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Oscar Lacson takes pride in his position as Bistro Chef. Rising early, he opens the Bistro with freshly brewed coffee for residents and staff. He spends several hours making pre-packaged lunches for staff that include tasty sandwiches, pasta and burgers. Food presentation is always important. “I try to make it nice for everyone,” Oscar said. “I always serve something that I would eat.” Oscar’s talents began when he was young, learning to cook from his family. He did some training in Chicago and accepted his first job preparing meals for physicians/specialists at the Rush-St. Luke’s Medical Center. Working closely with a talented German chef for 25 years, Oscar learned so much about upscale dining and catering for breakfast, lunch and banquets. On his own, he took food sculpture classes, mastering the art of making unique carvings. At the hospital, he connected with prominent patients such as Michael Jordon, White Sox and Chicago Bulls players, Mike Ditka and Tommy Bartlett. When the lead chef passed away, Oscar decided to try something new. He was recommended to King-Bruwaert House where he started in 2011. From the main kitchen, he moved to the Bistro when it opened. The Bistro has become a second home to Oscar where he adds accents to celebrate holidays and seasons. In his spare time, Oscar enjoys antique shopping and has a collection of vintage food tools and other items. He displays some of his collectables in the Bistro. He also enjoys gardening and decorating. Several years ago, he surprised staff by bringing in a large, back-lit ice cream cone to display at a KBH ice cream social. Everyone wanted pictures next to the cone! Oscar said he enjoys conversations in the Bistro. “I like to talk to people and chit-chat,” he said. “I like to be part of their lives.” 
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 Lisa Capozzoli has joined King-Bruwaert House as Chaplain of the Burr Ridge-based senior living community. Most recently, Capozzoli served as the Visitation and Care Pastor for Christ Church of Oak Brook. At Christ Church, she provided leadership and pastoral care to the well-known Greenhouse Community that serves older adults of the congregation. She is a long-term member of the church.
Capozzoli also led the development, training and mentoring of the Stephen Ministry program at Christ Church, helping parishioners and the community with personal and professional transitions. In addition, she served as preacher for several services and led both memorial and funeral services. As Director of Caring and Community for Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, Capozzoli provided care and leadership to the parish, working with hospitality teams and participating in community outreach. She also welcomed new members and developed and led a Prayer Ministry worship service. Capozzoli’s extensive work experience includes serving as an award-winning Accounting professor and Program Coordinator at the College of DuPage for 20 years. She developed the college’s accounting curriculum for classroom, online and hybrid delivery formats and hired/managed 27 full-time and part-time faculty members. Prior to working at the College of DuPage, she was an accomplished accounting instructor at DePaul University where she also served on several committees and provided mentoring and advising to Honors Accounting students. Capozzoli holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Northern Theological Seminary in Lombard. She earned a Master of Accountancy and a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from DePaul University. A strong supporter of the arts, Capozzoli grew up in Seattle and studied ballet and piano at an early age. After high school, she joined and toured with several professional ballet companies, including the Joffrey Ballet, Chicago Ballet and Boston Ballet. She and her husband, John, continue to enjoy music, dance and stage performances. As Chaplain, she will lead the Sunday morning church service at King-Bruwaert House. She will also host Bible Study classes and write a weekly inspirational resident newsletter that focuses on scripture and worship.  Dr. Richard “Dick” Bulger of Hinsdale has joined the Board of Directors of King-Bruwaert House (KBH) in Burr Ridge. Dr. Bulger has an extensive medical background leading a successful private practice in otolaryngology that he started in 1972.
He served as an assistant professor at Rush University and at the University of Illinois. He has been a staff member of several area hospitals including Rush University Medical Center and the University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago, MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park, Amita Hinsdale and Amita LaGrange Hospitals, Edward Hospital in Naperville, Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, and Amita St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet. He has served as medical staff president at Amita Hinsdale Hospital. He has also been president of the DuPage County Medical Society, trustee of the Illinois State Medical Society, and a delegate to the American Medical Association House. Dr. Bulger has also served on the boards of Amita Hinsdale Hospital and the Hinsdale Hospital Foundation. Other memberships include the American Medical Association, the Illinois State Medical Society, the DuPage County Medical Society, and the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Bulger attended undergraduate studies at Loyola University in Chicago and received his medical degree from the University of Illinois. He completed a surgical internship and surgical residency at the University of California in Davis. He also completed a residency in otolaryngology-neck surgery at the University of Illinois and became board-certified in this specialization. “Dr. Bulger’s professional medical background will be a great asset to our Board,” said KBH CEO Terri Bowen. “We welcome his expertise and recommendations as we deliberate on many important medical decisions that will be important to our future.”
King-Bruwaert House CEO Terri Bowen was recently interviewed on Chicago's ABC7 about the need for medical supplies, testing kits and personal protective equipment. Check out the article and watch the interview here.
Download a copy of the letter sent to Governor Pritzker, sent by:
 In-Home Skilled Nursing: Quality Care With ComfortGrowing old is one of life's inevitabilities, but it should not be regretted! Aging is a privilege, despite certain negative stereotypes of it. In fact, some academic journals identify a few advantages of aging including lower criminal activity, increased volunteering in community organizations, guaranteed minimum income, and more. Nevertheless, as we age, we often find ourselves in need of frequent medical treatment or assistance with performing activities of daily living (ADLs), which can be frustrating at first. But with proper in-home skilled nursing care provided by a professional assisted living facility, your quality of life will be improved and ADLs won't be so tedious. What is Skilled Nursing?Skilled nursing is high-level medical care provided by licensed professionals (eg. registered nurses and physical therapists) to provide either short-term physical rehabilitation from sickness/injury or long-term medical care due to chronic conditions. Skilled nursing facilities have medical staff on standby 24/7 for emergencies and perform general check-ins and daily duties for their patients such as helping with ADLs, changing catheters, replacing IV fluid, administering medications, etc. Skilled Nursing at Home vs. a Skilled Nursing HomeWhat's the difference between skilled nursing at home and a skilled nursing home? Well, in-home skilled nursing allows the patient to receive treatment via housecall from their medical professional, whereas a skilled nursing home is a facility in which the patient stays. Skilled nursing at home is more beneficial for seniors that don't need constant care for chronic conditions because it allows the patient to recover in the comfort of their own home. This allows them to remain relatively independent in their community, which is very important to many seniors as they start to need help with ADLs. When is Skilled Nursing Needed?Professional skilled nursing facilities will begin by sitting down with the resident and assessing their medical history, treatment needs, dietary restrictions, and more. Oftentimes, it's recommended to receive periodic skilled nursing care even if the patient is healthy, as it allows staff to more intimately know their medical history and daily routines as they begin to transition into assisted living. Skilled nursing is especially necessary for:
What King-Bruwaert House OffersKing-Bruwaert House is an independent and assisted living community in Burr Ridge, IL that offers skilled nursing and in-home skilled nursing options. We have two options that address the needs of residents who require 24-hour care: Rose WingThe Rose Wing of KB House offers private rooms furnished with single bathrooms and registered nurses/caregivers on staff for 24 hours/day to address spontaneous needs or emergencies. With a private dining room and activity room nearby, residents are able to enjoy a more independent lifestyle with fun life enrichment activities at their disposal, including:
Health Care CenterThe KB House Health Care Center offers both private and semi-private rooms with a spacious recreation area for many of the activities listed above. During the warm months, an outdoor veranda overlooks the gorgeous KB House grounds, including winding walking paths, tranquil ponds and manicured foliage. Each resident receives custom-tailored health management plans that are coordinated with their medical team, whether it involves IV management, tube feedings, wound care, assistance with ADLs (bathing, dressing, going to the toilet, etc.) and more.
Skilled nursing is a fundamental part of staying healthy as we age. In-home skilled nursing offers the same medical benefits but from the comfort of your own home, allowing you to stay as independent as possible and retain your community and the lifestyle to which you've become accustomed. For more specific information, pricing guidelines, or to plan a visit to our beautiful facilities in Burr Ridge, give us a call at (630) 323-2250 or click on the button below.  The Moving to Assisted Living Checklist: What to Keep in Mind During the TransitionChoosing to move into assisted living is rarely an easy decision. Some parents may resist it because they feel that it damages their pride or robs them of free will. They may be afraid to leave behind the life they've built, or may have trouble accepting the natural progression of aging -- that is, needing help with ADLs (activities of daily living). But assisted living will greatly improve their quality of life and bring them to a warm, welcoming community, in addition to 24/7 help performing ADLs, such as bathing, getting dressed, etc., that become a burden to aging people. Assisted living makes life much easier and relieves the stress that comes with home ownership. This is especially important for seniors with significant health or memory issues. Nonetheless, helping your loved one move into assisted living will require a lot of support, both emotionally and physically. Downsizing for such a transition can be stressful, so it's important to know what can stay and what can go and to help your loved one prioritize and pack. Assisted Living ChecklistFirst and foremost, get a floor plan of the new space, with measurements, so you can accurately plan how furniture and other possessions will fit. Create a ScheduleThis process should begin weeks, if not months in advance of moving day, to minimize stress and allow time for mental processing. Make the reservations for moving vans, trucks, etc. Know when everything needs to be packed and ready to go. Prioritize Sentimental & Cherished PossessionsMoving is one of the most stressful things in life. Keeping cherished possessions close will make for a more comfortable transition and allow for your loved one to acclimate more quickly to their new environment. If the sentimental object is too large (armoire, table, etc), see if a close friend/family member is willing to take it for safekeeping or place it in a trusted storage facility. Some items such as kitchen appliances and other furnishings might be provided by the assisted living facility, so be sure to check before packing.
King-Bruwaert House provides the best amenities in an elegant, picturesque senior living community. We provide independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and more. Plan a visit today to see the full scope.
 Understanding the Differences Between Assisted Living vs Nursing HomesIf you or a loved one may be considering Assisted Living or Nursing Home services, there may be questions about which care level is appropriate. How do you navigate the marketplace and differentiate between Assisted Living vs Nursing Home communities? Let’s start with a basic understanding of these two care levels and related services. What is Assisted Living?Typically, Assisted Living services provide care and attention to individuals requiring regular support with activities of daily living (ADLs). These ADLs include, but are not limited to: daily meals, assistance with dressing, bathing, grooming, medication management, housekeeping, laundry, daily activities, transportation, and some medical oversight. With Assisted Living, you will find a range of residential options that include private, apartment-style living arrangements for individuals and couples to maintain their independence as much as possible. Mobility may be a deciding factor for residents in need of Assisted Living services since they will walk to dining venues, participate in activities and Wellness programs, schedule spa and medical services and enjoy common areas such as fitness or recreation studios, outdoor courtyards, art and craft rooms, theaters and libraries. What is a Nursing Home?Residents who live in a Nursing Home require medical oversight with some or most of their ADLs, plus transfer services. Daily nursing care may be needed with medication management, restorative therapies, injections, IV management, tube feedings, wound care and memory support. Nurses and support staff provide care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Nursing Homes include hospital-style beds in both private and semi-private rooms. Nursing Homes offer services for both short- and long-term stays, depending on the medical condition of the person. It is not uncommon for residents to transition from a hospital stay to a nursing home for a limited period of time. In a round-the-clock medical environment, individuals receive continuous care to help them gain back their strength and stamina. Selecting an Assisted Living vs Nursing Home FacilityAssisted Living companies and Nursing Homes can be independently-owned or franchised in various regions and states and distinguished as either profit or non-profit, with some accepting Medicare/Medicaid and others that do not. Pricing varies with each organization. Some charge a basic fee with add-on expenses for the various services used. Other communities charge an “all-inclusive” fee that incorporates more services with the monthly cost. How to Make a DecisionThose who transition into Assisted Living or Nursing Care accept a new lifestyle that accommodates their personal needs and interests. Amenities and services create a living environment that provides safety, security, medical oversight, cultural stimulation, daily dining and activities. It is important to inquire about monthly pricing, medical care provisions, staffing ratios, available programs, food service options, physician/nursing support, religious options and availability of transportation. Why You Should Select King-Bruwaert HouseKing-Bruwaert House in Burr Ridge, IL continues a long tradition of providing excellent care and services to residents in a full continuum of care: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing Care and Independent Living. Experienced, tenured staff members focus on person-centered care for all residents, helping them to acclimate in our warm, friendly and comfortable surroundings. Acclaimed culinary services bring creative, home-cooked meals to the table every day. Seasonal and daily activities plus wellness programs give residents many opportunities to be active and social as they look forward to day-to-day engagement with other people.
Residents enjoy full access to King-Bruwaert’s beautiful 35-acre wooded grounds that include a 1-1/2-mile walking path, gazebo, bocce ball court, two natural ponds, a natural tributary of Flagg Creek plus many gardens and a walking bridge. A convenient dog park makes it easy for owners to walk their canines in a pet-friendly environment. Large, canopied trees and lovely gardens add to the scenic beauty of our unique King-Bruwaert campus bringing great pleasure to residents who appreciate the colorful seasonal changes. Additional on-site services include physical, speech and occupational therapies, dental and vision services, podiatry care, psychiatric support and a full-service Medical Clinic that remains open five days a week for appointments. Carrington Hall, King-Bruwaert’s newest Assisted Living Suite project, officially opens this fall. The modern suites feature bright and open floor plans, kitchenettes, in-unit washer-dryers, individually-controlled heating and air conditioning, plus daily meals, weekly housekeeping and scheduled transportation. Reservations are now being accepted for the first- and second-floor suites. For more information about Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing Care, Memory Care or Independent Living, call Director of Admissions Joan Metz at (630) 230-9551 or admissions@kbhouse.org.  Healthy Eating Connects to Geriatric NutritionFor many older adults, especially those with memory loss or serious illnesses, healthy eating may not be the biggest priority. Without a caregiver, family member, friend, neighbor or culinary team ensuring that daily meals are eaten, nutritional needs may decline, creating a potentially serious situation. Complications may also occur with actual meal planning and preparation. At King-Bruwaert House in Burr Ridge, we encourage residents at all care levels – independent, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing, to consume daily nutritious meals that satisfy and meet their needs. Healthy food choices and water consumption for older adults can help to maintain physical and cognitive functions and support bone, vision and vascular health. Food also fuels the body’s immune system to provide stamina and strength. Drinking water regularly keeps the body hydrated. It is very common for older adults to experience a loss of appetite or changes in smell or taste. During the aging process, many individuals begin to reduce their food intake or skip meals altogether. The prospect of dining or being alone may also take away from the enjoyment of what was once a shared activity with others. Meal Planning Poses Challenges for Those with Memory LossFor seniors exhibiting signs of short- or long-term memory loss, there is an added concern about preparing food using a stove, microwave or electrical heating appliance. Will your friend or loved one remember to turn off the stove or oven or avoid using certain items or utensils when heating foods in a microwave? Do they have the ability to adjust knobs on a toaster or will they remember to turn off a coffee or slow cooker? Confusion and forgetfulness can be a dangerous combination for someone who is left alone to navigate kitchen duties. And what about meal clean up? Who will tidy up the kitchen after a meal has been prepared? Will dirty dishes or leftover food begin to pile up on the stove, counters or in the sink? Meal messes can be yet another reason why many older adults just don’t want to bother with the time and tasks involved. Checking on the expiration and dates and freshness of food items is another important part of effective meal planning for those with memory loss or limited capabilities. Products such as milk, eggs, juices, fruits and vegetables offer limited consumption times. Dates and codes should be checked regularly to ensure safe eating.  For older adults who have diabetes, food allergies or dietary/caloric restrictions, it is important to stock up on menu items that are essential to their well-being. Weekly grocery store visits by a family member or caregiver will ensure the purchase of healthy products. In Burr Ridge and other communities, many local grocery stores offer order and delivery services for a fee. This may be an option for those seeking support for older adults who no longer drive.
Older adults benefit from a daily, well-planned meal plan that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, meat, fish or poultry – in consideration of any restrictions. Dining with others and being part of a social setting adds to the enjoyment of a regular eating regimen. King-Bruwaert House offers several meal options, including formal sit-down dining, casual Bistro meals and in-home delivered meal service for those with limited mobility. “We recognize the importance of nutrition for our residents and prioritize all aspects of the dining experience,” said King-Bruwaert Chief Executive Officer Terri Bowen. “Nutrition is an essential part of aging – and through the support of our dietitian and our trained and dedicated culinary staff, we make options available that satisfy, support and sustain.” King-Bruwaert House in Burr Ridge, IL celebrates 86 years of providing exceptional care and services for independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. Our continuing care retirement community is located about 30 minutes west of Chicago, and serves many local communities including Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Oak Brook, Western Springs, Indian Head Park, LaGrange, Downers Grove, Willowbrook and Darien. King-Bruwaert House is nestled on a private, 35-acre wooded parcel, surrounded by gardens, a walking path, two ponds and a scenic creek. Our warm and inviting Georgian Manor residence is recognized for having friendly, caring staff, unique architecture and beautiful furnishings. Ever heard of a twiddlemuff? Imagine a soft, colorful knitted muff adorned with interesting buttons, bows and bits. This unique piece offers comfort and care to residents diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. When King-Bruwaert House Social Worker Megan Schaaf read an article on Facebook about the use of twiddlemuffs to engage residents, she quickly turned to members of our K-B knitting group, Operation Warm Hearts, and asked if they could create the muffs. “As dementia progresses, fidgeting can become common and I have observed that some of our residents are often looking for something to do with their hands,” Schaaf explained. I felt like the twiddlemuffs could help to ease their boredom and anxiety – and encourage small motor movement, too.” “K-B is fortunate to have our Operation Warm Hearts group,” Schaaf said, “and I thought this would be a project they might be willing to take on to benefit our residents.” Member Rose Ann Hoof was immediately intrigued. A talented artisan with impressive knitting, crocheting and specialty skills, Hoof researched several twiddlemuff patterns and came up with her own rendition. First, she made several proto-types and then began to show them to other members. “I created a pattern that was a little easier to follow and the effort turned out very well,” Hoof said. “I showed the muff and pattern to a friend (Mary Therese Hester) and she was glad to help, too.” According to research, the twiddlemuffs (often called fidget muffs), encourage hands-on use and trigger brain stimulation. Patients find the muffs to be comforting and therapeutic – similar to a favorite stuffed animal or a cherished blanket. Hoof opted to attach old house keys to several of the muffs – the key being a common object that connects the person to home and security. Those with dementia benefit from regular, repeated behaviors and activities. If residents become agitated or out-of-sorts whenever routine schedules or settings change, evidence shows the twiddlemuffs offer distraction from the unknown and help to soothe anxiety. For Hoof and Hester, making the twiddlemuffs has been personally rewarding – especially in knowing that their efforts have a purpose. “I like the whole idea of helping our residents and giving back to the community,” Huff said. “This is a project that makes a difference.”
 By Don Gralen, Woods of King-Bruwaert resident
Long a civic leader and a proponent of community involvement, Don Gralen transitioned to our King-Bruwaert retirement community with a vision for quality care and services, socialization and happiness among new neighbors. Within a short time, Don found himself volunteering to lead several resident programs that have drawn equal interest among his newly acquired friends. Don endorses his ongoing commitment to activities by sharing meaningful purpose for himself and others: “My wife, Jane, and I moved to K-B seven years ago. We brought with us the strong conviction that the paramount value in life is The Life of the Mind. To foster this at K-B, I started a Non-Fiction Book Club that meets every six weeks for a discussion of a book of my choosing. Recently, our group shared a lively discussion on “Hillbilly Elegy,” by J. D. Vance. I also spearhead a Current Events discussion group that meets monthly to share conversations on three or four topics. Recent gatherings have included talks on “black holes,” and “space probes,” for which research material was made available to participants in advance. I see these activities as life enriching contributions to life at K-B.” As Don shares his interests with fellow K-B residents, he brings enlightenment to those who welcome opportunities to connect and converse with others. He helps to perpetuate The Life of the Mind – while engaging in expressive and intelligent discussions. |
