Parkway Gardens Senior Living: Comprehensive Review

• Introduction

• Types of services offered
  • Assisted living
  • Respite care
  • Rehabilitation services
  • Hospice care
  • Adult day club
  • Memory care
• Amenities and accommodations
  • Residence options
  • Community amenities
  • Outdoor spaces
• Dining experience
• Daily activities and programs
  • Social activities
  • Educational programs
  • Fitness and wellness programs
  • Creative activities
  • Outings and excursions
  • Special interest groups
• Client testimonials
  • Positive feedback highlights
  • Areas mentioned for improvement
• Pricing information
  • Starting costs
  • Price range
  • Financial options
• Comparison with competitors
  • Major competitors in Fairview Heights area
    • 1. Cambridge House of Swansea
    • 2. Cedar Creek of Shiloh
    • 3. Knollwood Retirement Community
    • 4. Cambridge House of O'Fallon
  • Pricing comparison in the region
  • Distinguishing features of Parkway Gardens
• Quality assessment
  • Staff and care
  • Facility environment
  • Resident satisfaction
  • Recognition and awards
• Conclusion
• Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Introduction

Parkway Gardens Senior Living is located at 379 Fountains Parkway, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 and is operated by Americare Senior Living. The facility opened in September 2010 and focuses on assisted living in a neighborhood-style environment. This review covers the facility's services, resident experiences, pricing, and how it compares to other senior living options in the Fairview Heights area.

Types of services offered

Assisted living

Parkway Gardens specializes in assisted living for seniors who need help with daily activities but want to maintain independence. The program includes:

• 24/7 caregiver availability
• Personalized care plans
• Assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, grooming)
• Medication management
• Regular health monitoring and wellness evaluations

Respite care

The facility offers short-term respite care for families who need a temporary care arrangement while they take a break.

Rehabilitation services

Therapists work with residents on physical recovery, including:

• Balance exercises
• Speech therapy
• Strength training
• Personalized recovery plans focused on regaining independence and avoiding hospital readmissions

Hospice care

The facility offers end-of-life care for residents with terminal illnesses, allowing them to remain in a familiar community setting.

Adult day club

Parkway Gardens provides daytime care for seniors living with family members or caregivers who work during the day.

Memory care

The facility offers some level of memory care for residents with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, though this is not the primary focus.

Amenities and accommodations

Residence options

• Studio apartments (private)
• One-bedroom suites
• Semi-private accommodations
• All units have full private bathrooms and kitchenettes
• Individual heating and air conditioning
• Wireless internet access

Community amenities

The facility offers:

• Restaurant-style dining room
• Beauty salon and barbershop
• Fitness center with senior-appropriate equipment
• Library and computer center
• Multiple indoor and outdoor common areas
• Arts and crafts center
• Guest parking
• Pet-friendly environment
• Swimming pool
• Social and recreational areas

Outdoor spaces

• Landscaped grounds with open green spaces
• Walking paths
• Patio areas with seating
• Gardens for gardening activities

Dining experience

The facility has won a "Best Meals and Dining" award. Dining services include:

• Restaurant-style meals prepared by a chef
• Menu choices for different preferences
• Special dietary accommodations:
  • No-sugar options
  • Low or no-sodium meals
  • Vegetarian options
  • Other dietary requirements as needed
• Private dining room for special occasions
• Café or bistro area for casual dining and snacks

Daily activities and programs

The facility offers a range of activities and has won a "Best Activities" award. Programs include:

Social activities

• Live musical performances
• Holiday celebrations and themed events
• Birthday parties
• Social gatherings and happy hours
• Karaoke and game nights

Educational programs

• Brain fitness activities

• Learning opportunities and workshops
• Guest speakers and presentations

Fitness and wellness programs

• Exercise classes tailored to seniors' abilities
• Walking groups
• Wellness checks and health education

Creative activities

• Arts and crafts sessions
• Music appreciation
• Gardening club

Outings and excursions

• Trips to local attractions
• Shopping excursions
• Visits to nearby parks and cultural venues
• Dining outings

Special interest groups

• Book clubs
• Gardening groups
• Card and board game groups

Client testimonials

Out of 22 reviews, residents and families have given generally positive feedback. The facility has received no 1-star or 2-star reviews: 50% gave 5 stars, 23% gave 4 stars, and 27% gave 3 stars. Residents and families frequently mention praise for the staff and cleanliness.

Positive feedback highlights

"Overall, I have been pleased with this facility and so has my loved one. The nursing staff, caregivers, and chefs are phenomenal. As far as cleanliness, they empty the waste baskets and wash the resident's clothes. They do a great job."

"The staff is outstanding. My father is not happy but that is probably because he is confined in a wheelchair and he is used to being up and about. They have excellent meals. They serve restaurant style. The residents get to choose what they want to eat. They have excellent programs but he is not able to participate in any of them."

Areas mentioned for improvement

• Some reviewers felt the services were overpriced
• Staff turnover has been an issue for some
• A few residents noted concerns about food quality
• Some felt there were insufficient activities or that residents were pressured to participate

Pricing information

Starting costs

Parkway Gardens uses all-inclusive pricing with no additional charges for different care levels (prescription medications and incontinence supplies are separate).

• Assisted living private accommodations: Starting at $4,350–$4,960 per month (approximately $160 per day)
• Assisted living semi-private accommodations: Starting at $3,240–$3,813 per month (approximately $123 per day)
• One-bedroom units: Starting at $5,370 per month

Price range

Monthly costs range from $2,295 to $6,180, with an average of around $4,238. This is slightly lower than the average for assisted living in Fairview Heights ($4,285).

Financial options

Parkway Gardens likely accepts:

• Private pay
• Long-term care insurance
• Veterans' benefits

Comparison with competitors

Major competitors in Fairview Heights area

1. Cambridge House of Swansea

• Location: 3900 Sullivan Drive, Swansea, IL
• Services: Assisted living
• Starting price: $4,570/month
• Rating: 9.1/10
• Offers assisted living in a neighborhood setting with focus on care and wellness

2. Cedar Creek of Shiloh

• Location: 1207 Hartman Lane, Shiloh, IL
• Services: Assisted living and memory care
• Well-regarded in the area with a newer facility and modern amenities

3. Knollwood Retirement Community

• Location: 921 Knollwood Village Rd, Caseyville, IL
• Services: Assisted living and memory care
• Rating: 4.5/5
• Located 2.6 miles from Fairview Heights city center

4. Cambridge House of O'Fallon

• Location: O'Fallon, IL
• Services: Assisted living
• Rating: 7.5/10 (based on 5 reviews)
• Affordable assisted living near Scott Air Force Base

Pricing comparison in the region

The average assisted living cost in Fairview Heights is approximately $4,285 per month. Nearby areas have varying costs:

• Belleville: $4,855
• Swansea: $4,846
• Collinsville: $4,924
• O'Fallon: Similar to Fairview Heights

At $4,238 per month on average, Parkway Gardens is slightly below the area average and offers competitive pricing.

Distinguishing features of Parkway Gardens

What sets Parkway Gardens apart:

1. Awards for dining ("Best Meals and Dining") and activities ("Best Activities") reflect strong performance in these areas.
2. All-inclusive pricing model with no additional charges for different care levels, unlike many competitors.
3. Located in a neighborhood-style setting with open green spaces and easy access via I-64 and IL-159.
4. Rehabilitation services with experienced therapists and personalized recovery plans to prevent hospital readmissions.
5. Pet-friendly environment, which matters to many seniors.
6. Proximity to attractions such as the Cahokia Native American Urban Center and National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows provides opportunities for outings.

Quality assessment

Staff and care

• 24/7 caregiver availability
• Nursing staff receives frequent praise from residents
• Some residents mentioned staff turnover concerns

Facility environment

• Clean and well-maintained according to reviews
• Pleasant neighborhood atmosphere
• Open green spaces and attractive common areas

Resident satisfaction

Based on 22 reviews, resident satisfaction is generally high:

• No 1-star or 2-star reviews
• 3-star reviews: 27%
• 4-star reviews: 23%
• 5-star reviews: 50%

Recognition and awards

Parkway Gardens has received several awards:

• Best of Senior Living Award
• Best of Senior Living All Star Award
• Best Meals and Dining Award
• Best Activities Award
• Most Friendly Award

Conclusion

Parkway Gardens is a solid option for seniors needing assisted living in the Fairview Heights area. The facility focuses on a homelike environment and personalized care, and residents and families generally respond well.

Strengths include dining, activities (both award-recognized), friendly staff, and pricing that runs slightly below the area average. The physical environment offers open green spaces and good amenities. For those seeking extensive memory care, however, checking whether Parkway Gardens can fully meet those needs or whether a specialized memory care facility would be a better fit is worth considering.

Before choosing Parkway Gardens, visit the facility, meet staff, try the dining, and evaluate whether it meets your specific care needs, preferences, and budget.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. Q: Where is Parkway Gardens located, and how do I schedule a tour?
   A: Parkway Gardens Senior Living is at 379 Fountains Parkway, Fairview Heights, IL 62208. Contact the admissions office to schedule a tour. Tours typically include studio, one-bedroom, and semi-private accommodations, the dining room, fitness center, and outdoor spaces. Call ahead to confirm available times.
   
   Q: What levels of care does Parkway Gardens offer?
   A: The main service is assisted living, with 24/7 caregiver availability, personalized care plans, assistance with daily activities (bathing, dressing), medication management, and wellness monitoring. The facility also offers respite care (short-term stays), rehabilitation services (physical, speech, and strength training), hospice care, adult day club services, and some memory care support. Confirm specifics about memory care during your tour.
   
   Q: How is pricing structured?
   A: Parkway Gardens uses all-inclusive pricing (excluding prescription medications and incontinence supplies). Assisted living in private accommodations starts around $4,350–$4,960 per month, semi-private around $3,240–$3,813 per month, and one-bedroom units around $5,370 per month. The overall range is $2,295–$6,180 monthly, averaging $4,238. Fees typically include rent, utilities, weekly housekeeping, dining, community amenities, scheduled activities, and basic care services. Request a detailed fee schedule to confirm all inclusions and any optional charges.
   
   Q: What amenities and activities are available?
   A: Amenities include a restaurant-style dining room (award-winning), beauty salon and barbershop, fitness center, library and computer center, arts and crafts area, swimming pool, walking paths and gardens, patio seating, guest parking, and pet-friendly policies. Activities include live music, holiday events, brain fitness programs, exercise classes, arts and crafts, social gatherings, outings to local attractions, and wellness education. Special interest groups such as gardening or book clubs are also available.
   
   Q: What is the move-in process and what makes Parkway Gardens stand out?
   A: To move in, contact admissions to check availability, complete a care assessment, review the residency agreement, and reserve your unit. If your preferred accommodation is unavailable, you can join a waitlist. Parkway Gardens offers all-inclusive pricing with no extra charges for higher care levels, award-winning dining and activities, strong rehabilitation services to prevent readmissions, a pet-friendly environment, and a neighborhood-style setting with green spaces. Visit to tour the community, sample meals, and meet staff to confirm it fits your needs.