, rather than relocating to another care setting.
“In order for our residents to flourish as they age, we take a holistic approach to care by attending to residents’ physical, mental, and spiritual needs,” remarks James Brady, executive director. “This gazebo will become center stage for a myriad of events that will help our residents and their guests enjoy a full life at Fox Knoll. It will become a place to relax, unwind and have fun.”
Presence Fox Knoll applied for the grant based on information they found in a recent research study conducted at the University of Minnesota, entitled “Everyday Access to Nature Improves Quality of Life in Older Adults.” The study affirmed that natural environments “promote physical, mental, and spiritual healing” and “are especially beneficial for healthy aging in seniors.” The lead researcher concluded, “Accessibility to everyday green… spaces encourages seniors to simply get out the door. This in turn motivates them to be active physically, spiritually and socially, which can offset chronic illness, disability, and isolation.”
Construction, which will begin in July, will include remodeling of the existing enclosed structure into an inviting, open-air gazebo that will be used for social activities, including planned and impromptu events. The generous funding will be used to remove the structure’s walls and doors, which will make the gazebo accessible to people with disabilities; install roll-down curtains that can be used to reduce wind and harsh sunlight; repair the roof; remove the carpet; and stain the wood. Funds will also be used to purchase comfortable and durable outdoor furniture.
The new gazebo is just one of the many inviting living spaces within the historic senior living campus ideally located on the scenic banks of the Fox River allowing for great views and easy access to downtown Aurora, the riverfront and public transportation. To learn more about the exceptional service, maintenance-free lifestyle options and all-inclusive offers, call 630-844- 0380 or visit www.presencehealth.org/foxknoll.
About the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a philanthropic organization that administers charitable funds from which grants and scholarships are distributed to benefit residents of Aurora, the Tri-Cities and Kendall County. For more information on the foundation, visit www.cffrv.org or call 630-896- 7800.
About Presence Fox Knoll
Presence Fox Knoll is a faith-based senior living campus offering independent living, assisted living and memory care apartments. For more information about Presence Fox Knoll, visit www.presencehealth.org/foxknoll or call 877.737.4636.
About Presence Health
Presence Health is the largest Catholic health system based in Illinois. With over 150 sites of care, including 12 hospitals, 20,000 employees, 4,000 medical professionals Presence Health has a revenue base of $2.5 billion.
