Four Generations Enjoy Monarch Landing in Naperville

She’s royalty in the place she calls “my Monarch.”

Three-year-old Daisy Horan is treated like a queen. Her grandparents, Gerry and Susie Horan are residents of Monarch Landing senior living community in Naperville. When she graces them with her visits, it’s Daisy’s kingdom as far as she can see.  Her sweet lady in waiting is her baby sister Robin who accompanies her for some royal visits.

The Monarch Landing team created a resident name badge for Daisy. She eats in the dining room, swims in the heated pool, celebrates BYOM (bring your own milk) overnights with her grandparents, and is pulled around campus in her big red wagon. The fact that children are treasured guests at the senior living community is a small albeit important part of what the Horans love about their new home. ‘Everyone is so welcoming and kind,” said Susie.

Daisy is, in fact, the fourth generation of the Horan family to love Monarch Landing. Her great-grandparents, Mort and Edith Hartman moved to the community in 2007. “My dad was here for ten years until he died in 2017. We visited here all the time,” said Susie. “He was very active, and he was really loved. People ask if we’re related to him, and it’s a little bit intimidating; he was so popular.” Susie’s and Gerry’s two sons were frequent visitors to their grandparents, and now to their parents.

About a year ago, the Horans started considering moving from their Naperville home into a senior living community. “We always knew when we moved that it would be to Monarch Landing,” said Gerry.

“When we visited my parents here, we would leave with a sense of security for their happiness and well-being. You can’t put a price on that,” said Susie.

“We’re absolutely delighted. The people are so nice here, and we really enjoy our apartment,” said Gerry.

An avid cyclist, Gerry loves Monarch Landing’s close proximity to the Illinois Prairie Path. I’ve been riding it since I was in my 30s. And it’s just 100 yards away.”  He added, “I get up, take our dog, Phoebe, to the dog run, and maybe use the pool. It’s like being at The Grand Hotel.”

Susie noted, “There are so many activities, and everyone is so friendly. You have countless choices for how you want to live your life here. There are so many classes and clubs. You can be very active, socially and physically. You pick your comfort level, whatever you’d like it to be. It’s a wonderful wonderful place.”

As the Horans have established themselves in this welcoming community, they are making new friends and have even led programming. Gerry, a retired attorney, now works as an adjunct professor at the College of DuPage. He recently shared one of his popular programs for COD with the residents at Monarch Landing, doing a four-part presentation of Gilbert and Sullivan operas. “It seemed to have been really well-received,” said Gerry.

As for the little queen, Daisy spends a lot of time with her grandparents and visits with the other residents and staff. “Not everyone wants or needs to be a grandparent, but we truly enjoy it, and so we enjoy the fact that Daisy loves coming here. That’s Monarch Landing; the staff and residents see her and talk to her. It’s just another way that Monarch Landing is such a welcoming place,” said Susie.

Monarch Landing

Monarch Landing is a Life Plan 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 lifestyle for active seniors.  The Springs at Monarch Landing offers memory supported assisted living, respite care, 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 www.TheSpringsatMonarchLanding.com.