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24 | October 19, 2017 | 22nd century media active aging Guide
22ndCenturyMedia.com
retire
From Page 9
“I learned about marketing,
but I learned a lot
more about people — what
kindness can do in the
world,” Vanek said. “I witnessed
how growing older
can be wonderful with
the support of family and
friends.”
In addition to answering
a busy telephone in the
main lobby on weekday
mornings, Vanek supervised
the duties of 11 receptionists
covering Smith
Crossing’s entire phone
system from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.,
seven days a week.
“Because we are front
and center for residents
too, we listen to their
concerns and put them in
touch with staff who could
help,” she said. “We relayed
lots of good news,
like a special package or
new furniture has just been
delivered. We’d see their
faces light up when they
greeted family members
and friends.”
Vanek kept meticulous
daily census records indicating
residents’ absences,
due to travel, medical procedures
and snowbird residency
in other states. She
also tracked their progression
through the lifestyle
settings. She recalls a tipping
point in 2007, when
Smith Crossing achieved a
population of 90 independent
living residents and a
waiting list of 30 prospective
residents.
Not long after, plans solidified
for a $37 million
expansion that would include
a larger fitness center,
physical therapy gym
and library, as well as the
additions of a movie theater,
game room — plus
90 additional apartments.
Today, Smith Crossing is
home to 300 residents.
After the new wings
opened in January of 2013,
it became clear to Vanek
and others that the foundation
of Smith Crossing as a
community was firmly set.
“Many of the first residents
still live here,” she
said. “And while their
closeness remains, they
welcome new residents and
staff. We’ve just become a
much bigger family.”
Laurie Maurisak, former
lead receptionist for assisted
living and healthcare
wings, assumed Vanek’s
responsibilities along with
Alex Tarr, admissions director
at Smith Crossing.
Just like Vanek, Maurisak
and Tarr said they enjoy
making people smile.
“Among the most important
traits we look for
in all people who work
here is caring, compassion
and patience,” said Frank
Guajardo, executive director
for Smith Crossing.
“Georgia set our gold standard
for all of those qualities.
We will miss her.”
About Smith Crossing
Smith Crossing is one of
only 10 life-plan communities
in Illinois awarded a
five-year accreditation for
“exemplary conformance”
to international standards
set by CARF-CCAC, the
industry’s sole accrediting
body.
Sponsored by Smith
Senior Living, a not-forprofit
organization serving
older adults since 1924, it
offers spacious residences
and engaging programs for
independent living, as well
as assisted living, memory
support and skilled nursing
care. It also provides
short-term rehabilitation
services for residents and
others requiring assistance
after surgery or a medical
incident.
Submitted by Smith Crossing,
10501 Emilie Lane in Orland
Park. For more information,
call (708) 326-2300 or visit
www.smithcrossing.org.
Dental
From Page 6
left behind by brushing
and flossing alone.
• Stay hydrated – Many
medications cause dry
mouth, an issue often
experienced in our senior
community. Staying
hydrated encourages
natural saliva production
which aids in the
prevention of infections
and possible tooth loss.
• Replace missing teeth
– Dental implants are
the most modern and effective
way to replace
lost teeth. From better
digestion, to preventing
further bone loss – Orland
Dental Care offers
the state of the art equipment
to assist their patients
in this invaluable
option. A free consultation
is only a phone call
away!
Proper dental care, regular
checkups along with a
healthy diet are some of
most important things to
maintain as we get older.
Don’t put it off another
year–schedule an appointment
with your dentist as
soon as possible.
Orland Dental Care is a
family-friendly, cosmetic,
general and specialty
practice led by Dr. Kyle
Takla. Dr. Takla and his
team combine advanced
dentistry with a gentle,
friendly style. Their office
is a comprehensive dental
center where patients
can receive all their dental
needs in one place. From
simple cleanings to full
mouth rehabilitation, such
as permanent implant procedures.
Submitted by Orland Dental
Care, 14360 S. La Grange
Road in Orland Park. For
more information, visit www.
orlanddentalcare.com, email
dentaloffice87@yahoo.com
or call (708) 364-8900.
Live it
how you see fit
At Smith Crossing, maintenance-free living, exceptional amenities
and innovative programs all come together to create an active
lifestyle that will exceed your expectations. Morning yoga classes.
Working out with a professional trainer in our state-of-the art fitness
center. Cultural, educational and wellness activities. Two firstclass
dining venues with fresh, seasonal menus. Come explore an
enriching world with the freedom to live life by the best design
of all — yours.
As Orland Park’s only Life Plan Community, backed by Smith Senior
Living, who’s been caring for older adults in the Chicago area since
1924, you’ll have the security of a full continuum of care available
here on campus if you should ever need it.
Step into a World of Possibilities.
Schedule your visit today (708) 505-2925
10501 Emilie Lane • Orland Park, IL 60467 • SmithCrossing.org