The Oaks at Bartlett

The Oaks at Bartlett sits on 44 wooded acres in Bartlett, IL, close to Cook County neighborhoods like Woodland Hills and Westridge, and the natural beauty makes the place feel calm and peaceful, a bit like being at a resort away from the city, but you're still near Chicago if you need to get there. The building dates back to 2008 and has suites and cottages that have been recently renovated, so they're bright, airy, and feel a bit like boutique hotels, but they're made for people who want independent living with easy access to extra help if they need it. The community welcomes pets, and it's bikeable with a bike score of 52, though you might need a car for errands since the walk score is 41. If you need a little help with meals, exercise plans, or managing your medication and appointments, their health and wellness navigation services are there to assist you, and you don't need to worry about finding a dentist, doctor, nurse, or podiatrist, since these professionals either work on-site or are on call. Safety is important, so you'll see emergency call systems in every suite, and staff are around to provide personalized care, whether that's help with dressing, eating, or medication for those in assisted living, or even more advanced skilled nursing if your needs change. The Oaks at Bartlett is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), which means as your health changes, you can move between independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehab, or nursing home care without having to leave the community, and there's even short-term or respite care for those times you need a break or extra help after an illness. They have a special Heartfelt Connections Memory Care Program for people with Alzheimer's and other dementia, which focuses on what you can still do and on making sure you keep your dignity. Meals are provided, and you can eat in a restaurant-style dining room or visit the on-site lounge, and if you want to keep active, there are activities like arts and crafts, exercise programs, devotionals, and social or recreational events planned right on campus. The staff run housekeeping and linen services, and complimentary transportation can get you to appointments or outings, which helps a lot if you don't drive anymore. You'll find a library, indoor common areas, speech, occupational, and physical therapy services, and beauty and barber services, so most everyday needs are covered. Residents say the staff are friendly, other residents are welcoming, food is good, and activities are plentiful, with a strong sense of community that makes daily life easier. Being a rental community, you don't pay a big entrance fee, and you can schedule a visit by phone or online if you want to check things out yourself. The Oaks at Bartlett tries to support seniors through all stages, letting them remain on the same campus as their needs change, and gives plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature, form friendships, and take part in different social or wellness programs.