News & Blog

In February, Generations United named Senior Connections a Program of Merit. Generations United is a non-profit organization based in Washington D.C., that works to improve the lives of children, youth, and older adults through intergenerational collaboration, public policies, and programs. Generations United coordinates signature projects to strengthen intergenerational connections and...

Since the summer of 2024, Dhara M., MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, PCCN has been working with the Hartwell Place community to introduce a new activity – Tai Chi. Dhara is currently pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree at Loyola University, her alma mater. Her focus is on Systems Leadership,...

Today, many people focus on the idea of aging in place (or sometimes “aging in community”). These phrases refer to spending one’s late sixties and onward in one’s private home or apartment, instead of moving to an assisted living or skilled care community. Aging in place is currently considered the...

CMSS is proud to introduce Board Member, Mary Kakenmaster. Mary began her career as a registered nurse. Since 2010, Mary has been a Professor of Nursing at Oakton Community College. In this role, Mary revels in teaching and training the next generation of nurses. She believes teaching is her destiny...

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time for recognizing the contributions of family caregivers. Whether a person is caring for a spouse, parent, or other aging family member, we recognize the commitment and dedication it takes to provide such care. In honor of all the hardworking caregivers, we wanted...

CMSS is proud to introduce the Vice Chair of our Board, John F. Disterhoft, PhD. John is Magerstadt Research Professor Emeritus of Neuroscience at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Throughout his career, John has focused on research and explored aging, Alzheimer’s Disease, biophysics, neurophysiology, and more. He has also served...

CMSS’ SASI Home Care program provides non-medical home assistance to adults across Chicagoland. We assist older adults so they can remain in their homes and communities. We focus on ensuring the comfort of the people we serve and work to reduce the burden of care that often falls on family...

When your friend or loved one is living with memory loss it can change the way they socialize and communicate, but your time together can still be enjoyable and meaningful. This blog provides guidelines to help you have a meaningful interaction with your loved one living with memory loss. Often,...

CMSS is proud to introduce Board Member Leslie Knight. Leslie retired at the end of 2017 after an impressive career, including 43 years working at LeadingAge, a national association of non-profit providers of aging services. At LeadingAge Leslie was the Vice President of Member and State Relations, where she served...

Established in 2021, the Spirit Award is presented each year to an exceptional individual or organization whose efforts have had an inspiring impact on the field of aging or the lives of older adults. Spirit Awardees demonstrate CMSS’ core values of dignity, respect, compassion, and equity. This award seeks to...

CMSS’ SASI Home Care program provides non-medical home assistance to adults across Chicagoland. We assist older adults so they can remain in their homes and communities. We focus on ensuring the comfort of the people we serve and work to reduce the burden of care that often falls on family...

Meet Evan Witkowski, the CMSS Board Treasurer since 2022. Evan works as an Institutional Relationship Manager at Wespath Benefits and Investments, an investment firm providing services to the United Methodist Church. In this role, Evan develops and manages relationships with institutional clients, oversees the creation of products and services to...

The Center for Disability & Elder Law (CDEL) provides free legal services to low-income seniors and people with disabilities throughout Cook County. CDEL focuses its efforts on matters related to financial stability, including consumer debt and disputes; housing on behalf of landlords and tenants; estate planning, including end-of-life planning; and...

Advances in modern technology have been accompanied by a significant rise in scams and fraud schemes. While individuals of all ages can be victims of fraud, many scam artists target older adults specifically. This happens because older adults are sometimes less familiar with the technology they are using and usually...

CMSS’ SASI Home Care program provides non-medical home assistance to adults across Chicagoland. We assist older adults so they can remain in their homes and communities. We focus on ensuring the comfort of the people we serve and work to reduce the burden of care that often falls on family...

This spring at Hartwell Place has been full of fun activities and outings. In February, Hartwell Place residents and team members took a trip to the Art Institute of Chicago. One of the best parts about being in Chicago is taking advantage of the museums and cultural institutions across our...

Meet Eden Tekle, one of the newest members of CMSS’ Board of Directors. Eden is the Managing Member/Head of People at Comprehensive Construction Solutions, a Minority/Women-Owned Business that provides facilities management, precision pipe fabrication, HVAC, and more. In this role, Eden develops and executes operational strategies, working closely with VPs, providing...

May 16th is National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day. On this day, we recognize and celebrate the older adults whose activism and bravery have led to greater rights and acceptance for younger generations of LGBT+ individuals. While we celebrate the pioneers of the LGBT+ movement, this day is also a...

Established in 1963, Older Americans Month is celebrated each May. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), a federal agency, Older Americans Month recognizes older Americans’ contributions, highlights aging trends, and reaffirms commitments to serving older adults in our communities. This year’s theme, “Powered by Connection,” focuses on the...

Volunteers make our work possible at CMSS. We are grateful to all the people who dedicate their time to helping older adults live happier, healthier lives.