Oak Park Arms

I visited this facility

I really liked this facility and would highly recommend it. When I drove up to the place I was a bit concerned because I had to either pay for parking (which is nominal I must admit) or find street parking which was difficult on a Saturday morning. The facility is in a busy area on Oak Park avenue. However, once inside it is like being transported back in time. Oak Park Arms is 90 years old and used to be a luxury hotel. The common areas have high ceilings, ornate chandeliers and beautiful rugs. The facility is going through a renovation so there isn't any furniture in the lobby right now and some of the rooms are being renovated. What I did see on the first floor was very inviting. There is an art gallery, library with three computers and a huge ballroom which seems like a throwback to another era. Apparently there is dancing on some Sunday evenings with Seymour's Big Band, and in the summer they host a "Big Prom." Every month they host a birthday party. There is also a patio room with an enclosed outdoor deck to be used in the summer time and I am told there is a rooftop deck as well, but is now being renovated. The dining room on the main floor seemed very inviting. Three meals are included in the price of the assisted living and residents can chose from different entrees at mealtime. There is also a beauty shop and a barber shop for men. I was told that the barber had been the main barber from the Palmer House hotel.
I looked at a furnished one bedroom apartment. It was roomy with two bathrooms (that is kind of astonishing). The appliances looked a bit old fashioned, but that may change with the renovation. The hallways were clean, although similar to an old hotel, a little musty. That will also probably change with the renovation. There are also laundry rooms and for people in assisted living they have their own eating area, although they can choose to go to the main dining room on the first floor. The one thing that I did not like was that while the facility had a lot to offer in terms of culture and social activities, I did not think it was as inclusive religiously. For example, there was a Christmas tree, but no menorah for Chanukah, and the facility offers Christian religious services, but not Jewish (although there is a bus that takes people to synagogues as well as churches in the area).
I thought the receptionist very nice and one of the staff (I think she was the activities director) was helpful.
Overall I thought this was really a lovely and welcoming place and I wouldn't hesitate to move there myself. I especially liked that it seems well integrated in the community with all kinds of people volunteering their gifts and talents

I am a friend or relative of a resident

This is a pretty darn nice little home for the elderly. It is located in the lovely and historical Oak Park neighborhood, surrounded by homes influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright, great old trees, and cheerful parks. The exterior is pleasant and inviting, and inside you will find a very clean, welcoming environment that strives to make its tenants as comfortable and happy as possible. We took my great aunt to stay here as she became dependent in her old age, and I'm content with out choice.The staff here is warm and caring, they always approach with a smile and hands extended. My aunt seems very happy there and that is the most important part of all. I don't get to visit her as much as I'd like to, but luckily the administration there is very good about keeping our family up to date on her condition. They report any notable incidents regarding her physical and mental well being and help her with the phone and even the computer to help us stay in touch with her. If anyone in the area is seeking a reliable, safe haven for an elderly friend or relative, I would highly recommend Oak Park Arms.

The Oak Park Arms has independent and assisted living. They offer short term stays, assisted living, independent supportive options and independent living.They have everything you need at the Oak Park Arms. From housing options,amenities,social calendar, wellness services, Oak Park senior services and medical centerThey have on site: optometrist,podiatrist,audioologist,dentist,psychologist,internal medicine physicians,geriatric nurse practiitioner,occupational and physical therapy and a geriatric social worker. There senior center has a pottery studio, wood work shop,paining classes, creative writing, lapidary workshop, weaving studio, language classes and current event groups. The Oak Park Arms has everthing and is a beautiful place. My mother's health was failing because she did not want to do what was right to care for herself. After moving to the Oak Park Arms she is better than ever. Her health has improved greatly! she is happy and healthy and getting the care she needs 24 hours a day. I could go on and on..Thank you Oak Park Arms for being there for me and my family!