Life at The Clare

One night a few years back, as Clare resident Susie Kealy slept, she dreamt about her cat. It was an unusual dream. Susie’s cat has a line along the length of her belly, and she enjoys rolling over, exposing this feature. In the dream, the cat instead had a zipper down her stomach, with the … Continue reading “Susie Kealy: When a Dream Becomes Art”

Brian Beech, a Lead Cook at The Clare, has worked in multiple delis and restaurants over the years. His time in Chicago dining services at the community, however, has been the most rewarding. He shares his passion for cooking and the knowledge and creativity garnered from his experience at The Clare. A Passion for Cooking … Continue reading “A Day in the Life of a Clare Cook”

Cognitive testing is more important than ever, especially among older adults. Yet only 16% of seniors receive regular cognitive testing during routine health checkups, according to Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, an annual report released by the Alzheimer’s Association. “We need to increase the confidence and the skills of front-line providers so they can provide … Continue reading “Cognitive Testing is More Important Than Ever”

Decluttering can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially when downsizing for a move to senior living like The Clare. Chances are, you’ve collected countless pieces of furniture, knick-knacks, documents and more over the years, and it can be difficult to know where to even begin. Anna Gielmi, a professional organizer, shares four common reasons … Continue reading “What Is Your Plan? Decluttering and Downsizing for a Move to Senior Living”

What do building maintenance services look like at The Clare? From keeping the facility running smoothly, handling operative emergencies, assisting residents with in-home requests, and setting up for various events, building maintenance services at The Clare vary significantly. Harvey McCray, a maintenance technician at The Clare, has experienced it all. He shares how he came … Continue reading “A Day in the Life of Maintenance at The Clare”

What do housekeeping services look like at The Clare? Bernardo Brito’s passion shines through as he explains his tasks as an environmental service technician and shares his love for The Clare community. Thirty years ago, Bernardo moved to Chicago from Mexico. He previously worked in housekeeping at a nearby Chicago hotel before he came across … Continue reading “A Day in the Life of a Clare Housekeeper”

What is concierge service at The Clare? Michael Kwyer shares an inside look at his daily activities and interactions and his favorite part about working in the community. At 2pm one afternoon in January, Michael Kwyer is at his desk. A constant crowd of people stream through the Lobby, both in and out of the … Continue reading “A Day in the Life of The Clare Concierge”

Clare residents always seek ways to give back to and connect with the city. WITS Chicago allows them to do just that. WITS, or Working In The Schools, aims to create positive learning communities through volunteer literacy mentor programs for under-served Chicago youth. It also promotes teacher professional development. “Volunteering with WITS gives residents a … Continue reading “Clare Residents Give Back Through WITS Chicago”

Clare resident and poet Carol Feiser Laque’s grandmothers opened up the world to her: the world of domesticity and the world of the arts. “At 9 years of age, my grandmother sent me, ‘101 Famous Poems,’” she says. “From that moment, I knew I would be a poet and poetize. My other grams taught me … Continue reading “Clare Poet Carol Feiser Laque Draws Inspiration from ‘The Silent Music of the Mind’”