34 Independent Living near Facilities Grandwood Park, IL. Page 2

I can only comment about the memory unit. Those girls worked hard to maintain order and keep up. I thought to myself a few times that however much money they are making probably isn't enough. It takes a special person to that job.

I’m living here currently and it’s going really, really well. I’m very pleased. When I moved in, my apartment was perfect. I had new carpet and new paint and it was really a pleasure to be able to move in. I was on the waiting list for a few months but they were able to give me exactly what I wanted, including my own parking space in the underground garage. The staff is very helpful. The only issue I ever see is that maybe someone forgets to vacuum the elevator because it’s a high traffic area but the community room and the lobby is just beautiful and they decorate for every holiday. It makes you feel like you’re living in a house because of the decorating. They don’t serve food but they provide small full-sized kitchens in the apartments. They provide plenty of activities like bingo, card games, there’s a movie every Friday night, and they have special dinner events about once a month. The other residents so far have been very friendly and very welcoming. They’ve met all of my needs and expectations and I would recommend them.

My main issues relate to money. They assessed my mother at a low level of care but then raised that within a month - even though her condition did not change. At the beginning of the calendar year, the rate for each care level increased. Then at her one year anniversary, the rent portion went way up. With all of that, we were then paying a lot more than what we expected when we signed on. I complained and they reduced all of it somewhat. Anyway, maybe this happens everywhere. But it is an issue. Once an elderly person gets settled in, a move would be difficult. I think they take advantage of that. All in all, I think it is a very good place. It is a little smaller than others I looked at. So, even though my mother is not outgoing and does not do the activities, she knows most of the residents and staff. The staff is very capable and warm which seems like the most important thing.