At 83, Margaret Ferguson has embarked on a new adventure; one that she says has brought her joy, companionship, and peace of mind. In April, after living in her Willowbrook home of 59 years, she made the life-changing decision to move to Oak Trace senior living community in Downers Grove. And she couldn’t be happier.
“I like to be involved in things,” Margaret said. That independent spirit remained strong even after she stopped driving following a car accident. But the limitations of staying home began to take its toll. “I started getting lonely, and the loneliness was getting me. I knew I had to make a change,” she said.
Her son, Dan Ferguson of Naperville, played a significant role in helping her discover that change. They decided to look into senior living communities, and Oak Trace was the first they visited. They found that it set the bar unattainably high for other communities.
Discovering Oak Trace
“When we walked into Oak Trace, it was phenomenal. It stood out. Just the entrance alone was grand, like the Taj Mahal!” Dan said about their first visit to Oak Trace.
But for Margaret, it was more than just the physical beauty. “The people are what made the difference,” she said. “They are so welcoming, the staff and the residents.”
Neither Margaret nor Dan knew much about the differences between senior living options before they began their search. They learned that as a Life Care Community, also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Oak Trace has private independent living apartments, as well as assisted living, memory care, skilled care and rehabilitation. The community offers guaranteed lifelong care with predictable costs. “Life Care became a really big deal to me,” Dan said. “Knowing she has a plan in place for her future. That’s a huge comfort.”
A New Lifestyle On Her Own Terms
Margaret’s new apartment suits her perfectly. Because she brought her own furniture, she said, “It looks and feels like home.” The size and layout will even allow her to continue to host her beloved annual Christmas tea for eight guests.
She’s enjoying a calendar full of activities. “I meet people, go to dinner, I’ve tried a few fitness classes, and I’ll use the pool as soon as I get a swimsuit,” she said. Margaret has no trouble staying busy. In fact, Dan said that he has to use an AirTag to keep up with her. “I put one on her keychain. She’s out and about so much I sometimes have to track her to see where she is in the building!”
“I didn’t want to live with my children,” Margaret said about her decision to move to a senior living community. “They have their own lives, and it wouldn’t be fair. If you can do something else, other than live with your children, you should. I’ve made my life here at Oak Trace now and I couldn’t be happier.”
A Seamless Move
Moving after nearly six decades in the same house is no small feat, but with the help of Oak Trace’s partnership with Downsizing By Design, the transition was smooth and stress-free.“They were extremely helpful to us,” Dan said. “They helped pack everything up. On moving day, we left the house, went out for lunch, and by the time we got back to Oak Trace, everything was moved, unpacked and put into place. It was like magic.”
“It was all there, my furniture, clothes, everything,” added Margaret. “It felt like home right away.”
Living the Life She Deserves
For Dan and the rest of the family, Margaret’s happiness, well-being, and safety are the greatest gift. “We weren’t sure we could afford a place like this. But Oak Trace helped us go through all the numbers, and we realized we could make it work. We were thrilled. This is the life we want her to have. It’s what she’s earned, to live in a beautiful, enjoyable environment.”
“I’d been lonely,” Margaret said. “I don’t feel lonely now. I thank the good Lord above that I found this place.”
At Oak Trace, Margaret has rediscovered the joy of community, independence, and a full calendar. She’s not just living, she’s thriving. And for her, and her family, that’s what matters most.
