The Clare

John99001950

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.

John65786650

It was not difficult at all to enter in The Clare because their occupancy was only 40% or so. So, you could easily get into independent living. But once you were in and you declined to actually go to assisted living and end up to the nursing home facility which were all in the same building. It's pretty difficult because their nursing home does not had enough beds relative to the people who were healthier and don't need nursing facilities in that point in time. The Clare charges a hell of an upfront fee and you would find high quality arts on the wall. So, it's meant for clientele that were at the moment reasonably healthy and want to be near Chicago Symphony, the Arts institute, the History Museum, the Aquarium. So, it's a great location for those who were wealthy enough to enjoy what Chicago has to offer. So, people would go there because it's fancy and if they could afford it and they had that kind of liquid cash, they were setting up for when they get old later. So, they were living in a convenient location, then they don't have to go anywhere if they need assisted care.

sue8

The staff seemed very cordial overall. They gave us time alone without being overbearing. Her grandpa seemed to be familiar with where everything was, since most of the items they brought from his previous home. His room was spacious and warm. He said he would rather live with his eldest daughter, but I think this was because he missed the family not because of the facility. He is a simple man and felt like the place was too over the top. It is in the heart of downtown Chicago. He mentioned the garden to be his favorite area there. I personally liked the business center; also it took just one train and a short walk to get there.All the areas were clean and well organized. This facility is not for everyone. Some people may enjoy somewhere in a more secluded area with more outdoor space. That way there can be more outdoor activities. Her grandpa may be a better fit for somewhere like that.

commercesd

My great-uncle has lived in Chicago for most of his life. The idea of staying in a nursing home isn't appealing to him, and it was important that we found him a place where he could easily visit his friends and family. We found the Clare at Water Tower assisted living facility in the heart of the city in the downtown area, near the Magnificent Mile. It is easy to get to by public transport, which most of his family uses regularly. The staff is very friendly, attentive and it was clear that they can easily handle the needs of its residents. There were apartment and room options which could easily fit his cherished furniture pieces. Since it is a high-rise building, the views of the city are fantastic. The fitness and aquatic center is as nice as any high-end day spa, which they also have. They show films in the media and entertainment center. The business center is great for busy visitors. My uncle paints, so the creative arts studio was a nice surprise. They offer many events through a partnership with Loyola University Chicago. My great-uncle used to tend a small garden so he really appreciated the fresh food options, like fresh salads and other vegetables available. He is on a strict Diabetic diet and the Clare offers an array of small meals and snacks that looked really well-suited to his needs. We went to quite a few facilities in the area, and The Clare was the best one yet! Definitely 5 stars!