Executive Summary
McGaw Care Center and Frank Foster Pavilion, located at 3200 Grant St, Evanston, IL 60201, are part of the Presbyterian Homes network and offer a range of senior care services. This review aims to provide a detailed analysis of the facilities, their services, and how they compare to other options in the Evanston area. While the facilities offer comprehensive care options, there are some notable information gaps that potential residents and their families should be aware of.
1. Services and Care Options
McGaw Care Center and Frank Foster Pavilion provide a continuum of care designed to meet various senior needs:
| Care Level | Description | Monthly Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | Support with daily activities while maintaining independence | $3,500 – $8,000 |
| Independent Living | For self-sufficient seniors needing occasional assistance | $3,500 – $8,000 |
| Nursing Home Care | Intensive medical support and monitoring | $7,000 – $10,000 |
| Memory Care | Specialized programs for cognitive support | $8,500 – $10,000 |
Specialized Care Services:
- 24/7 nursing care
- Medication management
- Wound care
- Podiatry services
- Occupational therapy
- Rehabilitation services (physical, occupational, and speech therapies)
Memory Care Program:
The Frank Foster Pavilion offers a dedicated memory care program, featuring:
- Secured environments to prevent wandering
- Specialized activities for cognitive stimulation
- Staff trained in dementia care techniques
Action Step for Families: When inquiring about care options, ask for detailed care plans tailored to specific conditions or needs. Request examples of how they’ve successfully managed complex cases similar to your loved one’s situation.
2. Amenities and Daily Life
The facilities offer a range of amenities designed to enhance resident quality of life:
Property Amenities:
- Game/activities room
- Fitness center
- Multiple dining venues
- Beauty salon and barbershop
- Wi-Fi access throughout the facility
- Guest parking
Room Amenities:
- Housekeeping services
- Kitchenettes (in select units)
- Cable TV
- Emergency response systems
- Maintenance services
Daily Activities:
- Social events and gatherings
- Arts and crafts sessions
- Educational programs
- Fitness classes
- Music and pet therapy sessions
- Aquatic therapy in the on-site pool
Action Step for Prospective Residents: Request a sample weekly activity calendar to get a sense of the daily rhythm and variety of engagement opportunities. During your visit, ask to observe an ongoing activity or meal service to gauge resident participation and enjoyment.
3. Dining Services
The McGaw Care Center and Frank Foster Pavilion feature multiple dining options:
- Restaurant-style dining rooms
- Private dining areas for family gatherings
- Chef-prepared meals with menu variety
- Special dietary accommodations
Actionable Tip: During your facility tour, request to sample a meal or review weekly menus. Ask about how dietary restrictions and preferences are accommodated, and inquire about the flexibility of dining times and locations.
4. Resident Experiences and Satisfaction
Resident satisfaction metrics for McGaw Care Center and Frank Foster Pavilion are as follows:
- Overall Rating: 4.3 out of 5
- Community Sentiment: 4.2 out of 5
- Value Rating: 3.9 out of 5
- Information Availability: 5.0 out of 5
While these ratings are generally positive, it’s important to note that the number of reviews is limited, which may not provide a comprehensive picture of resident experiences.
Resident Testimonial: “The staff at McGaw Care Center truly treat residents like family. My mother has received exceptional care, and I feel at peace knowing she is in good hands.”
Action Step for Families: To gain a more comprehensive understanding of resident experiences:
- Request to speak with current residents and their families during your visit.
- Ask the facility for references from past residents or their families.
- Inquire about the facility’s process for addressing resident concerns or complaints.
- Look for opportunities to observe staff-resident interactions during your tour.
5. Pricing and Value Comparison
McGaw Care Center and Frank Foster Pavilion offer a range of pricing options based on care level and accommodation type:
| Room Type | Service Level | Monthly Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | Assisted/Independent Living | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| Single Room | Assisted/Independent Living | $4,000 – $6,500 |
| Two Bedroom | Assisted/Independent Living | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Studio | Memory Care | $8,500 – $10,000 |
| Semi-Private | Nursing Home | $7,000 – $9,000 |
| Private | Nursing Home | $8,000 – $10,000 |
Market Comparison:
- Evanston Average Monthly Cost: $6,453
- Illinois State Average: $5,248
- National Average: $4,546
While McGaw Care Center and Frank Foster Pavilion’s pricing is higher than state and national averages, it’s important to consider the comprehensive nature of services and amenities offered.
Actionable Recommendation for Cost Management:
- Request a detailed breakdown of all costs, including any potential additional fees for specialized services.
- Inquire about the facility’s policy on rate increases and how often they occur.
- Discuss payment options, including any financial assistance programs or long-term care insurance acceptance.
- Consider the value of having multiple care levels available on one campus, which can reduce the need for future moves as care needs change.
6. Staff Quality and Management
The McGaw Care Center and Frank Foster Pavilion emphasize quality care through:
- A professional healthcare team including physicians, nurses, and therapists
- 24/7 staff availability
- Personalized care plans developed with resident and family input
- Consistent staff assignment to foster familiarity and trust
Action Steps for Assessing Staff Quality:
- During your visit, ask about staff-to-resident ratios for each shift and care level.
- Inquire about staff retention rates and ongoing training programs.
- Request information on the qualifications of key staff members, especially those in specialized care roles.
- Observe staff interactions with residents to gauge the quality of care and attentiveness.
7. Unique Features and Programs
McGaw Care Center and Frank Foster Pavilion distinguish themselves through:
- Comprehensive Continuum of Care: Offering multiple care levels on one campus allows residents to age in place without major disruptions.
- Person-Centered Care Approach: Individualized care plans honor resident choices and preferences.
- Specialized Therapy Services:
- Aquatic therapy
- Pet therapy
- Music therapy
- On-Site Medical Center: Staffed by healthcare professionals specializing in senior care, providing convenient access to medical services.
- Multiple Dining Venues: Offering variety and catering to different preferences and occasions.
Actionable Tip: When evaluating these unique features, ask for specific examples of how they’ve benefited residents. For instance, request success stories from the specialized therapy programs or testimonials about the convenience of the on-site medical center.
8. Community Reputation and Recognition
McGaw Care Center has received notable recognition:
- Consistently rated among the best nursing homes by U.S. News & World Report (2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2022-2023)
- Maintains a 5-Star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Known for low hospital readmission rates
These accolades suggest a strong commitment to quality care and positive outcomes for residents.
9. Comparative Analysis with Local Facilities
| Facility Name | Key Features | Recognition | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| McGaw Care Center & Frank Foster Pavilion | – Multiple care levels – Comprehensive amenities – Specialized therapy programs | U.S. News & World Report recognition | Low hospital readmission rates |
| Westminster Place | – 24-hour specialized care – Geriatric-certified medical director | 5-Star CMS rating | Direct admissions available |
| Aliya of Evanston | – Medicare-certified – Skilled nursing services | Medicare compliance | Limited detailed information available |
| Pearl of Evanston | – Medicare-certified – Federal quality standards compliance | Medicare listed | Standard nursing home services |
This comparison highlights McGaw Care Center and Frank Foster Pavilion’s strong position in the local market, particularly in terms of recognition and range of services offered.
Conclusion and Recommendations
McGaw Care Center and Frank Foster Pavilion offer a comprehensive range of senior care services with a focus on personalized care and quality of life. Their recognition by reputable organizations and positive community sentiment suggest a strong commitment to resident well-being.
However, the higher cost compared to state and national averages necessitates careful consideration of value for money. Additionally, the limited number of public reviews highlights the importance of thorough personal investigation.
Key Action Steps for Prospective Residents and Families:
- Schedule an In-Depth Tour:
- Observe multiple shifts to get a comprehensive view of daily life
- Participate in a meal and an activity to experience the community firsthand
- Conduct Thorough Interviews:
- Speak with current residents and their families about their experiences
- Interview staff members from various departments to gauge their engagement and satisfaction
- Review Detailed Documentation:
- Request and carefully review sample care plans
- Examine the facility’s policies on care transitions, emergency procedures, and family involvement
- Assess Financial Implications:
- Obtain a detailed breakdown of all costs and potential future increases
- Discuss financial assistance options and long-term financial planning with the facility’s financial advisor
- Evaluate Specialized Care Options:
- If applicable, deeply investigate the memory care program, including staff training and activity schedules
- For rehabilitation needs, inquire about success rates and average length of stay
- Consider Future Needs:
- Discuss how the facility can accommodate changing care needs over time
- Understand the process and criteria for moving between care levels within the community
By thoroughly investigating these aspects, you’ll be well-equipped to determine if McGaw Care Center and Frank Foster Pavilion align with your or your loved one’s needs, preferences, and long-term care goals.
