A Lifetime in Elmhurst: Why Elmhurst Seniors Choose The Roosevelt at Salt Creek

The Roosevelt at Salt Creek is proud to call Elmhurst home, and so are our residents. For many, Elmhurst is where they built their careers, raised their families, and found community. If you ask our residents why they chose to spend their retirement at The Roosevelt, they’ll tell you what finding a new beginning right here in Elmhurst meant to them. 

Leo Reedy has lived in Elmhurst since 1965. His family’s real estate business is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, a career that made him very familiar with the town of Elmhurst. This July, he and his wife also celebrated their first year at The Roosevelt. They decided it was time to consider senior living options when keeping up with their home became too much of a hassle. They considered a few other communities, but choosing The Roosevelt was easy. “Being in real estate and helping people find their homes, it was a lot like that. I think there's a feel when you find the right place. We knew early on that this was going to work out real well for us.”

Kay Ottoson just moved to The Roosevelt six months ago. She and her husband lived in Elmhurst for the entirety of their married life, about 45 years, and were both very involved in the Elmhurst Park District. The couple was first drawn to The Roosevelt due to its location, but when they toured, they appreciated how much care and support was available here. Kay’s husband was experiencing health issues and once they moved in, access to physical therapy and a care team was a great relief to them both.

Another resident, Barb Rosenberg, moved to The Roosevelt in October with the help of her two children, who also live in Elmhurst. “The apartment that they chose for me is just perfect. It was newly renovated. I love it. I'm six blocks from my daughter's house. And about a mile from my son, so it's really perfect.”

When asked what she loves most about living in Elmhurst, Barb says that she values the strong sense of community she has found here. During her time in Elmhurst, she started multiple nonprofit charities for children with special needs and was also involved with the school system. “It's just a very nice community with a lot of people who care about each other.” 

And this Elmhurst-spirit is very present at The Roosevelt. When residents move here, they are not only able to stay in Elmhurst, they are able to reconnect with old friends and acquaintances from their community. “Lots of familiar faces,” says Leo. From fellow members of his church to the parents of his kids' former soccer teammates , it’s easy to strengthen old friendships and make new ones. 

For Kay, this sense of community has taken on new meaning. Kay’s husband passed in March, and support from her fellow residents has been a comfort. “I'm not alone. I have a lot of other friends here from Elmhurst that I knew before, so we’ve been renewing friendships and doing things together. There's a lot of activities here, a lot of things to do.” 

When asked if she has any advice for those considering moving to The Roosevelt, Barb says, “I would tell them that at first it's a bit overwhelming, but eventually you settle in and you find your group and it turns out to be a very comfortable place to be.”

For Leo, Kay, Barb, and so many others, The Roosevelt has meant staying close to the community they've always called home. Here, residents can continue to appreciate the life they’ve built for themselves, while still looking forward to the exciting new chapter ahead of them.