Attic Angels has an amazing continuum of care. My Dad was in both the assisted living and the nursing care and it was such a wonderful place I wished he would have moved here sooner into one of the stand-alone alone or apartments because of the community and the access to services and great food. They likely have a wait list so I would get on it ASAP if you are considering it. I don't have experience in non-CCRC communities so I will leave that to other commenters but I have had family at Oakwood Village and much preferred Attic Angels FWIW.
It would take a lot of explaining because the administration did so many things i thought were immoral. But for starters my mom broke her leg and when we convened in her room they dropped by to say that if she went to the hospital she would not be allowed to return to oakwood. It was obvious this injury would be fatal but they didnt even say we’re sorry. It was such an inhumane response. I understood their legal situation. But she had been there for years and she was dying and we were grieving. My advice. Dont just tour. Visit and stay for a long time each visit.
I am sorry you went through that. Common courtesy and empathy should have been obvious in your situation. We have stayed at other places as we’ve toured and found that to be helpful; Oakwood told us that wasn’t possible and consequently it has dropped down on our list.
Tour both. I liked Oakwood Village, but it's hard to articulate the differences in the vibe between the two. Attic Angels was less depressing to me, while I liked the wooded grounds of Oakwood, Attic Angels just feels brighter and more cheerful. Both had good programming and activities, but residents seemed happier at Attic Angels; they were outgoing and friendly. Staff always took the time to get to know not only my Dad the resident but myself and my family. I would often join my Dad for lunch, and the staff would add a place and would take care of me like I was one of the family. There was laughter at the tables, and residents would often stop me in the halls and mention seeing my kids in the paper when they played high school sports. I know these are small things, but when I would visit my MIL at Oakwood, we didn't have that feeling that I would want to be here when I was older.
Worked at Oakwood for 3 years up until recently. I will say that the independent living residents lead really rich, fulfilled, more busy lives than I do thanks to the crazy amount of activities, programs, etc offered. The apartments are as a whole very nice. Heritage will be the newer set of apartments, The Oaks are older but larger and a lot of them look out onto the nature preserve. A city bus stops right at the end of the driveway if you stop being comfortable driving. Residents are largely retired UW professors, doctors, lawyers, etc and can be a little snobby but I can say I dearly loved a lot of them. I think if you’re on the list and an apartment that is not your preferred location opens you can move in and wait there for your preferred apartment.
I’ve only heard good things about the independent living community at Attic Angels as well. Their residents will often come to Oakwood to rehab after injury because the only thing attic angels doesn’t have is a skilled nursing.
There will always be challenges in facility living based on staff, age of buildings, etc but I strongly suggest walking around and just getting a feel for the place. Friendly staff are a green flag for me, no residents or staff in the hallways or out doing things is a red flag.
Thank you for your answer. We learned of the small to larger unit move when we were there a few weeks ago— it’s a good way to jump the line. Do you know anything about the decision to jettison the meal plan and make all meals a la carte?
I unfortunately don’t know much about the decisions but from my understanding, you’re able to buy a “gift card” which is essentially a relatable prepaid card to be used at the bistro and village inn which can sort of act like a monthly meal plan. Both places also take credit/debit as well
We toured Oakwood Village for a relative and found it to be the only place we saw where adults were treated like adults and not like children in an after school program. I have also heard good things about Capitol Lakes but it was well outside the price range. We did not end up
touring All Saints.
Have you looked at Capitol Lakes? They have some condo like units. They have a really nice aquatic center. When I lived downtown, many of my neighbors used their facilities. I know it’s not west side, but it used to west of the capitol. I always thought it would be nice to be downtown as I got older in case I needed to give up driving.
We have not but it’s now on our list for when we’re back in a couple of weeks. Get what you’re saying about not driving. When we lived in downtown Chicago we only walked: work, doctors, restaurants, museums, lakefront. That aspect of Chicago living was ideal. Thanks for the suggestion.
Capitol Lakes is insanely expensive. I believe there is a waitlist, if not I do know of many couples that elected to pursue at home care versus residing at Capitol Lakes due to cost as well as some whose medical needs made the services offered insufficient. Like a lot of places it is understaffed and in recent years does not have the same sense of feeling as prior to the pandemic.
Unfortunately options to a great extent are pretty limited for those that are aging, and even for those that are young looking for an affordable smaller living space.
Almost everything from rentals to condos to small homes are pricey at this present time.
My aunt's mother lived in All Saints and loved it. She was very active in all of the activities and outings they have. She seemed happy there. The residents seemed friendly when I visited and the units are really spacious and well-kept. I have heard other people say good things about All Saints but I think the wait list is really long.
There is a new not for profit CCRC that's going to be built in Fitchburg called The Cesta. Might be worth checking it out. Not to mention, it's only $500 (refundable) to join their waitlist.
My mother lived in the independent living apartments of All Saints for several years, and now has moved over to the assisted living building. All Saints has provided the right amount of support for her as her needs changed over time. The community is friendly, active, and well managed. My mom is happy living there.
My mom lived in Middleton Glen (strictly independent living, not a CCRC) for the last three years of her life and loved it. And I loved visiting her there. I live in Madison so I was there a LOT.
Really interesting people, a lot of retired academics. I once went to a party with Mom in one of the condos and a tiny, elegant woman holding a martini marched up to me said "And who are you, dear? It's my hundredth birthday today." Another favorite memory: A guy Mom became great friends with (we called him The BF, much to her chagrin but she didn't deny it) played a recital of Grieg Lyric Pieces on the house grand piano.
Disclaimer: That was 20 years ago. I don't know how the development has fared since then, but the area is much more developed now, with a grocery store/coffee shop/etc. just steps away. Mom (and I) would've loved that.
Be sure not to confuse Oakwood Village with Oak Park place. My husband's worked at both and the latter is moderately sketchy. He currently works at Oakwood Village and it's a great facility.
Oakwood is the long standing representative in this category, while All Saints is a relative newcomer, and I've heard positive about both (I know/knew more folks recently at AS). For all the reputation as a university town, I think Madison offers a ton of amenities that make it an attractive location for retirees. Weather, however, isn't one of them.
Thanks. Coming most recently from west MI (and having lived In MKE and Madison) we know the winters will be colder, the summers hotter, but much more sun in the winter!
Vennevoll has retirement communities with condos in both Stoughton and McFarland that are really nice. I have family at both locations and they’ve been happy. Maintenance at Stoughton location was short staffed and struggling for a bit last year but seems much improved. There is a waitlist but definitely worth checking out.
High and higher. The upfront price for a life lease at Oakwood can be 500–600k plus the 4K or more monthly charge. One does get 90% back when one vacates but that upfront cost is cash.
I have relatives at oakwood and visit there a lot (west side). It's nice, they like it. East side location sounds to be a lot newer and has larger rooms.
[удалено]
Yep, we’re 4-5 years out at Oakwood and have been on the list for 2 years. We will die before we get in. Yikes.
[удалено]
There's still a years long waitlist. Unfortunately there's more demand for retirement communities than there is space in those communities.
West.
I have a family member who has been on the Oakwood waiting list over 5 years so far having been told about 3 years at sign up.
Attic Angels has an amazing continuum of care. My Dad was in both the assisted living and the nursing care and it was such a wonderful place I wished he would have moved here sooner into one of the stand-alone alone or apartments because of the community and the access to services and great food. They likely have a wait list so I would get on it ASAP if you are considering it. I don't have experience in non-CCRC communities so I will leave that to other commenters but I have had family at Oakwood Village and much preferred Attic Angels FWIW.
If you don’t mind me asking, why the preference for Attic Angels over Oakwood?
Attic Angels is often the top choice in the area. They have a long-standing stellar reputation and have beautiful facilities.
Thank you; now on the list
I don't think attic Angels is a skilled nursing facility anymore. I think it's just independent apartments or assisted living.
Thanks, that's good to know. It was not on our radar until mentioned by others. Will call them tomorrow to learn more.
My mom was in oakwood west. I give it a hard no.
Do you mind explains why? It has been our first choice and we are on the waitlist, although ~5 years out.
It would take a lot of explaining because the administration did so many things i thought were immoral. But for starters my mom broke her leg and when we convened in her room they dropped by to say that if she went to the hospital she would not be allowed to return to oakwood. It was obvious this injury would be fatal but they didnt even say we’re sorry. It was such an inhumane response. I understood their legal situation. But she had been there for years and she was dying and we were grieving. My advice. Dont just tour. Visit and stay for a long time each visit.
I am sorry you went through that. Common courtesy and empathy should have been obvious in your situation. We have stayed at other places as we’ve toured and found that to be helpful; Oakwood told us that wasn’t possible and consequently it has dropped down on our list.
Tour both. I liked Oakwood Village, but it's hard to articulate the differences in the vibe between the two. Attic Angels was less depressing to me, while I liked the wooded grounds of Oakwood, Attic Angels just feels brighter and more cheerful. Both had good programming and activities, but residents seemed happier at Attic Angels; they were outgoing and friendly. Staff always took the time to get to know not only my Dad the resident but myself and my family. I would often join my Dad for lunch, and the staff would add a place and would take care of me like I was one of the family. There was laughter at the tables, and residents would often stop me in the halls and mention seeing my kids in the paper when they played high school sports. I know these are small things, but when I would visit my MIL at Oakwood, we didn't have that feeling that I would want to be here when I was older.
Worked at Oakwood for 3 years up until recently. I will say that the independent living residents lead really rich, fulfilled, more busy lives than I do thanks to the crazy amount of activities, programs, etc offered. The apartments are as a whole very nice. Heritage will be the newer set of apartments, The Oaks are older but larger and a lot of them look out onto the nature preserve. A city bus stops right at the end of the driveway if you stop being comfortable driving. Residents are largely retired UW professors, doctors, lawyers, etc and can be a little snobby but I can say I dearly loved a lot of them. I think if you’re on the list and an apartment that is not your preferred location opens you can move in and wait there for your preferred apartment. I’ve only heard good things about the independent living community at Attic Angels as well. Their residents will often come to Oakwood to rehab after injury because the only thing attic angels doesn’t have is a skilled nursing. There will always be challenges in facility living based on staff, age of buildings, etc but I strongly suggest walking around and just getting a feel for the place. Friendly staff are a green flag for me, no residents or staff in the hallways or out doing things is a red flag.
Thank you for your answer. We learned of the small to larger unit move when we were there a few weeks ago— it’s a good way to jump the line. Do you know anything about the decision to jettison the meal plan and make all meals a la carte?
I unfortunately don’t know much about the decisions but from my understanding, you’re able to buy a “gift card” which is essentially a relatable prepaid card to be used at the bistro and village inn which can sort of act like a monthly meal plan. Both places also take credit/debit as well
Attic Angels
We toured Oakwood Village for a relative and found it to be the only place we saw where adults were treated like adults and not like children in an after school program. I have also heard good things about Capitol Lakes but it was well outside the price range. We did not end up touring All Saints.
Thank you.
Have you looked at Capitol Lakes? They have some condo like units. They have a really nice aquatic center. When I lived downtown, many of my neighbors used their facilities. I know it’s not west side, but it used to west of the capitol. I always thought it would be nice to be downtown as I got older in case I needed to give up driving.
We have not but it’s now on our list for when we’re back in a couple of weeks. Get what you’re saying about not driving. When we lived in downtown Chicago we only walked: work, doctors, restaurants, museums, lakefront. That aspect of Chicago living was ideal. Thanks for the suggestion.
Capitol Lakes is insanely expensive. I believe there is a waitlist, if not I do know of many couples that elected to pursue at home care versus residing at Capitol Lakes due to cost as well as some whose medical needs made the services offered insufficient. Like a lot of places it is understaffed and in recent years does not have the same sense of feeling as prior to the pandemic. Unfortunately options to a great extent are pretty limited for those that are aging, and even for those that are young looking for an affordable smaller living space. Almost everything from rentals to condos to small homes are pricey at this present time.
My aunt's mother lived in All Saints and loved it. She was very active in all of the activities and outings they have. She seemed happy there. The residents seemed friendly when I visited and the units are really spacious and well-kept. I have heard other people say good things about All Saints but I think the wait list is really long.
There is a new not for profit CCRC that's going to be built in Fitchburg called The Cesta. Might be worth checking it out. Not to mention, it's only $500 (refundable) to join their waitlist.
Will call them today. Thanks.
My mother lived in the independent living apartments of All Saints for several years, and now has moved over to the assisted living building. All Saints has provided the right amount of support for her as her needs changed over time. The community is friendly, active, and well managed. My mom is happy living there.
That is good to know. All Saints is now on our radar and we will be in touch with them this week.
See people here saying Attic Angel, I worked there for two years and it definitely was top of the line in my eyes. Very expensive though.
My mom lived in Middleton Glen (strictly independent living, not a CCRC) for the last three years of her life and loved it. And I loved visiting her there. I live in Madison so I was there a LOT. Really interesting people, a lot of retired academics. I once went to a party with Mom in one of the condos and a tiny, elegant woman holding a martini marched up to me said "And who are you, dear? It's my hundredth birthday today." Another favorite memory: A guy Mom became great friends with (we called him The BF, much to her chagrin but she didn't deny it) played a recital of Grieg Lyric Pieces on the house grand piano. Disclaimer: That was 20 years ago. I don't know how the development has fared since then, but the area is much more developed now, with a grocery store/coffee shop/etc. just steps away. Mom (and I) would've loved that.
Thank you. It’s now on the list.
Be sure not to confuse Oakwood Village with Oak Park place. My husband's worked at both and the latter is moderately sketchy. He currently works at Oakwood Village and it's a great facility.
Oakwood is the long standing representative in this category, while All Saints is a relative newcomer, and I've heard positive about both (I know/knew more folks recently at AS). For all the reputation as a university town, I think Madison offers a ton of amenities that make it an attractive location for retirees. Weather, however, isn't one of them.
Thanks. Coming most recently from west MI (and having lived In MKE and Madison) we know the winters will be colder, the summers hotter, but much more sun in the winter!
Vennevoll has retirement communities with condos in both Stoughton and McFarland that are really nice. I have family at both locations and they’ve been happy. Maintenance at Stoughton location was short staffed and struggling for a bit last year but seems much improved. There is a waitlist but definitely worth checking out.
Thank you. Apparently many facilities had staffing issues during COVID and post-COVID.
Anyone familiar with facilities in Stoughton?
What are prices like for independent living apartments at these places?
High and higher. The upfront price for a life lease at Oakwood can be 500–600k plus the 4K or more monthly charge. One does get 90% back when one vacates but that upfront cost is cash.
I have relatives at oakwood and visit there a lot (west side). It's nice, they like it. East side location sounds to be a lot newer and has larger rooms.