Citadel of Waterford in Chicago, IL

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Citadel of Waterford in Chicago, IL

Information last verified:

7445 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60626

For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973

4 from 40 reviews
5 stars
30
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 stars
10

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Top 5% Senior Living Community in 2026

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Overall Review of Citadel of Waterford

Pros

  • pro The staff are caring, kind, and very patient.
  • pro The facility is highly recommended for those needing more care than they can provide at home.
  • pro The staff are friendly and caring, and the facility feels like a second home.
  • pro The facility is very clean, with friendly staff who provide excellent care.
  • pro The staff go above and beyond to ensure residents have a positive and successful stay.
  • pro The nurses and doctors are very nice and knowledgeable, ensuring residents are well cared for.
  • pro The facility provides medical care and daily living assistance, with Spanish-speaking staff.
  • pro The staff communicate in residents’ languages and help stabilize health and mobility.
  • pro The DON is caring and capable, and the administrator is hands-on and gets things done.

Cons

  • pro The facility is severely understaffed, with only a couple CNAs who can do their jobs.
  • pro The nursing staff is knowledgeable but carries out their duties with little warmth or caring.
  • pro The menu is unimaginative, boring, tasteless, and unsatisfactory, especially for those on restricted diets.
  • pro Maintenance requests are not addressed promptly, such as failing to install needed fixtures like a towel bar.
  • pro The rooms are small and cramped, with little light and limited space for mobility aids.
  • pro There is a rodent and bug problem in the facility.
  • pro There are reports of high theft levels and a lack of accountability for missing items.

Review

Citadel of Waterford in Chicago is best suited for families seeking skilled nursing and post-acute rehab in a setting where care teams treat residents with warmth and continuity. The community shines for those who prioritize daily kindness, hands-on attention, and staff who communicate with families in a straightforward, reassuring manner. The reviews repeatedly highlight compassionate nurses, therapists, and aides who stay with patients through transitions, and families often describe Waterford as a place that feels like a second home during challenging health episodes. For long-term care or hospice-adjacent needs, the facility appeals to families who value accessibility to medical oversight, clear family contact, and a team that can coordinate care with outside providers.

However, potential residents should consider alternatives if consistent staffing, predictability, and solid administrative oversight are non-negotiables. A significant share of reviews raise red flags about staffing levels, with one succinct report describing only a couple CNAs able to perform required tasks and others noting disorganization at the top of the chain. Instances of missing belongings, questions about accountability, and reports of pest concerns point to systems that can falter. For families seeking a facility with near-flawless daily operations, complete transparency about incident management, or a spotless safety record, Waterford may not be the safest default choice.

On the plus side, the strongest asset is the quality and dedication of the caregiving team. Dozens of accounts praise staff who go above and beyond, handle complex medical needs, and build trust with families. The therapy and nursing teams are repeatedly described as knowledgeable, patient, and effective, with several residents recovering mobility or stabilizing conditions under attentive supervision. The presence of Spanish-speaking staff and a staff culture that treats residents like family further supports outcomes for families who need robust, person-centered care. For those navigating post-hospital recovery, this level of attention can make a meaningful difference in progress and comfort.

Conversely, several reviews paint a different picture. Under-staffing as a core constraint translates into slow responses, delays in routine tasks, and gaps in care. Maintenance and environmental issues, ranging from light, space, and storage limitations to reports of a rodent or bug problem, detract from the living environment. Administration and record-keeping are criticized in some accounts as disorganized, with concerns about communication with EMS or external providers and even allegations of mismanagement or theft in extreme cases. Some patients and families report experiences of coercive guardianship or restricted freedom, which is a serious red flag that warrants careful exploration.

These pros and cons create a nuanced calculus. For residents who thrive on consistent warmth, clear family communication, and strong rehabilitation services, the positives can offset many operational concerns, provided these families actively monitor care, engage with administrators, and verify that staffing and therapy remain steady. For others, especially those requiring high reliability, large-scale amenities, or robust protection against mismanagement and safety lapses, the risks noted in several reviews outweigh the benefits. The facility’s ability to deliver individualized care and maintain a close-knit team can counterbalance some issues, but not all reviews share the same experience, and that inconsistency matters to decision-makers.

Thus, a recommendation emerges: Waterford is a viable option for families prioritizing personal care and rehab-focused outcomes, with a strong emphasis on staff warmth and family-like engagement. Before committing, visit with a plan to meet the DON and therapy supervisor, tour the rehab gym, and observe interactions during peak hours. Ask pointed questions about staffing ratios, incident reporting, pest control, and how belongings are safeguarded. If those assurances cannot be provided or if past concerns about mismanagement and neglect linger, exploring alternatives with steadier staffing and clearer accountability is prudent. In the right circumstances, Waterford can deliver meaningful progress and a compassionate environment; in others, it may fall short of expectations.

Features

Types of Care

  • Skilled Nursing Facility Skilled Nursing FacilitySkilled Nursing Facilities are crucial for seniors as they provide round-the-clock medical care, rehabilitation services, and assistance with daily activities. These facilities ensure that seniors receive the specialized care they need to maintain their health and well-being as they age.

Amenities

  • Activities off-site Activities off-siteEngaging in off-site activities is crucial for seniors to maintain social connections, stay active, and stimulate their minds. It promotes overall well-being and helps combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.
  • Activities on-site Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
  • Beautician on-site Beautician on-siteHaving a beautician on-site at a senior living community is important for seniors as it allows them to easily access grooming and personal care services, boosting their self-esteem and overall well-being. It also provides convenience and helps seniors maintain their sense of independence and personal style.
  • Indoor common areas Indoor common areasIndoor common areas are crucial for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, recreation, and community engagement, promoting overall well-being and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
  • Outdoor common areas Outdoor common areasOutdoor common areas are important for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, physical activity, and relaxation. Being outside in nature can improve mood and overall well-being, while also encouraging movement and engagement with others. These spaces can help combat feelings of isolation and promote a sense of community among residents.
  • Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available Wi-Fi/high-speed internet availableWi-Fi/high-speed internet is important for seniors to stay connected with loved ones, access online resources, and participate in virtual activities to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. It also allows them to easily manage healthcare needs, access entertainment, and engage in lifelong learning opportunities.

Transportation

  • Chicago O'Hare International (13 miles away) Chicago O'Hare International (13 miles away)
  • Chicago Midway (17 miles away) Chicago Midway (17 miles away)

Nearby Metro Stations

  • Metro Station Howard     
  • Metro Station Jarvis  
  • Metro Station Morse  
  • Metro Station South Boulevard   

Care Services

  • High acuity care High acuity careHigh acuity care is important for seniors because it provides specialized medical attention and support for individuals with complex medical needs. This level of care ensures that seniors receive the appropriate treatment and assistance to maintain their health and quality of life as they age.

Dining

  • Meals provided Meals provided"Meals provided" are crucial for seniors in assisted living communities as it ensures they have access to nutritious, balanced meals without the stress of meal planning and preparation. This can help promote overall health and well-being for seniors who may have limited mobility or cognitive abilities.

Activities

  • Activities off-site Activities off-siteEngaging in off-site activities is crucial for seniors to maintain social connections, stay active, and stimulate their minds. It promotes overall well-being and helps combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.
  • Activities on-site Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.

Description

The Citadel of Waterford in Chicago, IL is a premier assisted living community that offers a range of amenities and services catered to the well-being and comfort of its residents. With activities available on-site, residents can engage in various recreational and social activities without leaving the premises, fostering a vibrant and active lifestyle.

To enhance personal grooming and maintain impeccable appearance, the community provides an on-site beautician. This convenient amenity ensures that residents can easily access salon services without having to travel far.

Inside the community's indoor common areas, residents can relax and socialize with their neighbors or participate in organized group activities. These spaces are thoughtfully designed to provide a cozy and comfortable atmosphere for residents to enjoy.

For those who appreciate spending time outdoors, the community also offers outdoor common areas where residents can soak up some sun, take leisurely walks, or simply enjoy nature. These designated spaces allow individuals to connect with nature while staying within the safety and convenience of their living environment.

Keeping up with friends and family or browsing the internet is made easy with Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available throughout the premises. This connectivity ensures that residents can stay connected with loved ones or explore their personal interests online.

In addition to these amenities, The Citadel of Waterford boasts a prime location surrounded by numerous cafes, parks, pharmacies, restaurants, transportation options, places of worship, and hospitals. With eight nearby cafes offering a variety of dining experiences and five restaurants serving delicious meals nearby, residents have plenty of options when it comes to satisfying their culinary cravings.

Nature lovers will appreciate the presence of six parks in close proximity to the community; perfect for peaceful strolls or outdoor recreation. The convenience of 25 pharmacies ensures quick access to medications and health supplies when needed. Additionally, there is one physician located nearby for any healthcare needs.

Transportation options are readily available with five options nearby for easy mobility around the city. For spiritual fulfillment or attending religious services, residents can find solace in one nearby place of worship. Furthermore, the proximity of two hospitals ensures immediate and quality medical assistance if the need arises.

Overall, The Citadel of Waterford is an assisted living community that combines luxurious amenities, engaging activities, and a convenient location to offer residents a fulfilling and comfortable lifestyle.

Nearby Places of Interest

This part of Chicago, Illinois is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood with a variety of amenities that cater to seniors. With numerous restaurants offering a range of cuisines, cafes for socializing, and parks for outdoor activities, there is plenty to explore and enjoy. The proximity to public transportation such as the CTA stations makes it easy to navigate the city without needing a car. Additionally, there are several pharmacies and hospitals nearby, ensuring access to healthcare services when needed. For those looking for cultural or spiritual enrichment, there are places of worship and theaters within a short distance. Overall, this area offers a mix of convenience, entertainment, and healthcare resources that would be suitable for senior living.

Restaurants

  • R Public House (0.2 miles)
  • Little Bad Wolf (2.4 miles)
  • SoFo Tap (3.1 miles)
  • Cell Block (4.8 miles)
  • Murphy's Bleachers (4.8 miles)
  • Las Mananitas Mexican Restaurant (5 miles)
  • Hydrate (5.1 miles)

Transportation

  • CTA Jarvis (0.2 miles)
  • Cta (0.4 miles)
  • Cta (3.6 miles)
  • CTA-Linden (4.1 miles)
  • Cta (4.9 miles)
  • CTA - Belmont (5.4 miles)
  • Cta (5.9 miles)

Parks

  • Dubkin Park (0.3 miles)
  • Warren Park (1.6 miles)
  • Dawes Park (2 miles)
  • Centennial Park (2.2 miles)
  • Leahy Park (3.2 miles)
  • Horner Park (4.2 miles)
  • Independence Park (5.4 miles)

Pharmacies

  • Walgreens (0.6 miles)
  • Walgreens (1.1 miles)
  • CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
  • Walgreens (1.7 miles)
  • Walgreens (2.1 miles)
  • Walgreens (2.1 miles)
  • Walgreens (2.3 miles)

Hospitals

  • Saint Francis Hospital (1.1 miles)
  • Swedish Covenant Hospital Cancer Care (3.4 miles)
  • Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center (5.6 miles)

Cafes

  • Little Beans Cafe (1.4 miles)
  • Starbucks (2.4 miles)
  • Starbucks (2.4 miles)
  • Starbucks (2.8 miles)
  • Starbucks (3.8 miles)
  • Starbucks (3.9 miles)
  • Starbucks (4.7 miles)

Places of Worship

  • Baha'i House of Worship (4 miles)

Physicians

  • North Shore Physicians Group (4 miles)

Theaters

  • AMC Village Crossing Theatre (5.2 miles)
  • Regal Webster Place (6.6 miles)

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