Thurston Woods Village

Pros

• Thurston Woods is described as the nicest place they've seen.
• Activities keep residents busy.
• Therapy helps residents get back in shape.
• The staff are friendly, compassionate, and attentive.
• The surroundings are spotlessly clean.
• Residents have opportunities to meet people and form lasting friendships.
• The facility is absolutely beautiful and well taken care of.
• Front desk staff are amazing and very friendly.
• The community is impressive for seniors.
• Families report exemplary care and staff who become like extended family.
• Care is excellent and residents are treated well.
• The apartments are affordable and comfortable.

Cons

• They would not recommend it due to a two-year waiting list, noting it may be the only option for some families.
• They described the facility as very uncompromising.
• They disliked this place.
• They noted that there is always a waiting list.

Review

Thurston Woods Village comes across in these reflections as a senior living community that many families feel genuinely grateful to have found. Reviewers describe it as the nicest place they've seen, a setting where cleanliness, beauty, and a welcoming atmosphere consistently meet residents and visitors alike. While there is broad praise for the environment, several comments do flag the practical reality of a long wait to become part of the community, with some urging others to plan ahead because there is "always a waiting list." Even so, those who do join often signal that the wait is worth it for the peace of mind and the high level of care they and their loved ones receive.

The people who work at Thurston Woods Village emerge as a standout feature in many accounts. Families repeatedly point to care teams that are patient, compassionate, and responsive. Nurses are described as attentive, and the staff in general are praised for going beyond the call of duty to support both residents and their families. One reviewer expresses heartfelt thanks to a staff member named Rachel for her help, while others highlight how the front desk staff and other team members make daily visits easier and more comfortable - so much so that a mother and her child felt treated like family rather than a burden during a fingerprinting visit. Across multiple comments, the sense is that the staff's warmth, reliability, and professionalism are central to the positive experience at Thurston Woods.

Beyond care, the community is celebrated for its environments and living spaces. The surroundings are described as spotlessly clean, with attractive grounds and interiors that feel both inviting and well maintained. One-bedroom apartments, in particular, are praised for offering comfort and privacy without the chaos of home life. Reviewers note the beauty of the views - windows that showcase wandering deer and serene scenery - adding to a sense of calm and quality living. The overall impression is that Thurston Woods combines a home-like atmosphere with the polish of a well-managed property, where residents can feel safe and cared for in a beautiful setting.

Activities and social life are central to why many residents enjoy Thurston Woods. A wide array of opportunities keeps people engaged, from traditional options like bingo and scavenger hunts to more creative pursuits such as dancing, quilting, and meditation classes. Families appreciate that residents have opportunities to form lasting friendships and become part of a lively, supportive community. Comments repeatedly highlight how residents seem happy and well-cared-for, with social and recreational programming playing a significant role in quality of life. Even casual days feel meaningful here, as people connect with neighbors and staff during everyday routines and organized events alike.

The personal stories shared in these notes reinforce a culture of warmth and family-centered care. Several accounts describe seamless transitions into care for loved ones, with staff partnering with families to ensure comfort and dignity. One account recalls a father receiving exemplary care, with the family feeling supported not only in his care but also in accompanying his spouse through the process. End-of-life moments are described with remarkable humanity: a private room arranged for a final moment surrounded by loved ones, staff offering condolences, and small acts of kindness - drinks and snacks, for instance - that underscored a community's compassion. Even those who later reflect on the experience still emphasize respect, empathy, and a sense that Thurston Woods treats residents and their families as part of a close-knit circle.

Finally, the practicalities of choosing Thurston Woods come through clearly. The community has grown over more than two decades, expanding its housing and staff to accommodate varying needs. Reviewers emphasize the breadth of options, including independent living and other housing types, all supported by a caring team. The persistent theme is that while the waiting list can be a hurdle, planning ahead is essential, and the effort to secure a place is often rewarded with a highly positive living environment. A number of reviewers also mention favorable impressions of price and value, noting affordable senior living options in the context of excellent care and amenities.

Taken together, these reflections paint Thurston Woods Village as a beautified, well-run community where cleanliness, compassionate care, engaging activities, and meaningful social connection come together to create a high-quality living experience for seniors and their families. The strongest caveat is the reality of a long wait to join, but for many, the combination of caring staff, comfortable living spaces, and a vibrant resident culture makes Thurston Woods a trusted choice for aging with dignity, companionship, and grace.

Restaurants

• Da Vinci's Italian Restaurant (0.3 miles)
• Coney Island Hot Dogs & Pizza (0.4 miles)
• Coney Island Pizza (0.4 miles)
• Hillcrest Bar & Grill (0.7 miles)
• El Taco Loco (1 miles)
• Wings Etc (1.2 miles)
• Boundary Waters Kitchen & Bar (1.3 miles)

Physicians

• Sturgis Medical Group (0.3 miles)
• Darr & Associates (0.3 miles)
• Midwest Foot & Ankle Clinic (0.5 miles)
• Sturgis Hospital - Meenu Grover MD (0.9 miles)
• Sturgis Hospital (0.9 miles)
• Michiana Women's Center (0.9 miles)
• Parial Eye Physicians PLC (0.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Medical Commons Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Village Market Pharmacy (10.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (10.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Lake County Urology Clinic (0.4 miles)
• Community Mental Health (10.1 miles)
• White Pigeon Medical Care (12.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Living Hope Fellowship (1.1 miles)
• Lima Presbyterian Church (5.8 miles)
• New Hope Church (6.9 miles)
• Marion Mennonite Church (8.4 miles)
• Bridges Community Church (9 miles)
• Firm Foundation Ministries (10.2 miles)
• Lagrange Missionary Church (10.6 miles)

Theaters

• Strand Theatre (1.3 miles)

Parks

• Cade Lake County Park (1.6 miles)
• Colon Community Park (11.3 miles)

Transportation

• Alamo (1.7 miles)

Cafes

• Biggby Coffee (2.2 miles)
• Starbucks (5.3 miles)