Chicago is one of the greatest cities in the world — and we’re incredibly proud to call it home!
Every day, we provide reliable and experienced in-home senior care to the people of Chicagoland and Northeastern Illinois — and this gives us a unique perspective on all of the ins and outs of our area.
While 2020 was a year of staying safe at home, 2021 seems poised to be a time when we can get back out and safely explore and enjoy again. Here are seven of the things that inspire and excite us most about Chicago, and how you can make the most of them in the months to come:
1.) The Parks and Greenspaces
The Chicago area is full of incredible parks, with wooded areas perfect for going for a walk on a sunny spring day or beaches perfect for relaxing with a picnic during the balmy days of summer. In fact, according to nationwide research conducted by Caring.com, the average person in Illinois has 1.76 parks within just a half mile of their home — well above the national average of .57.
How to Enjoy Them: No matter where you live in Chicagoland, you’re sure to live near a wonderful park or natural area. Carve out time to visit the most iconic and famous spaces, such as the 606 Trail or the Chicago Botanic Garden. Look for parks near you by going online and poking around on the websites of the Chicago Parks District or the Cook County Forest Preserves.
2.) The Amazing Architecture
Did you know that Chicago is widely considered to be the birthplace of the skyscraper? Our area is world-famous for being a hotbed of architecture, with legendary structures dotted all over the region — from the stylish “Prairie Style” homes of Frank Lloyd Wright, to the modernist masterpieces of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, to the stunning towers that define our skyline in the Loop and River North.
How to Enjoy It: The Chicago Architecture Center offers an incredible array of tours and virtual resources. Spend a day wandering around Oak Park, home to the highest concentration of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings anywhere in the world, including his home and studio. Join up with the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust. Take a sightseeing tour on the Chicago River, or go for a short drive to see the architecturally significant Farnsworth House in Plano.
3.) The Arts & Culture
If all the world’s a stage, then Chicago has the planet’s brightest spotlight. While the COVID pandemic has hit the nation’s stages and museums particularly hard, there are still lots of ways to support the area’s best institutions.
How to Enjoy Them: Go see a show! Sign up for a subscription to Broadway in Chicago, or see a play at one of the area’s best local theaters, such as Steppenwolf, the Goodman, or the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Spend a night enjoying the extravagant productions and stirring music of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, or relax on a picnic blanket at the Ravinia Music Festival. Search around for museums you haven’t visited. There are always meaningful and informative new places to explore, from the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen to the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie.
4.) The History
Here in Chicago, it seems like you can hardly turn a corner without stumbling upon some amazing historical site. In addition to our historic and significant architecture, Chicago is one of the most storied cities in all of American history — home to famous politicians, legendary gangsters, and some of the most important musicians and artists of all time.
How to Enjoy It: Sign up for a bus tour or walking tour highlighting Chicago history; there are lots of different options out there with tours that are bound to be of interest, whether you want to see some of the region’s most haunted spots or tour the stomping grounds of Al Capone. Pay a visit to the Chicago History Museum, or see living history and important sites in Pullman and Hyde Park. Learn more about the area’s history through WBEZ’s Curious City segments, or pick up one of Curbed’s “10 Essential Books About Chicago.”
5.) The Fantastic Restaurants
Chicago is often called one of America’s best food cities, and it’s easy to see why! Our area has a rich history as a major production hub for meatpacking and agriculture. Today, you’ll find amazing restaurants and bars in every neighborhood.
How to Enjoy Them: For a delicious meal at home, look into local meal delivery options and services near you. You can find spots available for pickup and delivery at all times through the Chicago Tribune or Dining at a Distance. Check out resources like Eater Chicago or Choose Chicago to learn more about restaurant openings and special events. Don’t forget to look for senior discounts before you go!
6.) The Legendary Sports Teams
“Take me out to the ballgame…” Whatever sport you love, Chicago’s legacy runs deep. There are few better ways to spend a day than by cheering on the Cubs or the White Sox; watching the Bears at Soldier Field; enjoying the fast play of the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team; or rooting for the legendary Chicago Bulls as they take the court.
How to Enjoy Them: In addition to cheering on your team from the comfort and safety of home, look for opportunities to go see live sports in person. In addition to the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field, there are lots of inexpensive and accessible options for watching live sports in Chicagoland, like cheering on our minor league baseball teams like the Chicago Dogs or Joliet Slammers, or supporting the dominant Chicago Sky, the city’s popular WNBA team.
7.) The Community and People
It’s the people who make any city truly great. Every single day, we’re so inspired and excited by the residents of Chicago — from the charitable organizations making a huge difference in their communities, to the everyday folks who enrich our area by doing the little things like checking in on their neighbors during storms, sending care packages to their loved ones, or simply offering a smile and friendly wave to the people they pass on the street.
How to Enjoy Them: Remember to check in on the elderly adults in your community, to make sure they have the support and essential supplies they need in these tough times. Look for a local charitable organization that helps the elderly and give them some support. Be the kind of neighbor you want to have in your community: lend a helping hand where you can, be polite and courteous, and show your civic pride respectfully and authentically.
Ready to Help the Senior In Your Life Really Enjoy Chicago? Companions for Seniors Is Here to Help
Curious about other ways to help your senior loved one remain active and social, while aging in place? Looking for caregiving and companionship services in the Chicagoland area? If you have any questions about caring for the older adult in your life, don’t hesitate to reach out to Companions for Seniors!
We’d be happy to be your sounding board, share our experiences, and talk over any questions or concerns you may have about any aspect of providing care for your aging loved ones.
Our companions are trained and bonded, and can help your family shoulder some of the responsibility of caring for an aging loved one. We help provide seniors with a higher quality of life, while also offering respite and peace of mind for family caregivers who might need some support. Our companions help stimulate our clients physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, empowering them to live an active, independent, and enriched lifestyle.
A companion can provide reliable and safe transportation services to help seniors attend social events, keep up with their appointments, or go on fun outings and adventures. Along the way, the companion can provide the one-on-one support that the senior needs — from carrying groceries, to maintaining their calendar, to offering a helping hand with activities of daily living.
Have any more questions about Companions for Seniors? Want to get in touch? Don’t hesitate to give us a call at 866-910-9020, or fill out our online contact form to get started today!
From parks and greenspaces to historical landmarks, cultural institutions, and the vibrant dining scene, Chicago is a city brimming with diversity and vitality. I've spent years exploring the intricacies of this magnificent city, delving into its architectural wonders, historical significance, cultural richness, culinary offerings, sports fervor, and the heartwarming sense of community.
Starting with parks and greenspaces, Chicago boasts an impressive array of natural havens. The city's park system, managed by the Chicago Parks District and Cook County Forest Preserves, offers an abundance of options. The famed 606 Trail and the serene Chicago Botanic Garden are just glimpses into the city's natural beauty.
Architecture aficionados flock to Chicago for its groundbreaking architectural heritage. From Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie Style homes in Oak Park to the towering skyscrapers that redefine the skyline, the city is a living museum of architectural evolution. Tours offered by the Chicago Architecture Center and visits to significant sites like the Farnsworth House or the Chicago River's architectural boat tours offer immersive experiences.
Chicago's arts and culture scene is a tapestry of vibrant performances and enriching museums. Institutions like Steppenwolf Theatre, the Goodman, and the Lyric Opera showcase world-class performances. Museums such as the National Museum of Mexican Art and the Illinois Holocaust Museum deepen the understanding of diverse cultures and historical narratives.
Delving into Chicago's rich history reveals a tapestry woven with tales of political significance, infamous figures like Al Capone, and pivotal moments in music and arts. Guided tours, visits to the Chicago History Museum, and exploration of neighborhoods like Pullman and Hyde Park offer insight into the city's past.
The culinary landscape in Chicago is a gastronomic delight, celebrating diverse cuisines and innovative culinary trends. Resources like Eater Chicago and Choose Chicago keep enthusiasts updated on new openings and events, ensuring every dining experience is memorable.
Sports enthusiasts revel in Chicago's fervor for its sports teams, from baseball with the Cubs and the White Sox to football with the Bears, hockey with the Blackhawks, and the iconic Chicago Bulls in basketball. Attending games at renowned venues like Wrigley Field or supporting minor league teams offers an immersive sports experience.
Lastly, Chicago's heartbeat lies in its community, characterized by warmth and support. Acts of kindness, local charitable initiatives, and a strong sense of civic pride define the city's spirit. Organizations like Companions for Seniors embody this ethos, offering essential care and companionship to seniors, ensuring they can fully embrace and enjoy all that Chicago has to offer.
Companions for Seniors, rooted in providing caregiving and companionship services, understands the unique needs of the elderly in navigating and relishing the city's offerings. Their support enables seniors to engage in social events, outings, and adventures while providing families with peace of mind.
Whether exploring parks, relishing architectural wonders, savoring diverse cuisines, or cheering for sports teams, Chicago offers a tapestry of experiences that enrich lives. Companions for Seniors stands ready to facilitate these experiences for seniors, ensuring they live an active, independent, and fulfilling life in the vibrant tapestry of Chicago.
