Most people are excited to bring their personality into a new home. Future residents
of Park Ridge Place, LSSI’s new group home for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, are no exception. “I hope our residents will truly feel like this is their home,” said Jackie Baker, Program Director.

Encouraging and enabling residents to personalize their space makes the house their home. “We want residents to feel comfortable by choosing room colors, bringing family photos and artwork,” Baker said. “We’ll learn their food preferences, favorite activities, and encourage them to host family and friends, bringing the community into their home.”

Park Ridge Place will be staffed 24/7 by LSSI professionals who assist with daily living activities such as personal care, meal preparation, and household tasks. They also encourage community among residents.

“Involving residents in their home life leads to long-term benefits,” said Baker, who also oversees LSSI’s Fox Trail and Fox Hill Group Homes in Aurora. Those benefits help the 130 residents currently living at LSSI’s nine group homes in Aurora, Beardstown, Chicago, Dixon, Homer Glen, and Sterling.

“We’ve been gratified by the low turnover in our group homes,” she said. “Not only are people living longer with some level of independence, but we believe their quality of life helps them stay healthier, avoiding transitions to assisted living or skilled nursing care. It’s good to make it a ‘forever home’ for many.”

Photo Caption: A resident of LSSI’s Fox Hill Home, Aurora, showcases her room suited to her personal style.