The Admiral at the Lake, a CCRC

Pros

• The dinner service at the Admiral at the Lake has successfully made it through the pandemic, staff shortages, and inflation.
• The meals are nutritional and appetizing, with a variety of meat, fish, and vegetarian options.
• The culinary services excel in providing delicious nutritionally sound meals.
• The staff is helpful and courteous.
• The community is friendly and engaging.
• There are a wide variety of activities and special interest groups to become involved in.
• The residents have warm and friendly relationships with the managers and staff.
• The care received by the skilled nursing staff is compassionate and attentive.
• The location of the Admiral at the Lake is beautiful, with Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan just across the street.

Cons

• Some residents had difficulty meeting others and engaging in activities during the pandemic.
• The staff shortages during the pandemic were a challenge for the Admiral at the Lake.
• There were concerns about staff shortages and inflation affecting the dining experience.
• One resident mentioned that management did their best to keep residents involved and interested during the pandemic, but it was still a difficult time.
• A family member expressed concerns about their declining parent's care and the need for compassionate and attentive staff.
• The decline in health of one resident required a move from independent living to assisted living at the Admiral.
• Another resident mentioned that their move to the Admiral was not initially by choice, but they have since found many good friends.

Review

The Admiral at the Lake is a senior living community in Chicago that has successfully navigated through the challenges of the pandemic, staff shortages, and inflation. Despite these obstacles, the dinner service at The Admiral has remained exceptional. Their meals are not only nutritious but also appetizing, offering a variety of options including meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes with delectable sides and a fresh salad bar. Recent dinner offerings have included rich vegetable enchiladas, expertly prepared skate wing, fork-tender pork chops smothered in onions, and mouthwatering barbecued baby back ribs.

Brunch buffets are offered on Sundays and holidays, providing residents with an extensive selection of delicious options. However, it's not just the quality of the food that makes dining at The Admiral enjoyable; it's also the commitment and work ethic of their CS managers who go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant dining experience for all residents. Many residents have formed warm and friendly relationships with these managers and staff members.

One resident shares their experience of moving to The Admiral weeks before the pandemic hit. During that time, activities were canceled, and meals were delivered to rooms. However, management did their best to keep residents involved and interested. When quarantine restrictions eased up, The Admiral proved itself as one of the best CCRC communities in the city. With top-notch culinary services providing delicious and nutritionally sound meals along with engaging activities such as lectures, art classes, exercise facilities, pool access, and transportation services for medical visits or grocery shopping trips.

Another resident who has lived in the neighborhood for 38 years chose The Admiral because staying in the same location was appealing. Recommendations from neighbors who had already made the move solidified their decision to choose The Admiral as their new home. After listing their real estate and going through the process of moving with wonderful help from movers, they express immense satisfaction with their new home at The Admiral.

A family member of new residents at The Admiral praises the friendliness and engagement of the community. They believe that the quality of life for their parents has significantly improved since moving to The Admiral, which is a source of great joy for them. Another family member expresses gratitude for the compassionate and attentive care provided to their mother, who resides in Skilled Nursing at The Admiral. They appreciate how staff members maintain strong relationships with them to address any concerns about their mother's care.

A couple who moved to Chicago to be close to their daughter and grandson chose The Admiral based on recommendations from individuals working in the senior care industry. Their visit to The Admiral felt more welcoming compared to other similar facilities they had explored, and after moving in, they discovered a friendly atmosphere among residents and a terrific staff. They highlight the wide variety of special interest groups available for residents to get involved in and encourage others to visit The Admiral, share a meal at the Waterfront Restaurant, and spend time in one of the guest rooms.

Multiple residents express their satisfaction with living at The Admiral as they grow older. They mention meeting wonderful friends, engaging in various activities and learning opportunities within the community, having access to Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan just across the street, and being reassured by readily available healthcare services and physical therapy professionals.

One resident shares that their initial move was not by choice but due to circumstances. However, upon arriving at The Admiral, they were pleasantly surprised by how welcoming everyone was. This resident has since made numerous good friends despite initially feeling forced into this change.

Another resident highlights the friendships formed within the community, describing how they recently went on vacations with three people they met after moving to The Admiral. These experiences have solidified their belief that being part of this vibrant community is truly fortunate.

A long-term resident reflects on their nine years at The Admiral with immense happiness. They appreciate living among neighbors from all walks of life who are friendly and supportive. The breathtaking views from their apartment and the close proximity to Lake Michigan add to their enjoyment. They emphasize that the welcoming atmosphere is palpable as soon as you walk through the doors.

Lastly, a resident shares their journey of moving to The Admiral with their spouse when they were still active but noticed signs of decline in their partner's health. As they transitioned from independent living to assisted living and eventually skilled nursing within The Admiral, they found comfort in having everything conveniently located under one roof. This resident has also received necessary surgeries and physical therapy within the community. They consider living at The Admiral a gift to their children.

In summary, residents praise The Admiral at the Lake for its exceptional dinner service despite challenges faced during the pandemic. The community offers diverse meal options that are both nutritious and appetizing. Additionally, residents appreciate the commitment and work ethic of CS managers who enhance their dining experience. Activities, special interest groups, and amenities like art classes, exercise facilities, pool access, and transportation services contribute to an engaging lifestyle. Friendliness among residents and staff creates a warm and welcoming environment, fostering meaningful friendships throughout the community. Healthcare services at different levels of care receive positive feedback as well. The location near Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan adds further appeal for residents seeking an active lifestyle. Ultimately, residents express gratitude for finding a home where they can enjoy a vibrant community during the aging process while feeling secure about future care needs.

This part of Chicago, Illinois offers a convenient and vibrant living environment for seniors. With multiple pharmacies within close proximity, accessing medication and healthcare services is easy. There are also several cafes and restaurants nearby, providing plenty of dining options. Public transportation options are readily available, making it simple to get around the city. Nearby hospitals ensure access to medical care when needed. The numerous parks in the area offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Additionally, there are theaters and physicians' offices nearby for entertainment and healthcare needs. Overall, this part of Chicago provides a well-rounded community with amenities that cater to seniors' needs and interests.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Mariano's Pharmacy (1.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.4 miles)
• Starbucks (0.9 miles)
• Starbucks (1.5 miles)
• Starbucks (2.7 miles)
• Starbucks (3.6 miles)
• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• Little Beans Cafe (3.9 miles)

Transportation

• Cta (0.7 miles)
• Cta (2 miles)
• CTA - Belmont (2.5 miles)
• CTA Jarvis (2.8 miles)
• Cta (3.1 miles)
• CTA - Fullerton (3.5 miles)

Restaurants

• SoFo Tap (0.8 miles)
• Little Bad Wolf (0.9 miles)
• Cell Block (1.9 miles)
• Murphy's Bleachers (1.9 miles)
• Las Mananitas Mexican Restaurant (2.1 miles)
• Hydrate (2.2 miles)
• Roscoe's (2.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Swedish Covenant Hospital Cancer Care (2.4 miles)
• Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center (2.7 miles)
• Saint Francis Hospital (3.7 miles)

Parks

• Horner Park (2.5 miles)
• Warren Park (2.5 miles)
• Dubkin Park (3 miles)
• Hamlin Park (3.1 miles)
• Wrightwood Park (3.4 miles)
• Independence Park (4 miles)
• Unity Playlot Park (4.4 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Webster Place (3.8 miles)

Physicians

• Lincoln Park Dental Specialists (4.1 miles)
• North Shore Physicians Group (5.3 miles)