Riverside Assisted Living & Memory Care, a CCRC

Pros

• The staff improved the overall health of the difficult loved one.
• The community has activities such as movies, cards, and outings.
• The staff have been friendly and supportive.
• The staff communication with the family has been good.
• There are three meals a day served to the residents with choices available.

Cons

• They no longer shaved him on a regular basis or cut his hair regularly.
• It was a battle to get him shaved and his hair cut.
• They kicked him out and he passed shortly after we moved him.
• He wasn't being changed unless someone spoke up.
• The staff were short-staffed following October.
• The staff were not helpful in redirecting aggressive behavior.
• They refused to allow him back despite his condition being a part of dementia.
• Other residents showing signs of aggression were also asked to leave.
• It seemed like they only wanted people in wheelchairs who were quiet.
• His Depends were so wet that the tabs separated and fell down, and he wasn't changed all day.
• The move to another facility did not help his condition.
• There was a decline in grooming and hygiene care once the name changed.

Review

Choosing a senior living community for a loved one can be a difficult decision. However, one family found the perfect fit for their sometimes difficult family member and witnessed a great improvement in their overall health. They were drawn to this particular community because another family member had received excellent care there. The community offered various activities such as movies, cards, and outings, providing a positive experience for both the resident and their family.

Initially, everything seemed fine when the brother joined the community 18 months ago. However, after a certain period of time, changes occurred that affected the quality of care provided. The name of the community changed, raising doubts about whether it was still under the same management. Unfortunately, things did change. Basic grooming routines like shaving and haircuts became infrequent battles for the family. In fact, these issues persisted even after he was kicked out of the facility and relocated elsewhere. Tragically, he passed away shortly after the move.

During the first year at the community, everything was wonderful according to another family member's account. The staff members were friendly and helpful during weekly visits. However, as time went on and before his departure from the facility became necessary, additional help had to be hired to provide proper care for nine hours every day of the week. It became evident that without constant reminders from family members, he would not receive timely attention regarding basic needs such as changing clothes or personal hygiene.

While acknowledging that aspects like cleanliness and food quality remained satisfactory throughout their experience with this community, they could no longer recommend it due to declining standards of care. Lack of staffing following October resulted in shorter tempers among caregivers and diminished quality of attention provided to residents. These changes deeply impacted their perception of the once highly regarded establishment.

Furthermore, they discovered a concerning pattern where residents who exhibited any signs of aggression or restlessness were asked to leave rather than implementing proper redirection techniques recommended for individuals with dementia. Even though incidents were managed without any injuries, the community decided that residents who displayed signs of aggression or attempted to leave their wheelchairs were no longer welcome. It seemed that the community preferred quiet individuals confined to wheelchairs. Family members of other residents approached one family member who regularly visited their brother, expressing their appreciation for his friendly demeanor and calming influence on their loved ones.

Despite witnessing a decline in care standards and treatment of residents, they noted that the community's premises were beautiful and spacious. However, it became clear that this particular facility was not suitable for individuals who required mobility or had tendencies towards restlessness. Unfortunately, the brother's health deteriorated after being forced to relocate due to the facility's decision.

In conclusion, this senior living community initially provided exceptional care and support for the difficult family member. However, changes in management and staffing led to a decline in care standards and treatment for residents. Basic grooming needs were neglected, and resident unrest was met with expulsion rather than proper redirection techniques recommended for individuals with dementia. While the physical appearance of the premises remained impressive, this community may not be suitable for individuals requiring mobility or those prone to restlessness. Prospective families should consider these factors when making decisions regarding senior living options.

This part of Kankakee, Illinois, offers a variety of amenities and services that would be beneficial for seniors looking to live in the area. There are several places of worship nearby, providing a sense of community and spiritual support. Additionally, there are numerous physicians and pharmacies in close proximity, ensuring easy access to medical care. The selection of restaurants and cafes offer convenient dining options, while the nearby parks provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The transportation options, including a train depot and Amtrak station, make it easy for seniors to travel around the area. Overall, this part of Kankakee has everything seniors may need for comfortable and convenient living.

Places of Worship

• Southern Baptist Convention (0.1 miles)
• First United Pentecostal Church (0.9 miles)
• International Healing & Deliverance Center (1.2 miles)
• St Patrick's Catholic Church (1.4 miles)
• Morning Star Baptist Church (1.5 miles)
• God's Lighthouse Church (1.5 miles)
• Friendship MB Church (1.5 miles)

Physicians

• Westwood Medical Arts (0.1 miles)
• Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (0.1 miles)
• Family Medicine Associates' Healing Arts Center (0.2 miles)
• David E. Krause, M.D., , FACS (0.2 miles)
• Kankakee Valley Ob/Gyn (0.2 miles)
• Nicholas Rossi, MD (0.2 miles)
• Kankakee Family Medicine (0.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Riverside Family Pharmacy (0.1 miles)
• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• Osco Drug, Bourbonnais, Pharmacy General (0.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Walgreens (1 miles)
• Riverview Pharmacy (2.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Poor Boy Too (0.2 miles)
• Subway (0.2 miles)
• Little Caesars Pizza (0.3 miles)
• Wendy's (0.3 miles)
• Twins Chicken and Seafood (0.5 miles)
• McDonald's (0.8 miles)
• La Cocina Macias (0.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Riverside Medical Center (0.2 miles)
• Provena St Mary's Hospital (0.8 miles)
• Oak Surgical Institute (1.1 miles)

Parks

• Bird's Park (0.3 miles)
• Hawkins Park (1.3 miles)
• Jurassic Park (2 miles)
• Perry Farm Park Exploration Station (2.2 miles)

Cafes

• Gathering Grounds Coffee Shop (0.8 miles)
• Station Street Cafe (1.2 miles)
• Papis Gaming Cafe (1.2 miles)
• Starbucks (2.1 miles)
• Yolks & Berries (2.6 miles)

Transportation

• Kankakee Train Depot (1.1 miles)
• Amtrak-Kki (1.1 miles)
• Ill Central Gulf Railroad Co. (1.1 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (2.3 miles)

Theaters

• Paramount Movie Theater (1.2 miles)