Franciscan Communities, Inc

Recently renovated and beautifully maintained facility. Independent living to skilled nursing care offered. Friendly staff as well as residents. Beautiful Catholic atmosphere.

Three years ago, our folks resisted the idea of residing in an Independent Living facility. Our step-dad lived an "independent" life in their community in Texas, our mom did not. She gave up driving years before their move south. She was at the mercy of her husband and/or our older sister if she wanted to go anywhere. After a while, she stopped asking and going. Mom became a prisoner in her own home. That’s when we thought it was time for them to come home, closer to the rest of her bigger family. We wanted to find a safe, “no-worries” environment where the folks could live out a purposeful life, getting them back to being socially active together...all in one place. Enter Victory Lakes. We were first impressed by the beautiful grounds, then meeting the friendly, helpful staff. VL offered “graduated care,” which was HUGE, meaning our folks wouldn’t have to “move” to another facility when their health-care needed more attention. We were sold! An apartment with a BEAUTIFUL view was found, then the promise of a new adventure was to begin. Life had another plan. Our step-dad left us soon after their arrival when a late diagnosis left my mom to start a new life on her own, in this new place. But she was never alone. The residents and the staff were WONDERFUL, helping our mom feel very comfortable in her new surroundings. Mom met friends easily. She became involved in the NUMEROUS activities and groups. There were many games to be played, movies to be watched. The library was a common meeting place as well as the dining room where many GREAT meals were always offered. And then there’s the good times to be had at the Pub. Mom’s social calendar was always FULL (her choice)! We often joked about getting her a GPS so we’d know where to find her! Families are always encouraged to join any of the activities. We didn’t have to be asked twice. My sister and I became fixtures at VL ourselves. Recently, our Mom was suddenly taken from us, too early for her years. God had another plan for her. In the 3 short years of her stay at VL, it proved to be one of the BEST times for her and us...to be part of a much bigger family. Mom’s friends remain our family ties to VL. I plan to keep my volunteer status there as well. Before she left us all, Mom was ALIVE during her short stay at VL. I know her end story would have been written differently if she stayed in Texas. Victory Lakes was HOME, indeed, for the latter years she had here on Earth. Thank you for her smile and our memories!

In [Removed] my sister and I took our first look at VL as an option for our parents who were living near me in Texas. We grew up in the Fox Lake area and so many of our family was scattered nearby. On the tour I was impressed with the style of the architecture and the over "feel" of the place. When we saw the model apartment in independent living building we were sold. It was the "wild" view of our childhood - and despite being half the size of our parents house in Texas it felt so spacious. We picked that apt right away! I was able to report back that VL had made their "public" spaces feel like separate spaces (much like the cruise ships that they had taken), not just a multi-purpose room with a big screen or refreshment area. Our folks had reduced mobility but they got out and about much more because there were different "places" to go - the Cafe, the library (to meet friends, grab a coffee, read the paper), the salon, movie theater and of course the Pub. Despite declining health, the quality of life improved due to increased social interactions. The staff was always friendly whenever i came up from Texas to visit. My siblings planed many family gatherings in the Great Room. We quickly learned how many of the staff and residents had become an extended family when my stepfather passed and my mother had her stroke and passed. Despite being a short "forever" home the care and loving support of staff and their VL friends was wonderful.

Everyone has been great so far. The food is excellent. They keep the community very clean and well maintained. They offer a lot of daily activities. This is a Catholic community and this was a good fit for my loved one. I would recommend this community.

What a gem! A beautiful facility, plenty of activities and wonderful, caring staff. And of course, best of all, mom loves the place. We were terribly worried and felt she was going to be quite a handful after 60 years in the same house and not wanting to move. To our surprise she settled right into memory care and now one of her conversations is how much she likes her apartment. Mom is relaxed and enjoying herself more than we’ve ever seen and we’re at ease knowing she has the care she needs.

This is community is outstanding. We like that they are attentive. They go out of their way to make sure that the menu is gov.. They have church services more than once a week and this was something that my mom wanted.I feel good knowing that she is happy here with the care that she is receiving. The activities are helpful for her. We would recommend this community for the care and the value for a loved one.

We moved my parents in to Victory Lakes in September, 2016. [Removed] was so wonderful with us from start thru the day we moved them in, helping us with every detail. Sadly, we lost my Dad in February of this year, however, my Mom continues to thrive and we are so happy she is there and has made many friends. For the short time, my Dad was at Victory, he loved it, too! Thank you for the wonderful care you give to our senior citizens! You rock!

My Mom and Dad moved in last year. Unfortunately mom passed shortly after and didn't get to enjoy what this place offers. Dad has enjoyed it and is fitting in well. The staff is courteous and always willing to help the residents any way they can! We made a suggestion about a low-vision keyboard in the computer room and two days latter it was there! The activities are great. The dinning room and staff serve a great selection of foods. Dad fell once in the bathroom and the staff was there in minutes helping him up and checking him out! The place is very well maintained! I'm 67 and my wife and I actually started thinking about this place for us!

My mother was in an assisted living apartment at Victory Lakes. I cannot say enough good things about it. The staff were so kind and caring. She relished the interaction with the other residents. The unit was always clean and filled with light. My mom so enjoyed herself there. After a thorough search of alternative assisted living / nursing home facilities, I can sincerely say that if I were going to assisted living, the only place i would consider is Victory Lakes. After recently touring the facility in regards to my in-laws, I was amazed to find that it is even better than when my mom was there.

[Removed] is a charming fellow. Gave me a great tour. I really liked the Prairie Home I saw. I just wish it weren't so far away from Highland Park where I have many contacts.

I liked this place it had some of the things we were looking for that my father would need. Healthy meal plans and activities. It was very big and everything was nicely placed. I thought it was very religious and this didn't really work for my father. I like the people and the tour guide they were attentive with me and answered any questions or concerns.

This is a excellent community. This community has been remoded and beautiful. The staff is very helpful in everyway to help me when needed. The food is good,but needs a little improvement. They offer alot of activities to participate and keep active that I really enjoy very much. I highly recommend this community for excellent care.

so professional and supportive

My mother is doing great here at this community. She is in the independent part of the community. So far everything is working out very well. They do a good job with keeping the community nice and well-kept. They have a good staff, they have been great to work with. She has access too help she need it. We are pleased and I would recommend this facility.

The Village at Victory Lakes is a good place for my father. The staff are very accommodating, patient, helpful and pleasant with the residents and the families. I have had brunch there a few times and the food is good. There are activities available however my dad does not participate in any. I would recommend this clean and well cared for community.

It is just wonderful at Marian Village. Everyone has been just great. They are slowly getting settled in. I don't have a lot to compare it to as far as value but from what I hear from friends we are getting a good deal. There are a lot of activities if they want to do anything, there are plenty to choose from. The staff have really made them feel welcome. So far I honestly cannot think of anything that needs improving at this facility.

It's a beautiful place and the people are nice.

In the past four years I have been to 18 different facilities looking for places for my two sisters. Addolorata Villa has been the most outstanding of all of them because it was obvious to me that they cared about the person, not about the money that they would be getting. Other places talk big but do not deliver. Not so here. I have been really impressed with the intake people and process. They are number one in my book!

I would give Mount Alverna Village a very favorable rating. It has been a good fit for my mom - she is very religious woman and having the chapel with mass 5 times a week has been amazing. They also have a Franciscan nun that pays her visits and she is a very kind woman, they have developed a great friendship. The facility is very clean, but they are struggling with staffing shortages right now just like everyone else. All in all it has been a very good experience.

I sincerely believe that there is not any place where I would be happier living at this stage of my life than in this community - and I use the word community purposely because it is a real community of caring, helpful, and friendly staff and residents. I am most grateful that it is here for me.