Harbor House - Memory Care

Pros

• The staff at Harbor House is described as caring, gentle, and dedicated, creating a family-like atmosphere for residents.
• Many reviewers highlighted the excellent care provided by nurses and caregivers, emphasizing their kindness and thoughtfulness.
• The facility is noted for its clean and homey environment, which contrasts positively with more institutional settings.
• Residents benefit from a smaller community size, allowing for more personalized and hands-on care.
• Several families expressed gratitude for the supportive staff who effectively address their loved ones' specific needs, particularly those with dementia or Alzheimer's.
• Activities are offered daily to engage residents, promoting movement and social interaction among them.
• Reviewers noted an overall positive experience during tours of the facility, appreciating the knowledgeable and friendly staff.
• Families feel reassured knowing their loved ones receive compassionate care in a nurturing environment at Harbor House.

Cons

• The food at Harbor House is terrible, and there are zero activities for residents.
• Staff members are overworked and underpaid, leading to high turnover with multiple directors and caregivers in short periods.
• There is no nurse on-site from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., which raises concerns about adequate care during those hours.
• Residents can go weeks without seeing a doctor or psychiatrist, highlighting issues with medical accessibility.
• Some reviewers felt that the facility resembled a boarding house rather than a managed care facility, lacking the expected level of professional care.
• Concerns were raised about the staff's ability to respond to call lights due to being understaffed during nighttime hours.

Review

Harbor House has garnered a range of opinions from families experiencing care for their loved ones, with an overall sentiment that emphasizes the humanity and compassion present within the staff, alongside mixed feelings about the facility’s physical upkeep. Many reviews highlight the devoted nature of the staff, who are described as caring, gentle, and capable of creating a familial atmosphere. For those who prioritize human connection over pristine aesthetics and high-end decor, Harbor House seems to be an acceptable choice. Reviewers have shared that while the community might not exude an upscale hotel ambiance, it compensates with a nurturing environment where both residents and their families feel accepted.

Numerous reviews speak positively about daily activities designed to engage residents—be it through conversation or movement to music. The dedication of aides in helping residents remain active is noted as beneficial for those who may otherwise spend excessive periods sitting or sleeping throughout the day. For instance, one reviewer notable praised Harbor House for its focus on keeping physically active residents engaged in all forms of activity and maintaining social interactions—an element seen as vital in elder care settings.

Some personal experiences lend weight to these positive comments. One family expressed relief at finding Harbor House after previous disappointments with other facilities over two years; they emphasized that this community felt more home-like than institutional. This small size may contribute significantly to improved individual attention; staffing ratios appearing better than many larger facilities allows caregivers to provide focused care tailored to each resident's needs. Many reviewers echoed this sentiment, underscoring how accessible staff members make them feel respected and valued.

However, not all experiences align with this narrative of compassion and care. Several negative accounts raise serious concerns regarding management’s handling of staffing challenges, including frequent turnover among directors and support staff—a situation impacting residents’ experience negatively. Complaints about inadequate food quality have surfaced along with concerns regarding insufficient nursing coverage during nighttime hours leading families to feel uneasy about possible lapses in medical attention during critical times.

Despite these drawbacks noted by some reviewers, there are still many expressions of profound gratitude towards the dedicated staff at Harbor House—particularly regarding how they handle residents suffering from cognitive disorders like dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Family members have recounted their appreciation for how nurses manage difficult behaviors associated with such conditions while maintaining respect and dignity for their loved ones, showcasing professionalism amidst challenges inherent in elder care.

In summary, while several reviews outline critical operational flaws at Harbor House—from physical maintenance issues to staffing inadequacies—the prevailing theme across testimonials centers around the overwhelmingly kind-heartedness exhibited by its employees towards residents and their families alike. Those looking solely for polished aesthetics may find themselves less satisfied; however, individuals who value personal connections forged within a caring community often regard Harbor House as a suitable option providing quality companionship and support during challenging times in life’s journey.

This part of Wheeling, Illinois, offers a convenient and accessible location with a variety of amenities nearby. For dining options, there are popular chains such as McDonald's, Culver's, and Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant within a short distance. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy are also easily accessible for any medical needs. In terms of healthcare, there are several physician offices in the vicinity including NorthShore Medical Group and Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group. The area also features cafes like Starbucks and Panera Bread for relaxing outings. Parks like Lake Arlington provide opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. For entertainment, there are theaters like Regal Lincolnshire & Imax nearby. Transportation options through Metra stations make it easy to get around the area. Places of worship such as St Thomas Of Villanova offer spiritual support, while hospitals like NCH Northwest Community Hospital and Glenbrook Hospital provide quality healthcare services. Overall, this neighborhood in Wheeling offers a convenient and comfortable environment for senior living with access to various amenities and services.

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.4 miles)
• Culver's (1.3 miles)
• Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant (1.8 miles)
• McDonald's (1.9 miles)
• D'Agostino's Pizza and Pub (2.3 miles)
• Portillo's Hot Dogs (2.4 miles)
• Wildfire (2.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.2 miles)

Physicians

• Ferber, Stuart Nch Buffalo Grove Outpatient Care Center (0.7 miles)
• Premier Eye Care & Surgery (1.9 miles)
• Stuart Bergman-Bock MD - Northshore University Health Systems (2.7 miles)
• NorthShore Medical Group (5.8 miles)
• NorthShore University HealthSystem - GI & General Surgery (5.8 miles)
• Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group (5.9 miles)
• Arlington Eye Physicians (6.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.1 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Cafe Zupas (5.3 miles)
• Starbucks (5.4 miles)
• Panera Bread (6 miles)
• Starbucks (6.5 miles)
• Starbucks (6.8 miles)

Parks

• Lake Arlington (2.4 miles)
• South Park (4.2 miles)
• Briarwood Park (6.1 miles)
• Century Park (6.8 miles)
• West Ridge Center (6.8 miles)
• Sunset Park (7.6 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Lincolnshire & Imax (2.4 miles)
• AMC Hawthorn 12 (6.7 miles)

Transportation

• Metra (3.6 miles)
• Metra (5.2 miles)
• Metra (6.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Thomas Of Villanova (4.1 miles)
• Congregation Solel (7.5 miles)

Hospitals

• NCH Northwest Community Hospital (6 miles)
• Glenbrook Hospital (6.1 miles)