The British Home Follows New Strategic Path by Broadening Service Model and Adding New Name

BROOKFIELD, Ill., Jan. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Having compassionately served aging adults for nine decades, The British Home of Brookfield is following a new strategic vision in tune with the changing needs of a new generation of active adults. This Saturday the organization introduces a new service model of life-enhancing programs for a broader group of adults age 55 plus and adds the name Cantata Adult Life Services, which appropriately spotlights the client and their family.

In response to the changing needs and expectations of aging adults and their families, the organization adopted a new strategic vision in 2011 with the goal to facilitate active living and the continuation of healthy relationships as the basis of a full, harmonious and naturally fulfilling life.  Accordingly, the not-for-profit organization has evolved to an ensemble of life-enhancing services and residential options for individuals 55 and better to ensure they age with rich possibility and live their best life.  The organization has aligned itself around four different areas of service:  Living Options, Community Services, Healthcare Services and Life Enrichment.  Cantata Adult Life Services will offer new social communities, in-home services, expanded fitness and wellness programs, more active learning opportunities, lifestyle management, independent living, assisted living and enhanced care, all provided with a new passion and sense of partnership. 

"The environment in which we provide service is rapidly evolving and we are meeting those changes with excitement and confidence," shared Dennis Sonnenberg, Executive Director/CEO of the British Home.  "Our current and future clients are approaching aging differently and their needs will reflect this.  They are looking for intellectual, physical and social stimulation, and a variety of living options including traditional on-campus care as well as in-home care and community-based services.  In many cases, adults are looking for options like fitness training, rehabilitation services, and active learning opportunities at a younger age.  They need a relationship with a new kind of organization to live their best life and Cantata Adult Life Services is that arrangement."

The organization's changes prepare it for the coming wave of Baby Boomers who have redefined what it means to age in America.  The oldest Baby Boomers turn 65 this year, and a projected 72 million-- one-fifth of the U.S. population will be that age or older by 2030. 

"We are financially sound and have the opportunity to proactively make these positive changes, to create Cantata Adult Life Services, to align the organization with the changing needs of our service population," adds Sonnenberg. 

New Services Introduced This Past Year

In the past year, the organization has introduced new programs and services designed for adults seeking to embrace aging.  A new fitness center specifically designed for active adults was built on campus featuring special exercise equipment and coaching.  Experts within the organization are also collaborating to offer a new Best Life Assessment, a comprehensive evaluation, which provides the individual and family members with specific guidance on how to approach aging. Performed by a geriatric physician, nurse, neuro-psychologist and a fitness/wellness coach, the evaluation outlines a well-informed, personalized roadmap to a fulfilling future life.

Cantata Name Spotlights Client

"We chose the name because a Cantata is an apt musical metaphor that illustrates our intent to shine light on the client, putting them center stage to live their best life, with all other partners working from the same page to support their individual performance," said Kevin Heraty, Chief Development Officer.  "Just like a beautiful Cantata where the orchestra accompanies the soloist, we'll focus on supporting, respecting, and showcasing each individual and their unique needs and dreams.  Adult Life Services are descriptive words that help us redefine and broaden our service reach."

A new tagline "Lives In Harmony" was created to illustrate how the ensemble of services, delivered in the context of an authentic community, helps individuals live their most fulfilling life.

With a strong heritage in skilled nursing, the organization's sub-acute healthcare center – which recently earned a five-star quality rating from the U.S. Government (www.medicare.gov/NHcompare) - will retain the name British Home Rehabilitation Services, within the Cantata Adult Life Services family.  The 72-bed healthcare unit has grown dramatically in recent years, providing after-hospitalization rehab services for orthopedic, cardiac, respiratory and stroke patients. 

Cantata Builds from the Fertile Soil of British Home

The British Home was founded in 1920 and opened in 1924 by the Daughters of the British Empire (DBE) and other philanthropic organizations as a not-for-profit retirement home for elderly British immigrants residing in the United States. The British Home later welcomed older adults of all nationalities, and today enjoys a diverse mix of residents from many different backgrounds.

"The evolution of the organization to today's launch of Cantata is so exciting and heartwarming," says Board Chair Karen Garrison.  "We're delighted the organization is innovating to meet the needs of adults in the decades to come and is well positioned to thrive."

Cantata Today

Cantata Adult Life Services employs 250 employee partners and benefits from the support of 50 plus volunteers.  On-campus living options located at 8700 West 31st Street in Brookfield (across from Brookfield Zoo) include:

• 66 Independent Living apartments in the Wye Valley Building
• 73 Assisted Living Apartments in The Woodlands
• 72 rehabilitation beds in the British Home Rehabilitation Services center with 59 Medicare certified
• 20 Long-Term Care private rooms in The Laurels

The Community Services group provides Cantata at Home care giving services to 55 local clients along with meal delivery to even more. The organization's Handyman Services, providing a full range of home maintenance and repair capabilities for seniors, originally started 14 years ago and today boasts hundreds of customers.

The new Fitness Center for Active Adults opened this year already boasts 100 plus members and lifelong learning programs attract approximately 100 students each quarter.  The Cantata Wellness Center provides full geriatric physician specialists with focus on medical care for aging adults.

New Logo, Website and Marketing Introduces The Brand

An extensive marketing and communications plan has launched to support the evolving entity and brand name, including a new website www.cantata.org (effective 1/14/2012).  A new Cantata Adult Life Services logo was introduced with the name Cantata presented as a single word with connected letters illustrating the connectivity of community.   A series of rising, multi colored balls represent an uplifting attitude, motion, and positive transitional change conveyed by the broadening ensemble of services. 

For more information on Cantata Adult Life Services, contact (708) 485-1155 or visit www.cantata.org (effective 1/14/2012).

SOURCE Cantata Adult Life Services