Oak Park by Bonaventure

I am a friend or relative of a resident

My 89 year-old mom has been in Oak Park now for two years. She didn't want to go because she had been living independently on my brother's ranch. He didn't want to be responsible for her any more, so we chose Oak Park. The staff have been great at getting her settled and integrated. And they have been really good about checking on mom, and responding quickly when we call with any concerns. All the residents complain somewhat about the food, which in my experience of sharing meals with mom, has been pretty good, but not great. I think they must have difficulty getting and retaining good cooks. For people living in these circumstances, good food can be the high point of the day.

Oak Park is a very peaceful and home-like community. Everyone who makes up the facility is so friendly and down-to-earth, they really take people in and accept them as individuals, without judgment or criticism, they go out of their way to make others feel at home and comfortable. I have seen how the staff members and residents react when new residents move in to the facility, they welcome them whole-heartedly with open arms and friendly smiles. They will befriend the new residents, show them the ropes, and be there to support and assist them as they adapt to and become familiar with their new home. The staff and residents are also very welcoming and wonderful with the families of new residents, they are very helpful in showing them around and encouraging them to be involved and participate in the happenings around the community. I remember when I visited this facility for the very first time from the moment I walked through the doors I was immediately greeted by a staff member then as I continued throughout the community I received a "hello" or "good morning" or a cheerful smile from EVERY resident and staff member I came across. This is probably, hands down, one of the friendliest and most welcoming facility I have been to.

The facility itself, inside and out, is gorgeous. The architecture, design. decor, layout, landscaping, etc. has this simplicity about it which makes everything feel very homey but at the same time everything is very beautiful. There are many areas within the facility that offer excellent options for the residents to keep active, busy, and spend time with friends, family, and other residents. The residents love being outdoors, I always see the residents out walking around and exploring the grounds. They really enjoy all of the wildlife that frequently wander onto the community's grounds, all of the squirrels and bunnies and deer and so on. Although they could do without the skunks, they love watching how cam and peaceful the animals are. They especially love it during the spring time when the deer start coming around with their babies in toe. All over the community there are fun experiences and opportunities, entertainment, parties, and so much to keep the residents excited about living.

The residents also really enjoy each other's company and spending time with one another. They are outstanding together and watching the way they live together, play together, learn together, experience new opportunities together - it gives me hope for facilities where residents do not interact well with one another. Believe me, as friendly and helpful as the residents are to new residents they are just as wonderful with each other. There is this connection between them, maybe it's because they are at the same point in their lives and going through similar experiences, whatever it is, they are so close-nit, so supportive and protective of one another. Watching them together, regardless of what they are doing at the time be it group activities or watching TV or playing cards, is so inspiring, they really interact with one another like a close family. They even argue like a family but are quick to mend fences with one another because they are after all - each other's family. They are there for each other through bad times and good times, they reach out to each other for advice, celebrate each others accomplishments, encourage each other to live life to the fullest and to have no regrets. Together they are all of the parts and factors that makes a family strong and bonded.

If you are new to, unfamiliar with, or trying to learn more about the world of senior living than I believe touring Oak Park would be a smart first step in seeing how a facility should be, how staff and residents should be, how everything should be. Oak Park is a facility where everything is as it should be. Sure, they have their troubles and bad days, but the way they react to them and learn from them is outstanding. They are always trying to be better, to become better for their current residents and for their future residents. The staff members really do put their heart and soul into the care they provide to each resident every day and everything they do around the community.