Bethany Retirement Community
CG
"Nice Place, Needs Better Staff Preparation"
Bethany felt more like a place for retired folks. Sadly, the workers didn’t really look ready for us to come, and they didn’t give us much info. But the building itself was pretty good.
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L M
"Caring Staff and Fun Yappy Hour at Cozy Facility"
During the COVID times, my family member stayed here. The place is in a super nice area with friendly neighbors. Working with the health boss was awesome. But then, a new company came and the food isn’t as good anymore. Still, you can tell they really like the people living here. They’ve got a bus service that the folks can use, and the driver is super cool. Everyone working here is really kind to the people staying and their families. Pets are a big yes here. The Yappy Hour is the best! It’s when people can bring their dogs to hang out with everyone. The folks here even get to have fancy drinks.
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Kevin
"Bethany Retirement: Friendly Atmosphere and Enjoyable Amenities for Residents"
Everyone at Bethany Retirement is friendly and helpful. The rooms and community layout are good. Mom enjoys the food. They have an outdoor courtyard, which Mom likes. She's happy there.
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Anonymous
"Assisted Living: New Owners, Nice Environment, Needs Updates"
The assisted living facility has new owners, a nice environment, but needs updates. The administration doesn't assist residents, and activities aren't for independent living. Remodeling is planned. Excellent location with transportation.
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Louise
"Assisted Living Facility Review: Mixed Experience"
When new management took over, food and staffing declined. Rooms are spacious and offer good value for the neighborhood. Activities director handles Covid-19 challenges well. However, the administrator doesn't return calls and communication needs improvement, especially for working people.
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Daughter-in-law
"Mixed Feelings about Assisted Living Facility"
This place has fun activities and outings, which is great. Some residents don't like the food much because it seems pre-made, but it's getting better slowly. People here are friendly and welcoming to everyone. The building is nice too. But watch out for rent and care costs - they went up almost 50% in two years.
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Anonymous
"Great tour, free parking, diverse faiths, classy remodeling."
Great tour, good guide, free parking, classy remodeling, diverse faiths.
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Patricia Islas
"Bethany Assisted Living: A Diverse and Caring Community"
I brought my dad to Bethany about 5 months ago. He enjoys the food and the variety they offer. The staff are respectful, caring, and attentive to my father's needs. He especially likes the memory care staff and classes. I appreciate the diverse activities Bethany provides for residents. It would be great if they offered exercise classes. Overall, it's rare to find a place with such diverse backgrounds among residents. But my dad feels really good about Bethany.
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Anonymous
"A Pleasant Visit"
This place is really nice, and our tour went smoothly. The staff we met were friendly and helpful. They answered our questions, and the community looked well-maintained. Overall, it was a positive experience for my family.
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Anonymous
"Wonderful Layout and Helpful Staff!"
I liked how the place was set up. It felt open and bright with lots of natural light. The staff showed up on time for our appointment and patiently answered all our questions in detail. It was a good experience overall, and I didn't have any complaints about our visit.
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Joann N
"Affordable, friendly, but food and building are drawbacks."
Bethany is much cheaper than other places in Chicago, so I had to choose it unless it was really awful. I picked it because of the price and my son's visit, since I was far away and couldn't go myself. All things considered, I would make the same choice again, though I haven't seen any other facilities. Pros: happy people, friendly staff who want to help, a hospital right next door, and some green space in the city. Cons: bad food (made by the hospital kitchen), and the limitations of a 1953 building, although it's well maintained. I can't comment on the care services, but there are lots of nurses and many students helping them and the social worker. Worth considering.
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Joann N
"Bethany: Affordable Assisted Living with Pros and Cons"
Bethany, compared to other places I found in Chicago, was about half or a third of the price, so I had no choice but to pick it unless it was really bad. I was several states away and couldn't visit, so I made my decision based on the price and my son's opinion. I haven't seen any other facilities, but even so, I'd still make the same choice. On the positive side: everyone seems happy, the staff appears eager to help, there's a hospital directly connected to it, and it has a nice bit of green space in the city, which I truly value. On the negative side: the food isn't great (since it's made by the hospital's kitchen) and the building, from 1953, has its limitations, even though it's well kept up. I can't comment on the care services, but there's plenty of nurses and lots of students helping them out and a social worker. It's worth thinking about.
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Anonymous
" 'Suitable for Peace-Lovers, but Lacks Spark!' "
The place was super silent and felt pretty dull. It might work for folks who aren't into doing a lot. The eating area was just like a school's lunchroom - nothing to write home about. They offered various room designs, but none felt modern enough for our liking. The complex was designed with lengthy corridors which could pose a navigation challenge.
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Anonymous
"Peaceful Environment for Retirees"
This place isn't too busy, which might be nice if you're used to rushing around at work and dealing with bills at home. The first floor has a big area to sit and even a real piano you can play. There's a water fountain nearby that adds to the peaceful feeling. You can relax in the garden outside, too. If you need medical help, there are people here who can assist you, and a hospital is nearby. Plus, there's always security around to help keep things safe. If you're looking for a friendly place to retire, you should definitely check out BRC.
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Anonymous
"Insider's Peek at BRC's Calm and Secure Retirement Community"
The place isn't too busy, which might be a welcome change for those used to the hustle and bustle of work and home life. The main floor boasts a big sitting area with a real, working piano -- it's not just for show. A nearby water fountain adds a bit of soft sound and serenity. Take advantage of the outdoor garden, whether you want to take a sit or a stroll. Medical staff are on-site to help residents, and there's a hospital very nearby in case of emergencies. Plus, the security team is working 24/7. Put BRC at the top of your list when looking for a friendly retirement community.
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Anonymous
"Review: Affordable, Friendly Assisted Living, Needs Room Updates"
There are many pleasant shared spaces, and the workers are friendly and welcoming. The individual rooms for residents could use some modern updates, but the cost is fair.
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Anonymous
"Friendly but Needs Better Communication and Clarity"
I think the people at Bethany Retirement Community are very friendly and caring. However, communication is hard there. I'm not sure who is in charge or who to go to for a service request. The care service needs improving, but they are working on it. The services offered are also confusing to me. I would like more explanations on everything. Overall, it is an okay place, but I feel there is probably somewhere better.
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Anonymous
"Mixed Feelings at Bethany Retirement Community"
At Bethany Retirement Community, the folks are nice and caring. But it's tough to know who's in charge or who to ask for help. The care could be better, though they're trying. The services they offer are a bit confusing. I wish they explained things better. It's alright here, but maybe there's somewhere better.
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mary kay cashman
"Unimpressed by Bland, Unvaried, and Unhealthy Meal Options"
The biggest let down here is the meals. They really aren't my cup of tea. They could definitely use more fruits and veggies and a greater variety. Plus, they lack flavor and don't really come off as healthy.
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Anonymous
"Dated Decor with Limited Amenities"
We visited this place while exploring options. My family member seemed to enjoy it. The decorations felt a bit old-fashioned, and the amenities were fewer compared to other places I considered.
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Loved One
"Clean, Responsive, and Affordable Assisted Living"
They are doing some renovations, but they keep it clean. I think they are very attentive and responsive. The only issue with the food is that there isn't any protein at breakfast. I haven't had any problems with them. I liked that they were affordable and responded quickly to my first call. Some places I contacted didn't get back to me for over a week. The hospital being right on site is a big plus for me too.
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Loved one
"Bethany Retirement Community: Nice, Clean, Friendly, with Room for Improvement"
Overall, Bethany Retirement Community is pretty good! It looks nice and clean, and the staff are really nice. They're really busy, though, and could use some more help. Still, they try their best, and there are some really great people there. The activities used to be a problem, but they hired a new activities director who's been working hard to make things better.
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Anonymous
"Good Location, Assisted Living Facility Needs Renovation"
This place is in a great spot, but it really needs some modern upgrades.
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Wayne L
"Welcoming Assisted Living: A Happy Place for Mom"
I've had a good time with Bethany ever since my Mom moved in last January. The workers are nice and always ready to lend a hand. Plus, there are lots of things to do, and my Mom joins in on many of them. Overall, I'm really pleased because my Mom has gotten much better since coming here.
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Joan R.
"Mixed Feelings About Assisted Living Facility"
When I visited, the food I left in her fridge a month ago was still there. Opening the fridge, the strong smell almost made me fall over. I thought housekeeping would have cleaned it by now. I’m going to talk to them about this. The staff seems fine, though. We checked with her, and she said they’re nice. Her closet’s full of clean clothes, and she seems to have all she needs. I asked for a beauty shop appointment for her, and they arranged it. She’s part of a memory care group where she hangs out with other ladies and keeps busy. They called me recently to say they really enjoy her company. I’ve met a couple of people who know her well, and the receptionist recognizes her, so she must be making friends.
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Customer
"Many Benefits; High-Quality Care Offered"
This place has lots of good things about it, especially the care they give.
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Customer
"Aging facility with pleasant staff, worth considering despite accessibility concerns."
The place looks old but seems taken care of. The gardens are pretty. Some apartments might be good for my dad, but I worry if he can reach the toilet with his scooter. The people who work there were nice to everyone, including me. You should think about it.
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Bethany Retirement Community
Bethany Retirement Community is a faith-based, non-profit serving the vibrant Andersonville and Ravenswood neighborhoods of Chicago. Celebrating over 125 years of service, our “Called to Care” mission traces back to the Methodist church; today, we are home to a variety of faith traditions.
Address
4950 North Ashland Avenue
Chicago, IL - 60640
Website
http://www.bethanyretirement.org/
Telephone
(773) 989-1501