Villa St. Benedict

Villa St. Benedict sits on a large, peaceful campus in Lisle, Illinois, with trees, walking paths, and flower gardens spread out across over 47 acres, and you'll find all sorts of spaces there where people can gather, like indoor lounges, a clubhouse, a library, a bistro, fine dining, and even an underground parking garage. This Catholic senior living place is run as a nonprofit, sponsored by the Benedictine Sisters of the Sacred Heart and Benedictine Health System, and it's open to anyone 55 and older along with their spouses or younger folks who are handicapped. Seniors can pick between independent living villas or apartments, assisted living at the Benedale Center, and a secured memory care area, so folks who need help with Alzheimer's or dementia have a safe place to stay. There are private and semiprivate rooms, each with a kitchenette, private bathroom with grab bars, and emergency response features, and residents can decorate their spaces with their own belongings if they want.

Meal service means three chef-prepared meals every day, and they do offer vegetarian choices, plus there's linen and housekeeping service every week, help with laundry, and even scheduled transportation, with some rides included and some with a fee. If someone needs assistance, the staff stays awake around the clock for emergencies, and they'll help with reminders for medicines, dressing, bathing, and blood sugar checks for diabetics. While everyone should be able to manage their own incontinence, the staff can remind and support folks and can assist with both bowel and bladder concerns, and help with one-person assisted transfers if someone isn't able to walk. Small pets are welcome.

The memory care section is secured for safety and can take in people who have serious behavior challenges, with care plans suited for each resident and support from nurses, doctors, and families working together. Spiritual care includes daily mass, rosary, and pastoral support, and there are regular worship services. Exercise and activities are important here, with options like fitness classes, art events, lifelong learning, book clubs, happy hours, and singing and social groups, plus outings to local theater or shopping. The campus offers a wellness center, therapy office, salon, clubhouse, gift shop, business center, and a pool table, so there's almost always something to do, and there are programs for creative and physical health, including classes with university students. Residents can volunteer, join bridge or mahjongg groups, do aqua fitness offsite, and spend time in indoor or outdoor lounging areas. There's a focus on social life, creative expression, and keeping up mental and physical health; Villa St. Benedict aims to help seniors stay comfortable as they age in place. The community operates as a certified, licensed facility and supports all faith backgrounds, though it keeps to Catholic traditions with regular services and a spiritual atmosphere.

Villa St. Benedict is managed by Benedictine.

Benedictine, established in 1985 by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery in Duluth, Minnesota, has grown into one of the largest Catholic senior living organizations in the United States, operating over 35 communities across Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Missouri. With annual revenues reaching billion, approximately 5,000 employees, and over million of senior living assets under management, this faith-based nonprofit organization has experienced significant expansion from a single skilled nursing facility to a multi-state healthcare network through strategic acquisitions, partnerships, sponsorship transitions, and joint ventures.

Under the leadership of President and CEO Jerry Carley, who joined in 2018 bringing over 35 years of senior care experience, Benedictine has maintained its position as an industry leader while preserving its Catholic heritage and mission-driven focus. Carley's leadership has earned significant recognition, including being named to The Minnesota 500 as one of the state's most powerful executives (2018-2020) and designation as one of Minnesota's Most Influential Health Care Leaders by Minnesota Physician Magazine in 2020. His extensive background includes previous roles as president and CEO of CSJ Initiatives and service on LeadingAge Minnesota's board of directors, where he serves as Chair.

Benedictine's innovative memory care program exemplifies their commitment to specialized care through two distinct neighborhoods: Tabitha, named after Sister Tabitha who was the first woman to head a hospital setting, which serves residents with mild to moderate memory loss, and Pauline, honoring Sister Pauline who devoted her life to dementia care, providing specialized support for those with moderate to advanced dementia. These research-based programs employ best practices in dementia care, offering engaging activities, personalized care plans, and family integration support. The organization's comprehensive service continuum extends to Adult Day Programs in Duluth and Winona, providing daytime respite care with trained memory care staff, while facilities like Benedictine Minneapolis specialize in complex medical care including tracheostomy and ventilator support.

The organization's care philosophy centers on nurturing mind, body, and spirit, rooted in Benedictine values of Hospitality, Stewardship, Respect, and Justice. This holistic approach emphasizes listening with the "ear of the heart," creating welcoming environments where unique needs are respected and each person's spirituality is honored. Through comprehensive rehabilitation services, spiritual care programs led by Director of Spiritual Care Rev. J. Scott Cartwright, and purposeful recreation incorporating art, music therapy, and movement, Benedictine continues the healthcare ministry begun by the Benedictine Sisters over a century ago. Recent strategic decisions, including the 2024 transition of Benedictine Living Community-Wausau to The Ensign Group, demonstrate the organization's commitment to ensuring sustainable, high-quality care while adapting to evolving market dynamics and maintaining their mission of empowering older adults to live to their highest potential.