Wesley Willows sits in Rockford, Illinois, and has been serving seniors since 1966 as a not-for-profit community, spreading out on both the main Wesley Willows campus and Peterson Meadows campus, and you'll see right away that they've tried to think about most of what older folks want in a place to live, because there are independent living homes, duplexes, and apartments, assisted living options in Hunt Terrace and Willows Arbor, as well as care for memory support at Kirk's Place, so anyone moving in can choose what suits their needs now or down the line. They call themselves a Continuing Care Retirement Community, offering different levels of care all on one campus, which means if someone's needs change over time, they won't have to leave the community for higher care-there's everything from independent living and supportive assisted living to a full-service health center with skilled nursing, a memory care unit, and rehab, and for residents needing short-term stays or hospice care, those services are available too, with a bed count in the Alzheimer's unit being above 30 beds.
There's a real mix of homes and amenities, like you can get a duplex or single-family house with main floor laundry, full kitchens with big appliances, wide hallways, even attached garages, and on top of that, there's heated underground parking for apartments, private balconies or patios, plenty of storage, and pet-friendly options, plus ADA accessible units for those who need them, and it seems they let folks personalize their space by choosing things like paint and flooring, and homes can come with fireplaces or sunrooms if wanted. Residents get their pick of studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom apartments with walk-in closets, washer and dryer in every suite, and for apartments there's free laundry down the hall if preferred. Housekeeping services are included for suites and available for homes, and all apartments have full bathrooms with accessible showers, and residents don't have to worry about exterior maintenance, snow removal, or lawn care, as those are all included, and there's a concierge service for extra support.
Meals get good reviews, with options for vegetarian and kosher diets, and dining areas set up like a bistro for variety. On top of meals, there's a large offering of activities, like fitness classes, swimming in the indoor pool, ceramics in the art studio, woodworking, weekly chapel services, life enrichment trips, and social events like cooking demonstrations and trivia nights, plus a computer lab, library, and media center for those who want to keep busy or keep learning, and there's a community garden and even a dog park for pet owners. Safety is a focus-there's 24/7 security staff, emergency call systems, and most spaces are see-through for wheelchairs or those with walkers.
Their healthcare services cover a lot of ground, so they have skilled nursing, outpatient rehab, specialized care for memory needs like Alzheimer's and dementia, as well as help for those with diabetes or those needing mobility support, and for daily living, staff help with bathing, dressing, medication, and there's always nurses on staff at Hunt Terrace for assisted living residents. Willows Health & Rehab Center is Medicare certified and offers both short-term and long-term care, with private and semi-private rooms, and residents are guaranteed immediate and comprehensive access to healthcare when needed, and there's a $4,000 healthcare investment fee that covers ten days in skilled nursing at the health center each year for those living on campus.
Transportation to events, shopping, and entertainment is available, and friends or family can stay overnight in guest accommodations. Community life stays active with worship, crafts, fitness, gaming rooms, billiards, walking trails, and Bible study groups, and amenities like the bistro, salon, and chapel are open to all. The community supports residents with resource programs for caregivers if needed, and there's always someone around during office hours on weekdays if help is needed, and residents know exactly what to expect for fees-there are entrance fees and monthly fees, including different fee structures depending on the apartment and level of care, as well as refundable or declining balance entrance fees, and utilities are included in apartment pricing, with upgrades for cable and phone.
The community has won awards for meals, activities, and friendliness, and they're also affiliated with Highview in the Woodlands for more living choices close by. With well-maintained grounds, walking paths, spacious living areas, and staff who provide support at all levels, Wesley Willows has tried to build a place where seniors can live as independently as possible, with care and community around them, and with programs and amenities that suit a variety of lifestyles and care needs.
