Chicagoland Caregiver Resources
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 to update this blog post […]
SASI Stories: SASI Client, Judith
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 and friends. SASI Care Partners […]
2024 Spirit Award Honoree: Ellen F. Butkus
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 honor those whose work demonstrates […]
SASI Stories: SASI Care Partner, Angie
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 and friends. SASI Care Partners […]
SASI Stories: SASI Care Partner, Dan
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 and friends. SASI Care Partners […]
The Importance of a Nutritious Diet for Older Adults
Making informed and educated decisions about a nutritious diet is one of the best ways an older adult can stay healthy. With it being National Nutrition Month, it’s time to look at your eating habits, and ask yourself, “am I eating healthy, or can I do a better job with my diet?” The truth is […]
Lutheran Church Charities Comfort Dog Visits CMSS
Chicago Methodist Senior Services’ Wesley Place residents recently met a new furry friend: Emma. She’s a golden retriever with Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) K-9 Comfort Dogs, a faith-based nonprofit with a team of golden retrievers who interact with people of all ages across the country. When the K-9 comfort dogs are not visiting people who […]
Why Older Adults Enjoy Flexible Senior Center Programs
While many seniors make the choice to live in a senior community, some prefer to stay in their own homes or with family members. For those older adults, we offer popular programs at our senior centers like exercise activities, line dancing, brain games, daily lunches, movie showings, sessions on nutrition and legal advice. CMSS provides […]
Therapeutic Mini Horses Visit CMSS communities
Interacting with animals can really bring a smile to a person’s face, and spending time with miniature horses can be an especially enjoyable treat! Local organization Mane in Heaven recently brought ponies to Chicago Methodist Senior Services’ Hartwell Place and Covenant Home, and residents at both communities got to spend time with these fun-sized horses. […]
Spring Benefit 2019: Did We Meet Our Fundraising Goal?
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Annual Spring Benefit Brunch in April to celebrate 121 years of Chicago Methodist Senior Services’ mission! We had a great day of browsing raffle items donated by wonderful organizations across Chicago, enjoying a performance from the Civic Fellows of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and learning about […]
Three Ways CMSS is Bringing Music to Resident Care
Music has a profound, personal impact on everyone. It means something different to each person, and older adults can find significant benefits in music. Music can help manage stress, alleviate pain and create connections between people. One of our goals at CMSS is to bring the power of music into the lives of all older […]
CMSS acquires West Suburban Senior Services
We’re thrilled to announce Chicago Methodist Senior Services (CMSS) has acquired Western Suburban Senior Services (WSSS) of Bellwood, Illinois. WSSS is a nonprofit that’s been providing support for thousands of older adults in the Bellwood area since 1972. WSSS’ programs include Adult Day Services and programming for LGBTQ members of the community. “We’re looking forward […]
Chicago Methodist Senior Services’ 2019 Spring Benefit Brunch
Each year, friends of Chicago Methodist Senior Services come together to support our commitment to improving quality of life for older adults. This year marks 121 years of CMSS and another successful year of positive impact in our community. Please join us for our Spring Benefit Brunch on Saturday, April 27th from 11 a.m. to […]
What You Need to Know About Medicaid as an Option for Long-term Care
As people get older, it’s typical to experience increasing health issues. Individuals who don’t have much in savings or retirement income and need medical services beyond what their families can provide may benefit from Medicaid for long-term care. Often confused with Medicare — which is a Federal program — Medicaid falls under individual states’ governments […]
What’s New at Chicago Methodist Senior Services in 2019?
We’re always on a mission to expand our services and improve quality of life for residents. So, what’s new at Chicago Methodist Senior Services in 2019? This year, you can expect new life enrichment programming, including more music and art services. CMSS is also broadening its reach beyond Andersonville with its acquisition of West Suburban […]
Living Well: Understand Medicare Coverage for Older Adults
You may have seen deductions on your paychecks for Medicare and Social Security. These deductions support federal health insurance for those who are over age 65, have specific disabilities, or have end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Uganda Gaines, Corporate Billing Director with Chicago Methodist Senior Services, breaks down what exactly Medicare is, what its benefits are […]
Music Therapy for Older Adults
Music is important in a variety of settings. From live concerts in the park or helping energize a workout, to helping people unwind and bring serenity, music can delight, motivate and soothe. Music therapy for older adults can help heal – emotionally, cognitively and physically, according to Henri Harps, Music Programming Coordinator with Chicago Methodist […]
CMSS in the News: Musicians on Call Launches at CMSS
This past summer, violinist Lindsey Sterling visited Wesley Place, Chicago Methodist Senior Services’ long-term skilled nursing community, with the organization Musicians On Call. The organization brings local musicians, in addition to national superstars, to nursing homes and hospitals, performing for residents and patients who have difficulty leaving bed. Performers such as Kelly Clarkson, Luke Bryan and […]
Living Well: How to Find the Best Assisted Living Community for Your Loved One
Sometimes an older person is largely independent but needs some extra help with daily activities. Family isn’t always available to provide the necessary care an older loved one requires. When it comes time to find a place that can offer more help, it’s important to find the best assisted living for your loved one based […]
Respect Your Elders: Margaret Kivelson
#RespectYourElders: Margaret Kivelson is a celebrated space physicist and planetary scientist. Her lifetime contributions have advanced our knowledge of Jupiter and space as a whole. Now, at age 90, she continues to conduct research and share her knowledge through teaching. From an early age, Kivelson excelled in her studies. Her aptitude for math and hunger […]
Living Well: Senior Safety: Prioritize Flu Shots for Seniors
With flu season right around the corner, it’s imperative to keep seniors safe from influenza. That’s why flu shots for seniors, which have a higher dose of the vaccine than the flu shot for those younger, can save lives. “The immune system isn’t as robust as when you’re younger, so all seniors have a higher […]
Living Well: Adult Day Services: Assisting in Your Loved One’s Care
Many aging adults want to maintain their independence, but it’s not always possible to be fully independent. Some people may have caregivers within the family who try to fulfill all of their care needs, but relying on family for all sorts of assistance can be stressful for everyone. The good news is that weekday help […]
November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month: 4 Things You Should Know
Did you know November is Alzheimer’s awareness month? Knowing more about Alzheimer’s can help you make healthy choices to lower your risk or manage the disease if it already impacts you or a loved one. From risk factors to encouraging medical advances, there’s a lot to learn. Start with these four facts: 1. Alzheimer’s can […]
How CMSS and Embodied Labs are Helping Caregivers Understand Alzheimer’s
Those of us who have not experienced memory loss can’t understand Alzheimer’s from the perspective of a person living with it, and that’s often a challenge for caregivers. But Embodied Labs is striving to bridge the gap by giving caregivers a virtual reality simulation of what it’s like to live with the disease. If you’ve […]
Three Reasons to Consider Short-Term Rehab
If you have an upcoming surgery, planning for your recovery is just as important as preparing for the surgery itself. Will you go home and seek care from an in-home therapist? Will you consider short-term rehab? Or is another option best for you? Whether you need orthopedic or cardiovascular surgery, or require stroke rehabilitation, short-term […]
