Introduction

Warren Barr Oak Lawn, located at 9401 S Kostner Ave, Oak Lawn, IL 60453, is a skilled nursing facility offering a range of care services for seniors. This review provides a detailed analysis of the facility’s offerings, resident experiences, and market position to help families make informed decisions about senior care options in the Oak Lawn area.

Services and Care Options

Warren Barr Oak Lawn primarily focuses on:

1. Skilled Nursing Care
2. Short-term Rehabilitation

It’s important to note that while the facility offers comprehensive skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, it does not provide assisted living or extensive memory care services on-site.

Skilled Nursing Services

• 24/7 nursing care
• Medication management
• Wound care
• Post-acute care

Rehabilitation Services

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• State-of-the-art in-house therapy programs

Specialized Care Options

• Memory care program with 24-hour secure supervision
• Wound care program led by certified specialists
• Diabetes care
• Incontinence care
• Non-ambulatory care

Amenities and Daily Life

Warren Barr Oak Lawn offers a variety of amenities to enhance resident comfort and engagement:

Dining Options

• Restaurant-style dining room
• Special diet accommodations
• Dietitian-planned meals

Recreational Areas

• Activity center
• Arts and crafts room
• Entertainment venues
• Garden and outdoor spaces
• Walking paths

Wellness Programs

• Fitness programs
• Health and wellness activities

Daily Activities

• Arts & crafts activities
• Music programs
• Game nights and movie screenings
• Social outings
• Educational lectures
• Spiritual and religious services

Additional Amenities

• Beauty salon and barber shop
• Wi-Fi throughout the facility
• Emergency call system
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• Transportation services

Resident Experiences and Testimonials

Feedback from residents and their families provides valuable insights into life at Warren Barr Oak Lawn. However, it’s important to note that the facility has received mixed reviews, with an overall rating of 2.2 out of 5 stars based on 8 reviews on Caring.com.

Positive Feedback:

• Clean and comfortable aesthetics
• Good food quality (rated 4.3 out of 5)

Areas for Improvement:

• Concerns about staff responsiveness, particularly during evening and night shifts
• Communication issues reported by some families
• Low ratings for activities (2.0 out of 5)

One family member shared a more positive experience: “It was probably the best it could have been. My mother couldn’t complain about the service, and the place was very clean. The nurses were thoughtful, helpful, and kind. My mom was in and out of there before a month and she got where she needed to be.”

Pricing and Financial Considerations

As of February 2025, specific pricing information for Warren Barr Oak Lawn is not readily available. However, the facility accepts the following payment options:

• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Private pay

It’s crucial to note that additional fees may apply for specialized services or amenities. Families should request a detailed breakdown of all costs, including any potential additional fees for specialized care.

Comparison with Local Alternatives

To provide context, here’s how Warren Barr Oak Lawn compares to other facilities in the Oak Lawn area:

1. Warren Barr Oak Lawn
   • Focus: Skilled nursing and rehabilitation
   • Overall rating: 2.2/5 (8 reviews on Caring.com)
2. Aperion Care Oak Lawn
   • Focus: Skilled nursing and rehabilitation
   • Overall rating: 2.5/5 (7 reviews)
3. ManorCare Health Services-Oak Lawn West
   • Focus: Skilled nursing and rehabilitation
   • Overall rating: 2.5/5 (4 reviews)
4. Sunrise of Olympia Fields (nearby in Olympia Fields)
   • Focus: Assisted Living, Independent Living
   • Starting price: $2,160/month
   • Overall rating: 9.9/10

While Warren Barr Oak Lawn offers specialized skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, its overall rating is lower compared to some nearby alternatives, particularly those offering different levels of care.

Management and Staff Quality

Information about management quality and staff responsiveness at Warren Barr Oak Lawn includes:

• 24-hour supervision available
• 12-16 hour nursing care
• Personal care assistants available

However, several reviews indicate concerns about staff responsiveness, particularly during evening and night shifts. One resident reported: “The evening and night staff are unprofessional. They will answer your call light at their leisure.”

Unique Features and Programs

Warren Barr Oak Lawn offers several features that set it apart:

1. US News Best Nursing Homes Award: The facility has been recognized for its short-term rehabilitation services.
2. Specialized Programs: Comprehensive memory care and wound care programs led by certified specialists.
3. Location: Situated near top-notch medical facilities like Advocate Christ Outpatient Pavilion, ensuring easy access to additional healthcare services.
4. Seven-Day Therapy: Rehabilitation services are offered seven days a week, promoting faster recovery.

Community Reputation and Recognition

Warren Barr Oak Lawn has received recognition for its short-term rehabilitation services, earning the US News Best Nursing Homes award. However, the mixed reviews from residents and families suggest that experiences can vary significantly. The facility’s Medicare rating was not available in the provided information, which could have offered additional insight into its quality of care.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Warren Barr Oak Lawn offers specialized skilled nursing and rehabilitation services in Oak Lawn, Illinois. While the facility has received recognition for its short-term rehabilitation program and provides comprehensive care services, the mixed reviews from residents and families suggest that potential residents and their loved ones should carefully consider their options.

For families considering Warren Barr Oak Lawn, we recommend:

1. Scheduling an in-person tour to assess the facility’s atmosphere and staff interactions firsthand.
2. Requesting a detailed breakdown of all costs and potential additional fees.
3. Inquiring about staff-to-resident ratios and ongoing training programs, particularly for evening and night shifts.
4. Asking about the frequency and variety of activities offered to residents, given the low rating in this area.
5. Speaking with current residents and their families to gain firsthand insights into daily life at the community.
6. Considering both current and potential future care needs, noting that assisted living services are not provided on-site.
7. Investigating the discrepancy between the US News award and resident reviews to understand the full picture of care quality.

By thoroughly investigating these aspects, families can make an informed decision about whether Warren Barr Oak Lawn is the right fit for their loved one’s care needs and preferences.