Nursing Home Communities in West Chicago, IL

"This review is for the Norwood Crossing assisted living facility (rather than the nursing home). We first noticed the building from the street since we live in the area. We thought it was a private school or condo development, because the front foliage was so lovely. But we were glad to discover that it offered assisted living, since we needed to find a local place for our great-aunt to live. The "memory support garden" in the interior is ample, convenient to the rest of the buildings, but still tranquil. Our aunt used to do a lot of gardening, so she really liked that aspect. The one bedrooms are a nice size, with hardwood floors and carpeting, large enough for a relative's occasional overnight stay. However, the bathrooms in some are off of the bedroom, which could be awkward for guests. The kitchenette opens to the living area, which is nice and bright. The common eating area resembles a casual restaurant with plenty of space between tables. The food we sampled was quite good - at least restaurant quality. The snacks looked really good and are offered all of the time. The piano room has large glass windows with a beautiful view of the center courtyard. Another gathering area resembles a large drawing room with comfortable chairs. There are plenty of staff and trained nurses to provide whatever level of care is required. We were told there is a book club and they make regular library trips, which our aunt really likes since she is an avid reader. They have many exercise programs, live events and other scheduled activities and outings. We could tell by how the residents appeared that they were very well-cared for."

"We were impressed with St. Joseph Village of Chicago during our visit. It seemed to have a small community where they would watch over them. The staff seemed friendly. The people we ran into the hallway seemed to be enjoying themselves and it seemed a home rather than an institution. "

"My husband and I went to see it first, and then we took my sister-in-law back to see it. It was a good experience, but she chose the other place over Addolorata, and I am not sure why. I liked the fact that it was a religious institute, and when we went during the week, it was a very positive experience. "

"My grandmother currently lives in Marian Village. She enjoys it. She is in independent living right now. She enjoys the social interaction with the community events and activities and such. She is active with the chapel there, and the services for the community three times a week. She is also on a few planning committee things for the residents there. I found the staff to be friendly."

"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. "

"Windsor Park Manor has all levels. They have independent apartments and then they have additional memory and short and long term care. The sales and marketing team are very helpful, informative, accessible and very nice. The place is wonderful and all the people we've met, whether the people who live there or work there, are always unbelievably nice and helpful. They have three or four choirs. They have volunteer activities, probably more, in the summer. They have a woodworking shop, fitness clubs, libraries and computer rooms, a lot of travel, plus bus trips to events as well as to grocery stores and things of that nature. "

"This may not be the newest building on the block, but the staff is very caring. They are VERY good at contacting the family anytime there is a problem or when your family member needs medical treatment. I was very pleased with the way the staff kept in touch and my uncle seemed to like the facility. There is a nice library for the residents and the surroundings are quite lovely. Other activities are available also, if the residents choose to participate."

"This is known as "the county home" to many locals, and it provides exceptionally well regarded care in DuPage County. Employees are government employees who benefit from union and related benefits. The facility is situated adjacent to other government complexes in a safe business district; the sheriff office and the courts are nearby. There is little outdoor space in comparison to the size of the facility, so few residents are seen outside. It is not possible to go for a walk easily in the nearby residential area, without going a good number of blocks down the busy road first. The interior of the facility has an institutional feel and is older, but is very clean and well maintained. The common areas are tastefully decorated and while plentiful, can be full due to the size of the facility. Rooms are of an average size with limited space for personal items, and most are shared. Lighting in the rooms from natural light is highly dependent upon what part of the facility the room is situated in. The food is above average for a facility of this size, though it is certainly not the very best that is out there. Staffing is more consistent than average with a less than average rate of turnover. Care is compassionate, kind, and generally consistent. Residency of DuPage County is an issue with admissions. "

"The staff is AWESOME but overworked and the food is less than desirable. The facilities are clean but need updating. I am confident my parent is getting the help they need in physical therapy, but other things, especially the food can be be improved upon. Getting a parent to eat sometimes can be a struggle especially when the food is less than desirable. "

"My mother is in Alden Valley. It's outdated, but it's clean, and they take Medicaid pending. The staff was very nice and very helpful. The rooms are furnished, and clean. They're easy to get to and right off the highway."

"I was able to volunteer at Marianjoy for a summer back in high school. The staff was always very kind and helpful and I actually felt like i was doing something good rather than just getting in people's way. The building itself is very nice and organized, although sometimes it was a bit confusing navigating around if I didn't memorize a map of the place. There is also a very nice garden right outside the building for people to walk around if they feel like they have been stuck inside the building for too long. I was able to talk and meet so many people with different backgrounds and stories. One of my favorite memories was going around to different rooms and just delivering balloons to kids and children for no reason. The look on their faces always made it very worth it. There were times when I felt like I could have been doing more or had more substantial responsibilities, but as a volunteer I suppose you just do what you can and let the people with the actual jobs do the important things. Overall I enjoyed my time at Marianjoy and I am certainly comfortable with having them take care of loved ones who are close to me. "

"My sister is a current resident. All I can say is that the staff has been wonderful. Things are never going to be perfect, but they are trying to help my sister. The staff is caring and attentive. When I visit, even on a weekend, all of the residents look clean and well groomed. My sisters case is a difficult one, but they are really making the best effort to treat her well and assist her. There may be glitches in the process, but the most important thing is staff is kind and understanding. "

"The staff at Bella Terra in Bloomingdale truly did an awesome job of taking care of my friend John for 10 months. The nursing staff and CNA staff truly did a wonderful job of caring for my best friend John. The receptionists and maintenance and cafeteria personnel were compassionate and caring also. The place is very clean too. Thanks for the end of life care you amazingly provided for John. God bless you always!!!!"

"My sister lives in Winfield Woods, and has been well cared for by an efficient and loving staff, for many years now. I know that I am able to contact them no matter what time of day, and learn what my sister's health and social status is. There are daily, creative activities which offer both individual and group stimulation. Bingo, Karaoke, Sing alongs, Plays and crafts are a few activities offered. Folks from the community also entertain and become involved. But if a resident doesn't want to participate, that's ok too. (Yet the staff will followup with the reason why, assuring the resident's welfare.) Residents are treated with respect. My sister has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar illnesses. Our family has seen many psychiatric nursing homes during these past 64 years. We thank God for the care she is receiving at Winfield Woods."