After 25 years serving churches, Chaplain Hendrik Blaauw found his next calling in senior living. The resident of South Holland is the chaplain at King-Bruwaert (KB) House senior living in Hinsdale/Burr Ridge.
Blaauw is a pastor ordained by the Reformed Church in America. He was initially drawn to the ministry, he recalled, after having “met the Lord in a personal way when I was 19. I then chose to go to Bible college. That is where calling to serve God in this way began to unfold.” He earned a degree in psychology to enable him to work with people, and then his Master of Divinity.”
While feeling very fulfilled working as a pastor within the church setting, he was intrigued when he learned about an open chaplaincy position at an area senior living community and decided to make the change. Blaauw said, “This was a great opportunity to go into areas of ministry that are my strength. While a pastor in a church, I was involved in running the organization. In a senior living community, I can focus on areas that include relational, liturgical, scriptural and pastoral care. I enjoy working with seniors. These are my strengths more than organizational development.”
Blaauw first started working in a faith-based senior living community 13 years ago. That retirement community was sold to a for-profit organization, and the position was eliminated. Blauuw joined KB House in May, where he serves three days/week. He also works as a chaplain at Hinsdale Hospital two days/week.
“KB House is a lovely community. Its mission is to provide unsurpassed care, and I find it to be true to that. I enjoy the residents; there are many very accomplished people, vocationally, educationally and recreationally,” he said. “Many are well-traveled, and they’re interesting and mature. They’ve been financially able to do and explore and experience a lot. They’ve seen a lot and done a lot, and it’s fun to get to know them.”
Blaauw explained, “I’m a chaplain for everyone. This is an ecumenical position. I’m Christian; that’s my understanding of who God is, but I’m here for everyone. I’m mindful of that as I carry out my work,” he said. “There’s a breadth of faith traditions. I like that and find it enriching.” He also works with surrounding faith communities to provide spiritual care for KB’s residents. This includes weekly Eucharistic ministry and a monthly Mass led by a local Catholic priest.
Blaauw said that the presence of KB House’s beautiful historical chapel makes an important statement about the senior living community’s dedication to ensuring spiritual well-being for its residents and staff. Spiritual well-being, he said, is fundamental to everyone’s holistic well-being. “People need to be fed, sheltered, and entertained, but they also need to find meaning, love, truth, and care for their whole person. Spiritual care is part of their overall care.”
Within the KB community, Blaauw leads a Bible study program, chapel prayer time, Sunday morning worship services, and more. Blaauw also visits with residents and their families and with KB team members. “This time in their lives can be challenging, physically and emotionally. You go through a lot spiritually in your later years. It often helps people to talk, process, or grieve in whatever way is fitting for them,” he said. “One of the things I do as chaplain is let them know that love is greater than changes and losses and that they are in the presence of God’s love. Whatever faith tradition they’re from, I seek to connect with them.”
For the upcoming holidays, Blaauw will hold Advent Sunday services, plus special Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve services.
King-Bruwaert House
Ideally located in what has been called one of the best places to retire in Illinois by Niche.com, King-Bruwaert House has been gracing Hinsdale/Burr Ridge since 1933. The beautiful 35-acre campus includes independent living in The Gardens of King-Bruwaert House new luxury apartment homes and The Woods of King-Bruwaert House cottages. As an elegant and dignified Life Plan Community offering all levels of care, the campus also has access to assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Less than two miles away in Hinsdale is Godair Park, King-Bruwaert House’s single-story rental duplex homes overlooking Ruth Lake Country Club. For additional information, visit www.KingBruwaert.org or call 630-216-8659. King-Bruwaert House is located at 6101 S. County Line Road in Burr Ridge.
