Communities in Naperville, IL

"I toured Bridgeway of Bensenville. It's beautiful, they have a lot of different activities that the people can participate in, and that was amazing. I would give them the highest rating. They're professional and well-kept, but they're private, and we're looking for a place where we can get help financially. It looks more like a condominium instead of a senior living facility. The day I was there, they were doing a fiesta, people were coming to lunch, they had activities, and they invited the community. Everybody was cordial, but there was no real cordial mix. It wouldn't have been a good fit for Mom."

"It was a good facility. The personnel there were very good and they had a lot more activities, but when mom first moved there, she was a lot more active and her mind was good. She had her own place there. It's geared more towards interactive seniors, where they have a swimming pool and pool tables. They have activities there where they have people come in and give lectures or talks and things like that. So they try to keep people involved there. Plus they have buses that go to plays or local or even stuff downtown, like operas. So, they give you the opportunity to be involved."

"I played bridge in the Vi at The Glen with a friend who lives there. I saw the place and her. I think she had a two bedroom. It was very nice, but it's a buy-in. I really only saw the main building, which is beautifully decorated. I ate at their small grill. It's a big place. In addition to the main building, they have these single homes called villas. When you're a guest and you go in, you tell them you're there to meet so-and-so. It's very much like a hotel. They have maybe three people behind the main desk, and they were very nice, very accommodating. They have everything there. They have discussion groups, book groups, all kinds of cards if you want. They did have a lot of guest speakers invited. The person was going to come in and talk to people. They seemed to have that a lot. I think the people were very happy with the food. All I had was lunch."

"I went to Addolorata Villa. It was a very pleasant tour. It was an older building than the other one. Because I am a Catholic, it offered the religious services that I would like. The woman giving the tour kind of focused on activities and seemed interested in learning what my interests and hobbies were to make sure that we were making a good fit and I think it could be. I felt they had a very good activity schedule that you could be as busy 24/7 if you cared to be. There was a very pleasant large deck-type area where they have the raised beds for gardening, which appeal to me. I don't do any gardening at my home because I can't get down on my hands and knees, so I thought that was nice and pleasant. It's a very pretty campus. It kind of reminded me of a college campus. We were thereafter lunchtime. We weren't offered a meal, but she offered beverages and snacks and brought a large basket of snacks in while we were talking."

"My father is at Lincolnwood Place. We chose this community because it is close and in an area with which he is familiar. It is a continuum of care, so we not only have independent living but also assisted, inpatient therapy, and, if needed, full nursing. It was highly recommended. I have eaten there twice, and I think the food is decent to good. The amenities are excellent. They have many activities, but my father does not participate. From my standpoint, I’m very happy with it. I have very few or no complaints with anything involving the place whatsoever. "

"We talked to a representative at The Clare, had lunch, and visited a couple of apartments, which were very nice. The dining area was quite good, and they had a garden, which was a place to sit. They have people who can come in, or they have intensive care out of the apartment. "

"In general, I think that this is a beautiful facility, obviously upscale, but in extremely good taste. There is a library and a little shopping area with candy and jewelry. There is a very nice dining area. The lobby is spacious and comfortable. The receptionist is friendly and helpful. The one draw back is the parking in the back of the building, which is often full and it is hard to find parking on the street. This is definately an urban setting. Many of the patients are Holocaust survivors. The staff are very helpful and will work with the patient and the family if there are financial or other problems. The facility offers an array of activities -- opera programs, ice cream socials, current events, etc. The facility also provides religious programming and services for the mainly Jewish population. There are individual apartments where residents can live in an independent living situation. There is also continued care and nursing home facility on other floors. On the top floor is a lovely activity room with glass windows. Sometimes there is a pianist who plays music. Patients can go up and get an icecream cone or can go out on the roof patio when the weather is nice. I would highly recommend this facility. The patients that I talked to seemed happy because there are many activities that are offered. "

"We like our visit at The Lakes at Waterford as they have very friendly people. The place is also very nice. This facility is our second choice when we are ready to move to one. The rooms were very nice too. They had us there for dinner and everybody was very sociable and that is what I like about them. "

"Beacon Hill, a continuing care community, offers companionship and activities for my mother. She gets one meal a day. She liked it ( her choice) initially because she was able to move into a spacious apt and not get rid of lots of stuff. Now that she is losing mobility we wish she were somewhere that offered her 3 meals and a personalized care plan like the assisted living places. We have had to hire some outside help to ensure her continuity of care. Eventually she may need to move to the "health care center" -- too nursing home-ish for our taste. "

"Windsor provides a friendly atmosphere for most residents, although some have found the cliques hard to break into. I'm glad my in-laws are there. "

"Mom is at Oak Trace. Her room is very nice: nice crown molding and wonderful wardrobes. The staff has been quite good. They really try to cater to their needs. They have been very good about communicating. Yesterday, they had a little jelly bean thing going for the season, and then they served coffee and cookies for free. Today, there’s a voice recital and a choral group coming in to give concerts. They have speakers come in. They’re pretty active. "

"I toured this facility looking for a place for my Dad. It appears to be more assisted than independent living (which is not what we are looking for). The place is very clean, and I like that three meals a day are included, as well as all utilities. The studio was very small though - no kitchen area, just a microwave and tiny fridge in a closet like a hotel. Staff seemed very nice/friendly. Not enough activities for someone truly independent - but probably a nice choice for someone who isn't quite as active. "

"My mother is already at King Bruwaert House, and the service is very good. The food is 5 stars. It’s very far from me though, and that’s my only objection. "

"Making the move to Plymouth Place has been an excellent decision. It is a decision I made at 72 years old when I could enjoy the best of both worlds...my world before Plymouth Place, and my world at Plymouth Place. This graduated care community meets my long and short term needs as well as providing a wealth of new friends and activities. During my research I investigated five similar places both in the LaGrange area as well as the Wheaton/Naperville areas where I had lived for over 45 years. Additionally I read up on several other places as well. The bottom line reasons for my choosing Plymouth Place are the services it provides, the fact that it is a non-profit well run organization, its location – walk to downtown La Grange, to the train etc, and the variety and quality of care provided. The resident population here is amazing. I have met and become acquainted with people who have enormous talent, hobbies, skills, and enjoy laughter and fun. The fact that one chooses to move into a graduated care facility doesn’t mean a lower quality of life - if anything it is an interesting new chapter with new friends. There are very few activities that one can’t find here. Crafts, theatre, movies, trips (both in the area and abroad), programs (professional and resident talent), volunteer opportunities in a variety of ways, fitness programs that can be designed for the individual or group classes are just a few of the many interests one can pursue here. The staff here is more than capable and willing to help with most anything. They are professional as well as friendly and down to earth. Whatever issues Plymouth Place may face, it is good to know the Board and staff are working in our best interests. Do we agree on all of the issues – no, but there is a sense that residents are very much a-part of the decision making process. All in all, it is a pleasure to be part of this community and a comfort to know that my current and future needs will be met. That is important to me since I have no children and do not want my nephews and niece to bear the burden of my care. I highly recommend Plymouth Place. "