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Community Corner

Staff and Residents Share Family Ties at Sedgebrook-Radford Green

At Sedgebrook and Radford Green, a continuing care retirement community in Lincolnshire, “all in the family” and “family ties” are more than bygone TV shows.  They are words to describe the literal kinship among some staff and residents who work and live alongside one another.  For one, Frank Baasch is grandfather of Sedgebrook community resources coordinator Ryan Springer.  Initially thought of as “Ryan’s grandfather,” the 88-year-old Sedgebrook resident is now known simply as “Frank.”  “People respect his opinions,” said Ryan of the self-educated founder of Baasch Dental Laboratories.  “He knows a lot about history, politics and current events and isn’t shy about expressing himself.”

A member of a resident “think tank,” taking on such topics as the economy, society, income inequality, and occasionally writing to Congress, Frank moved to Sedgebrook nine years ago following the death of his wife.  “He was depressed at first,” said Ryan, “but he began to meet new people, join new groups, and come out of his cocoon.  Before long, he was back to his old self because of the friendships that are developed so easily here.” 

Growing up in Vernon Hills, Ryan had a very close relationship with his grandfather.  “We had dinner together every Wednesday,” he said.  “I love seeing him on a regular basis here.  We sit in the café together, have conversations, rib each other…I blame him for my baldness!”  What is most important to Ryan is the outstanding quality of independent living at Sedgebrook.  He is also grateful for the five-star rated care offered at the neighboring Radford Green Health Care and Rehabilitation.  “It’s very comforting to know it’s there if Grandpa Frank needs it, and he wouldn’t be as secure or happy anywhere else.”  When Ryan gives tours of Sedgebrook to potential residents, he doesn’t hesitate to let them know that his own grandfather lives there.

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Neither do Deborah, Jessica, and Brittany Schnoor, daughter-in-law and granddaughters, respectively, of “Papa Fritz” Schnoor at Radford Green.  “We share our family ties all the time,” said Jessica, Radford Green nurse liaison/admissions.  “We often joke that the Schnoors are slowly taking over!”  Jessica’s mother Deborah and sister Brittany are communications specialists on the campus.   Papa Fritz is their beloved father-in-law and grandfather who moved to Radford Green from another senior community when he needed long-term care.  An employee of Radford Green when Fritz moved in, Jessica wanted him to have the skilled care she knows first-hand.  “As a nurse myself, I think it says a lot that I trust our staff enough to take care of my own grandfather,” she said.

A night owl, Papa Fritz relishes late-night chats with residents and staff.  The visits he enjoys most, however, are those with his own family.  “It’s so comforting to us and to him that we can just pop in and see him whenever,” said Jessica.  “I love to sit and have dinner with him,” remarked Brittany of the 97-year-old man who pioneered his own marina business in the Fox Lake area.  “He looks like an old harbor master,” remarked Deborah.  “Everyone here loves him, and we love that he’s not only part of our own family, but the Sedgebrook family, too.” 

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Sedgebrook is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offering a diverse lifestyle, maintenance-free living and outstanding amenities. Five-star rated Radford Green Health Care and Rehabilitation is located on the 92-acre Sedgebrook campus in Lincolnshire, Illinois.  Sedgebrook is owned by Senior Care Development LLC and managed by Life Care Services LLC. For additional information visit www.welcometosedgebrook.com or call 847-901-3319.

 

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