In The News

  Summerfest, the event of the summer at The Danish Home of Chicago, was a smashing success! Special thanks go to all of The Danish Home of Chicago’s fantastic volunteers and hardworking staff for making Summerfest 2024 so successful. Due to the major building expansion construction in the backyard, about 300 guests instead enjoyed the…

Chicago, IL: Karen Frink is used to being in charge. She served on The Danish Home Board of Directors for 20 years, the Women’s Auxiliary Board, and several boards for Scandinavian organizations. It’s no wonder her peers just re-elected her as President of The Danish Home Resident Council for another two-year term.   “I like…

Our careers may be over when we retire, but for one resident, her passion and love for her past profession still lights a fire in her even at the ripe age of 93. This individual’s unwavering love for her work as a mechanical engineer has found a new outlet as she closely observes the construction…

Although the 2024 year has just begun, The Danish Home of Chicago has already embarked on numerous community outings, filling its residents with smiles and memories that will last a lifetime.    The Danish Home of Chicago, a senior living community located in Norwood Park, is no stranger to community outings, thanks to the tireless…

The Women’s Auxiliary of The Danish Home held a delightful Spring Luncheon and Fundraiser on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at a new location: Manzo’s Banquets, 1571 Elmhurst Road, Des Plaines, Illinois. About 70 guests, including Danish Home residents, Auxiliary board members and members, family and friends, enjoyed the 65th Annual Benefit Luncheon on a beautiful,…

The Danish Home of Chicago has served as a culture center for Danes in America since it was formed 133 years ago. The senior living community shares its appreciation of this deep-rooted connection between The Danish Home and the Danish-American community throughout its rich history while also welcoming people of all backgrounds with open arms.…

Monday, February 19, 2024 proved to be an exciting day for The Danish Home of Chicago’s residents, staff and board members.   Ambassador Jesper Møller Sørensen, who has served as Ambassador of Denmark to The United States at the Royal Danish Embassy in Washington D.C. since September 2023, visited The Danish Home of Chicago together…

The Danish Home of Chicago senior living community is no stranger to tail wags, and belly rubs thanks to President and CEO Scott Swanson’s Portuguese Water Dog Finnegan. This senior living community’s furry friend has become an integral part of their community, bringing joy and friendship to staff and residents alike.   Finnegan, affectionately known…

The holidays were fun. Still – you have a nagging feeling that something wasn’t quite right with your elders. The house was messy. They were not as well-kept as they usually are. You’re wondering: are they eating right? Are their bills getting paid on time? Are they taking their medications on schedule?    You may…

  It’s the season of holiday traditions and beloved Christmas celebrations. At The Danish Home of Chicago, our community unites once again for a traditional favorite, Lillejuleaften, also known as Little Christmas Eve.    During the holidays, senior living communities prepare for a season of festivities, and The Danish Home of Chicago, located in the…

The Danish Home of Chicago is pleased to announce the appointment of Danielle Santore as the new Director of Nursing. With a strong background in mental health and a commitment to holistic care, Santore is poised to make a significant impact on the well-being of the residents, according to Scott Swanson, president and CEO.  Born…

  A bright, clear, sunny day brought about 300 guests, residents, family, friends, and volunteers together at The Danish Home of Chicago to enjoy the Annual Fall Fest on Sunday, November 5, 2023. Attendees enjoyed musical entertainment provided by The Old Town School of Folk Music while they were busy purchasing items from the treasure…

“We are thrilled with The Danish Home and how my aunt and uncle are being treated,” said Joe Damiano, nephew of Vincenzo and Carmela Damiano. Formerly of Chicago, Illinois, the couple now lives at The Danish Home of Chicago.       Joe helped his two family members move into the retirement community in the Norwood Park…

NORWOOD PARK, CHICAGO, IL: The Danish Home of Chicago and The Danish Home Foundation are proud to announce the groundbreaking for a new addition to their senior living community, according to Scott L. Swanson, President/CEO.  The groundbreaking, which took place on Saturday, September 16, 2023, was attended by over 100 donors, residents, and dignitaries, including…

Poor air quality from Canadian fires did nothing to deter fans from The Danish Home’s annual Summerfest this year. With dozens of volunteers, guests, families, and friends, attendance reached nearly 500 people who took to the festivities excitedly. “This year, we were very pleased to showcase the plans for our new expansion, which will begin…

Teresa Carter always had a feeling she would work as a service provider to older adults. It took until her 40s, though, to pursue a career in nursing and realize her calling.  “It was always in the back of my mind to seek out this type of work,” the certified nursing assistant says. “I took…

    Relationship with Danish consulate one of warmth, hygge. The longtime relationship between The Danish Home of Chicago and the Danish Consulate may boil down to one word: hygge (pronounced HYOO-guh), a feeling of contentment and conviviality and a defining element of Danish culture.  “Whenever we visit it’s hygge,” says Birgitte Nørmølle, Consular and…

Back in the day, on Wednesday morning at 9 o’clock, 8 – 10 volunteers would arrive at The Danish Home to shampoo, set, dry, and comb out the lady residents’ hair because everyone knows a woman always feels better when her hair looks good! Esther Sorensen, lifelong volunteer and now resident at The Danish Home,…

  The Danish Home Foundation is proud to present a truly distinguished family with the 2022 Essence Award. This year’s prestigious honor was presented to Jeff and Cheryl Anderson and the Anderson Family on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at The Danish Home Foundation’s Annual Benefit and Lillejuleaften Celebration at the Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook,…

Traditional Danish fare is an important part of the holiday recollections of friends Nora Bogehegn and Karen Frink. Bogehegn was born in Denmark and came to the U.S. during the ‘60s. Frink, of Danish descent, was born and grew up in the Chicago area. Friends for years, they are now neighbors at The Danish Home…

Karen Frink and Nora Bogehegn, who have been good friends, fellow volunteers, and active in the Danish community, are now close neighbors. Karen, formerly of Mt. Prospect and Nora, formerly of Elk Grove, both live at The Danish Home of Chicago. While the move to the senior living community was recent for both, it also…

The State of Illinois approved opening The Danish Home’s newly renovated Healthcare Suite just in time for Birgit Tyrrell to move her father into the northwest Chicago senior living community. “When my father was in a previous nursing home, he never wanted to leave his bed and was miserable. Since the move to The Danish…

Directing the dining program in peoples’ homes differs from corporate or restaurant dining management. It’s a difference that Chef Paul Morris is enjoying. The new Dining Services Manager/Executive Chef at The Danish Home said, “There’s a real personal touch. I’m a people person, so I enjoy the interaction.” Chef Paul came to The Danish Home…

Her favorite part of the birthday event is when bios are read for residents celebrating their birthday that month. “It’s interesting to learn more about the birthday celebrants,” Peterson said. Founded in 1958 by Elna Lorentzen, the Women’s Auxiliary helps raise funds for The Danish Home of Chicago. The group’s purpose is to assist in…

  There’s an old saying, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” For Lucia Young, she’s been blessed to turn her love of baking into a professional opportunity at The Danish Home. “I’ve always had a passion for baking,” Young said. “My friend who’s a chef in Washington,…

The Danish Home of Chicago’s President/CEO Scott L. Swanson and The Danish Home Foundation’s Development Manager Linda Steffensen recently hosted the new Chicago Danish Consul General Frank Hansen and his wife, Jane, for a delicious luncheon of Danish open-faced sandwiches and a tour of The Danish Home to meet the residents and to see the…

We did it again! For the second month in a row, The Danish Home of Chicago residents and guests enjoyed the festive monthly birthday celebration in our beautiful garden and relaxing patio. The weather sure cooperated and was a perfect 75 degrees. Thanks to this month’s sponsor, the Danish Sisterhood Dagmar Lodge #4 of Chicago.…

The Danish Home of Chicago and The Danish Home Foundation are proud to announce that “Dronning Margrethes and Prins Henriks Fond” (Queen Margrethe’s and Prince Henrik’s Foundation) in Denmark has awarded a generous grant to The Danish Home Foundation’s “Our Future in Focus” capital campaign. The Danish royal foundation supports cultural, scientific and social purposes in the…

The Danish Home of Chicago is often described as “a boutique senior living community nestled in the historic neighborhood of Norwood Park.” But, as anyone associated with the community will attest, the 130-year-old edifice is so much more. Extending the boundaries of outstanding care for older adults, The Danish Home is a cultural touchpoint rooted…

“I always get my best ideas when I’m hiking,” said Bruce Bro, seasoned climber and new board member of The Danish Home Foundation. One in particular came to him on a trek in early spring: hike the 500-mile Colorado Trail as a “Hike for Danish America” fundraiser benefiting Danish-American organizations across the country. Beginning June…

Kirsten Freund knows a thing or two about hygge. Raised in Esbjerg, Denmark, on the North Sea and 100 percent Danish, the faithful friend and volunteer of The Danish Home of Chicago knows what it’s like to cozy up inside a comfy home a good portion of the year. “It got dark at 3:00 in…

Robin Decker answers her office phone with all the pep and energy her job as director of resident life at The Danish Home of Chicago senior living community demands. “Activities!” she sings into the receiver. This is the upbeat spirit with which she and her team plan and implement the many resident activities, outings and…

The Danish Home Foundation is excited to announce that Linda Steffensen of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, has joined The Danish Home Foundation staff as its new development manager. Linda’s connections to The Danish Home of Chicago and the national Danish-American community run deep. “I remember coming to The Danish Home as a young girl and folk…

Julia Krueger drops into the apartment of a fellow resident of The Danish Home of Chicago to admire her neighbor’s beautifully blooming tulips. They chat amicably as they regard the bright yellow harbingers of spring. From there, Julia strikes up a conversation with Linda Steffensen, development manager of the boutique senior living community’s fundraising vehicle,…

“Joy” is a word Kristie Hansen-Mendez uses generously to describe the unique living experience at The Danish Home of Chicago. “My mother truly loved living here in her last months. The joy of friendship that she experienced in this boutique environment is truly special and was so important to her well-being. It gave her such…

There is no greater testament to the quality of life at The Danish Home of Chicago than a former executive becoming a resident. That’s exactly what happened last October when Leif Nielsen and his wife Diana moved from the house next door (literally) into The Danish Home, where he was administrator for 25 years. “We…

She was the first woman in Chicago to receive a pin for 70 years of service to the Girl Scouts. No one had ever served that long in this city. That was two years ago, and Annette Cameron is still going strong with the organization she joined as a teenager. A resident of The Danish…

“My husband took his very first steps at The Danish Home,” said Esther Sorensen. “Years later, he took his last there, too.” A resident of The Danish Home, the late Jim Sorensen attended The Danish Home’s annual picnics as early as toddlerhood, as did Esther. Born in Denmark and friends from the homeland, Jim and…

Seated in her new apartment, surrounded by Danish collectibles, Elaine Jensen displays a photo book of her late husband’s famous smoke house business.   She came directly from Hawaii, where she lived for 30 years, but Elaine Jensen is very excited to start her “new adventure” at The Danish Home of Chicago. “Life is what…

  Earl Larsen moved into The Danish Home from his home in Door County, Wisconsin, just two months ago. But the former Chicago firefighter was a mere boy the first time he came to the boutique senior community. “I used to go to the summer picnics with my grandparents. I’ve known this place for over…

Born in Poland, Danuta Eriksen felt completely at home when she moved to The Danish Home of Chicago in March of 2017. That’s because her late husband was Danish and so much of the couple’s life revolved around Danish foods and customs. In all, Danuta has been to Denmark six times. “Our home was everything…

  On the first day without rain all week, The Danish Home of Chicago boutique senior living community welcomed nearly 600 guests to its annual Summerfest June 23rd. Children, teens and adults from the home’s Norwood Park neighborhood came as well as the many friends, family members and supporters of the not-for-profit residence. “It was…

She is 93 years old and willingly did something that would give people a fraction of her age pause. On a clear day May 24th, Shirley Spear, resident of The Danish Home of Chicago boutique senior living community, braved the Tilt! window attraction at Chicago’s John Hancock Center. Taking her place in the bank of…

It was maybe the best part of the trip. Although Julie Krueger believes she’s gained weight due largely to the great food at The Danish Home, she weighs a lowly 47 pounds. Or at least its equivalent, if she lived on the moon. Julie was one of about a dozen residents from the senior living…

On a picture-perfect day June 24, The Danish Home of Chicago boutique senior living community celebrated “Spirit of Family” with an outdoor festival reminiscent of Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. While scores of families came out for The Danish Home’s 125th anniversary event, it may as aptly have been called “Spirit of Volunteers.” Over 100 of…

A chance Google search, which led to a popular blog, introduced a New York resident to his family’s prestigious legacy beyond anything he could have imagined. John Thorsen, Jr. of East Hampton, New York, fortuitously stumbled on The Hope Chest, a blog of The Danish Home of Chicago. “I Googled my great-great grandmother Emma Thorsen…

Her expectations were high, but have been impressively exceeded. When Ellen Stolfa-Rowe’s mother Evelyn Stolfa made the decision to move to The Danish Home almost ten years ago, Ellen was all for it, primarily due to the great things she’d heard about the boutique senior living community. “I knew she’d be going into a great…

The Danish Home boutique senior community in the Chicago neighborhood of Norwood Park, caught Marge Mickey’s eye long before she moved in. The Danish Home, a boutique senior community in the Chicago neighborhood of Norwood Park, caught Marge Mickey’s eye long before she moved in as a resident in 2012. Having raised her family in…