1. Introduction and Facility Overview
Oak Ridge Nursing Home, officially operating as Oakridge Healthcare Center, is located at 323 Oakridge Avenue, Hillside, IL 60162. This review aims to provide a thorough analysis of the facility’s services, amenities, pricing, and overall quality to assist you in making an informed decision about senior care options in the Hillside area.
Key Facility Information:
- Facility Type: Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
- Location: 323 Oakridge Avenue, Hillside, IL 60162
- Capacity: 242 certified beds
- Medicare/Medicaid Certified: Yes
2. Services and Care Options
Oak Ridge Nursing Home primarily focuses on skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. While it doesn’t offer a full continuum of care including assisted living, it provides the following core services:
2.1 Core Services Matrix
| Service Category | Details | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Nursing Care | – 24/7 medical supervision – Medication management – Chronic condition management | Round-the-clock |
| Rehabilitation Services | – Physical therapy – Occupational therapy – Speech therapy | As prescribed |
| Personal Care | – Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) – Grooming and hygiene support | Daily |
| Memory Care | – Specialized support for dementia patients | As needed |
| Short-term Recovery | – Post-hospitalization care | As needed |
| Hospice Care | – End-of-life care and comfort | As needed |
2.2 Specialized Care Options
While specific details on specialized care programs were limited in our research, the facility does offer:
- Non-ambulatory care
- Assistance with transfers (e.g., bed to wheelchair)
- Wound care management
3. Amenities and Daily Life
The amenities and daily life aspects of Oak Ridge Nursing Home have been subjects of concern based on visitor feedback and reviews. Here’s what our research uncovered:
3.1 Facility Amenities
- Private rooms (some with private bathrooms)
- Community spaces for activities (limited information on quality)
- Outdoor areas (specifics not provided)
- Emergency alert system
3.2 Dining Services
- Restaurant-style dining room
- Special diet accommodations available
- Three meals provided daily
3.3 Activities and Engagement
Specific details about daily activities, fitness classes, and educational programs were not readily available in our research. This lack of information raises questions about the variety and quality of engagement opportunities for residents.
Actionable Recommendation: During a facility visit, request a detailed weekly activities calendar and ask to observe or participate in ongoing activities to assess their quality and resident engagement levels.
4. Resident Experience and Satisfaction
Our research revealed significant concerns regarding resident experience and satisfaction at Oak Ridge Nursing Home:
4.1 Resident Feedback Summary
| Aspect | Rating (out of 5) | Key Observations |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Satisfaction | 1.6 | Based on limited reviews (3) from Caring.com |
| Facility Condition | 2.5 | Described as “very dark” and “dismal” by visitors |
| Staffing | 2.7 | Consistently noted as understaffed |
| Privacy | N/A | Reports of overcrowding (4 people per room) |
4.2 Notable Testimonial
A visitor’s account raises several red flags:
“We have been to Oakridge Nursing & Rehab Center. It was very dark. It seemed a very dismal place. There were four people in a room, which I thought was a bit much. They were noticeably understaffed, so it wouldn’t be a place that I would recommend.”
This feedback highlights critical issues with the facility’s environment, resident privacy, and staffing levels, all of which are crucial factors in ensuring quality care and resident well-being.
Actionable Recommendation: Schedule an unannounced visit to the facility at different times of day to personally assess the environment, staffing levels, and resident engagement. Speak directly with current residents and their families about their experiences, if possible.
5. Pricing and Financial Information
Transparency in pricing for Oak Ridge Nursing Home was limited in our research, which is a concern given the importance of financial planning for long-term care. Here’s what we could ascertain:
5.1 Estimated Cost Range
While specific pricing for Oak Ridge was not available, we can provide context based on local averages and comparable facilities:
| Cost Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Average Local Nursing Home Cost | $4,124/month | Hillside area average |
| Comparable Facility (The Pearl of Hillside) | $8,000 – $9,280/month | Higher-end pricing in the area |
| Oak Ridge Nursing Home | Data not available | Lack of transparency is concerning |
5.2 Payment Options
- Medicare certified
- Medicaid approved
- Private insurance accepted (verify specific plans)
- Private pay options available
5.3 Additional Fees
Information on additional fees for specialized services or amenities was not readily available, which is another point of concern for financial planning.
Actionable Recommendation: Request a detailed, itemized pricing sheet from Oak Ridge Nursing Home, including:
- Base rate for skilled nursing care
- Additional costs for specialized services (e.g., memory care, rehabilitation)
- Any one-time fees (e.g., admission fees, community fees)
- Potential rate increase schedules
Compare this information with at least three other facilities in the area to ensure you’re getting a comprehensive view of the local market rates and value propositions.
6. Quality Metrics and Regulatory Compliance
Our research uncovered significant concerns regarding the quality of care and regulatory compliance at Oak Ridge Nursing Home:
6.1 Medicare Ratings
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 1 out of 5 stars | Significantly below average |
| Health Inspections | 2 out of 5 stars | Indicates compliance issues |
| Staffing | 1 out of 5 stars | Severe understaffing concerns |
| Quality Measures | 2 out of 5 stars | Poor performance on care metrics |
6.2 Staffing Levels
- Average of 2.9 hours of nursing care per resident per day
- 1.2 hours from licensed nurses (RNs and LPNs)
- 1.7 hours from nurse aides
- These levels are below industry standards and raise concerns about the quality of care provided
6.3 Recent Violations
Oak Ridge Nursing Home was cited in the Illinois Department of Public Health’s 2024 1st Quarterly Report for multiple violations:
“Type B violation of an occurrence for violating one or more of the following sections of the Code: 300.610a), 300.1010h), 300.1210b), 300.1210d)1) and 300.1210d)3). The fine was doubled in this instance in accordance with 300.282i) and j) of the Code due to the violation of the sections of the Code with a high-risk designation: 300.1210b) and 300.1210d)3). A fine of $2,200.00”
This citation indicates serious issues with care quality and regulatory compliance, which should be a major consideration in your decision-making process.
Actionable Recommendation:
- Request to review the facility’s most recent state inspection report and their plan of correction for the cited violations.
- Ask the facility administration about specific steps they’re taking to improve their Medicare ratings, particularly in staffing and quality measures.
- Inquire about staff turnover rates and any ongoing initiatives to improve staff retention and training.
7. Comparison with Local Alternatives
To provide context for your decision, here’s how Oak Ridge Nursing Home compares to other highly-rated facilities in the area:
| Facility Name | Overall Rating | Key Strengths | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Ridge Nursing Home | 1.6/5 | Medicare/Medicaid certified | Not available |
| Encore Village of Schaumburg | 10/10 | Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living | Contact for pricing |
| Brookdale Des Plaines | 9.9/10 | Assisted Living, Independent Living | $3,295/month |
| Mercy Circle Senior Living | 9.9/10 | Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living | Contact for pricing |
Key Differentiators of Alternatives:
- Encore Village of Schaumburg:
- Highly rated (10/10 based on 31 reviews)
- Offers a continuum of care from independent living to memory care
- Pet-friendly with Wi-Fi and handicap accessible amenities
- Brookdale Des Plaines:
- Excellent reputation (9.9/10 based on 140 reviews)
- Focuses on assisted and independent living
- Provides transportation services and a pet-friendly environment
- Mercy Circle Senior Living:
- Top-rated (9.9/10 based on 121 reviews)
- Offers a full spectrum of care options
- Known for its supportive environment and high-quality care
Actionable Recommendation: Schedule tours of these alternative facilities to compare their environments, staffing levels, and resident engagement directly with what you observe at Oak Ridge Nursing Home. This firsthand comparison will be invaluable in your decision-making process.
8. Unique Features and Considerations
Based on our comprehensive research, Oak Ridge Nursing Home does not appear to have standout positive features that set it apart from other facilities in the region. Instead, several areas of concern require careful consideration:
- Environmental Issues: The facility has been described as dark and dismal, which could negatively impact resident well-being.
- Overcrowding: Reports of four residents per room raise serious concerns about privacy and quality of life.
- Severe Understaffing: Consistently low ratings and reviews highlighting understaffing suggest potential issues with care quality and responsiveness.
- Regulatory Violations: Recent citations and fines indicate ongoing compliance issues that could affect resident safety and care quality.
- Low Resident Satisfaction: Limited reviews available show very low satisfaction rates, which is a red flag for overall quality of life at the facility.
- Lack of Transparency: Limited availability of information on pricing, activities, and specialized programs makes it difficult to fully assess the value proposition of this facility.
9. Conclusion and Final Recommendations
Based on the comprehensive review of Oak Ridge Nursing Home, there are significant concerns about the quality of care, resident experience, and regulatory compliance at this facility. The low ratings across multiple categories, recent violations, and negative testimonials suggest that this may not be the best option for senior care in the Hillside area.
Final Actionable Recommendations:
- Prioritize Alternative Options: Given the concerns raised, it’s strongly recommended to prioritize tours and evaluations of the higher-rated facilities mentioned in the comparison section (Encore Village of Schaumburg, Brookdale Des Plaines, and Mercy Circle Senior Living).
- Conduct a Thorough On-Site Evaluation: If you’re still considering Oak Ridge Nursing Home, schedule multiple visits at different times of day, including weekends and evenings, to get a comprehensive view of the facility’s operations and resident care.
- Request Detailed Documentation: Ask for:
- Recent state inspection reports and plans of correction
- Detailed pricing information, including all potential additional fees
- Staff-to-resident ratios for each shift
- A comprehensive activities calendar
- Policies on room assignments and measures to ensure privacy
- Speak with Current Residents and Families: Try to arrange conversations with current residents and their family members outside of scheduled tour times to get unfiltered feedback on their experiences.
- Consult with a Senior Care Advisor: Given the complexities and concerns raised, it may be beneficial to work with an independent senior care advisor who can provide additional insights and help navigate the selection process.
- Review Legal and Financial Implications: Before making any decisions, consult with a legal advisor to understand the contract terms and an elder care financial planner to assess the long-term financial implications of your choice.
By thoroughly investigating these aspects and carefully considering the alternatives, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision that ensures the best possible care and quality of life for your loved one. Remember, the choice of a nursing home is a critical decision that impacts health, happiness, and financial well-being, so taking the time to conduct due diligence is essential.
