Winston Manor Nursing Home in Chicago, IL

Pros

• They care and do their jobs because they care about their patients.
• Jonathan, the maintenance director, goes above and beyond.
• Denise and Christina are incredibly helpful and kind.
• Chiquita welcomes residents with warmth.
• The staff are professional and genuinely caring.
• The team takes pride in what they do and truly cares about the people they help.
• The staff are five-star in practice, a rock star for their residents and staff.
• Sherise and V on the 2nd floor were very helpful.

Cons

• They constantly have emergency vehicles blocking streets.
• Their staff and pace bus vendors hit vehicles and leave.
• Loud talking for no reason on speakerphone from staff at all hours.
• Fire alarms are always going on.
• Smoke breaks clog up the street.
• Staff throws trash and their PPE in the streets.
• They have no cameras for accountability.
• This establishment is disrespectful and horribly run.
• Receptionists and management have terrible attitudes and lack customer service skills.
• Office staff are rude, frequently put people on hold, and give few answers.
• They allow smoking inside the facility and staff are not knowledgeable or respectful.

Review

Winston Manor Nursing Home in Chicago is best suited for families and residents who prize a genuinely caring, hands-on atmosphere over glossy finishes or high-tech amenities. The strongest draw is the day-to-day warmth from staff who seem to take pride in their work: admissions and reception staff who welcome visitors, maintenance personnel who fix concerns promptly, and nurses aides who build relationships with residents. Several residents and families report that tours feel personal and that the team remembers preferences, goes the extra mile, and treats residents like family. Shared rooms and a homelike vibe are part of the texture, and those who value steady, compassionate support over pristine decor will find this community relatable and comforting.

That said, several groups will want to consider alternatives before committing. Families seeking a highly polished operation with flawless administrative communication may feel let down here. The same holds for those who require rigorous, consistent customer service from front-office staff, or who insist on a facility with modern, updated infrastructure and strict control of all environmental factors. Review patterns show frequent complaints about rude or unhelpful office staff, long holds, and a sense that information is not readily accessible. For residents sensitive to noise, or who cannot tolerate smoking inside publicly used spaces, Winston Manor's environment could feel less than ideal. The combination of communal rooms, occasional smoke-influenced dining, and older physical plant makes it more suitable for those who can compensate with strong family advocacy.

On the upside, the core caregiving strengths do repeatedly offset several operational drawbacks. The reviews highlight caregivers who "care," staff who respond quickly to requests, and team members who create a sense of safety and continuity. Instances where staff went beyond routine duties - replacement of a curtain by maintenance, staff welcoming a new resident, and team members who remember daily needs - signal a durable culture of attentiveness. The positive anecdotes about specific individuals (receptionists, maintenance staff, and floor nurses) reinforce the message that the heart of Winston Manor is its people, and that residents who lean into that warmth tend to thrive despite the facility's rougher edges.

Yet the notable cons carry real weight in decision-making. Administrative frictions and a perception that front-desk staff lack customer-service skills create friction for families seeking timely answers or clarity on policies. The repeated critiques about phone handling, on-hold frustrations, and dismissive attitudes toward questions cannot be dismissed as minor inconveniences. Environmental and safety concerns - fire alarms, noisy hallways, unattended trash on streets, and smoking inside dining areas - contribute to a sense that supervision and daily discipline need strengthening. The facility's aging infrastructure compounds these issues, with some residents describing the environment as outdated and less than optimal for long-term comfort.

For families weighing Winston Manor, a practical approach is matching priorities to realities: if the priority is a nurturing, staff-driven culture where residents feel seen and cared for, this community can deliver meaningful daily living and a supportive transition for loved ones who can benefit from hands-on involvement. If operational polish, flawless communication, and a modern, well-controlled environment are non-negotiables, alternatives should be explored. Prospective residents should request a direct meeting with administration, request opportunities to observe interaction patterns, and ask hard questions about front-office responsiveness, smoking policies, and steps taken to address grievances. A clear plan for ongoing family involvement and oversight can make Winston Manor a surprisingly strong fit for the right resident.

In sum, Winston Manor is a practical fit for families prioritizing heart over shininess, and for residents who value consistent, personal attention from caregivers. It is less well-suited for those who require seamless administration, advanced facility standards, and a rigorously controlled environment. With careful expectations and proactive engagement with leadership, the community can offer a heartfelt home that counterbalances its evident administrative and infrastructure gaps.

This area of Chicago, Illinois, offers a variety of amenities that cater to seniors looking for convenience and accessibility. With several pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS in close proximity, residents have easy access to their medication needs. There are also plenty of restaurants to choose from, including fast food options like McDonald's and healthier choices like Chick-Fil-A. The neighborhood boasts several parks such as Wicker Park and Humboldt Park for outdoor activities and relaxation. Additionally, there are theaters, cafes, public transportation options like the CTA, and medical facilities including the University of Illinois Mile Square Health Center nearby for any health concerns. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded community with resources that can cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable living environment.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.2 miles)
• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• CVS Speciality (1.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Big Star (0.2 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.1 miles)
• Parson's Chicken & Fish (1.2 miles)
• McDonald's (1.8 miles)
• McDonald's (1.9 miles)
• Longman & Eagle (1.9 miles)
• Kaiser Tiger (2 miles)

Parks

• Wicker Park (0.3 miles)
• Churchill Field Park (0.5 miles)
• Churchill Field Park (0.5 miles)
• Bloomingdale Trail — The 606 (0.8 miles)
• Humboldt Park (1.1 miles)
• Palmer Square Park (1.4 miles)
• Wrightwood Park (1.5 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Webster Place (1.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.2 miles)
• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• Starbucks (2.7 miles)
• Blue Bottle Coffee (2.7 miles)
• Tiny Tapp & Cafe (3.1 miles)
• Starbucks (3.1 miles)

Transportation

• Cta (1.8 miles)
• CTA - Fullerton (1.9 miles)
• CTA - Belmont (2.6 miles)
• CTA - Kedzie-Homan (2.7 miles)
• Ogilvie Transportation Center (2.8 miles)
• Cta (3 miles)
• Jamba Union Station / Chicago (3 miles)

Physicians

• University of Illinois Mile Square Health Center: Near West Side (1.8 miles)
• Lincoln Park Dental Specialists (2.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center (2.5 miles)
• Rush University Medical Center (2.5 miles)
• John H Stroger Jr Hospital (2.6 miles)
• University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (2.8 miles)