Heartland Apartments sits at 607 N Hightower St in Peoria, Illinois, not far from downtown, shopping malls, Dozer Park, hospitals, and just two blocks from the Peoria Civic Center, which makes it pretty handy for folks who like to get out and about, and with public transportation right nearby, going places is manageable for most, and if you look around the area you'll see Senior World right next door, so there's no shortage of other seniors in the neighborhood. The property is a three-story HUD-subsidized community, offering 150 one-bedroom apartments that are 544 square feet each and set up for adults aged 62 and older, or for folks 18 and over who have mobility disabilities. There's a waiver for people age 52 and up, but only until September 30, 2019, and there's a simple intake and application process that can be done by mail or in the office during normal weekday hours. The rent is based on 30% of adjusted income, with all utilities included except telephone and cable, and if someone doesn't have income, there's a $25 monthly rent charge.
Every apartment comes with full kitchens, heating and air conditioning, window treatments, and carpeting, so staying comfortable isn't too much trouble. For safety, there are fire and smoke detectors, an emergency call system, and safety rails in the bathrooms, and the building uses a card access system for security-little touches that make people feel safe, especially as they get older or less mobile. Residents have their own indoor mailboxes, there's an on-site laundry room, and there are accessible units for those who need them.
Heartland Apartments offers independent living with a maintenance-free lifestyle, and if you need more support you can get optional help services or even respite care, which comes in handy for family caregivers who need a break now and then. The community offers a range of services including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, hospice care, home care, retirement accommodations, and support for folks with disabilities, so a person can find the right fit without having to move away as their needs change.
The Social Service Coordinator is available to help residents with personal needs and there's always on-site management and maintenance staff, which keeps things running steady. Social life at Heartland is active, with a community room that hosts frequent parties, potluck suppers, and bingo, and you can often catch neighbors enjoying the game room or spending time in the library, with both spaces giving people a chance to do a little more than just stay in their apartments. Outside, there's an outdoor pavilion and a relaxation garden for when folks want fresh air, and as a smoke-free community, those with breathing issues find it easier to get along.
Heartland Apartments also takes part in RHF's Project H.A.N.D.S., which is a nice way for residents to get involved and support each other, giving a sense of belonging. The building serves people mainly from Peoria but also from the nearby counties of Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark, and Putnam. It's a non-profit community, which keeps the focus squarely on care and residents' needs rather than making a profit, and that means folks can expect straightforward rules and friendly support without a lot of surprises.
