‘They have a lot of activities’: Rockford senior living facility celebrates 20 years

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The parking lot at Grand Regency of Rockford buzzed Tuesday with laughter and music as staff and residents celebrated 20 years since the supportive living facility opened at 2114 Kishwaukee St.

“My granddaughter and her daughter are coming to see it,” resident Patsy Tengren said of the celebration. So, I am excited about that.”

Tengren has lived at Grand Regency for about five years. She said she gets out often but spends most of her time with her circle of friends at the facility.

“They have a lot of activities here that are really great,” Tengren said.

Grand Regency was built to serve 128 residents. Currently, 118 people call the complex home. As a supportive living facility, it serves those 65 and older who may need assisted-living services.

“We are in between independent living and assisted living,” said Alyssa Swanson, who runs the dementia unit.

Those who serve the facility say taking part in the 20th anniversary is great way to celebrate the milestone and honor those who live there.

“Being a part of an event like this is wonderful in the sense of being able to give back and get to know the residents better,” said Suzi Papin, director of business development at Jet Health Care.

Resident Jean Kane has lived at Grand Regency twice. She spent three years there before deciding to live on her own. She returned nine months ago and is glad to be back.

“I like the people, especially the workers,” Kane said. “They do a lot of work. And you learn to just care about them.”

Staff said the main attraction for Tuesday’s celebration was between a dunk tank and petting zoo. The mini cows, chickens, goats, a giant rabbit, sheep, a llama and more, won out.

“[The residents] like seeing the variety of animals, being able to feed the animals,” Swanson said. “And they really enjoy seeing the kids being able to interact with them.”

Other attractions included a photo booth, food, and face painting.

For more information about Grand Regency of Rockford is on its website and at 815-398-2400.