The Selfhelp Home

Dr3rdeye

Founded by holocaust survivors, Selfhelp Home is one of the better-known nonprofit Jewish assisted living/retirement communities in Chicago. The food is kosher, the residents are almost all Jewish and the staff/resident ratios are high. Despite rather high monthly costs, the facilities are not plush: they're clean, functional, safe, and well-maintained but not luxurious. Well-run Medicaid nursing homes look pretty similar. The money goes largely for staff and there are a lot of them: residents can and do get help at any point of the day with just about any task. The home also offers a wide range of activities ranging from book clubs to field trips. Generally, residents seem to like it.

serenity11

I have briefly visited other nursing homes and assisted living facilities and I think this is one of the best. My mother visits almost every day, though, and I know that's one way to make sure that your relatives are well taken care of...The staff is always friendly and willing to make accommodations in the residents' schedules for visitors. For all residents, both those on the 8th floor (mainly dementia patients, some rehab) and on the lower floors (mainly in their own apartments with mini-kitchens), there are daily activities. For those who are mobile, there are frequent outings. Book club, story groups, bingo, exercise, ice cream socials...there's also a beautiful roof deck and indoor sitting area on the top floor with many couches and large windows overlooking Lake Michigan. Most residents dine together and food seems decent downstairs from what I've seen. The food on the 8th floor is pretty basic cafeteria style food, not so good.

Caring201973

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.

chocolateedl

My mother has severe Alzheimers and has been residing at the Self Help home for the past 4 years.She entered with only mild dementia and living independently until she became more and more impaired. Her 85th birthday is in a few weeks , and although she doesnt appear to know who we are anymore. at least shes around to celebrate it. Self Help home has made us,her family, feel safe .My mom has had excellent care there all these years , and the administration and staff there have been very warm and nurturing throughout these very difficult years. Mom cant do anything for herself anymore , but is well-taken care of, and we know this excellent standard of care will continue as long as she is there.