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.
The Selfhelp Home
Offers Assisted Living, Independent Living, Nursing Homes, and Continuing Care Communities
4 Reviews
908 W Argyle, Chicago, IL 60640
Call
(800) 385-2527
Reviews of The Selfhelp Home
Assisted Living Reviews for The Selfhelp Home
November 06, 2012
I visited this facility
June 22, 2012
I am a friend or relative of a resident
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.
February 03, 2012
I visited this facility
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.
Nursing Home Reviews for The Selfhelp Home
August 01, 2011
I am a friend or relative of a resident
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.
Questions about The Selfhelp Home
What programs or activities does The Selfhelp Home offer to enrich residents' well-being?
Selfhelp offers a full schedule of activities from daily exercise, tai chi, yoga, live music concerts on a weekly basis, engaging discussion groups, news and views, programs with children, films in our state of the art movie theater, outings to the opera and more.
What places are near The Selfhelp Home or within walking distance for assisted living residents to enjoy?
Business district of Argyle St. and broadway 1 block away, Marrianos grocery store is 1 block away, The Argyle St. Summer street markets are front of our building in the summertime, CTA red line stop is 1 block away, and the Marine drive bus is a half block away that takes you downtown. The lake at Foster beach is a half block away and parks are all around.
What transportation services does The Selfhelp Home offer to assisted living residents?
The Selfhelp Home offers free transportation several days a week to stores, banks, shopping, and doctor appointments.
What makes the chef or dining program at The Selfhelp Home exceptional? What kind of menu can assisted living residents expect?
The Selfhelp Home offers a delicious Kosher style menu. Selfhelp offers homemade soups and bread, desserts.
What safety features or security measures does The Selfhelp Home offer to assisted living residents?
Every apartment has a call button in every room. The front door is managed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The community has cameras throughout the building. Every resident in assisted living is checked on during the night.
What ongoing senior care training does the staff receive?
The staff receive ongoing training related to providing the best care. The home is JAICO certified.
Describe the overall population of independent living residents at The Selfhelp Home. What is their average age? What are their favorite things to do?
The average age of our residents is between 80-90 years old. Residents enjoy live music concerts offered at least once a week, lectures, films and discussions. The home is a culturally Jewish home and residents enjoy celebrating Jewish holidays and Jewish studies.
What places are nearby for independent living residents to enjoy?
Grocery Stores, restaurants and shopping on Argyle, the beach and parks, train station and bus stop to downtown.
What are some recent off-site events that the community activity director at The Selfhelp Home has organized?
Going to the Opera, out to lunch, art galleries.
What transportation services does The Selfhelp Home offer to independent living residents?
Selfhelp Home has a bus and provides transportation to residents several days a week.
What makes the chef or dining program at The Selfhelp Home exceptional? What kind of menu can independent living residents expect?
The Selfhelp Home follows a Kosher menu, the meals are all homemade including two soups a day, and are a combination of traditional Jewish foods and modern recipes.
What common areas are available for independent living residents?
Social Hall, Library and Media room, Outdoor Deck, Sanctuary, Movie Theater, Solarium (open sun room), beauty salon, laundry room and exercise area.
What safety features or security measures does The Selfhelp Home offer to independent living residents?
The home has a receptionist 24/7 to monitor the front door and is equipped with cameras throughout the building.
If The Selfhelp Home accepts dogs or cats, what indoor/outdoor areas can they enjoy?
Only small pets that must be cared for by the residents.
Does The Selfhelp Home work with an agency or registry to provide nursing and medical assistance as needed?
The Selfhelp Home provides it's own nursing care for assisted living residents. Medical professionals will come to the building to provide convenient health care to residents. SelfHelp has an outpatient clinic onsite.
Costs for The Selfhelp Home
Services and Amenities of The Selfhelp Home
Costs
- All Inclusive Rent
- Assisted Living Starting At: $3480/month
- Independent Living Starting At: $2215/month
Room and housing options
- 1-bedroom apartments
- Companion Suites: No
- Studio Apartments
Dining options
- In Room Kitchens
- Dining Room Shared Meals
Features
- Computer Room
- Resident Transportation
- Tv Room
- Garden And Patio
- Resident Parking
- Features Extra: Emergency Call System, Rooftop Garden, Gift Shop, Library
Cleaning services
- Laundry For Linens
- Housekeeping
- Laundry For Clothing
Technology and entertainment
- Cable In Rooms
- Wifi
Health services
- Medication Management
- Physical Therapy
- Nurse On Staff: Yes
Activities
- Offsite Activities
- Music
- Games
- Stories
- Religious Services
- Lectures Discussions
- Book Clubs
- Tai Chi
- Fitness Room
- Yoga
- Gardening
- Arts And Crafts
- Activities Extra: Poetry Readings, Play Readings, Movies
Guest services
- Guest Parking
- Overnight Guests
Diet
- Kosher
Languages
- English
General
- Resident Capacity: 100
- Pets: Small Pets Allowed.
Range of services
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Range Of Services Extra: Linen Service
Types of care
- Meal Preparation
Training Areas
- Patient Transfers
Licenses
- State Licenses: 5102261
About The Selfhelp Home
The Selfhelp Home is an active and engaging not-for-profit retirement community designed to accommodate the needs of older Jewish adults throughout the Chicago area.
At Selfhelp, you’ll receive the care you need from staff members who are committed to ensuring your comfort. You will also find an inviting atmosphere, a vibrant lifestyle and friendly people with similar likes and interests.
Independent Living
Every resident at Selfhelp is an individual with unique needs and preferences. We encourage retirement living through an active lifestyle and a broad range of physical, intellectual and cultural activities to enhance your quality of life.
Residents may choose from a variety of floor plans for studio and one-bedroom apartments with an extensive range of amenities. Our modern, spacious apartments have individually controlled heat and air conditioning..
We’ve taken care of all the necessities including housekeeping, meals and laundry services, all in one monthly rental fee:
- Freshly prepared, homemade Kosher meals (non-certified)
- Daily exercise classes
- Daily Activities
- Live weekly musical concerts
- Weekly housekeeping and linen services
- All utilities, except telephone
- Satellite television
- Transportation
- Emergency call system
- Parking for residents and guests
- Escort to meals and activities
- On-site staff 24/7/365
Assisted Living
At Selfhelp, you can continue to lead an active lifestyle in your one-bedroom or studio apartment and receive just the right amount of care you need, when you need it. We know that each resident is an individual with a unique set of needs and preferences. Our assisted-living services come to you in your apartment, so there is no need to move to a separate unit. Our independent and assisted-living communities are integrated, allowing residents to age in place, without a stressful move.
Our Assisted-Living Program is run by an experienced Nurse Manager and a team of personal aides who provide you the care you need in your own apartment. Residents are also welcome to visit the Nurse in our Wellness Center. We only employ personal aides who are flexible, trained, kind and experienced and who encourage residents to remain active and involved in our community.
We take an active approach to addressing resident healthcare needs by maintaining ongoing communication with each resident’s physician. This commitment to our residents has earned us a solid reputation for quality care throughout the Chicagoland area.
What Makes Us Special
Honoring our Jewish heritage and maintaining an environment where people feel comfortable and well cared for are all hallmarks of Selfhelp. From lighting a Hanukkah menorah with your family or enjoying Friday night services, to spending time in our Sukkah
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