Heritage Square sits in Dixon, Illinois, on well-kept grounds near the historic downtown and by the Rock River, offering seniors a peaceful and lively setting with easy access to gardens, a pretty water fountain, and artwork by local artists that brighten up the place. The community provides several living options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care for people with Alzheimer's or dementia, and skilled nursing care, all under one roof so residents can get extra help if they need it as time goes on. Heritage Square started in 1974 as a not-for-profit community, and medical staff are on site around the clock in the skilled nursing unit, providing general healthcare services, help with bathing and dressing, and access to a doctor's exam room right in the building.
Residents get one or two meals prepared each day, and there's a housekeeping team, laundry services, and a laundry room for those who want to do their own washing. The grounds include a covered patio, community gardens to work in, and a chapel where worship services happen on Sundays each month. There's a physical therapy and rehab room, an exercise room for staying active, and a beauty shop right on site for haircuts and grooming. Amenities like a computer with email, a Telesensory Machine for enlarging print, and basic cable TV help residents stay connected and entertained. Folks can use the community kitchenettes for snacks or personal cooking, and there's a guest room available for out-of-town family who want to stay overnight.
Social activities are part of daily life here, with things such as ice cream socials, dog shows, games of cards and bingo, trips to local farms, holiday events, and even the crowning of a Valentine king and queen every year. The Resident Council gives peers a say in how things run and what events are planned. Affordable housing covers all stages of senior life, and the community's open to those usually 55 or 62 and older. Heritage Square also has respite care and sheltered care, and it takes part in social support programs, including Medicaid and Medicare. The campus stays open from 9:00 to 5:00 every day, and the Illinois Department of Public Health gave it a 5-star rating. The community aims to keep seniors comfortable and active with services and facilities close to where they live, so they can choose what level of care fits them best.
