Historic Charm Meets Modern Care: Unveiling New City Supportive Living in Chicago’s Back of the Yards

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood, New City Supportive Living stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and its commitment to senior care. Located at 4707 S Marshfield Ave, Chicago, IL 60609, this unique assisted living community has breathed new life into the historic Goldblatts Department Store, offering seniors a blend of nostalgia and modern care. As we delve into the details of this facility, we’ll explore how New City Supportive Living is setting new standards for affordable senior living in one of Chicago’s most storied neighborhoods.

Facility Overview and Location

New City Supportive Living’s transformation of the iconic Goldblatts Department Store into a senior living community is nothing short of remarkable. This adaptive reuse project not only preserves a piece of Chicago’s architectural heritage but also provides a unique living experience for seniors. Key features include:

• Established: 2000
• Location: 4707 S Marshfield Ave, Chicago, IL 60609 (Back of the Yards neighborhood)
• Capacity: 130 beds
• Average Occupancy: 101.7 residents
• Occupancy Rate: 78%
• Network: Part of the Vantage Senior Care group

The facility’s urban location offers residents easy access to Chicago’s amenities, healthcare services, and cultural attractions, making it an ideal choice for seniors who wish to remain connected to city life.

Care Services and Living Options

New City Supportive Living specializes in assisted living services, catering to seniors who value independence but require some assistance with daily activities. The care services include:

1. Assisted Living: Personalized support with daily activities
2. Medication Management: Assistance with prescribed medications
3. Personal Care: Help with bathing, dressing, and grooming
4. 24/7 Staff Availability: Round-the-clock care and support

Living options cater to various preferences and needs:

• Studio apartments
• One-bedroom apartments
• Two-bedroom apartments

This range of options allows residents to choose a living space that best suits their lifestyle and budget.

Amenities and Lifestyle

New City Supportive Living offers a comprehensive set of amenities designed to enhance residents’ quality of life:

Dining

• Restaurant-style dining room
• Three nutritious meals served daily
• Special dietary accommodations available

Wellness and Recreation

• Fitness facilities with equipment suitable for seniors
• Organized group excursions to local attractions
• Daily social, recreational, and educational activities

Convenience Services

• Housekeeping services
• Laundry and linen services
• Transportation for medical appointments and shopping trips

Additional Amenities

• On-site convenience store
• Computer area for residents to stay connected
• Beauty salon and barber services
• Outdoor patios and gardens for relaxation and social gatherings

The all-inclusive approach, which bundles meals, housekeeping, and laundry into the monthly fee, simplifies life for residents and their families, making budgeting more straightforward and predictable.

Resident Experiences and Reviews

While New City Supportive Living has limited reviews available, the feedback provides some insights into the resident experience:

• Overall Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 2 reviews)
• Review Breakdown:
  • 4-star reviews: 50%
  • 3-star reviews: 50%

Key themes from the reviews include:

1. Cleanliness of the facility
2. Friendly and attentive staff
3. Variety of engaging activities
4. Safe and secure environment

However, it’s crucial to note that with only two reviews, this feedback may not fully represent the experiences of all residents. Prospective residents and their families are strongly encouraged to visit the facility, speak with current residents and staff, and experience the community firsthand.

Pricing and Value Analysis

New City Supportive Living offers competitive pricing in the Chicago senior living market:

• Studio Apartments: Starting at $3,195/month

To put this pricing in context, let’s compare it with some local competitors:

New City Supportive Living’s pricing is competitive, especially considering its unique historic setting and urban location. The all-inclusive model, which covers meals, housekeeping, and laundry, adds value to the overall package.

Unique Selling Points

Several factors set New City Supportive Living apart from its competitors:

1. Historic Setting: The transformation of the Goldblatts Department Store into a senior living community offers a unique living experience steeped in Chicago’s history. This could be particularly appealing to seniors with connections to the area or those who appreciate architectural heritage.
2. All-Inclusive Pricing Model: By bundling meals, housekeeping, and laundry into the monthly fee, New City Supportive Living simplifies budgeting for residents and their families. This transparency in pricing can be a significant draw for many seniors.
3. Urban Location: Situated in the Back of the Yards neighborhood, the facility offers easy access to urban amenities, healthcare services, and cultural attractions. This is ideal for seniors who wish to maintain an active, city-oriented lifestyle.
4. Affordability: With competitive pricing compared to some local alternatives, New City Supportive Living positions itself as an affordable option for seniors in Chicago, without compromising on quality of care or amenities.
5. Diverse Living Options: The availability of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments caters to a range of preferences and needs, allowing residents to choose a living space that best suits their lifestyle.

Areas for Improvement and Considerations

While New City Supportive Living offers many attractive features, there are some areas that prospective residents and their families should consider:

1. Limited Reviews: With only two reviews available, it’s challenging to get a comprehensive picture of resident satisfaction. The facility should encourage more residents and families to share their experiences to provide a more robust overview for prospective residents.
2. Transparency in Pricing: While studio pricing is available, information on one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment costs is not readily accessible. Providing this information could help potential residents make more informed decisions.
3. Amenity Details: While the facility offers various amenities, more detailed information about the quality and extent of these offerings would be beneficial for prospective residents.
4. Staff Training and Retention: Given the importance of care quality in assisted living, prospective residents should inquire about staff training programs, staff-to-resident ratios, and employee retention rates to ensure high-quality care.
5. Care Plan Flexibility: As residents’ needs change over time, it’s important to ask about the facility’s ability to adapt care plans and provide additional services if needed.

Recommendations for Prospective Residents and Families

1. Schedule an In-Person Visit: Given the unique historic setting and the limited number of reviews, an in-person tour is crucial. During your visit:
   • Observe staff-resident interactions
   • Sample a meal in the dining room
   • Participate in an activity to gauge engagement levels
   • Ask to see different apartment types
2. Inquire About Care Plans: Given the focus on assisted living, it’s important to understand how care plans are developed and implemented. Ask about:
   • The assessment process for new residents
   • How care plans are adjusted as needs change
   • The involvement of families in care planning and execution
3. Explore the Activity Program: Request a detailed activity calendar and discuss:
   • The variety and frequency of offered activities
   • How activities are tailored for different ability levels
   • Opportunities for residents to suggest or lead activities
4. Understand the All-Inclusive Model: While the all-inclusive pricing is attractive, be sure to:
   • Request a detailed breakdown of what’s included in the monthly fee
   • Ask about any potential additional costs for specialized services
   • Discuss the policy for price increases and how they’re communicated
5. Investigate Staff Qualifications and Ratios: It’s crucial to ask about:
   • Staff-to-resident ratios during different times of the day
   • The qualifications and training of caregiving staff
   • Staff retention rates and longevity
6. Connect with Current Residents and Families: If possible, speak with current residents or their family members to gain insights into:
   • Day-to-day experiences in the community
   • The responsiveness of staff to resident needs and concerns
   • Overall satisfaction with the care and services provided
7. Evaluate the Historic Setting: While the historic building adds charm, consider:
   • Accessibility features for seniors with mobility issues
   • Any planned renovations or updates to the facility
   • How the historic nature of the building impacts daily life (e.g., room layouts, common areas)

Conclusion

New City Supportive Living offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern senior care in the heart of Chicago. Its transformation of the iconic Goldblatts Department Store into an assisted living community provides residents with a distinctive living experience that honors the city’s architectural heritage while meeting the needs of today’s seniors.

The facility’s competitive pricing, all-inclusive model, and urban location make it an attractive option for seniors seeking assisted living in Chicago. The range of amenities and activities offered cater to various interests and needs, promoting an engaging and fulfilling lifestyle for residents.

However, the limited number of reviews and lack of detailed information on some aspects of the facility underscore the importance of thorough research and in-person visits for prospective residents and their families. It’s crucial to ask detailed questions about care plans, staff training, and the facility’s ability to meet changing needs over time.

For seniors who value a connection to Chicago’s history, desire an urban lifestyle, and seek affordable assisted living options, New City Supportive Living presents a compelling choice. Its unique setting, combined with a comprehensive care approach, positions it as a distinctive player in Chicago’s senior living market.

Ultimately, the decision to choose New City Supportive Living should be based on a careful assessment of individual needs, preferences, and budget, combined with a thorough evaluation of the facility’s current offerings and atmosphere through in-person visits and discussions with staff and current residents.