Wyndemere Community Celebrates an Upgrade

As if residents of Wyndemere weren't active enough, recent upgrades to Wheaton's premier senior living community brought new meaning to the term "active aging." 

Last week at a community open house, unveiled an impressive $2.2 million renovation that added a state-of-the-art fitness center, art studio, spa and bistro lounge, complete with flat screen televisions and an upscale pub. According to the community's parent organization, Life Care Services, the stylish new digs will “further enhance the lifestyle of residents through improved spaces, amenities and lifestyle choices."

The renovation is a joint capital improvement project funded by previous owner Central DuPage Hospital (CDH) and Life Care Services, the new owner of the facility. Co-hosted by Wheaton's The Honorable Mayor Michael Gresk and Jim Spear, CDH vice president and CFO, the community opened its new doors to nearly 100 of the area's corporate, civic and philanthropic leaders at a high-energy Grand Opening event. 

"The newly-created and renovated areas of the Wyndemere community are designed to reflect the spirit and personality of the active, engaged residents," said Erin Donaldson, executive director at Wyndemere. "We feel that providing for different opportunities and ways that residents can address their health and wellness will enable them to live longer and healthier, and maybe even more fulfilling lives.”

Among the highlights of the renovation is an upgraded fitness center, designed in collaboration with a leading senior fitness organization, the National Institute for Fitness and Sport (NIFS). The new area offers senior-friendly equipment with personalized fitness programs for cardio, strength training and balance.  A newly-created designated group exercise room includes a floor with impact resistant coverings, an affixed balance bar, and new technology with video capabilities.

The addition of a bistro and lounge allows Wyndemere residents to deviate from typical meal programs by offering choice and flexibility.  The venue transforms throughout the day to accommodate breakfast and lunch options, offering cocktails and specialty drinks such as smoothies and coffees.  The area also can be reserved for groups, club meetings and family functions.  An outdoor fire pit on the adjoining patio is available for resident gatherings and social events.

Finally, a new convenience store, multi-functional classroom, fully equipped creative arts studio and amenity-packed beauty salon offer residents additional options to their daily routines.

“These upgrades are very important to the residents, adding additional flexibility and an improved all-around atmosphere to our community,” said Jim Snodgrass, president of Wyndemere’s Resident Association and Wyndemere resident for more than two years. “I’ve seen many people just out and about more, experiencing and enjoying the new attractions .”

Donaldson said the renovation is in concordance with the growing need for organizations and companies to provide varying forms of services to seniors. Recent statistics show that in DuPage County alone, 11 percent of the estimated population is over the age 65.  This number is expected to grow to almost 14 percent by 2015. 

CDH contributed $1.5 million for the renovation as a departing gift when they sold the Wyndemere Campus in March 2010 to new owner, Life Care Services, who in turn contributed $500,000 as a demonstration of their commitment to improve areas and programming within the community.

Wyndemere’s YouTube channel offers highlights of the renovation and segments of residents enjoying new amenities.  Please visit: http://www.youtube.com/WyndemereLCS.

Wyndemere Senior Living Community is located in the heart of Wheaton, Ill. at 200 Wyndemere Circle, and is owned and managed by Life Care Services.  For more information about retirement living and the Wyndemere Community, visit our webpage at www.WyndemereLCS.com or call Wyndemere at (630) 690-8889.