“This is more convenient, more social — and we don’t miss cooking at all!”
Bernice Bosma is the oldest of her four siblings, so she’s used to leading the way for the family. She was also the first of the four to move to Victorian Village, the friendly retirement community in Homer Glen, close where she lived in Orland Park. About a year later, her brother Al Bosma got an apartment there as well, and their sister is also considering moving in.
“We’ve always been a close family,” Bernice says, as they recall their childhood as first generation Americans, children of Dutch immigrants. “We’re a lot alike, all neat freaks, all Christians, and very social.”
“And we all drove Toyotas,” Al adds, and they both laugh.
Bernice and Al both had minor health incidents before moving that made them realize how helpful it would be to have chores like cooking and cleaning off their to-do lists, and to live somewhere that would allow them to maintain their independence while having healthcare assistance available, if needed.
As alike as these siblings are, they both enjoy different aspects of Victorian Village. Bernice chose a turret apartment, a unique layout that Bernice says she fell in love with. The apartment has both northern and eastern exposure. “I love being in my apartment,” she says. “I love the way I fixed it up, and I love how much room I have.” She looks forward to meals in the dining room with her neighbors, weekly worship services, resident meetings, and a game of Rummikub.
Al enjoys his terrace-level apartment, which is close to activities and socializing. He doesn’t spend too much time there, as he’s always out and about. He works out two mornings a week at the Victorian Village gym (Bernice is in there once a week), where a personal trainer is on hand to monitor him during exercise. When the weather is nice, he spends time in the garden, planting tomatoes, herbs, and mums, among other things. Indoors, he’s involved in almost everything that’s offered, and he’s known as the unofficial mayor of the campus.
“When I was at home, I was alone,” Al says. “I got sick of that. This suits me much better.”
They love the space they have to spend time with their many visitors: family, friends, pastors—anyone who comes along.
Bernice enjoyed the convenience of the Health & Wellness Center on campus when she needed a few weeks of rehab after a hospital stay. Afterward, the social work staff arranged for her to continue her therapy in her apartment through Providence at Home.
“It’s convenient, more social—and we don’t miss cooking at all,” she says.
Al agrees, adding, “It’s a good place to be.”
