St. Francis Woods

Pros

• The staff at St. Francis Woods genuinely care about the residents and treat them like family.
• Residents enjoy a variety of activities, including entertainment and social gatherings, making for an active community atmosphere.
• Many families appreciate the personalized care and attention given to their loved ones.
• The facility has been recently remodeled, creating a more inviting and homey environment.
• Residents have access to alternate meal options if they do not like the day's offerings, ensuring their dietary preferences are considered.
• Families feel reassured knowing their loved ones are well cared for, with routine checks by staff members.
• The administrator sets a positive tone in the facility, fostering a caring and supportive environment for both residents and families.
• Overall satisfaction is expressed by residents and families regarding the friendly staff and quality of care provided at St. Francis Woods.

Cons

• The ramps inside the building may not be suitable for residents using walkers; elevators would be more appropriate.
• The food did not meet dietary needs and was often disliked by several residents, including one reviewer’s mother.
• Some staff members are busy and inconsistent in their availability to assist residents.
• The facility lacks 24-hour nursing care, which can pose challenges for families needing support at night.
• There have been concerns about employee turnover in the community, impacting continuity of care.
• Despite a nice environment, some reviewers noted that the food is not homemade and could be better quality.
• Although the place feels homey, there were mentions of it being "not the Ritz" and lacking luxury compared to other facilities.

Review

St. Francis Woods, an older assisted living facility, has drawn a mixed bag of reviews from families and residents who have experienced its offerings firsthand. One recurring theme is the infrastructure of the building itself. The layout, which consists of a series of interconnected structures on uneven land, features ramps for transitioning between different areas. While some visitors found this manageable, concerns were raised about accessibility for residents using walkers or other mobility aids, highlighting a desire for elevators instead. Additionally, the absence of kitchen appliances in resident rooms and a lack of comprehensive outdoor spaces such as gazebos led to questions about the facility's overall amenities during tours.

The staffing situation at St. Francis Woods appeared to be another focal point among reviewers. While many praised the caring demeanor of the staff—as they treat residents like family—there were indications that staff levels might not always meet demand. Reviews noted that CNAs were present to assist but sometimes seemed overwhelmed given the facility's resident population exceeding one hundred people. Despite these concerns, many families expressed gratitude for specific staff members who went above and beyond in their caregiving roles and acknowledged how crucial it was for their loved ones to feel cared for in such an environment.

Dining experiences at St. Francis Woods also drew a mix of reactions from residents and their families. Some expressed dissatisfaction with the food quality and variety, even though others enjoyed it—pointing out that alternatives were available if certain meals did not appeal to them. Family members reported variances in preferences among residents regarding food quality; however, they appreciated that dietary needs could be accommodated upon request.

For those seeking vibrant social lives for their loved ones, St. Francis Woods hosts various activities ranging from arts and crafts to karaoke sessions and movie nights—all designed to keep residents engaged within their community rather than isolated in their rooms. Families noted how active schedules positively impacted their relatives' happiness and well-being during their stay at St. Francis Woods compared to previous facilities where isolation was more common.

On the administrative side, positive comments emerged emphasizing staff reliability and responsiveness when handling personal care needs or addressing family concerns during regular meetings held every 90 days with designated staff members like Adrienne—who earned particular praise for her dedication toward both residents and families alike. This consistent communication provided reassurance to family members concerned about the daily well-being of their loved ones.

Ultimately, while St. Francis Woods may not boast luxurious aesthetics or institutional grandeur typical of higher-end communities, reviewers consistently highlighted its compassionate atmosphere as a key strength distinguishing it from competitors in the area. Many felt genuinely thankful for discovering this facility amidst challenging circumstances surrounding elder care transitions; noting that loving personal care remains paramount—the very reason they could heartily recommend St. Francis Woods as home-like setting filled with comfort during significant life changes.

This part of Peoria, Illinois offers a range of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. With several places of worship nearby, including Redeemer Presbyterian Church and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, residents can find spiritual support and community. Transportation options are easily accessible with Byerly Aviation and General Downing - Peoria International Airport in close proximity. Additionally, there are numerous dining options such as Crusens, Owls Nest, and McDonald's for convenient meals. Pharmacies like Walgreens and Alwan Pharmacy provide easy access to medications and health care needs. For medical care, facilities like Methodist Medical Center of Illinois and OSF Saint Francis Medical Center offer quality healthcare services. The presence of parks like Wildlife Prairie State Park also provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure activities. Overall, this area combines convenience, healthcare resources, recreational options, and a strong sense of community to make it a suitable choice for senior living in Peoria.

Places of Worship

• Redeemer Presbyterian Church (1.6 miles)
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (2.8 miles)
• Dream Center Peoria (4.8 miles)
• Riverside Community Church (4.8 miles)

Transportation

• Byerly Aviation (1.8 miles)
• General Downing - Peoria International Airport (PIA) (2.3 miles)
• Gate 3 (2.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Crusens (3 miles)
• Owls Nest (3 miles)
• McDonald's (3.2 miles)
• Hungry Moose (3.2 miles)
• Taco Bell (3.2 miles)
• Church's Chicken (3.4 miles)
• KFC (3.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (3.2 miles)
• Alwan Pharmacy and Compounding Center (3.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.9 miles)
• Walgreens (4.1 miles)
• Walgreens (4.6 miles)
• Methodist Pharmacy At Allen Rd (4.6 miles)
• Walgreens (4.8 miles)

Cafes

• One World Eats & Drinks (3.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.8 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Zion Coffee- E (4.5 miles)
• Thirty Thirty Coffee Co. (4.7 miles)
• Starbucks (4.7 miles)
• Starbucks (4.9 miles)

Physicians

• Kurth Shanna PhD (3.9 miles)
• Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics (4.1 miles)
• Osf Saint Francis Medical Center (4.4 miles)
• OSF Saint Francis Medical Center: Center For Occupational Health (4.4 miles)
• Peoria Surgical Group (4.5 miles)
• Hamilton Assessment & Evaluation (4.5 miles)
• UnityPoint Health Cardiovascular Services - Methodist (4.5 miles)

Parks

• Wildlife Prairie State Park (4 miles)

Hospitals

• Methodist Medical Center of Illinois (4.6 miles)
• OSF Milestone Building (4.8 miles)
• OSF Healthcare System (4.8 miles)
• Saint Francis Hospital Auxiliary Service Guild (4.8 miles)
• OSF St Francis Hospital NICU (4.9 miles)
• Osf Forest Park (4.9 miles)
• University of Il Department of Pediatrics (5 miles)