FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2009

Romance Blossoms for Couples in Illinois Nursing Homes

(Chicago) -- With Valentine’s Day approaching, romance is in the air for both the young and the “young at heart.” Love finds a way, no matter our circumstances. In Illinois nursing homes, the glow of romance still finds a way to shine brightly. Several of these romance stories are moving and poignant, demonstrating how love can endure and overcome time, separation and personal difficulties. Here are some of the more recent, enriching stories of romance blooming in Illinois nursing homes:

• Eva Pasik and James Serritella at Columbus Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (901 S. Austin Ave., Chicago)

Remember when you were first in love? You couldn’t stand being apart from your love and you always held hands. This is the case with Eva and James. They are completely smitten with each other. James leaves the facility on most days to participate in a day program. When he returns, Eva is patiently waiting at the door to give him a kiss. They immediately launch into how much they missed one another that day. They are in love and happy. James has even mentioned that he wants to marry Eva.

• Jessie Nichols and Joyce Smith at The Waterford (7445 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago)

Jessie and Joyce have known each other for almost 10 years. They met while living at another nursing home. In March 2007, Jessie moved to The Waterford. He and Joyce wrote letters to each other almost every day. Three months later they were reunited when Joyce also moved to The Waterford. They are inseparable. On warm weather days they go for walks, holding hands and watching the birds. Jessie wakes Joyce every morning and Joyce makes sure that Jessie is comfortable every night before he goes to sleep. Last summer, Jessie and Joyce decided they wanted to get married.

• Jackie Turlow and John Riege at Mid-America Care Center (4920 N. Kenmore, Chicago)

Jackie and John literally bumped into each other when they first met. Jackie had a patch over her eye because of a brain tumor and John explained he had eyesight issues too because of diabetes. The couple has said it was love at first half sight. They had one date, then another and now they have been companions for almost four years. They have their differences (liberal vs. conservative), which make for interesting discussions, and their similarities, which help them fill the voids in their lives. Their love has made them feel young again.

• Gloria and Ernest Dalpos at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home

(1201 Wyoming Ave., Joliet)

Gloria moved to Our Lady last year because she was in failing health and her husband Ernie was no longer able to care for her at home. Ernie attempted to visit Gloria every day, but it proved too challenging of a commute. Unable to bear being separated from the love of his life, Ernie moved into Our Lady to be next to the woman he has loved for more than 60 years. Their devotion to each other is an inspiration to all who know them and a testimony to the true spirit of Valentine’s Day. 

• Don and Liz Leonard at Snow Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

(5000 Lincoln Ave., Niles)

In 1945, Don, a tall and thin mailman visited the same restaurant each day for coffee. However, he didn’t care as much about the coffee as he did the waitress who served it to him. The waitress, Liz, was thin and even taller than Don. He used to tease her about being taller than him. But, Don and Liz didn’t let their preoccupation with height interfere with a long and loving marriage of more than 60 years. They are the proud parents of six children and six grandchildren. Still very much in love, the couple can often be seen holding hands, attending community outings and socials and playing Bingo together at Snow Valley.

• Arcadia and Francisco at Abbington Rehab and Nursing Center (31 W. Central Ave., Roselle)

Arcadia and Francisco are both in their 90s, but that hasn’t slowed either of them down. They enjoy taking walks together. And Arcadia knows that she always has Francisco as an escort when she is going to get her nails done, to play bingo or to participate in her exercise class. Everyone around them says they are an amazing couple and that it’s refreshing to still see that kind of love after all these years.

• George and Betty Skinner at Atrium Health Care and Rehabilitation Center (3354 Jerome Lane, Cahokia)

George and Betty shared a room at Atrium Health Care and Rehabilitation Center and spent all of their time together until George was recently discharged to Assisted Living at the Cambridge House in O’Fallon, Illinois. Still very much in love, George and Betty visit each other in their homes as often as possible and in January celebrated their anniversary with a romantic dinner at Atrium.

• Frank Farley and Jackie Lannin at Capitol Care Center (555 W. Carpenter St., Springfield)

After Jackie moved to Capitol Care Center a few years ago she mostly kept to herself and was hesitant to try new things and participate in the home’s activities. A couple years later Frank came to live at Capitol Care Center and from the moment he and Jackie met they formed a bond. Frank brings out the best in Jackie and now she always has a smile on her face and participates in activities with Frank. When you see Frank or Jackie, you know the other is close behind as they tend to spend most of their time together. It really never is too late for a second chance at love.

• Auristela and Forrest Pochert at Westmont Convalescent Center (6501 S. Cass Ave., Westmont)

Auristela and Forrest have been through a lot in their 66 years of marriage. They were married in 1942 when Forrest was in the Army and stationed in Puerto Rico. Later, they owned and worked a farm in Wisconsin for 35 years, and raised three boys. Auristela and Forrest, both in their 90s, have lived at Westmont for the past three years. They are still very affectionate – holding hands and kissing when songs about love are played – much to the joy of those around them. They care deeply for one another and shows from the twinkle in their eyes.

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The Illinois Council on Long Term Care is a professional association of nearly 200 nursing facilities committed to quality residential health care in Illinois through a productive and responsible partnership between the private and public sectors. The Council represents more than 26,000 nursing home professionals serving more than 37,000 residents. Helpful information for seniors and families can be found at the Council’s Web site www.nursinghome.org.