Assisted living for seniors/disabled in West burbs? (Chicago, Schaumburg: apartment, condo)

[sfcambridge]

Wondering if anyone can give an assisted living "success" story about a facility in the Chicago area? I am particularly interested in older folks who are living in such places but who are younger (eg. 60's instead of 80's) and still sharp mentally.

Anyone with specific knowledge about Holley Court or the British Home (Cantata)? Other recommendations?

[ToriaT]

I do not know about the places you mention but I do know of others. Last year I attended a concert at Friendship Village in Schaumburg. Its quite a beautiful facility and it seemed the people I observed there were very happy. It was not what you think of as an old peoples home, it was more like a fancy hotel or condo complex. The people that lived there were mostly older probably mostly in late seventies or eighties. I also have a friend whose mother lives in
wyndemere in Wheaton and that is another good place. That is independent living but they also have an assisted living complex too there. She is very happy. Supposedly Windsor Park Manor is also good. Most of these places are very expensive. I do not think people in their sixties generally live in them as there is no reason unless they have early on set Alzheimers or have some other kind of disability such as severe arthritis or something where they need help in caring for themselves. They are too expensive for someone of that age to live in unless there is a specific reason to do so. Most people who can manage just move into a condo or apartment and have help come into clean their house, etc.

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Originally Posted by ToriaT

I do not know about the places you mention but I do know of others. Last year I attended a concert at Friendship Village in Schaumburg. Its quite a beautiful facility and it seemed the people I observed there were very happy. It was not what you think of as an old peoples home, it was more like a fancy hotel or condo complex. The people that lived there were mostly older probably mostly in late seventies or eighties. I also have a friend whose mother lives in
wyndemere in Wheaton and that is another good place. That is independent living but they also have an assisted living complex too there. She is very happy. Supposedly Windsor Park Manor is also good. Most of these places are very expensive. I do not think people in their sixties generally live in them as there is no reason unless they have early on set Alzheimers or have some other kind of disability such as severe arthritis or something where they need help in caring for themselves. They are too expensive for someone of that age to live in unless there is a specific reason to do so. Most people who can manage just move into a condo or apartment and have help come into clean their house, etc.

Thanks so much for your input ToriaT. It is tricky for us, as my father is more disabled then elderly, so he really needs more assistance just because of his complicated medical issues. But he is nothing like the typical nursing home patient and I could never place him there.

Your suggestions are not places I was familiar with but I will check them out. I was hoping to find a place closer to Chicago (where I will work) as I will have to commute to where my father will live many times a week and I don't want to die.

It is so hard finding someone like my Dad who can give us input.

[ToriaT]

You might also try the Scottish Home. I do not think its only for Scots at all but it was started by them.

The Scottish Home - Home

Its in Riverside, IL. which is an inner suburb closer to Chicago. You will have to visit the place to get a feel for it to see if you think its good. Its easy to drive there on the Eisenhower from Chicago.

Also please note they have respite stays where you can stay there for a while to try it out. That might be a good idea as if he did not like it he could go somewhere else.

[oddstray]

Southwest, rather than South. My mom is in Franciscan Village in Lemont and is happy there. She moved in quite early, because after my step-dad died she decided she didn't want to have to bother with the care of a house or condo. She kept her car and kept herself busy visiting family and friends, and visiting with some of the older residents who had no one else to visit them. When she decided to stop driving, between the Village and the town transit there is transportation available when she needs it.

They have multi-level care. She started at independent living, in her own apartment. She's now old enough that she needs some assistance, and gets an assistance visit each morning, still in her own apartment. Her physical therapist also sees her at home. As her care needs grow, the Village will provide everything she needs ... that's their deal with her.

I have no idea what it costs. Mom has always been very close-mouthed about personal finances, except to teach us the value of caring for finances.