The health and well-being of our residents are huge priority here at Misericordia. We want to make sure we are taking care of not only their residential needs but provide continued support that encourage a heathy, happy and active lifestyle. 

Our medical team includes medical directors who oversee our dedicated nursing and CNA staff, while our on-campus Donovan Dental Clinic offers.  Speech, occupational and physical therapy is offered on an ongoing basis. In addition, we work with outside psychiatrists, podiatrists, neurologists on an as-needed basis to ensure that all our residents needs are addressed.  Dieticians assess and provide input on the daily dietary needs of residents while our Moore Aquatic and Fitness Center, and the Gildo Mazzolin Recreation Center offer various exercise options and adaptive equipment to meet their needs. 

Additionally, our Behavioral Health Services team provides support on an ongoing basis. Individuals in need of emotional and behavioral support can access a variety of services that provide individual and group work to enhance social, communication and interpersonal skill development. Services include Behavior Support Team, counseling and art therapy. Misericordia also offers the Personal Effectiveness Program (PEP) which is a developmental training program that provides an alternative setting with increased structure and predictability for individuals needing further development of adaptive behavior skills.  

Spirituality also plays an important role at Misericordia. Regardless of religious affiliation, our residents are able to worship accordingly, whether it is daily mass at our on-campus chapel or the Sabbath on Friday nights. Misericordia encourages all residents to be involved in organizations of faith in the larger communities as well.

Residents in McAuley and throughout the Misericordia campus have opportunities to participate in individual and small-group music and recreational therapy sessions. These therapeutic experiences provide meaningful opportunities for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities to communicate, connect with others, and express themselves in ways that are unique to their individual abilities and interests.

Through music and recreational therapy, residents are supported in
building confidence, increasing independence and engaging their senses in meaningful ways. These experiences also promote social connection, emotional expression and overall well-being while providing residents with opportunities for creativity, enjoyment, and personal growth.

Staying physically active plays a key role in supporting the overall health, well-being, and independence of our residents. Through regular movement and exercise, residents have opportunities to build strength, improve mobility, and balance, and maintain the physical skills that support greater independence in their daily lives.

Physical activity also contributes to residents’ social and emotional well-being. Whether participating individually or alongside their peers, residents are supported in finding enjoyable ways to incorporate movement into their daily routines. By providing accessible and inclusive opportunities for physical activity, residents of all abilities are encouraged to participate at a level that is meaningful to them.

Throughout the day, evenings and weekends, residents have a variety of opportunities to stay active while connecting with friends and peers. Dance and yoga classes in the Moore Movement Room provide structured and engaging opportunities for residents to enjoy movement, build confidence, and strengthen social connections.

Residents can also participate in a variety of aquatic activities, including swimming classes, water aerobics, Aqua Zumba, and swim teams through the Moore Aquatics center. These programs provide residents with enjoyable and accessible ways to experience physical activity in the water while building strength, endurance, and confidence.

In the Mazzolin Center, residents have additional opportunities to focus on their individual health and fitness goals. Each resident is supported through a person-centered fitness plan designed around their abilities, interests, and goals. Through encouragement, individualized

support and meaningful opportunities for movement, residents are empowered to challenge themselves, celebrate their progress and become the best version of themselves.

Located directly behind the Rosemary Connelly Homes, Misericordia’s eighteen-hole adaptive golf course provides residents with another engaging opportunity to stay active, build skills, and enjoy time with friends. The course is utilized throughout the day, evenings, and weekends, offering residents many opportunities to participate.

Designed to accommodate a variety of abilities, the course provides residents with opportunities to develop fine and gross motor skills, build confidence, and enjoy the game of golf in an accessible environment. Whether practicing their skills or gathering with friends for a friendly round, residents can enjoy physical activity while having fun.

Education remains a vital part of life at Misericordia. Our on-campus
school, Misericordia School, is located within the McAuley Residence and is fully approved by the Illinois State Board of Education. The program provides full-day, specialized educational services for school-age children whose complex medical needs require a highly supportive, on-site learning environment.In addition, many of our school-age residents attend community-based special education programs through local public-school districts or specialized private schools. This approach ensures that each student receives an individualized educational experience that best meets their unique needs and abilities.

Birth to Three Program

Misericordia provides specialized therapeutic services for children under the age of three who reside in our McAuley skilled nursing home. Through individualized physical and occupational therapies, children are supported in developing important skills that promote movement, engagement, and greater independence.

Therapeutic activities are tailored to each child’s unique abilities and developmental needs, providing meaningful opportunities to build skills, reach important milestones and experience continued growth. Through compassionate, person-centered support, each child is encouraged to reach their fullest potential.

Through Special Olympics, resident athletes have the opportunity to participate in more than twenty individual, team and adaptive sports. Resident athletes compete at both the city and state levels, gaining valuable experience in teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal achievement.

The program empowers resident athletes to develop physical fitness, build confidence and demonstrate courage while experiencing the joy of competition. One of the greatest strengths of Special Olympics is its inclusivity—resident athletes of all skill levels and physical abilities are encouraged and supported in participating in both individual and team events.

While resident athletes proudly compete for medals, the true reward is found in their participation, growth, and sense of accomplishment. Through inclusive programming and meaningful opportunities for competition and teamwork, resident athletes are supported in reaching their full potential—both on and off the field.

Our Performing Arts teams bring creativity, energy, and inspiration to the Misericordia community. From the dazzling Showtimers, the crowd-favorite Heartbreakers, and the dynamic Day Dancers, there is truly a place for everyone to perform.

In addition to performance groups, the program offers a variety of engaging classes throughout the week, including set design, Gym Wheel, public speaking, and costume design. There is always something new and exciting in development.

Residents rehearse consistently throughout the year, building skills, confidence, and a strong sense of teamwork. Their dedication culminates in performances at fundraisers, events, and holiday celebrations across campus and in the community.

These performances go beyond entertainment—they create meaningful experiences that foster self-expression, connection, and pride, leaving a lasting impact on both our residents and the broader Misericordia community.

Our Resident Events team is a dynamic and creative group dedicated to enriching the lives of those we serve. Throughout the year, the team plans and hosts a wide range of engaging experiences, including dance parties, live music and entertainment, community outings, movie nights, bingo, sing-alongs, team sports and other special events.

With a strong focus on inclusive and accessible programming, the team strives to offer diverse opportunities that appeal to a variety of interests and abilities. Their creativity and energy ensure that new and meaningful experiences are continually introduced, fostering connection, joy and a vibrant community life.