10 Best Independent Living Communities in Palmer, IL

The Villas of South Park is a great facility and mother has been happy to be there. Unfortunately the administrator, [Name removed], is leaving for personal reasons. He has been outstanding to our family and mother. He is often out with the residents, always with pep and a big smile although he could be trying to catch up on things in his office. He comes in during his "off" time to make sure things run smoothly and has even slept the night there when short-staffed. He needs to spend more time with his family which I understand. I had a personal conversation with him explaining that the business and paperwork has increased so much that his responsibilities have changed dramatically and he is not available to do his marketing to keep up the census, and still take the time he wants with the residents. The staff is attentive and friendly although the turnover is a little more than I like. The CNA's seem to go on to nursing school. The RN has been replaced a couple times.

I feel very safe here, and I'm mostly paying for that, as I have personal reasons involving my safety. I love that this is a locked building with an overnight security person. I would have rated almost everything higher but I think the quality of food is very below average. The cooks are not experienced and I'm told that the former chef served wonderful meals. He has passed away and the old-timers here say the food has really gone down! Everyone seems to think the food should be way better for a 'Five-Star' facility. There's a great deal of turnover and many of the servers and kitchen help is expected to do it all. I also feel that our BG bus is too limited for medical visits, with only two days per week allowed. There are far too many residents to have to try to keep their appointments on either Tuesday or Thursday! The other days are Monday for shopping and banking, etc., Wednesday until noon for errands, etc., and on Friday usually an out of town trip is scheduled for a casino, etc. I think the laundry facilities leave much to be desired. Even today, I had to make several trips to find a vacant washer, and I'll be up until way late tonight by the time I can have them dried.

We picked this community, because of the location (closer to children) was an important factor. More importantly, however, was their tiered system for different care levels which some other places did not have.I would recommend it highly. The 40+ residents there are friendly and welcoming. The staff goes out of their way to be accommodating. For example, for her birthday, they ask what foods she would like for dinner, and made a special effort to prepare these favorites for not only her but all the residents.