Forest Park Village

Pros

• Residents feel welcomed and at home, creating a strong sense of community at Forest Park Village.
• The facility is known for its friendly atmosphere and helpful staff, making new residents feel included.
• Family members appreciate the supportive environment that encourages socialization and mental engagement for their loved ones.
• The living accommodations are spacious and well-equipped, providing comfort and convenience for residents.
• The variety of activities available promotes interaction among residents and enhances their quality of life.
• Residents report positive experiences with care services, particularly in specialized facilities like assisted living and Alzheimer’s care.
• Transportation options, such as a bus service for shopping, enhance the overall living experience for active retirees.

Cons

• Some areas of the facility are short-staffed, making it difficult to get assistance when needed.
• The costs for assisted living and Alzheimer's care are considerably higher, which may be a concern for some residents and families.
• Adjusting to a new environment can be challenging, even with the support of family and staff.
• There may be delays in addressing questions or needs due to staffing issues.
• The transition from home to independent living can create feelings of apprehension for new residents.

Review

Forest Park Village has garnered a reputation as a welcoming and nurturing community for its residents, particularly among those seeking independent living. One resident, who has been living in the independent apartments for a year, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the sense of belonging fostered within the facility. This individual noted that despite having no family in Wausau, they felt enveloped in a familial atmosphere characterized by warmth and goodwill. The supportive environment at Forest Park Village has created a safe haven where residents can connect with friends and enjoy life together.

Excitingly, this resident's mother is set to join them at Forest Park Village. The transition for her mother appears promising, thanks to the friendly ambiance of the facility. Staff members have made commendable efforts to ensure that she feels welcomed and integrated into the community from day one. An additional layer of comfort comes from the fact that the resident’s sister-in-law's mother already resides there, providing a familiar face to ease this new chapter. While acknowledging some staffing shortages—an issue common in many facilities—the resident commended Dana, who has been exceptionally helpful throughout this process. The spacious apartment known as "the promenade deck" offers plenty of room for their needs, while numerous activities await, setting up an exciting future filled with friendship and engagement.

The positive experiences extend beyond just one family; many share similar sentiments about their time at Forest Park Village. One particular family reflected on their father’s move to the facility back in October 2014, emphasizing how beneficial it was not only for him but also for them as relatives. They observed that he received a warm welcome from both staff and fellow residents alike. Any questions or concerns were addressed promptly and comprehensively—a testament to the attentive service provided by the team at Forest Park Village. Not only did their father benefit socially through club gatherings that foster connection with others, but these interactions also contributed positively to his mental well-being.

Living arrangements at Forest Park Village are varied and thoughtfully designed to accommodate different levels of care based on individual needs. Housed within three separate buildings—a remodeled hospital structure dedicated to senior retirement living alongside spaces designated for assisted living and Alzheimer's care—the facility caters effectively to diverse requirements among its residents. For instance, one resident shared insights into their single-bedroom apartment that boasts ample space (700-800 square feet), complete with full kitchen amenities, laundry facilities, and generous closet areas—showcasing how comfortable living can still be maintained during retirement years.

Another distinguishing feature is how residents from varying levels of care often interact socially; some even gather for coffee in communal areas like the dining room each morning. This setup fosters companionship across different caregiving tiers while creating opportunities for meaningful connections among all occupants within these walls. Residents residing in the Alzheimer's care building have reported receiving excellent care as well—further reinforcing that responsiveness is consistent across all levels of service.

While overall satisfaction remains high regarding staff attentiveness and quality accommodations at Forest Park Village, there is acknowledgment of potential areas needing improvement—predominantly related to staffing levels which could ease some operational burdens faced daily by employees working tirelessly on behalf of residents' wellbeing. Nevertheless, such challenges do not overshadow commendations regarding other aspects such as hygiene standards maintained throughout these residences or recreational opportunities extended through organized activities tailored specifically toward enhancing quality lifestyles amongst older populations facing various health concerns over time.

In conclusion, Forest Park Village stands out not just merely because it provides housing solutions but rather due to an innate culture rooted deeply within encouragements promoting socialization alongside dignified autonomy amid changing circumstances encountered during later stages of life’s journey. With positive experiences echoing through multiple testimonials illustrating kindness extended both formally via support frameworks established & informally amongst neighbors fostering camaraderie along pathways navigated daily—it becomes evident why so many individuals choose this option when seeking out new homes during transitioning ages defined by heightened vulnerability yet enriched possibilities awaiting ahead.

This area of Wausau, Wisconsin, offers a variety of amenities that may appeal to seniors looking for a peaceful and convenient place to live. With several parks nearby such as Scholfield Park and Riverlife Playground, residents can enjoy nature and outdoor activities. The proximity to hospitals like Safe Kids Wausau Area and Aspirus ensures easy access to medical care when needed. There are also numerous pharmacies and physicians' offices in the vicinity for added convenience. In terms of dining options, there are restaurants like Culver's and Glass Hat nearby, offering a range of choices for meal outings. Additionally, public transportation options such as the D bus provide ease of travel around the area. Overall, this neighborhood provides a balanced mix of healthcare services, recreational opportunities, and essential amenities for senior living.

Parks

• Scholfield Park (0.5 miles)
• Riverlife Playground (0.9 miles)
• Merrill Ave Triangle (1 miles)
• Riverview hilltop park (1.2 miles)
• Isle of Ferns Park (2 miles)
• Marathon Park (2 miles)
• Riveredge Parkway (2.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Safe Kids Wausau Area (0.5 miles)
• Aspirus Behavioral Medicine Clinic (2.6 miles)
• Westhill Professional Building (2.6 miles)
• Oakview Professional Building (2.7 miles)
• Aspirus (2.9 miles)

Physicians

• Bridge Community Health Clinic (0.7 miles)
• Bridge Clinic (0.7 miles)
• Healthfirst (1 miles)
• American Telepsychiatry (1.1 miles)
• Christian Family Practice (1.4 miles)
• Dermatology Associates of Wisconsin (1.4 miles)
• Aicher David J DDS - Aicher David J, DDS - Advanced Dental Professionals (1.5 miles)

Cafes

• Biggby Coffee (0.8 miles)
• Whitewater Music Hall (1.6 miles)
• Starbucks (2.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Young's Drug Store (0.8 miles)
• Young's Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• Ascension Rx - Wausau Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Trig's Floral & Home (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Michael Catholic Church (0.8 miles)
• Jehovah's Witnesses (1 miles)
• Nulifesong Outreach (1.4 miles)
• Grace & Truth Chapel (1.6 miles)
• Remnant Student Ministries (1.6 miles)
• Institute of Christ the King (1.8 miles)
• Wausau Bible Church (2.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Culver's (1 miles)
• Glass Hat (1 miles)
• WOW Family Entertainment Center (1 miles)
• Urban Street Bistro (1.3 miles)
• Lil' Ole Winemaker Shoppe (1.4 miles)
• Red Eye Brewing Company (1.5 miles)
• Chatterbox Bar (1.5 miles)

Transportation

• D bus (1.4 miles)