The Birches Assisted Living

Pros

• The staff at The Birches create a friendly, family atmosphere where they genuinely get to know the residents on a personal level.
• Residents appreciate the dedication and care provided by the nurses, who are seen as more than just caregivers but as family members.
• The Activities Team is commended for their efforts in keeping residents engaged and entertained during difficult times, especially during the pandemic.
• Chef and the Kitchen and Dining Room Team are recognized for their ability to bring joy to residents through delicious food and accommodating service.
• The community is praised for its beautiful outdoor gardens and festive decorations for every holiday, contributing to a homey environment.
• Residents express gratitude for the outdoor visit setups, which have allowed them to reconnect with their families during challenging circumstances.
• Many residents feel that the full-time assisted living nurses provide exceptional care and support, significantly impacting their well-being.
• The sense of camaraderie among residents fosters strong bonds as they support one another in their new family setting at The Birches.

Cons

• Many residents feel that the lack of consistent housekeeping has led to unsatisfactory cleaning of their apartments, with some reporting their toilets have only been cleaned twice in a month.
• There is concern over the sudden departure of a beloved nurse, leading families to feel anxious about the quality of care their loved ones will receive without her.
• Residents feel disappointment and frustration over receiving no communication about important updates, such as changes in staff or policies related to housekeeping.
• The facility's response to Covid-19 outbreaks lacks transparency, leaving families feeling left in the dark about the health and safety measures being taken for their loved ones.
• The increase in monthly residency fees without prior notice has created dissatisfaction among residents and their families, who feel blindsided by financial decisions made by the facility.
• The inability to maintain adequate staffing levels raises fears among residents about whether they will receive proper care and attention during critical times.
• Some family members express concerns regarding the quality of food service after experiencing high turnover among dining staff, which affects consistency and satisfaction.

Review

The Birches: A Mixed Bag of Experiences

The Birches, a senior living community, has been home to many residents who have developed deep-rooted connections and relationships with each other and the staff. Given their unique circumstances, these individuals have seen both the highs and lows of communal living—especially following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges they faced during this time, such as limited social activities and health scares, many residents appreciate the bonds they form with fellow inhabitants, viewing them as an extended family. As Thanksgiving approaches, reflections emerge about shared experiences and gratitude toward friends who remain in their close community.

Amidst these reflections is a growing concern regarding communication from management regarding health updates related to COVID-19; residents express a desire for more transparency concerning ongoing testing efforts and case numbers within the facility. Families want peace of mind about their loved ones' well-being, particularly in light of reports saying that several friends had contracted the virus. The lack of dedicated COVID updates on The Birches’ website leaves families feeling disconnected compared to other facilities that provide regular updates to keep families informed.

Residents at The Birches also voiced frustration over recent price increases introduced alongside the rising costs associated with living there. Effective January 1, 2023, a $150 monthly fee increase was announced without clear prior notice or communication concerning future rent hikes. Such abrupt adjustments create concerns among families already navigating challenging times due to health issues within the community.

Despite these challenges, recognition is given to various teams within The Birches who have worked tirelessly throughout difficult periods—particularly during the pandemic lockdowns. Staff serving at the front desk are often described as warm-hearted individuals who consistently support residents through their ups and downs. Their dedication ensures that residents feel seen and cared for daily, even when help may be needed beyond standard requests. This sentiment extends to both activity coordinators and kitchen staff whose efforts keep morale high through various events like outdoor concerts or themed meals.

However, not all experiences were positive; issues surrounding cleanliness arose when changes in housekeeping policies led to inadequate service for some residents, reportedly cleaning apartments only sporadically over recent months. For many elderly individuals residing in assisted living spaces where cleanliness is vital for health concerns—especially amidst a pandemic—these shortcomings are unacceptable. Residents wonder if weekly cleanings can still be expected under new staffing practices or if quality care would continue to erode along with diminished resources.

Moreover, staffing changes have caused emotional distress among both residents and their families—a fear heightened by losing beloved caregivers during one of society’s most challenging times. In particular, long-time nurse staff members who fostered personal connections with patients formed trusted relationships that provided reassurance amid external chaos; when these loyal figures left without explanation or goodbye during critical moments of care delivery—the sense of loss felt profound. Many fear that increased staff turnover compromises not just individual care but overall community stability.

In conclusion, while The Birches community reflects heartfelt gratitude towards certain dedicated staff members who consistently offer support amid countless challenges—including those posed by COVID-19—the environment is complicated by inconsistencies in communication from management regarding important matters such as health updates and policy changes affecting resident life quality standards overall. It remains clear that establishing trust through open dialogue will be essential moving forward if this vibrant community hopes to maintain its spirit amidst changing landscapes challenged by economic pressures alongside ongoing pandemic threats affecting everyone involved intimately connected within its walls.

This section of Clarendon Hills, Illinois offers a convenient and vibrant community for senior living. With a variety of dining options such as The Country House, Portillo's, and Chick-Fil-A within close proximity, there is no shortage of delicious meals to enjoy. Additionally, multiple pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy are nearby for easy access to medications and healthcare needs. Public transportation options, including Metra train stations, make it convenient to explore the surrounding areas. For medical care, there are reputable physicians' offices and hospitals like Edward-Elmhurst Health Center and Loyola University Medical Center available within a reasonable distance. Nature lovers will appreciate the numerous parks and forest preserves in the area, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Overall, this part of Clarendon Hills offers a well-rounded and active community for seniors looking to live comfortably in a welcoming environment.

Restaurants

• The Country House (0.1 miles)
• McDonald's (1.4 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.9 miles)
• Portillo's (2.2 miles)
• McDonald's (2.5 miles)
• Denny's (2.8 miles)
• Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket (3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3.3 miles)
• Mariano's Western Springs (3.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)

Transportation

• Metra (2.2 miles)
• Metra - Downers Grove Main Street (3 miles)
• Metra (4.4 miles)
• Metra (7.6 miles)
• Metra Train Station (8.4 miles)

Physicians

• Salt Creek Medical Imaging (2.2 miles)
• Loyola Medicine Burr Ridge (2.8 miles)
• All Star Pediatrics (3.8 miles)
• Dupage Medical Group (5.2 miles)
• Dupage Medical Group (5.7 miles)
• Dupage Medical Group (8.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Edward-Elmhurst Health Center (2.6 miles)
• DuPage Medical Center (5.6 miles)
• Building 217, Hines VA Hospital (7.4 miles)
• Edward Hines, Jr Veterans Hospital (7.4 miles)
• Loyola Outpatient Center (7.7 miles)
• Loyola University Medical Center (7.9 miles)

Parks

• Du Page Forest Preserve Dog Park (2.8 miles)
• McCollum Park (3.2 miles)
• Meyer Woods Park (4.8 miles)
• Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve (5.5 miles)
• Norfolk Park (6.8 miles)
• Newton Park (7.5 miles)
• The Forge: Lemont Quarries (7.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Andrews Episcopal Church (3.2 miles)

Theaters

• AMC DINE-IN Yorktown 18 (4.4 miles)
• AMC Oakbrook Center 12 (4.4 miles)
• Cinemark (6.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (5.2 miles)
• Qahwah House (5.8 miles)
• Starbucks (6.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (6.2 miles)
• Starbucks (6.4 miles)
• Starbucks (8.7 miles)