the July 2023 | Volume 36 | No. 7
of the rockford business community
THE HEART OF THE MIDWESTERN HOME KAYLA HAUCH
RETIREMENT SUPPORT SYSTEM FRANCES SALINAS
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Seniors, healthcare, and the housing conversation
REGION 1 PLANNING COUNCIL HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR REGIONAL PLANNING EFFORTS
Education and planning help ease difficult transitions
By Andrew Wright, Rockford Chamber of Commerce As the baby boomer generation ages, more people are looking for ways to remain at home and independent, even if it means downsizing to a ranch-style house for better in-home access and convenience. In 2022, the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care released data that showed seniors were choosing to live independently longer, with a rising demand for independent senior housing. These rates grew from
77.8% in the second quarter of 2021 to 83% in the fourth quarter of 2022, indicating a stronger commitment for seniors to age in place. Generation X and millennials are seeking resources to help their parents navigate care options that can aid in their independence, such as in-home care, transportation services and senior living housing.
Unlocking senior living resources A significant injury or illness often forces seniors to move to a facility that offers emergency services, mobility aids and nursing care during treatment and recovery. But with the rise in home health care resources, an injury or illness may not require leaving the home to get treatment.
Ashley Stone is the assistant director of nursing for Interim Healthcare of Northern Illinois. With 10 years of nursing experience, ranging from emergency room and intensive care to hospice and in-home post-acute care, Stone has seen how in-home care can motivate patients to get better. “When we provide care to patients in their own home, it does drive them to do the work to regain independence and strength needed to stay in the home. It can often be the driving force for patients to work harder,” she said. “Many of these patients are getting back from a prolonged hospital stay, and being home does something for their spirit, their mental health and well-being.” (continued on page 10)
R1 Planning Council is hosting six SWOT workshops designed to gather input from residents to hear their perceptions about the Northern Illinois region. R1 plans to use this feedback to guide local policymakers as they update federally-required planning documents that steer progress in the area’s transportation, economic development and climate needs. Your participation will help provide a greater understanding of what is working in your community’s planning implementation and what is not. Please join us for the following sessions: Wednesday, July 19 Built Environments & Neighborhoods – Strengthening neighborhoods through quality transportation options, equitable housing and economic competitiveness. Wednesday, July 26 Transportation & Infrastructure – Identifying priorities for highways, bridges, public transit, freight, bicycles and pedestrians. Wednesday, August 2 Innovation & Investment – Sharing industry strengths, remaining competitive and funding for job creation and quality of life improvement. Wednesday, August 16 Energy – Needs and innovations for energy efficiency, equity, and clean/renewable sources.
Congratulations to our Superlatives award winners!
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The Rockford Chamber of Commerce celebrated the winners of the inaugural 2023 Superlatives on June 15th at the Byron Forest Preserve in Byron. The Superlatives Awards were inspired by the traditional yearbook awards handed out to seniors across the country, and allowed the Rockford Chamber to recognize excellence in individuals, companies, and things that make Rockford a great place to live and work. Honorees included: a genuine rock star, a world class drum corps, an adorable pet, one very cool car, two remarkable chefs, a company that’s inventing the future, an engineering staff that worked quickly to prevent a catastrophe, and the people who represent all that make Rockford a great place to be today, and give hope for an even brighter future.
Monday, August 28 Natural Resources & Climate – Current state of natural resources and climate impacts on water, forests and air quality. Wednesday, August 30 Health & Equity – Public health practices designed to identify and understand community needs and improve health concerns.
Inside this issue, we invite you to meet our honorees, find out a little about what makes them remarkable, and discover how you can learn more about these notable Rockfordians. Check out the profile on page 15 for more!
Location: Rockford Mass Transit District East Side Transfer Center, 725 N. Lyford Road, Rockford Time: 8:30-10:30 a.m. All workshops are open to the public. Individuals may attend any or all of the workshops. To register, please visit: r1planning.org/publiccomment