Overall Review of Symphony At 87th Street
common
Tours and admissions guidance stand out
Families consistently describe thorough, reassuring support during tours and intake.
Many reviewers emphasize that the admissions/customer experience process feels organized and informative, with staff answering questions and taking time to walk through the facility. Several also mention help with planning next steps for rehab or future care needs as part of that initial contact. The community’s concierge services and move-in coordination align with what families say they experienced when getting started.
common
Cleanliness is a frequent theme
Residents and visitors mention cleanliness often, sometimes positively and sometimes with strong complaints.
A large share of reviews describe the building as clean and well maintained, sometimes even noting it smells fresh or “clean.” Others, including multiple low-rating reviews, report persistent urine odors and overall unclean conditions, including dirty rooms or trash. This split shows that cleanliness experiences vary by visitor and timing, even though upkeep is also repeatedly praised.
differentiator
Rehab therapy draws most praise
Rehabilitation therapy is repeatedly described as helpful and supportive.
Reviewers frequently single out therapy—especially physical therapy and occupational/speech therapy experiences—as a key part of recovery, with comments about staff being patient, supportive, and effective in getting patients moving again. The care services offered to help with rehabilitation and assistance with daily activities reflect what families discuss around therapy and progress. Several also mention nursing and CNA support alongside therapy, suggesting day-to-day help is part of the rehab experience, not just the exercises.
caveat
Food quality is mixed
Dining gets mixed feedback, with some reviews calling it poor.
Some reviewers say meals were good or “alright,” while others are direct that the food “sucks” or needs work. The community also offers restaurant-style dining and supports special dietary restrictions and diabetes diets, which suggests meals may be handled differently depending on residents’ needs. Still, the reviews show the overall taste and meal experience is not universally consistent.
common
Staff support is a key differentiator
Many reviewers describe staff as kind, responsive, and hands-on.
Across tours and longer stays, reviewers repeatedly describe staff members who are friendly, attentive, and willing to help with concerns quickly. Several also mention nurses and CNAs providing care that helps families feel less stressed, including communication and responding after hours. At the same time, a smaller number of reviews report understaffing or unresponsiveness when contacting the facility, showing that responsiveness can vary by day or unit.
caveat
Care needs and staffing experiences vary
A recurring concern is that care and communication don’t meet expectations for everyone.
Some reviews raise serious issues, including allegations about medical errors, missed medication, delays in response, or problems escalating care when needed. Others mention difficulty getting through by phone and describe gaps in follow-up like arranging evaluations. While the community provides skilled nursing facility services with medication management and around-the-clock call and supervision, the reviews suggest that real-world execution and communication are not consistently viewed the same way.
common
Nearby hospital and pharmacy access
The area includes nearby medical and shopping options.
Reviewers don’t heavily focus on location, but the surrounding area includes nearby hospital and pharmacy options that may be convenient during rehab or short-term needs. For example, a hospital and multiple pharmacies are listed within about a mile or so. There are also restaurants and parks nearby for visits and downtime.
How we summarize
We summarize when many written reviews mention each theme; a review can touch several themes, and only frequently mentioned themes are displayed.
210 resident community capacity
Skilled Nursing Facility
Air-conditioning
Beauty salon
Cable or satellite TV
Computer center
Dining room
Fitness room
Fully furnished
Gaming room
Garden
Housekeeping services
Kitchenette
Move-in coordination
Outdoor space
Private bathrooms
Restaurant-style dining
Small library
Telephone
Wellness center
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Chicago Midway (5 miles away)
Community operated transportation
12-16 hour nursing
24-hour call system
Activities of daily living assistance
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Special dietary restrictions
Concierge services
Planned day trips
Well-maintained, compact rooms with exceptional front-desk service.
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