Golden Care for the Golden Years
As published in the Maplebrook II Newsletter…
Lynn Schopler’s roots run deep in Naperville. Her family tree can be traced back almost to the time of Joseph Naper himself. This heritage instilled in her solid morals, values and traditions. Caring for your elders is one of those family traditions. Growing up in Naperville when it was a rural farming community, some of her fondest childhood memories include her grandfather. Lynn’s family shared a farmhouse with her grandfather and over the years she watched as her mother cared for him. Years later it was Lynn’s turn to be the caregiver for both of her parents. This journey with her parents not only took Lynn full circle it set her on a new path as well. To honor the values of helping others, elder care, and good citizenship that she learned from her parents and grandparents she opened Golden Elders Adult Day Care in 2008.
Lynn’s goal is to provide a safe and stimulating environment in her home for senior citizens, while giving their full time caregivers some much needed time off. With a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology and certifications in CPR and first aid as well as her personal experience Lynn is amply qualified for this calling. She also has prepared her home to be safe and comfortable for her guests. Her home is accessible for those who are walker and wheelchair bound and has medical equipment such as an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on premises. Golden Elders cares for seniors with Dementia and Alzheimer’s, physical limitations and those who just need companionship and TLC. Lynn can accommodate up to six guests in her home and with her assistant, Nancy, there is never more than a three to one guest to care giver ratio.
Understanding the needs of elders is one of Lynn’s innate gifts. Seniors are accustomed to being productive and helpful. Lynn provides craft classes where her guests can make projects suitable for sale. Their next craft show appearance will be at Meadow Glens elementary school on December 4th. They then donate the proceeds to charities like the Make A Wish Foundation. She hopes to add easels for those who enjoy painting and eventually sell the artwork for charity too. Who knows maybe she will discover the next Grandma Moses! Golden Elders provides all sorts of entertainment to cater to each individual personality. For those who enjoy games and puzzles there are many choices including larger versions of some for the visually impaired. Those who prefer more modern electronic games can choose to play Wii sports or Star Wars pinball. A recent addition is a computer with age-appropriate programs. Lynn has a lovely landscaped back yard with a patio and deck where guests can get 
out and enjoy nature, and in Maplebrook watching the squirrels and rabbits play while listening to the birds sing can be very amusing. Other activities available to guests are sing alongs, music, conversation, watching television or simply relaxing and taking a nap. Combining her deep caring for families, her enthusiasm for philanthropy, and experience with counseling Lynn is filling an important niche for today’s “sandwich generation”.
Golden Elders is a thriving company with many happy clients. Still Lynn is always striving to expand the activities she offers the seniors she welcomes into her home and refers to as her guests. Her focus is always on enriching their lives and those of their families.