Monarch Landing Resident Doesn't Need To Go Far For Some TLC

When Mort Hartman needed a little bit extra TLC after his bout with pneumonia, he didn’t need to go very far…In fact he never had to leave the building. A resident of independent living at Monarch Landing, Mort was told that he’d benefit from some extra attention when he returned to his apartment from the hospital. “I was still really weak and exhausted. It was suggested that I do a week of respite care at The Springs of Monarch Landing. I did, and recuperated there. I received a lot of attention and care and then returned to my apartment,” said Mort.

Monarch Landing is a continuing care retirement community offering independent living. The Springs at Monarch Landing provides respite care, assisted living memory support, rehabilitation and skilled nursing.

The proximity of respite was important to Mort, who is enamored with his surroundings. “I love it here more than I can say. Monarch Landing has saved my sanity,” he said. “I’ve made new friends…very good friends. Close friends. If I weren’t living here amongst them, it would be a miserable existence of being alone. Here, I spend a of of time with people.”

Ninety-two year old Mort is a retired architect who specialized in building schools. He retired in 1995.

In 2008, Mort’s wife Edith started showing signs of forgetfulness and the couple decided to move from their home in Highland Park to Naperville in order to be closer to family. “Our house was too big to handle. Our home was 2,200 square feet and we were living in only 1,100 feet of it. That’s about the size of the apartment that we moved into here, and it ‘s just enough,” said Mort.

Edith was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Mort served as her caregiver until her death in 2011. ‘I lost my partner of 65 years,” he said. While devastated by his loss, Mort realized that he was fortunate to be at Monarch Landing. “I have met so many wonderful people: men and women. They’re very good friends and I love them all.” He is busy and engaged. “I’m on the political awareness committee and general services committee. I take adult education courses and am involved with the 90 Plus Club for residents who are 90 years or older. I try to attend all of the town hall meetings,” he said. Mort believes that he is more fit and healthier than he was before moving to Monarch Landing. “I eat better, and have lost weight. My mind is good and I keep myself busy.”

Mort receives physical therapy at his independent living apartment to help him regain his strength and maintain his independence. “My goal is to fly to California to see my son in April,” he said.

“At Monarch Landing, we live in a cocoon. A cocoon of care, good food, attention and good feelings while the world may be swirling all around us,” he said. “We really are very lucky!”

Monarch Landing is a continuing care retirement community located on a scenic campus in Naperville, Illinois-named “one of America’s best places to live and retire” by Modern Maturity, and “the best city for early retirement” by Kiplinger. Monarch Landing offers independent living, promoting a vibrant life style for active seniors. The Springs at Monarch Landing offers respite care, assisted living memory support, rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, thus providing complete continuing care for seniors. Monarch Landing is owned by Senior Care Development and managed by Life Care Services. For additional information visit www.WelcomeToMonarchLanding.com or call 630-548-0400.