Friendship Hill Retirement Center sits in Lovington, Illinois, on about 32 acres of quiet, rural land, and folks aged 55 and over live there in cozy apartments, some newly remodeled, with choices like studios and efficiency layouts, and the place offers furnished apartments if someone just wants to try it for a few days or weeks. The grounds look peaceful and wooded, with a small, village feel, and there are lounges for relaxing, an outdoor garden for fresh air, a swimming pool if someone wants to take a dip, an exercise room, a whirlpool, and even weekly worship services held in a casual setting. The center is nonprofit, around since 1973, supported by foundation grants and donations, and keeps things running with about 20 staff members as of 2023.
Residents find housekeepers coming in to tidy up, laundry and dry cleaning available without hassle, and meals made from scratch, served all day, with options for special diets like diabetes or allergies. Personal services cover things like medication reminders, non-ambulatory care, and laundry, and there's a 24-hour supervision and emergency alert system, so help's always close by. Anyone who likes animals will notice small dogs, up to 25 pounds, are welcome companions. Social life stays busy with daily exercise groups, arts and crafts, off-site field trips, regular luncheons open to everyone, and public community events aimed at keeping folks engaged. Residents get transportation help, access to a barber and salon, and a dining room for gathering over meals.
Some folks here need more help, while others want to keep their independence, so the community covers a range of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, continuing care, nursing home services, home care, and respite stays. The entire place is set up for seniors who want a safe, secure environment, but also want the freedom to come and go, take part in life, and have their needs met when necessary. Friendship Hill Retirement Center also lets seniors try a free trial stay, or compare their current living costs using an expense calculator, and the staff have senior care advocates who answer questions and help with resources for specific health conditions or disabilities. The property offers different ways for residents and families to communicate, whether online, over the phone, or even through social media platforms like Facebook and Messenger.
Families find peace of mind knowing there's always someone watching out for their loved ones, and the center aims to maintain a residential lifestyle for the ambulatory aged, making sure food, shelter, and care promote health and independence, but there's no pressure to commit long term-residents can come and go as they like. Donations are accepted, and there's a tradition of community-support with regular grants from the Friendship Hill Foundation and others. Rooms stay clean, meals stay tasty, grounds stay neat, and most everyone finds a little peace in the slow rhythm of small-town, senior living at Friendship Hill.
