St. Mary's Home, operated by the Little Sisters of the Poor and located at 2325 N. Lakewood Ave in Chicago, has been caring for elderly people, especially the elderly poor, for over 140 years, and you see it as a place where folks can get independent living, assisted living, and nursing care all in one two-story building, so if you walk around you'll notice things aren't fancy but do cover the basics-private and semi-private rooms, some with their own bathrooms and kitchenettes, and there's a common dining room, garden space, a small library, and even a computer center, so residents have places to be by themselves or join in with others. The staff, called the Little Sisters, follow the simple spirit of Jeanne Jugan, making their main goals to make sure every resident feels at home, looked after, and respected at the end of their life, and you can really see that because there's always someone around and everyone works hard to let people keep their dignity, whether that means helping with bathing, dressing, medication, or just being good company so no one feels alone.
People living at St. Mary's Home can join in craft fairs, garden visits, religious events like Mass and the Anointing of the Sick, summer barbecues, day trips, and a Rosary Procession in August, so there are plenty of ways to stay connected and active, and almost every day you'll notice volunteers cooking, serving meals, or helping out, since members from the area association donate about 250 hours a year by coming in and giving three or four hours at a time to help out. There's a focus on including everyone, from low-income seniors to those looking for hospice care, and residents can pick from different housing options, like independent apartments with fully equipped kitchens or rooms in Hartwell House where assisted living comes with 24-hour help, personal phones, mailboxes, and weekly housekeeping.
Meals are prepared to fit all sorts of diets, including for people with diabetes, and there's a 24-hour support and call system in place, so help is always nearby. Folks also get the benefit of physical and occupational therapy when they need it, and there's care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia, with personalized attention to daily routines like hygiene, medication, and mobility.
St. Mary's Home also has plenty of opportunities for volunteering, youth programs, and community involvement, all supported by the area association and volunteers, with the Little Sisters of the Poor keeping their focus on spiritual fulfillment, daily purpose, and a family-like feeling. No matter how much care a resident needs, the team makes an effort to make everyone feel valued and useful, and the building has everyday comforts like air conditioning, cable TV, and community-run transportation for outings and errands. The whole approach follows the idea that everyone deserves dignity and love, right up until the end of life.
